Exogenous autoinducer-2 alleviates intestinal damage in necrotizing enterocolitis via PAR2/MMP3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Imbalanced intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier contribute to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) plays a crucial role in repairing intestinal damage and reducing inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of AI-2 on the expression of intestinal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin proteins in NEC. We evaluated its effects in vivo using NEC mice and in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated intestinal cells. METHODS: Pathological changes in the intestines of neonatal mice were assessed using histological staining and scoring. Cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to determine the optimal conditions for LPS and AI-2 interventions. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), protease activated receptor-2 (PAR2), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6. Protein levels of MMP3, PAR2, ZO-1, and occludin were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. RESULTS: AI-2 alleviated NEC-induced intestinal damage (P < 0.05) and enhanced the proliferation of damaged IEC-6 cells (P < 0.05). AI-2 intervention reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of MMP3 and PAR2 in intestinal tissue and cells (P < 0.05). Additionally, it increased the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P < 0.05), while reducing IL-1ß and IL-6 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AI-2 intervention enhances the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin), mitigates intestinal damage in NEC neonatal mice and IEC-6 cells, potentially by modulating PAR2 and MMP3 signaling. AI-2 holds promise as a protective intervention for NEC. AI-2 plays a crucial role in repairing intestinal damage and reducing inflammation.

MicroRNA-138 promotes the progression of multiple myeloma through targeting paired PAX5.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma cancer stem cells (MMSC) have been considered as the leading cause of multiple myeloma (MM) drug resistance and eventual relapse, microRNAs (miRNAs) collectively participate in the progression of MM. However, the pathogenesis of miR-138 in MMSC is still not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: The intention of this study was to investigate the mechanism and role of miR-138 in multiple myeloma. METHOD: Bone marrow samples and peripheral blood from patients and normal controls were collected. Use Magnet-based Cancer Stem Cell Isolation Kit to separate and extract MMSC. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was carried out to determine mRNA level. Western blot was applied to detect protein levels. MTT and flow cytometry were conducted to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of MMSC. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to confirm that paired box 5 (PAX5) is a direct target for miR-138. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the expression of miR-138 in patients was significantly up-regulated, and the expression of miR-138 was in a negative correlation with PAX5. Additionally, downregulated miR-138 facilitated the apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of MMSC in vitro and in vivo. Downregulated miR-138 moderated the expression of PAX5, Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3. PAX5 was a direct target of miR-138. CONCLUSION: Taken together, miR-138 plays a carcinogenic role in MM, and miR-138 adjusted the proliferation and apoptosis of MMSC by targeting PAX5. miR-138 has the probability of becoming a new medicinal target for the treatment of MM.

USP19 Stabilizes TAK1 to Regulate High Glucose/Free Fatty Acid-induced Dysfunction in HK-2 Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity-induced kidney injury contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we identified the functions of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 19 (USP19) in HK-2 cells exposed to a combination of high glucose (HG) and free fatty acid (FFA) and determined its association with TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). METHODS: HK-2 cells were exposed to a combination of HG and FFA. USP19 mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and protein analysis was performed by immunoblotting (IB). Cell growth was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) viability and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) proliferation assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The USP19/TAK1 interaction and ubiquitinated TAK1 levels were assayed by coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays and IB. RESULTS: In HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells, USP19 was highly expressed. USP19 knockdown attenuated HG+FFA-triggered growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in HK-2 cells. Moreover, USP19 knockdown alleviated HG+FFA-mediated PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway inactivation and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, USP19 stabilized the TAK1 protein through deubiquitination. Importantly, increased TAK1 expression reversed the USP19 knockdown-mediated phenotypic changes and PINK1/Parkin pathway activation in HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that USP19 plays a crucial role in promoting HK-2 cell dysfunction induced by combined stimulation with HG and FFAs by stabilizing TAK1, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for combating DN.

A comprehensive emission inventory of air pollutants from municipal solid waste incineration in China's megacity, Beijing based on the field measurements.

