Autophagy-related biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma and their relationship with immune infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy regulation plays vital roles in many cancers. We aimed to investigate the expression, prognostic value, and immune infiltration of autophagy-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by bioinformatics analysis. METHOD: Human autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between adjacent and HCC tissues were identified. We performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. We also evaluated immune infiltration and the response to tumor-sensitive drugs. Finally, we verified the expression of these proteins in clinical samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA isolation and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR). RESULTS: A total of 57 autophagy-related DEGs were identified. The HUB genes (BIRC5, CDKN2A, SPP1, and IGF1) were related to the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. The HUB genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that HUB gene expression was associated with immune infiltration. We identified 35 tumor-sensitive drugs targeting the HUB genes. Finally, by IHC, we discovered that the protein of CDKN2A, BIRC5, and SPP1 were upregulated in HCC tissues, while IGF1 was downregulated in HCC tissues compared with the levels in paracarcinoma tissues; by RT‒PCR, we discovered that the mRNA of CDKN2A, BIRC5, and SPP1 were upregulated in HCC tissues, while the mRNA of IGF1 was downregulated in HCC tissues compared with the levels in paracarcinoma tissues. CONCLUSION: We screened and validated four autophagy-related genes associated with immune infiltration and prognosis in patients with HCC.

Molecule Engineering Metal-Organic Framework-Based Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor Sensor for Ultrasensitive Bilirubin Detection.

The functionalization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with organic small molecules by in situ postsynthetic modification has garnered considerable attention. However, the precise engineering of recognition sites using this method remains rarely explored in optically controlled bioelectronics. Herein, employing the Schiff base reaction to embed the small molecule (THBA) into a Zr-MOF, we fabricated a hydroxyl-rich MOF on the surface of titanium dioxide nanorod arrays (U6H@TiO2 NRs) to develop light-sensitive gate electrodes with tailored recognition capabilities. The U6H@TiO2 NR gate electrodes were integrated into organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) sensing systems to tailor a sensitive device for bilirubin (I-Bil) detection. In the presence of I-Bil, coordination effects, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions facilitated strong binding between U6H@TiO2 NRs and the target I-Bil. The electron-donating property of I-Bil influenced the gate voltage, enabling precise control of the channel status and modulation of the channel current. The OPECT device exhibited exceptional analytical performance toward I-Bil with wide linearity ranging from 1 × 10-16 to 1 × 10-9 M and a low limit detection of 0.022 fM. Leveraging the versatility of small molecules for boosting the functionalization of materials, this work demonstrates the great potential of the small molecule family for OPECT bioanalysis and holds promise for the advancement of OPECT sensors.

Rutin alleviates Pb-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death via activating Nrf2/ARE system in SH-SY5Y cells.

Lead (Pb) is harmful to almost all organs, particularly the developmental neural system, and previous studies revealed oxidative stress played an important role in Pb neurotoxicity. Rutin, a type of flavonoid glycoside found in various plants and fruits, is widely used as a dietary supplement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but whether rutin could protect against Pb neurotoxicity is unclear. In this study, we found rutin treatment significantly alleviated Pb-induced cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation, resulting in cell survival. Moreover, rutin treatment promoted nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and subsequently activated antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes expression including HO-1. Knocking down Nrf2 by siRNA transfection abolished this protection of rutin against Pb. Overall, rutin could alleviate Pb-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death by activating the Nrf2/antioxidant response elements (ARE) system.

Oral edaravone ameliorates behavioral deficits and pathologies in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental disorder with a high incidence rate, characterized by social deficits and repetitive behaviors. There is currently no effective management available to treat the core symptoms of ASD; however, oxidative stress has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Edaravone (EDA), a free-radical scavenger, is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Here, we hypothesized that an oral formula of EDA may have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of core ASD symptoms. A rat model of autism was established by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), and the offsprings were orally treated with EDA at low (3 mg/kg), medium (10 mg/kg), and high (30 mg/kg) doses once daily for 28 days starting from postnatal day 25 (PND25). Oral EDA administration alleviated the core symptoms in VPA rats in a dose-dependent manner, including repetitive stereotypical behaviors and impaired social interaction. Furthermore, oral administration of EDA significantly reduced oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by a reduction in oxidative stress markers and an increase in antioxidants in the blood and brain. In addition, oral EDA significantly attenuated downstream pathologies, including synaptic and mitochondrial damage in the brain. Proteomic analysis further revealed that EDA corrected the imbalance in brain oxidative reduction and mitochondrial proteins induced by prenatal VPA administration. Overall, these findings demonstrate that oral EDA has therapeutic potential for ASD by targeting the oxidative stress pathway of disease pathogenesis and paves the way towards clinical studies.

