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Yan-Hua Luo,1 Li Xie,2 Jiao-Yang Li,3 Yuan Xie,4 Man-Qin Li,1 Li Zhou1 1Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People’s Republic of China; 2Pediatric Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Li Zhou, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18573477875, Email zl_zhou2016@163.comPurpose: The increasing prevalence of obesity in children and its associated risk with cardiovascular diseases demand more discovery of the novel biomarkers for developing new treatment options for this complex disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum MOTS-C (a peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome) levels and vascular endothelial function in obese children.Patients and Methods: A total of 225 obese children (aged 8.1 ± 2.6 years) and 218 healthy children (aged 7.9 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled. Related anthropometric assessment and biochemical evaluation were done in all subjects. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), as assessed by the peripheral arterial tonometry, was used for evaluation of peripheral endothelial function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the level of serum MOTS-C.Results: Levels of serum MOTS-C and RHI were lower in the obese children compared with the healthy children (P < 0.01). The RHI level was independently associated with body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and MOTS-C in linear regression analysis. Further analysis showed a significant mediating effect of MOTS-C on the correlation between body mass index and RHI in children, with the ratio of mediating effect value of 9.12%.Conclusion: These data identify that MOTS-C is a previously unknown regulator in the development process of obesity-induced vascular changes.Keywords: obese, children, mitochondrial-derived peptides, MOTS-C, vascular endothelial function

Jiao-Yang Li,1,2 Jing Yang,1,2 Xiao-Yan Qi,1 Yan-Hua Luo,1 Ya-Di Wang,1,2 Zhe-Zhen Liao,1,2 Li Ran,1 Xin-Hua Xiao,1,2 Jiang-Hua Liu1,2 1Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jiang-Hua Liu; Xin-Hua Xiao Email jianghua990@hotmail.com; xinhua0102@163.com

Yueh-Hsia Luo,1 Hsien-Jen Cheng,2 Feng-Yuan Tsai,2 Tsui-Chun Tsou,2 Shu-Yi Lin,3 Pinpin Lin2 1Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; 2National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; 3Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, TaiwanCorrespondence: Yueh-Hsia LuoDepartment of Life Sciences, National Central University, No. 300, Zhongda Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City 32001, TaiwanTel +886-34227151Fax +886-34228482Email yhLuo@g.ncu.edu.twPinpin LinNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, TaiwanTel +886-37246166Fax +886-37587406Email pplin@nhri.edu.twBackground: Gold nanoparticles with high biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties have potential applications in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for nanomedicine. Nanoparticles targeting macrophages can manipulate or control immunological diseases. This study assessed the activity of dendrimer-encapsulated gold nanodots (AuNDs) with three surface modifications [ie, outfacing groups with primary amine (AuNDs-NH2), hydroxyl (AuNDs-OH), and quaternary ammonium ions (AuNDs-CH3)] regulated macrophage function and antioxidant response through Nrf2-dependent pathway.Methods: AuNDs were prepared and characterized. Intracellular distribution of AuNDs in human macrophages was observed through confocal microscopy. The activity of AuNDs was evaluated using macrophage functions and antioxidant response in the human macrophage cell line THP-1.Results: AuNDs-NH2 and AuNDs-CH3, but not AuNDs-OH, drove the obvious Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway in THP-1 cells. Of the three, AuNDs-NH2 considerably increased mRNA levels and antioxidant activities of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 in THP-1 cells. IL-6 mRNA and protein expression was mediated through Nrf2 activation in AuNDs-NH2-treated macrophages. Furthermore, Nrf2 activation by AuNDs-NH2 increased the phagocytic ability of THP-1 macrophages.Conclusion: AuNDs-NH2 had immunomodulatory activities in macrophages. The findings of the present work suggested that AuNDs have potential effects against chronic inflammatory diseases via the Nrf2 pathway.Keywords: gold nanodots, macrophage, antioxidant, inflammation

Yun Shan Chen,*,1 Fen Liu,*,1 Yi Hong Luo,1 Yue Fan,1 Fang Gui Xu,1 Pin Li,1 Bei Zhou,1 Xiu Yu Pan,1 Chi Chiu Wang,2–4 Long Cui1,41Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; 3School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong*These authors contributed equally to this workBackground: The role of endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) isoform 3 involved in Temozolomide (TMZ)-induced melanoma cell death has not yet been elucidated.Methods: The subcellular localization of EDNRB isoform 3 was determined by confocal and immunoblotting assays. Silencing EDNRB isoform 3 was performed by CRISPR/Cas9. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V/propium iodide staining and caspases 3/7/9 activity. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial Ca2+ were measured by flow cytometry. Apoptosis protein array was applied.Results: Confocal and immunoblot analyses indicate mitochondrial localization of EDNRB isoform 3 and the first N-terminal (1–22) amino acids are sufficient for its mitochondrial targeting. EDNRB isoform 3 depleted A375 cells significantly confers chemoresistance with mitochondrial depolarization, reduced reactive oxygen species, enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and decreased caspase 9 activation. Additionally, apoptosis array shows that lack of EDNRB isoform 3 has relatively lower expression of phosphorylation of p53 at S392 and a slightly higher expression of Paraoxonase 2.Conclusion: Our findings raise the possibility of targeting EDNRB isoform 3 as a new therapeutic strategy in combination with TMZ for melanoma treatment.Keywords: melanoma, Temozolomide, mitochondrial targeting sequence, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species