The rising of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), constituting 5 % of NOx emissions in Beijing, poses a significant challenge to improving air quality. This study establishes a comprehensive historical inventory of air pollutants (APs) emitted from MSWI plants between 2004 and 2023. The inventory was developed using both the continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS)-based method and the EF (emission factors) -based method, incorporating detailed plant-level activity data and localized EF derived from field measurements. These include data from CEMS and manual monitoring. Analysis of CEMS data reveals high compliance rates with emission limits for MSW in Beijing, with 99.9 %, 99.5 %, 99.8 %, 98.7 %, and 99.5 % of units meeting standards for PM, SO2, NOx, CO and HCl, respectively. This suggests effective implementation of emission standards in Beijing, although further strengthening of policies, particularly for CO emissions, is warranted. Overall, total AP emissions have increased annually largely attributed to measures implemented for DeSOx, DeNOx, and DePM since 1998. Most MSWI facilities are located in suburban areas rather than urban cores. Emissions of SO2, HCl, CO, Hg, Cd + Ti, other metals, dioxins, VOCs, and NH3 exhibit a spatially homogeneous distribution at the district level, while PM and NOx emissions demonstrate heterogeneity. Scenario analysis underscores the importance of continuous improvement and upgrading of advanced air pollution control devices. This study contributes a methodological framework for estimating emissions, reducing uncertainties, and informing policy-making to mitigate APs emissions in megacities. It serves as a valuable reference for similar cities grappling with air quality challenges.

Magnetic compression anastomosis to restore biliary tract continuity after obstruction following major abdominal trauma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The combination of magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) and endoscopy has been used to treat biliary stricture after liver transplantation. However, its use for the treatment of complex biliary obstruction after major abdominal trauma has not been reported. This case report describes the successful use of MCA for the treatment of biliary obstruction resulting from major abdominal trauma. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old man underwent major abdominal surgery (repair of liver rupture, right half colon resection, and ileostomy) following a car accident one year ago. The abdominal drainage tube, positioned at the Winslow foramen, was draining approximately 600-800 mL of bile per day. During the two endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures, the guide wire was unable to enter the common bile duct, which prevented placement of a biliary stent. MCA combined with endoscopy was used to successfully achieve magnetic anastomosis of the peritoneal sinus tract and duodenum, and then a choledochoduodenal stent was placed. Finally, the external biliary drainage tube was removed. The patient achieved internal biliary drainage leading to the removal of the external biliary drainage tube, which improved the quality of life. CONCLUSION: Magnetic compression technique can be used for the treatment of complex biliary obstruction with minimal operative trauma.

Novel magnetic compression technique for the treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis in rectal cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis after excision of rectal cancer is challenging. Endoscopic balloon dilation and radial incision are not effective in all patients. We present a new endoscopy-assisted magnetic compression technique (MCT) for the treatment of rectal anastomotic stenosis. We successfully applied this MCT to a patient who developed an anastomotic stricture after radical resection of rectal cancer. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old man had undergone laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery at a local hospital 5 months ago. A colonoscopy performed 2 months ago indicated that the rectal anastomosis was narrow due to which ileostomy closure could not be performed. The patient came to the Magnetic Surgery Clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University after learning that we had successfully treated patients with colorectal stenosis using MCT. We performed endoscopy-assisted magnetic compression surgery for rectal stenosis. The magnets were removed 16 d later. A follow-up colonoscopy performed after 4 months showed good anastomotic patency, following which, ileostomy closure surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: MCT is a simple, non-invasive technique for the treatment of anastomotic stricture after radical resection of rectal cancer. The technique can be widely used in clinical settings.

Construction of Iron-Scavenging Hydrogel via Thiol-Ene Click Chemistry for Antibiotic-Free Treatment of Bacterial Wound Infection.

Bacteria, especially drug-resistant strains, can quickly cause wound infections, leading to delayed healing and fatal risk in clinics. With the growing need for alternative antibacterial approaches that rely less on antibiotics or eliminate their use altogether, a novel antibacterial hydrogel named Ovtgel is developed. Ovtgel is formulated by chemically crosslinking thiol-modified ovotransferrin (Ovt), a member of the transferrin family found in egg white, with olefin-modified agarose through thiol-ene click chemistry. Ovt is designed to sequester ferric ions essential for bacterial survival and protect wound tissues from damages caused by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in Fenton reactions. Experimental data have shown that Ovtgel significantly enhances wound healing by inhibiting bacterial growth and shielding tissues from ROS-induced harms. Unlike traditional antibiotics, Ovtgel targets essential trace elements required for bacterial survival in the host environment, preventing the development of drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Ovtgel exhibits excellent biocompatibility due to the homology of Ovt to mammalian transferrin. This hydrogel has the potential to serve as an effective antibiotic-free solution for combating bacterial infections.