Research on cross-regional emergency materials intelligent dispatching model in major natural disasters.

The increasingly frequent occurrence of major natural disasters can pose a serious threat to national stability and the safety of people's lives, and cause serious economic losses. How to quickly and accurately dispatch emergency materials to all disaster areas across regions in post-disaster has attracted wide attention from the government and academia. In response to the characteristic of high uncertainty in emergency rescue for major natural disasters, and considering differentiated disaster severity levels in different disaster areas, the entropy weight method is used to determine the urgency coefficient of emergency material demand for disaster areas. This study aims to minimize the emergency materials dispatching time and cost, also maximize the dispatching fairness for disaster areas. The triangular fuzzy number method is used to represent the uncertain variables mentioned above, so that a cross-regional emergency materials intelligent dispatching model in major natural disasters (CREMIDM-MND) is constructed. The extremely heavy rainstorm disaster in Henan Province of China in 2021 is selected as a typical case. Based on objective disaster data obtained from official websites, this study applies the constructed model to real disaster case and calculates the results by MATLAB. The ant colony algorithm is further used to optimize the transportation route based on the calculation results of the emergency material dispatching for disaster areas, and finally forms the intelligent emergency materials dispatching scheme that meets the multiple objectives. The research results indicate that compared to the actual situation, CREMIDM-MND can help decision-maker to develop a cross-regional emergency materials intelligent dispatching scheme in time, thereby effectively improving the government's emergency rescue performance in major natural disasters. Moreover, some managerial insights related to cross-regional emergency materials dispatching practice problem in major natural disasters are presented.

Effects of Fast-Tempo and Binaural Beat Therapy Music during Warm-Up on Repeated Sprint Ability Test Performance among Young Soccer Players.

This prospective crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of binaural beat therapy music on soccer player performance. Between July 2023 and December 2023, 45 athletes (31 females/14 males, mean age = 20.47 ± 0.99) wore Bluetooth earphones through which one of the following was given during initial 20 min warm-up exercises before undergoing repeated sprint ability tests: no music/fast-tempo music/fast-tempo music with background binaural beat therapy music. Heart rate change after warm-up exercises/repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the time to finish RSA tests were recorded. Despite no significant difference in heart rate increase after warm-up between the two genders regardless of intervention, larger increases after RSA tests were found in males following any of the three interventions (all p < 0.01) with the most notable difference observed after fast-tempo music (p < 0.0001). A significant effect size (r = 0.2) correlated with fast-tempo music during warm-up in either gender. Binaural beat therapy music during warm-up reached a significant effect size only when all participants were considered, suggesting limited benefits.

EGFR Mutation and TKI Treatment Promote Secretion of Small Extracellular Vesicle PD-L1 and Contribute to Immunosuppression in NSCLC.

In Asian populations with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), EGFR mutations are highly prevalent, occurring in roughly half of these patients. Studies have revealed that individuals with EGFR mutation typically fare worse with immunotherapy. In patients who received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment followed by anti-PD-1 therapy, poor results were observed. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. We used high-resolution flow cytometry and ELISA to detect the circulating level of small extracellular vesicle (sEV) PD-L1 in NSCLC individuals with EGFR mutations before and after receiving TKIs. The secretion amount of sEV PD-L1 of lung cancer cell lines with EGFR mutations under TKI treatment or not were detected using high-resolution flow cytometry and Western blotting. The results revealed that patients harboring EGFR mutations exhibit increased levels of sEV PD-L1 in circulation, which inversely correlated with the presence of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Furthermore, tumor cells carrying EGFR mutations secrete a higher quantity of PD-L1-positive sEVs. TKI treatment appeared to amplify the levels of PD-L1-positive sEVs in the bloodstream. Mutation-induced and TKI-induced sEVs substantially impaired the functionality of CD8+ T cells. Importantly, our findings indicated that EGFR mutations and TKI therapies promote secretion of PD-L1-positive sEVs via distinct molecular mechanisms, namely the HRS and ALIX pathways, respectively. In conclusion, the increased secretion of PD-L1-positive sEVs, prompted by genetic alterations and TKI administration, may contribute to the limited efficacy of immunotherapy observed in EGFR-mutant patients and patients who have received TKI treatment.