Yi Gong,1,* Jiayang Yin,2,* Boding Tong,2 Jingkun Li,3 Jiexi Zeng,2 Zhongkun Zuo,1 Fei Ye,1 Yongheng Luo,4 Jing Xiao,1 Wei Xiong2 1Department of Minimal Invasive Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; 2Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; 3E.N.T Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; 4Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Orbital decompression is an important surgical procedure for treatment of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO), especially in women. It is reasonable for balanced orbital decompression of the lateral and medial wall. Various surgical approaches, including endoscopic transnasal surgery for medial wall and eye-side skin incision surgery for lateral wall, are being used nowadays, but many of them lack the validity, safety, or cosmetic effect. Patients and methods: Endoscopic orbital decompression of lateral wall through hairline approach and decompression of medial wall via endoscopic transnasal surgery was done to achieve a balanced orbital decompression, aiming to improve the appearance of proptosis and create conditions for possible strabismus and eyelid surgery afterward. From January 29, 2016 to February 14, 2017, this surgery was performed on 41 orbits in 38 patients with GO, all of which were at inactive stage of disease. Just before surgery and at least 3 months after surgery, Hertel’s ophthalmostatometer and computed tomography (CT) were used to check proptosis and questionnaires of GO quality of life (QOL) were completed. Findings: The postoperative retroversion of eyeball was 4.18±1.11 mm (Hertel’s ophthalmostatometer) and 4.17±1.14 mm (CT method). The patients’ QOL was significantly improved, especially the change in appearance without facial scar. The only postoperative complication was local soft tissue depression at temporal region. Obvious depression occurred in four cases (9.76%), which can be repaired by autologous fat filling. Interpretation: This surgery is effective, safe, and cosmetic. Effective balanced orbital decompression can be achieved by using this original and innovative surgery method. The whole manipulation is safe and controllable under endoscope. The postoperative scar of endoscopic surgery through hairline approach is covered by hair and the anatomic structure of anterior orbit is not impacted. Keywords: orbital decompression, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, hairline approach, endoscopic surgery, lateral wall

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), a vital environmental toxicant, not only adversely affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems but also potentially exhibits an association with intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). The underlying molecular mechanisms of PM2.5 impacts on CRC are still unclear. In this study, we utilized collected ambient PM 2.5 and standard reference material SRM2786 to investigate the toxic effects on the colon through in vivo chronic exposure mouse and in vitro cell culture models. We employed a chronic mouse exposure model to clarify the colonic injury and gut microbiome biomarkers. Prolonged exposure to PM 2.5 via oropharyngeal aspiration led to a significant rise in colonic epithelial proliferation and reduced colon length in mice. It triggered characteristics indicative of gut microbiota dysbiosis linked to inflammatory bowel disease. The gut microbiome alternations may serve as a biomarker indicating the colonic health impacts of PM 2.5 exposure. PM 2.5 and SRM2786-induced cytotoxicity manifested as autophagy dysregulation-mediated abnormal proliferation, IL-8 production, p62/SQSTM1 accumulation, and lysosomal membrane damage in human colon cells WiDr and Caco-2. Both PM 2.5 and SRM2786 exposures led to the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1 and compromised lysosomal membrane integrity, showing impaired autophagic flux in WiDr and Caco-2 cells. Finally, we examined the correlations between atmospheric PM 2.5 data and biomarkers of colonic inflammation in human population. The serum level of IL-8 was significantly correlated with regional anthropogenic pollutants. In conclusion, our findings elucidate that ambient PM 2.5 exhibits adverse effects on colon health manifested as inflammation, aberrant proliferation, and gut dysbiosis, potentially mediated through autophagy dysregulation, thereby highlighting the importance of further research on the impact of environmental pollutants on gastrointestinal health., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Yueh-Hsia Luo's report was supported by the National Science and Technology Council and the NCU-Landseed joint research grant of Taiwan. Pinpin Lin's report was funded by the National Health Research Institutes of Taiwan. Any additional authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cisplatin (cDDP) is a crucial chemotherapy drug for treating various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its effectiveness is often hindered by side effects and drug resistance. Selenocystine (SeC) demonstrates potential as an anticancer agent, particularly by inhibiting DNA repair mechanisms. This study explored the synergistic potential of SeC combined with cDDP for treating HCC. Our results show that SeC pretreatment followed by cDDP significantly suppresses HCC cell proliferation more effectively than either treatment alone, with minimal toxicity to normal liver cells. The combination induces significant DNA damage by inhibiting homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways. Xenograft experiments confirmed that the combined therapy strongly inhibits tumor growth. SeC boost the effectiveness of cDDP by amplifying DNA damage and inhibiting DNA repair, presenting a promising approach to enhancing liver cancer treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Ssu ching chen reports administrative support was provided by National Central University. Ssu Ching Chen reports a relationship with National Central University that includes: employment. No If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression alone may not be the optimal predictor of immunotherapy (IO) efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Evaluation of circulating immune signatures using mass cytometry is a promising technique for predicting IO response and prognosis. The utility of circulating immune signatures for efficacy prediction after IO in advanced NSCLC remains to be elucidated., Objectives: To assess the feasibility of circulating immune cells and cytokines in predicting tumor response to IO in advanced NSCLC., Design: A prospective observational study., Methods: To investigate dynamic changes in immune signatures, blood specimens were prospectively collected from patients with NSCLC at baseline and following chemotherapy (C/T) and/or IO. Mass cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to characterize immune signatures and cytokine patterns to identify correlations between immune profiles and treatment efficacy., Results: The study enrolled 45 patients. The proportion of circulating natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 + T cells significantly increased after IO alone treatment. Cell levels of PD-1 + CD8 + T cells, PD-1 + CD4 + T cells, TIM-3 + CD8 + T cells, LAG-3 + NK cells, and LAG-3 + CD8 + T cells significantly decreased in patients with treatment response to IO alone. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels significantly increased after IO alone treatment. Patients with high PD-1 + CD8 + T cells before IO alone treatment had lower overall survival (OS) compared to those with low levels. Patients with high LAG-3 + CD8 + T cells before chemotherapy plus immunotherapy treatment had lower OS compared to those with low levels., Conclusion: Responses to IO in NSCLC were correlated with declines in specific exhausted T cells, suggesting that IO may exert therapeutical efficacy by decreasing circulating exhausted T cells, which were associated with poorer survival, while also increasing TNF-α. These results highlight the prognostic value of monitoring changes in circulating exhausted T cells to predict IO response and survival outcomes in advanced lung cancer., (© The Author(s), 2024.)

Problem: Pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and preterm birth persist, despite current interventions aimed at their prevention and treatment largely proving unsuccessful. Interleukin-27 (IL-27), composed of p28 and EBI3 subunits, binds to IL-27R, which consists of gp130 and IL-27Rα (also known as WSX-1 or TCCR), and plays a pivotal role in tumor development and inflammation regulation. At the maternal-fetal interface, IL-27 expression has been detected in trophoblasts, endometrial stromal cells, and decidual cells. Abnormal levels of IL-27/IL-27R have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. This review aims to explore the expression of IL-27 at the maternal-fetal interface and its signaling pathway, uncovering the complex role of IL-27 in pregnancy complications., Method of Study: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases, analyzing studies on IL-27 expression and its signaling pathways at the maternal-fetal interface. The review focused on identifying the presence of IL-27 in various cell types and linking abnormal IL-27/IL-27R expression to pregnancy complications such as spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth., Discussion and Conclusion: IL-27 plays a complex role at the maternal-fetal interface, with abnormal expression linked to several pregnancy complications. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate IL-27's mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. Future studies should aim to develop targeted interventions and improve therapeutic strategies for managing pregnancy complications., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The woody bamboos (Bambusoideae) exhibit distinctive biological traits within Poaceae, such as highly lignified culms, rapid shoot growth, monocarpic mass flowering and nutlike or fleshy caryopses. Much of the remarkable morphological diversity across the subfamily exists within a single hexaploid clade, the paleotropical woody bamboos (PWB), making it ideal to investigate the factors underlying morphological evolution in woody bamboos. However, the origin and biogeographical history of PWB remain elusive, as does the effect of environmental factors on the evolution of their morphological characters. We generated a robust and time-calibrated phylogeny of PWB using single nucleotide polymorphisms retrieved from optimized double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing, and explored the evolutionary trends of habit, inflorescence, and caryopsis type in relation to environmental factors including climate, soil, and topography. We inferred that the PWB started to diversify across the Oligocene-Miocene boundary and formed four major clades, that is, Melocanninae, Racemobambosinae s.l. (comprising Dinochloinae, Greslanlinae, Racemobambosinae s.str. and Temburongiinae), Hickeliinae and Bambusinae s.l. (comprising Bambusinae s.str. plus Holttumochloinae). The ancestor of PWB was reconstructed as having erect habit, indeterminate inflorescence and basic caryopsis. The characters including climbing/scrambling habit, determinate inflorescence, and nucoid/bacoid caryopsis have since undergone multiple changes and reversals during the diversification of PWB. The evolution of all three traits was correlated with, and hence likely influenced by, aspects of climate, topography, and soil, with climate factors most strongly correlated with morphological traits, and soil factors least so. However, topography had more influence than climate or soil on the evolution of erect habit, whereas both factors had greater effect on the evolution of bacoid caryopsis than did soil. Our results provide novel insights into morphological diversity and adaptive evolution in bamboos for future ecological and evolutionary research., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Integrative Plant Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

NK2 Homeobox 1 (NKX2-1) is a well-characterized pathological marker that delineates lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. The advancement of LUAD is influenced by the immune tumor microenvironment through paracrine signaling. However, the involvement of NKX2-1 in modeling the tumor immune microenvironment is still unclear. Here, the downregulation of NKX2-1 is observed in high-grade LUAD. Meanwhile, single-cell RNA sequencing and Visium in situ capturing profiling revealed the recruitment and infiltration of neutrophils in orthotopic syngeneic tumors exhibiting strong cell-cell communication through the activation of CXCLs/CXCR2 signaling. The depletion of NKX2-1 triggered the expression and secretion of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL5 in LUAD cells. Chemokine secretion is analyzed by chemokine array and validated by qRT-PCR. ATAC-seq revealed the restrictive regulation of NKX2-1 on the promoters of CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5 genes. This phenomenon led to increased tumor growth, and conversely, tumor growth decreased when inhibited by the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002. This study unveils how NKX2-1 modulates the infiltration of tumor-promoting neutrophils by inhibiting CXCLs/CXCR2-dependent mechanisms. Hence, targeting CXCR2 in NKX2-1-low tumors is a potential antitumor therapy that may improve LUAD patient outcomes., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Rationale and Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) based on B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) and color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) images for preoperative assessment of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status in invasive breast cancer (IBC)., Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, 832 pathologically confirmed IBC patients were recruited from eight hospitals. The samples were divided into training, internal test, and external test sets. Deep learning and handcrafted radiomics features reflecting tumor phenotypes on BMUS and CDFI images were extracted. The BMUS score and CDFI score were calculated after radiomics feature selection. Subsequently, a DLRN was developed based on the scores and independent clinic-ultrasonic risk variables. The performance of the DLRN was evaluated for calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness., Results: The DLRN predicted the LVI with accuracy, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.95), and 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94) in the training, internal test, and external test sets, respectively, with good calibration. The DLRN demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model and single scores across all three sets (p < 0.05). Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve confirmed the clinical utility of the model. Furthermore, significant enhancements in net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indicated that the two scores could serve as highly valuable biomarkers for assessing LVI., Conclusion: The DLRN exhibited strong predictive value for LVI in IBC, providing valuable information for individualized treatment decisions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

One possible way to address the shortcomings of current acid detection is to add fluorescence detection capabilities, however, there is little data regarding wavelength-based luminescence sensing, which makes possible for the naked eye to perceive various colors through wavelength variations. In this paper, we achieved turn-on response and wavelength-based luminescence sensing on acids detection by using donor-accepter complex Fe-L, which display significant fluorescence discoloration in the presence of a wide range of inorganic and organic acids, including benzoic acids, providing the fluorescence response for a more intuitive and convenient acid detection. The simultaneous achievement of fluorescence enhancement and color change as the acid concentration changes enables visual detection of the acid concentration, which provides a foundation for future research into convenient detection methods for various types of acids., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Tissue-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis is highly recommended for patients with advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated a specific patient population with NSCLC that required tissue-based NGS analysis., Materials and Methods: We enrolled 500 patients with advanced/metastatic (1) epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) mutations or anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase ( ALK ) rearrangement-positive NSCLC who had failed at minimum one line of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, (2) EGFR-/ALK -negative nonsquamous, and (3) non- or light-smoker patients with squamous NSCLC who were treatment-naïve or had failed at maximum two lines of systemic treatment. These patients were divided into five cohorts. Comprehensive tissue-based NGS testing (ACTOnco+) was conducted., Results: Cohort 1: EGFR TKI-pretreated EGFR -mutated population (50.0%, n = 250), cohort 2: ALK inhibitor-pretreated ALK -positive population (1.6%, n = 8), cohort 3: treatment-naïve EGFR-/ALK -negative population (28.2%, n = 141), cohort 4: pretreated EGFR-/ALK -negative population (16.8%, n = 84), and cohort 5: squamous cell carcinoma (3.4%, n = 17). In cohort 1, 11.2% (28/250) of the patients had MET amplification, 32.4% (81/250) had been treated with osimertinib, and EGFR C797S was detected in 6.2% (5/81) of these patients. In cohort 2, resistance ALK mutation was detected in 37.5% (3/8) of the patients. In cohorts 3 and 4, targetable genetic alterations, including EGFR mutation (13.3%), ERBB2 mutation (9.3%), MET exon 14 skipping (5.3%), KRAS G12C mutation (4.4%), ROS1 fusion (2.7%), RET fusion (1.8%), and BRAF V600E mutation (1.3%), were detected. In cohort 5, MET exon 14 skipping was detected in 29.4% (5/17) of the patients., Conclusion: This multicenter registration study investigated tissue-based NGS for a specific patient population with NSCLC in Taiwan.

Mycorrhizal associations are key mutualisms that shape the structure of forest communities and multiple ecosystem functions. However, we lack a framework for predicting the varying dominance of distinct mycorrhizal associations in an integrated proxy of multifunctionality across ecosystems. Here, we used the datasets containing diversity of mycorrhizal associations and 18 ecosystem processes related to supporting, provisioning, and regulating services to examine how the dominance of ectomycorrhiza (EcM) associations affects ecosystem multifunctionality in subtropical mountain forests in Southwest China. Meanwhile, we synthesized the prevalence of EcM-dominant effects on ecosystem functioning in forest biomes. Our results demonstrated that elevation significantly modified the distributions of EcM trees and fungal dominance, which in turn influenced multiple functions simultaneously. Multifunctionality increased with increasing proportion of EcM associations, supporting the ectomycorrhizal-dominance hypothesis. Meanwhile, we observed that the impacts of EcM dominance on individual ecosystem functions exhibited different relationships among forest biomes. Our findings highlight the importance of ectomycorrhizal dominance in regulating multifunctionality in subtropical forests. However, this ectomycorrhizal feedback in shaping ecosystem functions cannot necessarily be generalized across forests. Therefore, we argue that the predictions for ecosystem multifunctionality in response to the shifts of mycorrhizal composition could vary across space and time., (© 2024 The Author(s). New Phytologist © 2024 New Phytologist Foundation.)

Chemical investigation of the acid hydrolysate of Cynanchum bungei roots led to the isolation of eleven undescribed steroids, namely cynbungenins A-K (1-11), and seven previously described analogues (12-18). The complete structures of these compounds were elucidated using the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and reference data. Structurally, compounds 1 and 2 represent the first example of androstane-type steroids found in the Cynanchum plants, and compounds 3-6 and 12 are characterized as pregnane-type steroids with a rare 8,14-seco-steroid core. In the cytotoxic activity assay, compound 16 displayed the strongest cytotoxic effect against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values of 9.98-16.42 μM, and further research indicated that it induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner toward HepG2 cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that No conflict of interest exists., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Photon-pair sources are critical building blocks for photonic quantum systems. Leveraging Kerr nonlinearity and cavity-enhanced spontaneous four-wave mixing, chip-scale photon-pair sources can be created using microresonators built on photonic integrated circuit. For practical applications, a high microresonator quality factor Q is mandatory to magnify photon-pair sources' brightness and reduce their linewidth. The former is proportional to Q^{4}, while the latter is inversely proportional to Q. Here, we demonstrate an integrated, microresonator-based, narrowband photon-pair source. The integrated microresonator, made of silicon nitride and fabricated using a standard CMOS foundry process, features ultralow loss down to 0.03  dB/cm and intrinsic Q factor exceeding 10^{7}. The photon-pair source has brightness of 1.17×10^{9}  Hz/mW^{2}/GHz and linewidth of 25.9 MHz, both of which are record values for silicon-photonics-based quantum light source. It further enables a heralded single-photon source with heralded second-order correlation g&#95;{h}^{(2)}(0)=0.0037(5), as well as an energy-time entanglement source with a raw visibility of 0.973(9). Our work evidences the global potential of ultralow-loss integrated photonics to create novel quantum light sources and circuits, catalyzing efficient, compact, and robust interfaces to quantum communication and networks.

The 2023 consensus from the Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA) and Taiwan Lung Cancer Society (TLCS) addresses the management of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-induced skin toxicities in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Providing a comprehensive overview, the consensus reflects recent advances in understanding causes and developmental processes of TKI-related skin toxicities. Aimed at guiding clinicians in Taiwan, the consensus integrates new treatment perspectives while incorporating experiences from local dermatology experts. Recommendations underwent a voting process, achieving consensus when 75% or more of experts agreed, leading to their inclusion. Approved by over 90% of participants, the recommended treatment algorithms for major skin toxicities offer valuable insights for clinicians managing TKI-associated effects in NSCLC patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists., (Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Feralization is an important evolutionary process, but the mechanisms behind it remain poorly understood. Here, we use the ancient fiber crop ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.) as a model to investigate genomic changes associated with both domestication and feralization. We first produced a chromosome-scale de novo genome assembly of feral ramie and investigated structural variations between feral and domesticated ramie genomes. Next, we gathered 915 accessions from 23 countries, comprising cultivars, major landraces, feral populations, and the wild progenitor. Based on whole-genome resequencing of these accessions, we constructed the most comprehensive ramie genomic variation map to date. Phylogenetic, demographic, and admixture signal detection analyses indicated that feral ramie is of exoferal or exo-endo origin, i.e., descended from hybridization between domesticated ramie and the wild progenitor or ancient landraces. Feral ramie has higher genetic diversity than wild or domesticated ramie, and genomic regions affected by natural selection during feralization differ from those under selection during domestication. Ecological analyses showed that feral and domesticated ramie have similar ecological niches that differ substantially from the niche of the wild progenitor, and three environmental variables are associated with habitat-specific adaptation in feral ramie. These findings advance our understanding of feralization, providing a scientific basis for the excavation of new crop germplasm resources and offering novel insights into the evolution of feralization in nature., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to explore the active components and mechanism of Wuhu Decoction in treating respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-induced asthma. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to determine the components of Wuhu Decoction in the blood. By utilizing databases, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis and Gene Ontology(GO) functional analysis were conducted to investigate the targets of the components of Wuhu Decoction in asthma. Furthermore, the information on target proteins, and metabolite-target-pathway was imported into the STRING database to construct a network interaction diagram to identify the core components and key pathways of Wuhu Decoction. In the in vivo experiment, an asthma model was established using RSV combined with ovalbumin(OVA) in mice. The intervention effect of Wuhu Decoction on RSV-induced asthma in mice was validated through lung function tests, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the main components of Wuhu Decoction in the blood were flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lignans, and terpenoids. The core components of Wuhu Decoction in treating pediatric asthma included(-)-epigallocatechin, kaempferol, isoliquiritigenin, diosmetin, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, daphnetin, aescin. The main pathways targeted by Wuhu Decoction were calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The results of in vivo experiments demonstrated that Wuhu Decoction could improve lung function indicators, down-regulate levels of interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-17(IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), and reduce the expression of proteins such as NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14), and nuclear factor kappaB subunit 1(NFKB1) in lung tissue, thereby alleviating neutrophilic inflammation and pulmonary congestion. These findings indicate that Wuhu Decoction intervenes in virus-induced asthma through a synergistic effect on multiple components, targets, and pathways, and it can inhibit the activation of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, thereby alleviating airway inflammation and injury in asthmatic mice.

CO 2 capture and storage have been regarded as promising concepts to reduce anthropogenic CO 2 emissions. However, the high cost, inferior adsorption capacity, and higher effective activation temperature of traditional sorbents limit their practical application in efficient CO 2 capture. Here, a C-S-H@ZIF-8 (C-S-Z) sorbent is fabricated by in situ growth of the ZIF-8 shell on the C-S-H (calcium-silicate-hydrate) surface for ultra-high CO 2 adsorption and storage. Among the C-S-Z, the outer ZIF-8 shell acts as a transport channel that promotes CO 2 absorption toward the underlying C-S-H substrate for accelerated carbonation while preventing nitrogen and water from reaching the interior C-S-H. As a consequence, C-S-Z possesses the merits of ample pyrrolic nitrogen, porous structure, and ultra-high surface area (577.18 m 2  g -1 ), that contribute to an ultra-high CO 2 capture capacity, reaching 293.6 mg g -1 . DFT calculations show a high CO 2 adsorption energy and the mineral carbonation is dominant by the adsorption process. In particular, the advantages of the outstanding adsorption capacity, low cost, and high CO 2 selectivity make this C-S-H-based sorbent hold great potential in the practical application for direct air CO 2 capture and storage., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: Lorlatinib is a brain-penetrant, third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor indicated for ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a global phase II study, patients who experience disease progression despite prior treatment with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was assessed. Herein, we report real-world clinical outcomes of lorlatinib-treated patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who were heavily pretreated and progressed on first- and second-generation ALK-TKIs, in a Taiwanese population under the lorlatinib expanded access program (EAP)., Methods: This multicenter observational study examined the effectiveness and safety of ALK-positive advanced NSCLC patients that progressed from previous second-generation ALK-TKI therapy and received lorlatinib treatment subsequently. Patients who received lorlatinib treatment under EAP between Jul 2017 and Sep 2019 were eligible. Patients were followed for at least one year from the first lorlatinib treatment until study completion., Results: Sixty-three patients were eligible for safety analysis (male: 46.0 %; median age: 52.8 [27.5-78.3] years; brain metastases: 81.0 %). Fifty-four patients with more than one-month lorlatinib treatment were included in the effectiveness analysis. Prior to lorlatinib treatment, 10 patients (18.5 %) received one ALK-TKI, 27 (50.0 %) received two ALK-TKIs, and 17 (31.5 %) received three or more ALK-TKIs. The overall median rwPFS was 9.2 months (95 % confidence interval: 5.3-21.1). The best overall response rate (n = 51) was 13.7 %, with a disease control rate of 80.4 %., Conclusion: Lorlatinib exhibits substantial activity and tolerability when used clinically in a later-line setting in a Taiwanese population with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's objectivity is potentially compromised by a desire for financial gain, prominence, professional advancement or a successful outcome. JFMA Editors strive to ensure that what is published in the Journal is as balanced, objective and evidence-based as possible. Since it can be difficult to distinguish between an actual conflict of interest and a perceived conflict of interest, the Journal requires authors to disclose all and any potential conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Tangbi capsule (TBC) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which has the potential to improve the vascular insufficiency of lower extremities and limb numbness in diabetes. However, the potential mechanism remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanism of TBC on rats with diabetic lower extremities arterial disease (LEAD)., Methods: The mechanism of TBC on diabetic LEAD was investigated through metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, and the main components of TBC were determined by mass spectrometry. The efficacy and mechanism of TBC on diabetic LEAD rats were investigated through in vitro experiments, histopathology, blood flow monitoring, western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction., Results: Mass spectrometry analysis identified 31 active chemical components in TBC including (2R)-2,3-Dihydroxypropanoic acid, catechin, citric acid, miquelianin, carminic acid, salicylic acid, formononetin, etc. In vitro analysis showed that TBC could reduce endothelial cell apoptosis and promote angiogenesis. Histopathological analysis showed that TBC led to an obvious improvement in diabetic LEAD as it improved fibrous tissue proliferation and reduced arterial wall thickening. In addition, TBC could significantly increase the expression levels of HIF-1α, eNOS, and VEGFA proteins and genes while reducing that of calpain-1 and TGF-β, suggesting that TBC can repair vascular injury. Compared with the model group, there were 47 differentially expressed genes in the whole blood of TBC groups, with 25 genes upregulated and 22 downregulated. Eighty-seven altered metabolites were identified from the serum samples. Combining the changes in differentially expressed genes and metabolites, we found that TBC could regulate arginine biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and other metabolic pathways related to angiogenesis, immune-inflammatory response, and cell growth to improve diabetic LEAD., Conclusion: TBC improved vascular endothelial injury, apoptosis, lipid accumulation, liver and kidney function, and restored blood flow in the lower extremities of diabetic LEAD rats. The mechanism of TBC in the treatment of diabetic LEAD may be related to the modulation of inflammatory immunity, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. This study presented preliminary evidence to guide the use of TBC as a therapy option for diabetic LEAD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Luo, Wang, Yao, Hu, Zhao, Wen, Zhang, Wu, Fan and Song.)

Niche convergence or conservatism have been proposed as essential mechanisms underlying elevational plant community assembly in tropical mountain ecosystems. Subtropical mountains, compared to tropical mountains, are likely to be shaped by a mixing of different geographic affinities of species and remain somehow unclear. Here, we used 31 0.1-ha permanent plots distributed in subtropical forests on the eastern and western aspects of the Gaoligong Mountains, southwest China between 1498 m and 3204 m a.sl. to evaluate how niche-based and biogeographic processes shape tree community assembly along elevational gradients. We analyzed the elevational patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, as well as of individual traits, and assessed the relative importance of environmental effects on these diversity measures. We then classified tree species as being either tropical affiliated or temperate affiliated and estimated their contribution to the composition of biogeographic affinities. Species richness decreased with elevation, and species composition showed apparent turnover across the aspects and elevations. Most traits exhibited convergent patterns across the entire elevational gradient. Phylogenetic and functional diversity showed opposing patterns, with phylogenetic diversity increasing and functional diversity decreasing with elevation. Soil nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, appeared to be the main abiotic variables driving the elevational diversity patterns. Communities at lower elevations were occupied by tropical genera, while highlands contained species of tropical and temperate biogeographic affinities. Moreover, the high phylogenetic diversity at high elevations were likely due to differences in evolutionary history between temperate and tropical species. Our results highlight the importance of niche convergence of tropical species and the legacy of biogeographic history on the composition and structure of subtropical mountain forests. Furthermore, limited soil phosphorus caused traits divergence and the partitioning for different forms of phosphorus may explain the high biodiversity found in phosphorus-limited subtropical forests., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory arterial disorder that occurs due to the deposition of the excessive lipoprotein under the artery intima, mainly including low-density lipoprotein and other apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in transmitting signals in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. GPCRs recognize inflammatory mediators, thereby serving as important players during chronic inflammatory processes. It has been demonstrated that free fatty acids can function as ligands for various GPCRs, such as free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)1/GPR40, FFAR2/GPR43, FFAR3/GPR41, FFAR4/GPR120, and the lipid metabolite binding glucose-dependent insulinotropic receptor (GPR119). This review discusses GPR43 and its ligands in the pathogenesis of AS, especially focusing on its distinct role in regulating chronic vascular inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and improving dyslipidemia. It is hoped that this review may provide guidance for further studies aimed at GPR43 as a promising target for drug development in the prevention and therapy of AS., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests.

Atmospheric water harvesting has emerged as an efficient strategy for addressing the global challenge of freshwater scarcity. However, the in being energy-consuming water-collecting process has obstructed its practicality. In this work, a soft drain bed, which was composed of hydrophilic cloth and hygroscopic gel, has been demonstrated to capture atmospheric water effectively, followed by converting it into liquid water spontaneously and sustainably, under all-weather humidity conditions. Under the optimal working condition of 30°C with a relative humidity level of 75%, the bed can provide a spontaneous water oozing ability of 1.25 g (liquid water) /hour within the 8 h of working time. More importantly, after 5 working cycles, 80% of the oozing ability can be reserved, suggesting the high potential for practical freshwater supply application. The proposed design strategy is expected to provide new hints for the development of future energy-saving decentralized freshwater supply systems., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Biodegradation of 1,4-Dioxane at environmentally relevant concentrations usually requires the addition of a primary electron-donor substrate to sustain biomass growth. Ethane is a promising substrate, since it is available as a degradation product of 1,4-Dioxane's common co-contaminants. This study reports kinetic parameters for ethane biodegradation and co-oxidations of ethane and 1,4-Dioxane. Based on experiments combined with mathematical modeling, we found that ethane promoted 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation when the initial mass ratio of ethane:1,4-Dioxane was < 9:1 mg COD/mg COD, while it inhibited 1,4-Dioxane degradation when the ratio was > 9:1. A model-independent estimator was used for kinetic-parameter estimation, and all parameter values for 1,4-Dioxane were consistent with literature-reported ranges. Estimated parameters support competitive inhibition between ethane as the primary substrate and 1,4-Dioxane as the secondary substrate. The results also support that bacteria that co-oxidize ethane and 1,4-Dioxane had a competitive advantage over bacteria that can use only one of the two substrates. The minimum concentration of ethane to sustain ethane-oxidizing bacteria and ethane and 1,4-Dioxane-co-oxidizing bacteria was 0.09 mg COD/L, which is approximately 20-fold lower than the minimum concentration reported for propane, another common substrate used to promote 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation. The minimum 1,4-Dioxane concentration required to sustain steady-state biomass with 1,4-Dioxane as the sole primary substrate was 1.3 mg COD/L. As 1,4-Dioxane concentrations at most groundwater sites are less than 0.18 mg COD/L, providing ethane as a primary substrate is vital to support biomass growth and consequently enable 1,4-Dioxane bioremediation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Fatigue, commonly experienced in daily life, is a feeling of extreme tiredness, shortage or lack of energy, exhaustion, and difficulty in performing voluntary tasks. Central fatigue, defined as a progressive failure to voluntarily activate the muscle, is typically linked to moderate- or light-intensity exercise. However, in some instances, high-intensity exercise can also trigger the onset of central fatigue. Exercise-induced central fatigue often precedes the decline in physical performance in well-trained athletes. This leads to a reduction in nerve impulses, decreased neuronal excitability, and an imbalance in brain homeostasis, all of which can adversely impact an athlete's performance and the longevity of their sports career. Therefore, implementing strategies to delay the onset of exercise-induced central fatigue is vital for enhancing athletic performance and safeguarding athletes from the debilitating effects of fatigue. In this review, we discuss the structural basis, measurement methods, and biomarkers of exercise-induced central fatigue. Furthermore, we propose non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate its effects, which can potentially foster improvements in athletes' performances in a healthful and sustainable manner.

Seahorses are increasingly recognized for their nutritional potential, which underscores the necessity for comprehensive biochemical analyses. This study aims to investigate the fatty acid and amino acid compositions of eight seahorse species, including both genders of Hippocampus trimaculatus, Hippocampus kelloggi, Hippocampus abdominalis, and Hippocampus erectus , to evaluate their nutritional value. We employed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to analyze the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of the seahorse species. GC-MS was used to detect 34 fatty acid methyl esters, while HPLC provided detailed amino acid profiles. GC-MS analysis demonstrated high precision with relative standard deviations (RSDs) generally below 2.53 %, satisfactory repeatability (RSDs from 6.55 % to 8.73 %), and stability (RSDs below 2.82 %). Recovery rates for major fatty acids ranged from 98.73 % to 109.12 %. HPLC analysis showed strong separation of amino acid profiles with theoretical plate numbers exceeding 5000. Precision tests yielded RSDs below 1.23 %, with reproducibility and stability tests showing RSDs below 2.73 % and 2.86 %, respectively. Amino acid recovery rates ranged from 97.58 % to 104.66 %. Nutritional analysis revealed significant variations in fatty acid content among the species. Female H. erectus showed higher levels of hexadecanoic acid and saturated fatty acids, while male H. abdominalis had lower concentrations of n-3 full cis 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Total lipid yields varied from 3.2491 % to 12.3175 %, with major fatty acids constituting 17.9717 %-74.6962 % of total lipids. In conclusion, this study provides essential insights into the fatty acid and amino acid composition of seahorses, supporting their potential as valuable dietary supplements. The differences between genders in specific fatty acids suggest a nuanced nutritional profile that could be exploited for targeted dietary applications. Further research is needed to explore the seasonal and environmental variations affecting seahorse biochemical composition., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Our study aims to explore the relationship, shared gene signature, and the underlying mechanisms that connect rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to colorectal cancer (CRC)., Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the causality between RA and CRC. Summary statistic data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) leveraging eQTL data was employed to identify the CRC-related causal genes. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA sequencing were employed to comprehensively investigate the shared gene signature and potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of both RA and CRC. Predictive analysis of the shared hub gene in CRC immunotherapy response was performed. Pan-cancer analyses were conducted to explore the potential role of MYO9A in 33 types of human tumors., Results: MR analysis suggested that RA might be associated with a slight increased risk of CRC (Odds Ratio = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.01-1.07, P = 0.005). SMR analysis combining transcriptome analyses identified MYO9A as a causal gene in CRC and a shared gene signature in both RA and CRC. MYO9A may contribute to tumor suppression, while downregulation of MYO9A may impact CRC tumorigenesis by disrupting epithelial polarity and architecture, resulting in a worse prognosis in CRC. Additionally, MYO9A shows promise as a powerful predictive biomarker for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response in CRC. Pan-cancer analyses demonstrated MYO9A may have a protective role in the occurrence and progression of various human cancers., Conclusion: RA might be associated with a slight increased risk of CRC. MYO9A is a shared gene signature and a potential immune-related therapeutic target for both CRC and RA. Targeting the MYO9A-mediated loss of polarity and epithelial architecture could be a novel therapeutic approach for CRC., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Neuropeptides are crucial in regulation of a rich variety of developmental, physiological, and behavioral functions throughout the life cycle of insects. Using an integrated approach of multiomics, we identified neuropeptide precursors in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, which is a harmful pest of honeybee hives with a worldwide distribution. Here, a total of 63 and 67 neuropeptide precursors were predicted and annotated in the G. mellonella genome and transcriptome, in which 40 neuropeptide precursors were confirmed in the G. mellonella peptidome. Interestingly, we identified 12 neuropeptide precursor genes present in G. mellonella but absent in honeybees, which may be potential novel pesticide target sites. Honeybee hives were contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, enabling its bioaccumulation in G. mellonella bodies through the food chain, we performed transcriptome sequencing to analyze the effects of Pb stress on the mRNA expression level of G. mellonella neuropeptide precursors. After treatment by Pb, the expression of neuropeptide F1 was found to be significantly downregulated, implying that this neuropeptide might be associated with responding to the heavy metal stress in G. mellonella. This study comprehensively identified neuropeptide precursors in G. mellonella, and discussed the effects of heavy metals on insect neuropeptides, with the example of G. mellonella. The results are valuable for future elucidation of how neuropeptides regulate physiological functions in G. mellonella and contribute to our understanding of the insect's environmental plasticity and identify potential new biomarkers to assess heavy metal toxicity in insects., (© 2023 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

Forests, the largest terrestrial carbon sinks, play an important role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Although forest attributes and environmental factors have been shown to impact aboveground biomass, their influence on biomass stocks in species-rich forests in southern China, a biodiversity hotspot, has rarely been investigated. In this study, we characterized the effects of environmental factors, forest structure, and species diversity on aboveground biomass stocks of 30 plots (1 ha each) in natural forests located within seven nature reserves distributed across subtropical and marginal tropical zones in Guangxi, China. Our results indicate that forest aboveground biomass stocks in this region are lower than those in mature tropical and subtropical forests in other regions. Furthermore, we found that aboveground biomass was positively correlated with stand age, mean annual precipitation, elevation, structural attributes and species richness, although not with species evenness. When we compared stands with the same basal area, we found that aboveground biomass stock was higher in communities with a higher coefficient of variation of diameter at breast height. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining forest structural diversity and species richness to promote aboveground biomass accumulation and reveal the potential impacts of precipitation changes resulting from climate warming on the ecosystem services of subtropical and northern tropical forests in China. Notably, many natural forests in southern China are not fully stocked. Therefore, their continued growth will increase their carbon storage over time., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.)

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of VC on SIMI in rats., Methods: In this study, the survival rate of high dose VC for SIMI was evaluated within 7 days. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Sham group, CLP group, and high dose VC (500 mg/kg i.v.) group. The animals in each group were treated with drugs for 1 day, 3 days or 5 days, respectively. Echocardiography, myocardial enzymes and HE were used to detect cardiac function. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) in serum were measured using ELISA kits. Western blot was used to detect proteins related to apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways., Results: High dose VC improved the survival rate of SIMI within 7 days. Echocardiography, HE staining and myocardial enzymes showed that high-dose VC relieved SIMI in rats in a time-dependent manner. And compared with CLP group, high-dose VC decreased the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins, while increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein. And compared with CLP group, high dose VC decreased phosphorylation levels of Erk1/2, P38, JNK, NF-κB and IKK α/β in SIMI rats. High dose VC increased the expression of the protein Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, whereas decreased the expression of P62 in SIMI rats. Finally, high dose VC attenuated phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR compared with the CLP group., Significance: Our results showed that high dose VC has a good protective effect on SIMI after continuous treatment, which may be mediated by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory, and promoting autophagy through regulating MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The analysis of optical spectra-emission or absorption-has been arguably the most powerful approach for discovering and understanding matter. The invention and development of many kinds of spectrometers have equipped us with versatile yet ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools for trace gas detection, isotope analysis, and resolving hyperfine structures of atoms and molecules. With proliferating data and information, urgent and demanding requirements have been placed today on spectrum analysis with ever-increasing spectral bandwidth and frequency resolution. These requirements are especially stringent for broadband laser sources that carry massive information and for dispersive devices used in information processing systems. In addition, spectrum analyzers are expected to probe the device's phase response where extra information is encoded. Here we demonstrate a novel vector spectrum analyzer (VSA) that is capable of characterizing passive devices and active laser sources in one setup. Such a dual-mode VSA can measure loss, phase response, and dispersion properties of passive devices. It also can coherently map a broadband laser spectrum into the RF domain. The VSA features a bandwidth of 55.1 THz (1260-1640 nm), a frequency resolution of 471 kHz, and a dynamic range of 56 dB. Meanwhile, our fiber-based VSA is compact and robust. It requires neither high-speed modulators and photodetectors nor any active feedback control. Finally, we employ our VSA for applications including characterization of integrated dispersive waveguides, mapping frequency comb spectra, and coherent light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Our VSA presents an innovative approach for device analysis and laser spectroscopy, and can play a critical role in future photonic systems and applications for sensing, communication, imaging, and quantum information processing., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The comorbidities between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders have been widely reported. However, the genetic correlations, causal relationships, and underlying mechanisms linking GERD to these disorders remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine the causality between GERD and 6 neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR were performed to test the robustness of our findings. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to assess the genetic correlation between these diseases as affected by heredity. Multiple bioinformatics tools combining two machine learning algorithms were applied to further investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these diseases. We found that genetically predicted GERD significantly increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. There might be a bidirectional relationship between GERD and insomnia. GERD has varying degrees of genetic correlations with AD, ALS, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and depressive disorder. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the hub shared genes and the common pathways between GERD and 6 neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Our findings demonstrated the complex nature of the genetic architecture across these diseases and clarified their causality, highlighting that treatments for the cure or remission of GERD may serve as potential strategies for preventing and managing neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Cohort studies have linked metabolic syndrome (MetS) to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk. We aimed to evaluate the associations between MetS, its components, and combinations of MetS components with eight GI cancers risk., Methods: We conducted a systematic search of prospective cohort studies and performed a meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses regarding diagnostic criteria, sex, cancer sites, histological subtypes, ethnic groups, and studies adjusted for alcohol consumption were carried out. Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to evaluate the causality between 17 MetS-related traits and eight GI cancers among Europeans and Asians separately., Results: Meta-analyses of 31 prospective studies indicated that MetS was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.12-1.15]), esophageal cancer (EC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.03-1.32]), gallbladder cancer (GBC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.37[1.10-1.71]), liver cancer (LC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.46 [1.29-1.64]), and pancreatic cancer (PaC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.20-1.30]), but not gastric cancer (GC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [0.96-1.28]). Regarding the associations between MetS components and GI cancers risk, the following associations showed statistical significance: obesity-CRC/LC/EC/, hypertriglyceridemia-LC/PaC, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-CRC/LC/GC/PaC, hyperglycemia-CRC/LC/PaC, and hypertension-CRC/LC/EC/PaC. Sex-specific associations were observed between individual MetS components on GI cancers risk. Among the top three common combinations in both sexes, obesity + HTN + hyperglycemia had the strongest association with CRC risk (RR [95% CI] = 1.54 [1.49-1.61] for males and 1.27 [1.21-1.33] for females). MR analyses revealed causality in 16 exposure-outcome pairs: waist-to-hip ratio/BMI/HbA1c-CRC; BMI/childhood obesity/waist circumference/T2DM/glucose-EC; BMI/waist circumference/cholesterol-LC; cholesterol/childhood obesity/waist circumference/HbA1c-PaC; and HbA1c-GBC. These results were robust against sensitivity analyses., Conclusions: Since MetS is reversible, lifestyle changes or medical interventions targeting MetS patients might be potential prevention strategies for GI cancers., (© 2024 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Quaternary ammonia compounds (QAC), such as hexadecyltrimethyl-ammonium (CTAB), are widely used as disinfectants and in personal-care products. Their use as disinfectants grew during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, leading to increased loads to wastewater treatment systems and the environment. Though low concentrations of CTAB are biodegradable, high concentrations are toxic to bacteria. Sufficient O 2 delivery is a key to achieve high CTAB removal, and the O 2 -based Membrane Biofilm Reactor (O 2 -MBfR) is a proven means to biodegrade CTAB in a bubble-free, non-foaming manner. A strategy for achieving complete biodegradation of high-concentrations of CTAB is a two-stage O 2 -MBfR, in which partial CTAB removal in the Lead reactor relieves inhibition in the Lag reactor. Here, more than 98 % removal of 728 mg/L CTAB could be achieved in the two-stage MBfR, and the CTAB-removal rate was 70 % higher than for a one-stage MBfR with the same O 2 -delivery capacity. CTAB exposure shifted the bacterial community toward Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas as the dominant genera. In particular, P. alcaligenes and P. aeruginosa were enriched in the Lag reactor, as they were capable of biodegrading the metabolites of initial CTAB monooxygenation. Metagenomic analysis also revealed that the Lag reactor was enriched in genes for CTAB and metabolite oxygenation, due to reduced CTAB inhibition., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)