Microplastic pollution differences in freshwater river according to stream order: Insights from spatial distribution, annual load, and ecological assessment.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a pressing concern in global freshwater ecosystems because rivers serve as essential channels for the transport of terrestrial debris to the ocean. The current researches mostly focus on the large catchments, but the impact on the small catchments remains underexplored. In this study, we employed Strahler's stream order classification to delineate the catchment structure of the Beijiang River in South China. The distribution pattern of MP contamination and the factors influencing the distribution pattern, were assessed across the streams at different orders. We found that the Beijiang River was moderately polluted compare to other rivers in China, with an average MP abundance of 2.15 ± 1.65 items/L. MP abundance ranged from 3.17 to 1.45 items/L in the streams at different orders, and significantly decreased with increasing stream order (R2 = 0.93). This highlights the key role of small rivers as the channels for the transport of MPs from watersheds to main streams. The high abundance of PP and PE fibers, the high correlation between the stream order and the resin proportion (R2 = 0.89), and the significant correlation between MP abundance and proximity to urban centers (P = 0.02), indicated that MP pollution across the streams at different orders was predominantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, rather than natural environmental factors. By integrating MP data with hydrographic information, the annual MP loads for the streams at Orders 1 to Order 5 were estimated to be 4.63, 39.38, 204.63, 503.06, and 1137.88 tons/yr, respectively. Additionally, an ecological risk assessment indicates that MP pollution led to a low risk in the Beijiang River. Our findings deepen the understanding of MP pollution within freshwater river networks, and emphasize the crucial role of tributary systems in transporting MPs to main river channels.

Suppressing UBE2N ameliorates Alzheimer's disease pathology through the clearance of amyloid beta.

INTRODUCTION: Aging is one of the risk factors for the early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously discovered that the age-dependent increase in Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) plays a role in the accumulation of misfolded proteins through K63 ubiquitination, which has been linked to AD pathogenesis. However, the impact of UBE2N on amyloid pathology and clearance has remained unknown. RESULTS: We observed the elevated UBE2N during the amyloid beta (Aß) generation in the brains of 5×FAD, APP/PS1 mice, and patients with AD, in comparison to healthy individuals. UBE2N overexpression exacerbated amyloid deposition in 5×FAD mice and senescent monkeys, whereas knocking down UBE2N via CRISPR/Cas9 reduced Aß generation and cognitive deficiency. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of UBE2N ameliorated Aß pathology and subsequent transcript defects in 5×FAD mice. DISCUSSION: We have discovered that age-dependent expression of UBE2N is a critical regulator of AD pathology. Our findings suggest that UBE2N could serve as a potential pharmacological target for the advancement of AD therapeutics. HIGHLIGHTS: Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) level was elevated during amyloid beta (Aß) deposition in AD mouse and patients' brains. UBE2N exacerbated Aß generation in the AD mouse and senescent monkey. Drug inhibition of UBE2N ameliorated Aß pathology and cognitive deficiency.

[Effects and mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in inhibiting M1 polarization of macrophages under inflammatory hypoxia microenvironment].

To explore the effect and mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD) in inhibiting M1 polarization of macrophages under inflammatory hypoxia by simulating intestinal hypoxia microenvironment in vitro. A tri-gas incubator was used to simulate normal physiological hypoxia of the colon and inflammatory hypoxia microenvironments of ulcerative colitis(UC). RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into 18.5% O_(2 )(normoxia group), 4% O_2(physiological hypoxia group), and 1% O_2(inflammatory hypoxia group), and they were induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) for 24 h. M1 polarization was detected by flow cytometry. Under the condition of 1% inflammatory hypoxia, they were divided into blank group, model group, and GQD-containing serum low, medium, and high dose groups. Flow cytometry was used to detect M1 polarization marker CD86, and ELISA was used to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) in cell supernatant. The mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), TNF-α, and IL-1ß was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HIF-1α/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. The results showed that the positive rate of CD86 in the 1% O_2 group was the highest. Under the condition of 1% inflammatory hypoxia, compared with the blank group, the expression of CD86, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and HIF-1α in the model group increased. Compared with the model group, each group of GQD could reduce the expression of CD86, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and HIF-1α. Compared with the blank group, the protein expression of HIF-1α, NF-κB p65, p-IKKα/ß, and p-IκBα in the model group increased. Compared with the model group, the protein expression of HIF-1α, NF-κB p65, p-IKKα/ß, and p-IκBα in GQD groups was significantly decreased. Compared with the blank group, NF-κB p65 in the model group entered the nucleus significantly. Compared with the model group, the nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 was decreased in each GQD group. Studies have shown that GQD may protect the intestine by down-regulating the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit M1 polarization of macrophages and secretion of related inflammatory factors under 1% inflammatory hypoxia.