Symptom Clusters in Children With Leukemia Receiving Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia represents the most prevalent childhood malignancy. Understanding the symptom clusters (SCs) associated with leukemia may help develop an effective care plan for affected children. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to summarize the methods of identifying SCs; ascertain the types, attributes, and changing patterns of SCs during different chemotherapy phases; and provide a point of reference for the subsequent improvement of symptom management in pediatric leukemia. METHODS: The methodological framework employed was the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Guide. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception until July 15, 2023. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles were included in this review, 6 in English and 8 in Chinese. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 10-18 is the most commonly used instrument, whereas factor analysis is the most common statistical method for SC identification. The SCs were classified into 12 categories. The most severe SCs varied across different phases. Specifically, the emotional cluster dominated the prechemotherapy phase, the gastrointestinal cluster surfaced during postinduction therapy, and the consolidation and maintenance therapy phases revealed the self-image disorder cluster. CONCLUSION: Various consistent and dynamic SCs manifest among pediatric patients with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future research endeavors should formulate clear criteria to determine the stability and consistency of SCs, validate SC composition and characteristics, and devise precise symptom management protocols based on SC characteristics in the distinct chemotherapy phases.

Integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology to explore potential compounds and mechanisms of Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus in the treatment of cellular senescence in diabetic kidney disease.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), one of the microvascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, is a common cause of end-stage renal disease. Cellular senescence is believed to be an essential participant in the pathogenesis of DKD. Although there is evidence that Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus (AOF) can ameliorate DKD progression and organismal senescence, its ability to ameliorate renal cellular senescence in DKD as well as active components and molecular mechanisms remain to be explored. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of AOF in the treatment of cellular senescence in DKD and to explore its active components and potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: The pharmacological efficacy of AOF in ameliorating cellular senescence in DKD was assessed by establishing DKD mouse models and HK-2 cells under high glucose stress. UHPLC-QTOF-MS was used to screen the active compounds in AOF, which were used in conjunction with network pharmacology to predict the molecular mechanism of AOF in the treatment of cellular senescence in DKD. Results: In vivo experiments showed that AOF reduced GLU, mAlb, Scr, BUN, MDA, SOD levels, and ameliorated renal pathological damage and renal cell senescence in DKD mice. In vitro experiments showed that AOF-containing serum improved the decline in HK-2 cell viability and alleviated cellular senescence under high glucose intervention. The results of the UHPLC-QTOF-MS screened 26 active compounds of AOF. The network pharmacological analyses revealed that Cubebin, 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone, Chalcone base + 3O,1Prenyl, Batatasin IV, and Lucidenolactone were the five core compounds and TP53, SRC, STAT3, PIK3CA, and AKT1 are the five core targets of AOF in the treatment of DKD. Molecular docking simulation results showed that the five core compounds had good binding ability to the five core targets. Western blot validated the network pharmacological prediction results and showed that AOF and AOF-containing serum down-regulate the expression of TP53, and phosphorylation of SRC, STAT3, PIK3CA, and AKT. Conclusion: Our study shows that AOF may delay the development of cellular senescence in DKD by down-regulating the levels of TP53, and phosphorylation of SRC, STAT3, PIK3CA, and AKT.

Mechanistic elucidation of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy: implications for advancing our understanding of arthritis.

In recent years, the emerging phenomenon of ferroptosis has garnered significant attention as a distinctive mode of programmed cell death. Distinguished by its reliance on iron and dependence on reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferroptosis has emerged as a subject of extensive investigation. Mechanistically, this intricate process involves perturbations in iron homeostasis, dampening of system Xc-activity, morphological dynamics within mitochondria, and the onset of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the concomitant phenomenon of ferritinophagy, the autophagic degradation of ferritin, assumes a pivotal role by facilitating the liberation of iron ions from ferritin, thereby advancing the progression of ferroptosis. This discussion thoroughly examines the detailed cell structures and basic processes behind ferroptosis and ferritinophagy. Moreover, it scrutinizes the intricate web of regulators that orchestrate these processes and examines their intricate interplay within the context of joint disorders. Against the backdrop of an annual increase in cases of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, these narrative sheds light on the intriguing crossroads of pathophysiology by dissecting the intricate interrelationships between joint diseases, ferroptosis, and ferritinophagy. The newfound insights contribute fresh perspectives and promising therapeutic avenues, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of joint disease management.