Neonicotinoid insecticides in a large-scale agricultural basin system-Use, emission, transportation, and their contributions to the ecological risks in the Pearl River Basin, China.

Neonicotinoid pollution has increased rapidly and globally in recent years, posing significant risks to agricultural areas. Quantifying use and emission, transport and fate of these contaminants, and risks is critical for proper management of neonicotinoids in river basin. This study elucidates use and emissions of neonicotinoid pesticides in a typical large-scale agriculture basin of China, the Pearl River Basin, as well as the resulting agricultural non-point source pollution and related ecological risks using market surveys, data analysis, and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Neonicotinoid use in the basin was estimated at 1361 t in 2019, of which 83.1 % was used in agriculture. After application, approximately 99.1 t neonicotinoids were transported to the Pearl River, accounting for 7.2 % of the total applied. Estimated aquatic concentrations of neonicotinoids showed three seasonal peaks. Several distinct groups of neonicotinoid chemicals can be observed in the Pearl River, as estimated by the model. An estimated 3.9 % of the neonicotinoids used were transported to the South China Sea. Based on the present risk assessment result, several neonicotinoids posed risks to aquatic organism. Therefore, the use of alternative products and/or reduced use is deemed necessary. This study provides novel insights into the fate and ecological risks of neonicotinoid insecticides in large-scale watersheds, and underscores the need for greater efficiency of use and extensive environmental monitoring.

Further description of the poorly known zooparasitic nematode Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Spirurida: Physalopteridae).

Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) is a hitherto poorly known parasitic nematode species reported from Phrynocephalus helioscopus Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in Iran. The current knowledge on the morphology of A. baltazardi is still very limited. In the present study, the detailed morphology of A. baltazardi was studied using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy, based on newly collected specimens from the yarkand toad-headed agama P. axillaris Blanford Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in China. Some erroneous or previously unreported morphological features of A. baltazardi were observed using SEM, which include the presence of one large semicircular protrusion and 20-30 denticles on each pseudolabium, the absence of precloacal medioventral papilla in some individuals and the presence of 4-5 postcloacal medioventral papillae in males. SEM observations also clearly showed the detailed morphology of deirids, cloacal ornamentation, caudal papillae, vulva and egg. Abbreviata baltazardi represents the first species of Abbreviata Travassos, 1920 reported in China.

The anti-rheumatoid arthritic activity of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (traditional Chinese/Mongolian medicine) extract in collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seriously affects the daily life of people. The whole plant of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (AOK) has been used in folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-RA effects of AOK extract (AOKE) on collagen-induced arthritis in rats. METHODS: AOKE (400, 200, or 100 mg/kg) was administered orally to animals for 30 days. Body weight, paw swelling, arthritis index, thymus, and spleen indices, and pathological changes were assessed for effects of AOKE on RA. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokines in rat serum were detected. In addition, the expressions of STAT3, Caspase-3, Galectin-3, and S100A9 in synovial tissue were researched using immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS: The AOKE significantly reduced the arthritis indices, paw swelling, spleen, and thymus indices. Meanwhile, AOKE (400 mg/kg) decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-17A, and increased the level of IL-10 in rat serum. Histopathological examination showed that AOKE reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and cartilage erosion. Then, AOKE decreased the expressions of STAT3, Galectin-3, S100A9, and increased the expression of Caspase-3. CONCLUSION: AOKE had interesting anti-RA activity in rats, which deserved further research for the development and clinical use of this medicinal resource.

Screening of [18F]Florbetazine for Aß Plaques and a Head-to-Head Comparison Study with [11C]Pittsburgh Compound-B ([11C]PiB) in Human Subjects.

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of amyloid-ß (Aß) has emerged as a crucial strategy for early diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic advancements targeting Aß. In our previous first-in-human study, we identified that [18F]Florbetazine ([18F]92), featuring a diaryl-azine scaffold, exhibits higher cortical uptake in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Building upon these promising findings, this study aimed to characterize the diagnostic potential of [18F]92 and its dimethylamino-modified tracer [18F]91 and further compare them with the benchmark [11C]PiB in the same cohort of AD patients and age-matched HC subjects. The cortical accumulation of these tracers was evident, with no significant radioactivity retention observed in the cortex of HC subjects, consistent with [11C]PiB images (correlation coefficient of 0.9125 and 0.7883 between [18F]Florbetazine/[18F]91 and [11C]PiB, respectively). Additionally, quantified data revealed higher standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) (with the cerebellum as the reference region) of [18F]Florbetazine/[18F]91 in AD patients compared to the HC group ([18F]Florbetazine: 1.49 vs 1.16; [18F]91: 1.33 vs 1.20). Notably, [18F]Florbetazine exhibited less nonspecific bindings in myelin-rich regions, compared to the dimethylamino-substituted [18F]91, akin to [11C]PiB. Overall, this study suggests that [18F]Florbetazine displays superior characteristics to [18F]91 in identifying Aß pathology in AD. Furthermore, the close agreement between the uptakes in nontarget regions for [18F]Florbetazine and [11C]PiB in this head-to-head comparison study underscores its suitability for both clinical and research applications.