Effects of dietary 5-aminolevulinic acid on growth performance and nonspecific immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei, as determined by transcriptomic analysis.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an endogenous non-protein amino acid that is frequently used in modern agriculture. This study set out to determine how dietary 5-ALA affected the nonspecific immunity and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei. The shrimp were supplemented with dietary 5-ALA at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg for three months. Transcriptome data of the control group and the group supplemented with 45 mg/kg dietary 5-ALA were obtained using transcriptome sequencing. 592 DEGs were identified, of which 426 were up-regulated and 166 were down-regulated. The pathways and genes associated with growth performance and nonspecific immunity were confirmed using qRT-PCR. The highest survival rate, body length growth rate, and weight gain values were observed in shrimp fed diets containing 45 mg/kg 5-ALA. L. vannamei in this group had a significantly higher total hemocyte count, phagocytosis rate and respiratory burst value than those in the control group. High doses of dietary 5-ALA (45 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg) significantly increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, oxidized glutathione, glutathione-peroxidase, phenoloxidase, lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase. At the transcriptional level, dietary 5-ALA significantly up-regulated the expression levels of antioxidant immune-related genes. The optimal concentration of 5-ALA supplementation was 39.43 mg/kg, as indicated by a broken line regression. Our study suggested that dietary 5-ALA positively impacts the growth and nonspecific immunity of L. vannamei, providing a novel theoretical basis for further research into 5-ALA as a dietary supplement.

Emu oil alleviates atopic dermatitis-like responses by inhibiting Cdc42 signaling of keratinocyte.

Emu oil is the oil extracted from the body fat of the Australian bird emu. Although previous studies have reported that emu oil has anti-inflammatory effects, the effect and mechanism of emu oil on the treatment of atopic dermatitis have not been reported. Here, 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene was used to induce atopic dermatitis-like appearance on the back skin of C57BL/6 mice. And then, the effect of emu oil in the atopic dermatitis treatment was evaluated. We found that emu oil reduced the transdermal water loss in the atopic dermatitis model. Additionally, the epidermal thickness treated with emu oil was significantly thinner. The number of mast cells and inflammatory cells were significantly decreased. The thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is secreted by keratinocyte, was decreased significantly after treatment. Moreover, the serum levels of cytokines TSLP, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and immunoglobulin (Ig) E were decreased after emu oil treatment. Surprisingly, we found that the high level of Cdc42 expression in the atopic dermatitis, which was decreased after emu oil treatment. To detect the role of Cdc42 in atopic dermatitis, we constructed atopic dermatitis model in mice with sustained activation of Cdc42 signaling. Furthermore, we have confirmed that emu oil demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in atopic dermatitis by inhibiting the expression of Cdc42 signaling in keratinocytes. In conclusion, we discovered a new role of Cdc42 in the development of atopic dermatitis, which mediated the therapeutic effect of emu oil on atopic dermatitis.

APG-1252 combined with Cabozantinib inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing MEK/ERK and CREB/Bcl-xl pathways.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common type of primary liver cancer. APG-1252 is a small molecule inhibitor targeting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. However, its anti-tumor effects in HCC, alone or in combination with Cabozantinib, have not been extensively studied. EXPERIMENTAL: Approach: TCGA database analysis was used to analysis the gene expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in HCC tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels. And the inhibitory effects of APG-1252 and Cabozantinib on the proliferation of HCC cell lines was detected by CCK-8. The effect on the migration and invasion of HCC cells was verified by transwell assay. Huh7 xenograft model in nude mice was used to investigate the combination antitumor effect in vivo. KEY RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that APG-1252 monotherapy inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of HCC cells, and induced HCC cells apoptosis. The combination of APG-1252 and Cabozantinib showed significant synergistic antitumor effects. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that the combination therapy exerted a synergistic effect in delaying tumor growth, notably downregulating MEK/ERK phosphorylation levels. In terms of mechanism, Cabozantinib treatment caused an increase in the phosphorylation levels of CREB and Bcl-xl proteins, while the combination with APG-1252 mitigated this effect, thereby enhanced the antitumor effect of Cabozantinib. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest that APG-1252 in combination with Cabozantinib offers a more effective treatment strategy for HCC patients, warranting further clinical investigation.

Synthesis of Silica Particles with Controlled Microstructure via the Choline Hydroxide Cocatalyzed Stöber Method.

This study investigates the utilization of choline hydroxide as a cocatalyst in the Stöber method to synthesize silica particles with controlled microstructure. Under low ammonia concentration, we add a robust organic base choline hydroxide and systematically explore the influence of choline hydroxide concentration on the hydrolysis and condensation equilibrium of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Through the rational control of the water content, we significantly enhance both the size range and polydispersity of the resulting silica particles. Taking advantage of the regulated microstructure induced by controlled hydrolysis and condensation catalyzed by choline hydroxide, we achieved silica particles with hollow structures through hot water etching, exhibiting significantly enhanced surface area. These findings demonstrate the versatility of choline hydroxide as a cocatalyst in tailoring the microstructure of silica particles. In addition, due to its reducing ability and biocompatibility, which are not shared by other reported catalysts, the use of choline hydroxide opens up opportunities for applications in catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery.

Artificial intelligence-driven multiomics predictive model for abdominal aortic aneurysm subtypes to identify heterogeneous immune cell infiltration and predict disease progression.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) poses a significant health risk and is influenced by various compositional features. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-driven multiomics predictive model for AAA subtypes to identify heterogeneous immune cell infiltration and predict disease progression. Additionally, we investigated neutrophil heterogeneity in patients with different AAA subtypes to elucidate the relationship between the immune microenvironment and AAA pathogenesis. METHODS: This study enrolled 517 patients with AAA, who were clustered using k-means algorithm to identify AAA subtypes and stratify the risk. We utilized residual convolutional neural network 200 to annotate and extract contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography images of AAA. A precise predictive model for AAA subtypes was established using clinical, imaging, and immunological data. We performed a comparative analysis of neutrophil levels in the different subgroups and immune cell infiltration analysis to explore the associations between neutrophil levels and AAA. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to elucidate the interplay between CXCL1, neutrophil activation, and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in AAA pathogenesis. Furthermore, the effect of CXCL1 silencing with small interfering RNA was investigated. RESULTS: Two distinct AAA subtypes were identified, one clinically more severe and more likely to require surgical intervention. The CNN effectively detected AAA-associated lesion regions on computed tomography angiography, and the predictive model demonstrated excellent ability to discriminate between patients with the two identified AAA subtypes (area under the curve, 0.927). Neutrophil activation, AAA pathology, CXCL1 expression, and the NF-κB pathway were significantly correlated. CXCL1, NF-κB, IL-1ß, and IL-8 were upregulated in AAA. CXCL1 silencing downregulated NF-κB, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-8. CONCLUSION: The predictive model for AAA subtypes demonstrated accurate and reliable risk stratification and clinical management. CXCL1 overexpression activated neutrophils through the NF-κB pathway, contributing to AAA development. This pathway may, therefore, be a therapeutic target in AAA.

RESISTANCE TO PHYTOPHTHORA1 promotes cytochrome b559 formation during early photosystem II biogenesis in Arabidopsis.

As an essential intrinsic component of photosystem II (PSII) in all oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, heme-bridged heterodimer cytochrome b559 (Cyt b559) plays critical roles in protection and assembly of PSII. However, the underlying mechanisms of Cyt b559 assembly are largely unclear. Here, we characterized the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) rph1 (resistance to Phytophthora1) mutant, which was previously shown to be susceptible to the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora brassicae. Loss of RPH1 leads to a drastic reduction in PSII accumulation, which can be primarily attributed to the defective formation of Cyt b559. Spectroscopic analyses showed that the heme level in PSII supercomplexes isolated from rph1 is significantly reduced, suggesting that RPH1 facilitates proper heme assembly in Cyt b559. Due to the loss of RPH1-mediated processes, a covalently bound PsbE-PsbF heterodimer is formed during the biogenesis of PSII. In addition, rph1 is highly photosensitive and accumulates elevated levels of ROS under photoinhibitory light conditions. RPH1 is a conserved intrinsic thylakoid protein present in green algae and terrestrial plants, but absent in Synechocystis, and it directly interacts with the subunits of Cyt b559. Thus, our data demonstrate that RPH1 represents a chloroplast acquisition specifically promoting the efficient assembly of Cyt b559, probably by mediating proper heme insertion into the apo-Cyt b559 during the initial phase of PSII biogenesis.

Mercury sources, transport, and transformation in rainfall-runoff processes: Mercury isotope approach.

Mercury (Hg) in runoff water poses significant ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems that can affect organisms. However, accurately identifying the sources and transformation processes of Hg in runoff water is challenging due to complex natural conditions. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of Hg dynamics in water from rainfall to runoff. The Hg isotope fractionation in water was characterized, which allows accurate quantification of Hg sources, transport, and transformations in rainfall-runoff processes. Δ200Hg and corrected Δ199Hg values can serve as reliable tracers for identifying Hg sources in the runoff water and the variation of δ202Hg can be explained by Hg transformation processes. During runoff migration processes, Hg from rainfall is rapidly absorbed on the land surface, while terrestrial Hg entering the water by the dissolution process becomes the primary component of dissolved mercury (DHg). Besides the dissolution and adsorption, microbial Hg(II) reduction and demethylation of MeHg were dominant processes for DHg in the runoff water that flows through the rice paddies, while photochemical Hg(II) reduction was the dominant process for DHg in the runoff water with low water exchange rates. Particulate Hg (PHg) in runoff water is dominantly originated by the terrestrial material and derived from the dissolution and adsorption process. Tracking sources and transformations of Hg in runoff water during the rainfall-runoff process provides a basis for studying Hg pollution in larger water bodies under complex environmental factors.

Acupuncture modulation of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR pathways in the rostral ventrolateral medulla reduces sympathetic output and prevents cardiac injury caused by SHR hypertension.

Acupuncture can reduce blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and ameliorate cardiac damage by modulating the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system, but the exact mechanism of this effect remains unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of cardiac damage in hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used as the hypertension model with Wistar-Kyoto rats as the control. Manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and metoprolol were used as interventions. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) plus HR were monitored with cardiac structure determined using Masson staining. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and norepinephrine in myocardium were detected with ELISA as was Ang(1-7) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Expression of mRNA for collagen type I (Col-I), Col-III, actin α1 (ACTA1), and thrombospondin 4 (THBS4) in myocardium was detected using real-time PCR. Expression of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Ang II, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), ACE2, and Mas receptor (MasR) proteins in RVLM was monitored using western blot. After manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatment, SHRs showed decreased SBP, DBP and HR, reduced myocardial damage. There was decreased expression of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis, and increased expression of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis within the RVLM. GABA levels were increased within the RVLM and norepinephrine levels were decreased in myocardial tissue. Metoprolol was more effective than either manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture. Acupuncture directed against hypertensive cardiac damage may be associated with regulation of ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR pathway within the RLVM to reduce cardiac sympathetic excitability.

Preservation strategies for processed grass carp products: Analyzing quality and microbial dynamics during chilled and ice temperature storage.

This study investigated the impact of ice temperature storage on quality and bacterial composition of processed fish paste products (PFP). Freezing curve revealed the ice temperature was -1 °C. Electric nose (e-nose) showed significant changes in volatile components within 8 days. Results of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) showed that PFP stored at 4 °C reached its limit after 2 days, whereas PFP stored at ice temperature remained stable for 6 days. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) demonstrated delayed oxidation in PFP stored at ice temperature compared to 4 °C. TCA-soluble peptides indicated that the protein degradation was suppressed by ice temperature. Additionally, ice temperature inhibited microbial growth and altered bacterial composition. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Pseudomonas, Brochothrix, Carnobacterium were dominant at 4 °C, while Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium and Brochothrix were dominant at ice temperature. In summary, ice temperature might be a potential method for maintaining the freshness of PFP.

Decreased nitrogen deposition in Beijing over the recent decade and its implications.

Atmospheric reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition has been modified significantly by human activities such as agriculture and fossil fuel combustion. Understanding the changes in Nr deposition is essential for maintaining the functionality and sustainability of ecosystems. Taking Beijing as a case study, we report long-term measurements of wet Nr deposition from 1999 to 2022 and dry Nr deposition from 2010 to 2022 and their relationship with China's air pollution control. Total Nr deposition to Beijing decreased by 34 % during 2010-2022, mainly caused by a decrease in dry N deposition by 54.27 %, from 47.86 kg N ha-1 yr-1 in 2010-2014 to 21.89 kg N ha-1 yr-1 in 2018-2022; reduced and oxidized N in dry deposition decreased by 29.93 % and 72.05 %, respectively. This was a result of the "Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution (APCP)" and the implementation of the "Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020" in 2015. Our ground-based measurements provide evidence to support recent achievements in air pollution control and a reference and guidance for other regions of China and other countries for abating Nr pollution.