Formononetin Derivative for Osteoporosis by Simultaneous Regulating Osteoblast and Osteoclast.

Seven new formononetin derivatives (1-7) were designed and prepared from formononetin (phase II phytoestrogen). The derivatives 9-butyl-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,10-dihydro-4H,8H-chromeno[8,7-e][1,3]oxazin-4-one (2) and 9-(furan-3-ylmethyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,10-dihydro-4H,8H-chromeno[8,7-e][1,3]oxazin-4-one (7) promoted significant osteoblast formation by modulating the BMP/Smad pathway. Compound 7 exhibited potent antiosteoclastogenesis activity in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells and ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in mice by regulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Compound 7 regulated osteoblast and osteoclast simultaneously and showed better effect than the well-known drug ipriflavone in vivo, suggesting 7 as a patented antiosteoporosis candidate.

Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Carbonylative Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Organohalides and Carboxylic Acid Esters with Phenyl Formate.

A photoinduced nickel-catalyzed reductive carbonylative coupling from organohalides and N-(acyloxy)phthalimide esters with phenyl formate as the carbonyl source has been developed. This reaction could perform smoothly under mild conditions, and a series of aryl-alkyl and alkyl-alkyl unsymmetrical ketones were produced without the need of stoichiometric metal reductants. Mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction was initiated from radical capture by Ni(I)-carbonyl species and subsequent rapid carbonyl insertion.

Multiplex assays reveal anti-EBV antibody profile and its implication in detection and diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is detected in nearly 100% of nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and EBV-based biomarkers are used for NPC screening in endemic regions. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) against EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and viral capsid antigen (VCA), and recently identified anti-BNLF2b antibodies have been shown to be the most effective screening tool; however, the screening efficacy still needs to be improved. This study developed a multiplex serological assay by testing IgA and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against representative EBV antigens that are highly transcribed in NPC and/or function crucially in viral reactivation, including BALFs, BNLF2a/b, LF1, LF2, and Zta (BZLF1). Among them, BNLF2b-IgG had the best performance distinguishing NPC patients from controls (area under the curve: 0.951, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.913-0.990). Antibodies to lytic antigens BALF2 and VCA were significantly higher in advanced-stage than in early-stage tumors; in contrast, antibodies to latent protein EBNA1 and early lytic antigen BNLF2b were not correlated with tumor progression. Accordingly, a novel strategy combining EBNA1-IgA and BNLF2b-IgG was proposed and validated improving the integrated discrimination by 15.8% (95% CI: 9.8%-21.7%, p < .0001) compared with the two-antibody method. Furthermore, we found EBV antibody profile in patients was more complicated compared with that in healthy carriers, in which stronger correlations between antibodies against different phases of antigens were observed. Overall, our serological assay indicated that aberrant latent infection of EBV in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells was probably a key step in NPC initiation, while more lytic protein expression might be involved in NPC progression.

Three new endophytic Apiospora species (Apiosporaceae, Amphisphaeriales) from China.

Apiospora species are widely distributed fungi with diverse lifestyles, primarily functioning as plant pathogens, as well as exhibiting saprophytic and endophytic behaviors. This study reports the discovery of three new species of Apiospora, namely A.gongcheniae, A.paragongcheniae, and A.neogongcheniae, isolated from healthy Poaceae plants in China. These novel species were identified through a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis of the combined ITS, LSU, tef1, and tub2 sequence data revealed that the three new species formed a robustly supported clade with A.garethjonesii, A.neogarethjonesii, A.setostroma, A.subrosea, A.mytilomorpha, and A.neobambusae. Detailed descriptions of the newly discovered species are provided and compared with closely related species to enhance our understanding of the genus Apiospora.

Three new flavonoids from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis.

Three new flavonoids including two isoflavanones sophortones A and B (1 and 2), and one chalcone sophortone C (3) were isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis. Their structures were established by UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR data. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations.