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Abstract The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)/Wingless (Wnt) axis is often dysregulated in digestive system tumors impacting critical cellular processes. Abnormal expression of specific Wnt-related lncRNAs such as LINC01606 (promotes motility), SLCO4A1-AS1 (promotes motility), and SH3BP5-AS1 (induces chemoresistance), plays a crucial role in these malignancies. These lncRNAs are promising targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy, offering new treatment perspectives. The lncRNAs, NEF and GASL1, differentially expressed in plasma show diagnostic potential for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cancer, respectively. Additionally, Wnt pathway inhibitors like XAV-939 have demonstrated preclinical efficacy, underscoring their therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively analyzes the lncRNA/Wnt axis, highlighting its impact on cell proliferation, motility, and chemoresistance. By elucidating the complex molecular mechanisms of the lncRNA/Wnt axis, we aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for digestive system tumors to pave the way for the development of targeted treatment strategies.

Liver regeneration (LR) is a complex process encompassing three distinct phases: priming, proliferation phase and restoration, all influenced by various regulatory factors. After liver damage or partial resection, the liver tissue demonstrates remarkable restorative capacity, driven by cellular proliferation and repair mechanisms. The essential roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), predominantly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNA), in regulating LR have been vastly studied. Additionally, the impact of ncRNAs on LR and their abnormal expression profiles during this process have been extensively documented. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that ncRNAs interact with genes involved in proliferation to regulate hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, along with liver progenitor cell proliferation and migration. Given the significant role of ncRNAs in LR, an in-depth exploration of their involvement in the liver's self-repair capacity can reveal promising therapeutic strategies for LR and liver-related diseases. Moreover, understanding the unique regenerative potential of the adult liver and the mechanisms and regulatory factors of ncRNAs in LR are crucial for improving current treatment strategies and exploring new therapeutic approaches for various liver-related diseases. This review provides a brief overview of the LR process and the ncRNA expression profiles during this process. Furthermore, we also elaborate on the specific molecular mechanisms through which multiple key ncRNAs regulate the LR process. Finally, based on the expression characteristics of ncRNAs and their interactions with proliferation-associated genes, we explore their potential clinical application, such as developing predictive indicators reflecting liver regenerative activity and manipulating LR processes for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract Background The traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause immediate multi-faceted function loss or paralysis. Microglia, as one of tissue resident macrophages, has been reported to play a critical role in regulating inflammation response during SCI processes. And transplantation with M2 microglia into SCI mice promotes recovery of motor function. However, the M2 microglia can be easily re-educated and changed their phenotype due to the stimuli of tissue microenvironment. This study aimed to find a way to maintain the function of M2 microglia, which could exert an anti-inflammatory and pro-repair role, and further promote the repair of spinal cord injury. Methods To establish a standard murine spinal cord clip compression model using Dumont tying forceps. Using FACS, to sort microglia from C57BL/6 mice or CX3CR1GFP mice, and further culture them in vitro with different macrophage polarized medium. Also, to isolate primary microglia using density gradient centrifugation with the neonatal mice. To transfect miR-145a-5p into M2 microglia by Lipofectamine2000, and inject miR-145a-5p modified M2 microglia into the lesion sites of spinal cord for cell transplanted therapy. To evaluate the recovery of motor function in SCI mice through behavior analysis, immunofluorescence or histochemistry staining, Western blot and qRT-PCR detection. Application of reporter assay and molecular biology experiments to reveal the mechanism of miR-145a-5p modified M2 microglia therapy on SCI mice. Results With in vitro experiments, we found that miR-145a-5p was highly expressed in M2 microglia, and miR-145a-5p overexpression could suppress M1 while promote M2 microglia polarization. And then delivery of miR-145a-5p overexpressed M2 microglia into the injured spinal cord area significantly accelerated locomotive recovery as well as prevented glia scar formation and neuron damage in mice, which was even better than M2 microglia transplantation. Further mechanisms showed that overexpressed miR-145a-5p in microglia inhibited the inflammatory response and maintained M2 macrophage phenotype by targeting TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Conclusions These findings indicate that transplantation of miR-145a-5p modified M2 microglia has more therapeutic potential for SCI than M2 microglia transplantation from epigenetic perspective. Graphical Abstract

Liver fibrosis is an important step in the transformation of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis and liver cancer, and structural changes and functional disorders of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are early events in the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the key regulatory genes of endothelial dysfunction in the process of liver fibrosis to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we identified 230 common differentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) by analyzing transcriptomic data of primary LSECs from three different liver fibrosis mouse models (carbon tetrachloride; choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined diet; and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Enrichment analysis revealed that the Co-DEGs were mainly involved in regulating the inflammatory response, immune response, angiogenesis, formation and degradation of the extracellular matrix, and mediating chemokine-related pathways. A Venn diagram analysis was used to identify 17 key genes related to the progression of liver cirrhosis. Regression analysis using the Lasso–Cox method identified genes related to prognosis among these key genes: SOX4, LGALS3, SERPINE2, CD52, and LPXN. In mouse models of liver fibrosis (bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride), all five key genes were upregulated in fibrotic livers. This study identified key regulatory genes for endothelial dysfunction in liver fibrosis, namely SOX4, LGALS3, SERPINE2, CD52, and LPXN, which will provide new targets for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial dysfunction in LSECs and liver fibrosis.

In order to explore the application value of different grape varieties in fruit beer brewing and their effects on beer quality, we studied the effects of addition of different levels (30% and 40%, V/V) of Syrah or Merlot grape mashes on the aroma, physical and chemical indexes and antioxidant activity of fruit beer. Besides, grape beer with better quality was determined by sensory evaluation. The results showed that both grape varieties increased the concentration and antioxidant properties of phenols including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, ferric and cupric ion reducing power abilities, and significantly elevated the acidity and alcohol concentration of beer. The beer made with the addition of 30% Syrah or 40% (V/V) Merlot exhibited the highest content of aroma compounds, which increased by 190.55% and 152.65%, respectively, when compared with the control group. Sensory evaluation showed that the beer made with the addition of 30% Syrah tasted best. In general, the addition of different varieties of grape mashes had a positive effect on improving beer quality and aroma, which could become an important direction for the development of diversified beer products in the future.

Background Insulin resistance (IR) is the key pathological basis of many metabolic disorders. Lack of asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) decreased the serum lipid levels and reduced the risk of coronary artery disease. However, whether ASGR1 also participates in the regulatory network of insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism remains unknown. Methods The constructed ASGR1 knockout mice and ASGR1-/- HepG2 cell lines were used to establish the animal model of metabolic syndrome and the IR cell model by high-fat diet (HFD) or drug induction, respectively. Then we evaluated the glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in vivo and in vitro. Results ASGR1 deficiency ameliorated systemic IR in mice fed with HFD, evidenced by improved insulin intolerance, serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of IR index, mainly contributed from increased insulin signaling in the liver, but not in muscle or adipose tissues. Meanwhile, the insulin signal transduction was significantly enhanced in ASGR1-/- HepG2 cells. By transcriptome analyses and comparison, those differentially expressed genes between ASGR1 null and wild type were enriched in the insulin signal pathway, particularly in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling. Notably, ASGR1 deficiency significantly reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Conclusion The ASGR1 deficiency was consequentially linked with improved hepatic insulin sensitivity under metabolic stress, hepatic IR was the core factor of systemic IR, and overcoming hepatic IR significantly relieved the systemic IR. It suggests that ASGR1 is a potential intervention target for improving systemic IR in metabolic disorders.

This study utilized a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus to subject polypropylene fiber-reinforced foamed concrete (PPFRFC) to substantial deformation loading at high temperatures and strain rates. Based on experimental results, the study systematically investigated the coupled effects of temperature and strain rate on the dynamic mechanical behavior of PPFRFC across a broad range of strain rates (0.001 s−1 to 1300 s−1) and temperatures (25 °C–600 °C). The findings revealed that elevated temperatures significantly affected various mechanical parameters including peak stress, plateau stress, elastic modulus, densification strain, dynamic increase factor (DIF), and energy absorption. Notably, with increasing temperature, the strain rate amplified the peak stress, plateau stress, and energy absorption, whereas its influence on the elastic modulus diminished. Microstructural examination revealed the absence of notable cracks in the pore walls after high-temperatures exposure. However, degradation of the cement matrix results in a loose skeleton structure within the pore walls, leading to a considerable reduction in material strength. Finally, a constitutive model was developed, considering the coupling effects of temperature and strain rate. This model accurately describes the mechanical response of the PPFRFC across various stages, including the elastic, plateau, and densification stages, as well as the stress drop behavior in the transition stage. Moreover, it effectively reflects the influence of strain rate and temperature coupling effects on the material's mechanical properties.

Recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics have improved our understanding of lysine acetylation in proteins, including histones and non-histone proteins. Lysine acetylation, a reversible post-translational modification, is catalyzed by lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and lysine deacetylases (KDACs). Proteins comprising evolutionarily conserved bromodomains (BRDs) recognize these acetylated lysine residues and consequently activate transcription. Lysine acetylation regulates almost all cellular processes, including transcription, cell cycle progression, and metabolic functions. Studies have reported the aberrant expression, translocation, and mutation of genes encoding lysine acetylation regulators in various cancers, including digestive tract cancers. These dysregulated lysine acetylation regulators contribute to the pathogenesis of digestive system cancers by modulating the expression and activity of cancer-related genes or pathways. Several inhibitors targeting KATs, KDACs, and BRDs are currently in preclinical trials and have demonstrated anti-cancer effects. Digestive tract cancers, including encompass esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers, represent a group of heterogeneous malignancies. However, these cancers are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage owing to the lack of early symptoms and are consequently associated with poor 5-year survival rates. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers for early detection, as well as to accurately predict the clinical outcomes and identify effective therapeutic targets for these malignancies. Although the role of lysine acetylation in digestive tract cancers remains unclear, further analysis could improve our understanding of its role in the pathogenesis of digestive tract cancers. This review aims to summarize the implications and pathogenic mechanisms of lysine acetylation dysregulation in digestive tract cancers, as well as its potential clinical applications.

The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in tumors, particularly in gastrointestinal tumors, has gained significant attention. Accumulating evidence underscores the interaction between various lncRNAs and diverse molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. One such pivotal pathway is the PI3K/AKT pathway, which serves as a crucial intracellular mechanism maintaining the balance among various cellular physiological processes for normal cell growth and survival. Frequent dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer, along with aberrant activation, plays a critical role in driving tumorigenesis. LncRNAs modulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through diverse mechanisms, primarily by acting as competing endogenous RNA to regulate miRNA expression and associated genes. This interaction significantly influences fundamental biological behaviors such as cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Abnormal expression of numerous lncRNAs in gastrointestinal tumors often correlates with clinical outcomes and pathological features in patients with cancer. Additionally, these lncRNAs influence the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy in multiple types of gastrointestinal tumors through the abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal tumors and potential therapeutic targets. However, gastrointestinal tumors remain a significant global health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates of gastrointestinal tumors over recent decades. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research on the interactions of lncRNA and the PI3K/AKT pathway in gastrointestinal tumor development. Additionally, it focuses on the functions of lncRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway in carcinogenesis, exploring expression profiles, clinicopathological characteristics, interaction mechanisms with the PI3K/AKT pathway, and potential clinical applications.

Lignin, with its carbon content of up to 60%, can be an ideal precursor for the preparation of carbon materials. Carbonaceous materials obtained from lignin can be transformed into porous and structural morphologies at different scales, providing a biomass approach to energy conversion and storage in batteries. Focusing on lignin-derived carbon materials, this paper summarizes the different morphologies and structures of lignin-based carbon obtained through different preparation methods, and the different electrochemical properties exhibited by these materials as electrode materials for rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulphur batteries, etc.). In addition, the development prospects and challenges of lignin-based carbon materials in the field of rechargeable batteries are summarized, providing ideas for the next step in the design and development of high-performance lignin-based carbon-based electrode materials.

Abstract Disturbance observer‐based control method has achieved good results in the car‐following scenario of intelligent and connected vehicle (ICV). However, the gain of conventional extended disturbance observer (EDO)‐based control method is usually set manually rather than adjusted adaptively according to real time traffic conditions, thus declining the car‐following performance. To solve this problem, a car‐following strategy of ICV using EDO adjusted by reinforcement learning is proposed. Different from the conventional method, the gain of proposed strategy can be adjusted by reinforcement learning to improve its estimation accuracy. Since the “equivalent disturbance” can be compensated by EDO to a great extent, the disturbance rejection ability of the car‐following method will be improved significantly. Both Lyapunov approach and numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Abstract Aims Frequent and extensive within-day glycemic variability (GV) in blood glucose levels may increase the risk of hypoglycemia and long-term mortality in hospitalized patients with diabetes. We aimed to assess the amplitude and frequency of within-day GV in inpatients with type 2 diabetes and to explore the factors influencing within-day GV. Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study by analyzing hospital records and 10-day real-time continuous glucose monitoring data. Within-day GV was assessed using the coefficient of variation (%CV). The primary outcome was the amplitude and frequency of within-day GV. The frequency of within-day GV was assessed by the consecutive days (CD) of maintaining within the target %CV range after first reaching it (CD after first reaching the target) and the maximum consecutive days of maintaining within the target %CV range (Max-CD). The target %CV range was less than 24.4%. We evaluated the factors influencing within-day GV using COX regression and Poisson regression models. Results A total of 1050 cases were analyzed, of whom 86.57% reduced the amplitude of within-day GV before the sixth day of hospitalization. Of the 1050 hospitalized patients, 66.57% stayed within the target %CV range for less than two days after first reaching the target and 69.71% experienced a Max-CD of fewer than four days. Reducing the average postprandial glucose excursion (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77–0.85; incidence rate ratios [IRR]: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.69–0.74) and the use of α-glucosidase inhibitors (IRR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18) and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (IRR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.65) contributed to reducing the amplitude and decreasing the frequency of within-day GV. However, the use of insulin (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.55–0.75; IRR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93) and glinide (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31–0.73; IRR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.97) may lead to an increased frequency of within-day GV. Conclusions An increasing frequency of within-day GV was observed during the hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes, despite the effective reduction in the amplitude of within-day GV. Using medications designed to lower postprandial blood glucose could contribute to minimize the risk of frequent within-day GV.

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) have been demonstrated to alleviate the adverse impacts of salt or low temperature on crop growth, especially for individual stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory effect of SiO2-NPs on plant performance under combined salt and low-temperature stress. Therefore, a phytotron experiment was performed to explore the effects of SiO2-NPs application (0, 50, 100, 200 mg L−1) on the plant growth, ionic content, antioxidant activities, photosynthetic parameters, and osmoregulator concentrations of cotton seedlings subjected to the combined stress of salinity (50, 100, and 150 mmol L−1 NaCl) and low temperature (day and night temperatures of 15 and 10 °C). The results indicated that the combinatorial stress strongly decreased the plant height and leaf area of cotton seedlings, and obviously suppressed the aboveground biomass by 10.26 %, 11.42 %, and 15.70 % with the increase in salinity. While SiO2-NPs application significantly increased the plant growth, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities, leaf water potential, K+, and proline contents, and reduced the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio of cotton seedlings under the combinatorial stress. However, the effects of SiO2-NPs on reduced glutathione, total soluble sugar and protein content, and peroxidase activity did not exhibit a clear pattern. The aboveground biomass of cotton seedlings subjected to the combinatorial stress was closely correlated with the Na+/K+ ratio, Na+ content, K+ content, proline content, SOD activity, and CAT activity, indicating that SiO2-NPs could alleviate the suppression of combinatorial stress on cotton seedling growth by decreasing the Na+/K+ ratio and increasing the antioxidant capacity.

BackgroundWithin-day glycemic variability (GV), characterized by frequent and significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels, is a growing concern in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia and potentially higher long-term mortality rates. Robust clinical evidence is needed to determine whether traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions can be a beneficial addition to the management of within-day GV in this patient population.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized data from adult inpatients diagnosed with T2DM admitted to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Kaifeng. The primary outcome investigated was the association between the use of TCM decoctions and improved stability of within-day GV. Blood glucose variability was assessed using the standard deviation of blood glucose values (SDBG). For each patient, the total number of hospitalization days with SDBG below 2 mmol/L was calculated to represent within-day GV stability. Hospitalization duration served as the secondary outcome, compared between patients receiving TCM decoctions and those who did not. The primary analysis employed a multivariable logistic regression model, with propensity score matching to account for potential confounding variables.ResultsA total of 1,360 patients were included in the final analysis. The use of TCM decoctions was significantly associated with enhanced stability of within-day GV (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.34–2.33, P < 0.01). This association was most prominent in patients with a diagnosis of deficiency syndrome (predominantly qi-yin deficiency, accounting for 74.8% of cases) and a disease duration of less than 5 years (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.21–4.29, P = 0.03). However, TCM decoctions did not exert a statistically significant effect on hospitalization duration among patients with T2DM (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91–1.01, P = 0.22).ConclusionThis study suggests that TCM decoctions may be effective in improving within-day GV stability in hospitalized patients with T2DM. This effect appears to be most pronounced in patients diagnosed with deficiency syndrome, particularly those with qi-yin deficiency and a shorter disease course. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Abstract Reservoirs exert a profound influence on the cycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in inland waters by altering flow regimes. Biological incubations can help to disentangle the role that microbial processing plays in the DOM cycling within reservoirs. However, the complex DOM composition poses a great challenge to the analysis of such data. Here we tested if the interpretable machine learning (ML) methodologies can contribute to capturing the relationships between molecular reactivity and composition. We developed time‐specific ML models based on 7‐day and 30‐day incubations to simulate the biogeochemical processes in the Three Gorges Reservoir over shorter and longer water retention periods, respectively. Results showed that the extended water retention time likely allows the successive microbial degradation of molecules, with stochasticity exerting a non‐negligible effect on the molecular composition at the initial stage of the incubation. This study highlights the potential of ML in enhancing our interpretation of DOM dynamics over time.

Summary: Approaches for detecting micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) released from intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) are vital for evaluating the safety of both IVIPs and their derived MNPs on human health, yet current understanding is limited. Here, we present a protocol for detecting polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MNPs by combining Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). We describe steps for collecting, pretreating, and measuring PVC MNPs released from IVIPs.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) refer to a type of non-protein-coding transcript of more than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs play fundamental roles in disease development and progression, and lncRNAs are dysregulated in many pathophysiological processes. Thus, lncRNAs may have potential value in clinical applications. The lncRNA, MAF BZIP Transcription Factor G (MAFG)-AS1, is dysregulated in several cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, esophagus cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioma. Altered MAFG-AS1 levels are also associated with diverse clinical characteristics and patient outcomes. Mechanistically, MAFG-AS1 mediates a variety of cellular processes via the regulation of target gene expression. Therefore, the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects of MAFG-AS1 have been widely explored. In this review, we discuss the expression, major roles, and molecular mechanisms of MAFG-AS1, the relationship between MAFG-AS1 and clinical features of diseases, and the clinical applications of MAFG-AS1.

Abstract The increasing needs for new types of computing lie in the requirements in harsh environments. In this study, the successful development of a non‐electrical neural network is presented that functions based on mechanical computing. By overcoming the challenges of low mechanical signal transmission efficiency and intricate layout design methodologies, a mechanical neural network based on bistable kirigami‐based mechanical metamaterials have designed. In preliminary tests, the system exhibits high reliability in recognizing handwritten digits and proves operable in low‐temperature environments. This work paves the way for a new, alternative computing system with broad applications in areas where electricity is not accessible. By integrating with the traditional electronic computers, the present system lays the foundation for a more diversified form of computing.

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, yet, its underlying pathogenesis and genetic characteristics are still unclear. Previous studies have suggested that NADH dehydrogenase 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) may affect tumor progression across various cancers. However, this effect on COAD has rarely been reported. Thus, this study investigated NDUFA4L2's prognostic and diagnostic relevance and explored its potential connection with immune cell infiltration in COAD. Methods: To achieve this, RNA sequencing data from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was analyzed to assess NDUFA4L2's prognostic value in COAD, and factors relevant to the prognosis of COAD, including NDUFA4L2, were scrutinized using Kaplan-Meier analyses as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression. A nomogram model was created to project prognosis based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was employed to pinpoint key NDUFA4L2-related pathways, and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) on TCGA data was employed to investigate the connections of NDUFA4L2 with cancer immune infiltrations. Results: Our findings revealed significant associations of high NDUFA4L2 expression with poor overall survival, progression-free interval, and disease-specific survival of COAD patients. GSEA indicated close links of NDUFA4L2 with several signaling pathways implicated in tumorigenesis, including extracellular matrix receptor interaction, the intestinal immune network for immunoglobulin A production, natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, pathways in cancer, cell adhesion molecules, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway, transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway, and chemokine signaling pathway. Additionally, ssGSEA identified a positive link between increased NDUFA4L2 expression and higher infiltration degree of various immune cells, such as immature dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells and dendritic cells. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings demonstrate the association of increased NDUFA4L2 expression with adverse prognosis and heightened immune cell infiltration in COAD patients.

Abstract Background Silicon nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) play a crucial role in plants mitigating abiotic stress. However, the regulatory mechanism of SiO2-NPs in response to multiple stress remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to reveal the regulatory mechanism of SiO2-NPs on the growth and photosynthesis in cotton seedlings under salt and low-temperature dual stress. It will provide a theoretical basis for perfecting the mechanism of crop resistance and developing the technology of cotton seedling preservation and stable yield in arid and high salt areas. Results The results showed that the salt and low-temperature dual stress markedly decreased the plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass of cotton seedlings by 9.58%, 15.76%, and 39.80%, respectively. While SiO2-NPs alleviated the damage of the dual stress to cotton seedling growth. In addition to reduced intercellular CO2 concentration, SiO2-NPs significantly improved the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of cotton seedling leaves. Additionally, stomatal length, stomatal width, and stomatal density increased with the increase in SiO2-NPs concentration. Notably, SiO2-NPs not only enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, but also slowed the decrease of maximum photochemical efficiency, actual photochemical efficiency, photochemical quenching of variable chlorophyll, and the increase in non-photochemical quenching. Moreover, SiO2-NPs enhanced the activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, improved leaf water potential, and decreased abscisic acid and malondialdehyde content. All the parameters obtained the optimal effects at a SiO2-NPs concentration of 100 mg L− 1, and significantly increased the plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass by 7.68%, 5.37%, and 43.00%, respectively. Furthermore, significant correlation relationships were observed between photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, stomatal length, stomatal width, stomatal density, chlorophyll content, maximum photochemical efficiency, actual photochemical efficiency, photochemical quenching of variable chlorophyll, and Rubisco activity. Conclusion The results suggested that the SiO2-NPs improved the growth and photosynthesis of cotton seedlings might mainly result from regulating the stomatal state, improving the light energy utilization efficiency and electron transport activity of PSII reaction center, and inducing the increase of Rubisco activity to enhance carbon assimilation under the salt and low-temperature dual stress.

Drought and salinity stress reduce root hydraulic conductivity of plant seedlings, and melatonin application positively mitigates stress-induced damage. However, the underlying effect of melatonin priming on root hydraulic conductivity of seedlings under drought–salinity combined remains greatly unclear. In the current report, we investigated the influence of seeds of three wheat lines’ 12 h priming with 100 μM of melatonin on root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and relevant physiological indicators of seedlings under PEG, NaCl, and PEG + NaCl combined stress. A previous study found that the combined PEG and NaCl stress remarkably reduced the Lpr of three wheat varieties, and its value could not be detected. Melatonin priming mitigated the adverse effects of combined PEG + NaCl stress on Lpr of H4399, Y1212, and X19 to 0.0071 mL·h−1·MPa−1, 0.2477 mL·h−1·MPa−1, and 0.4444 mL·h−1·MPa−1, respectively, by modulating translation levels of aquaporin genes and contributed root elongation and seedlings growth. The root length of H4399, Y1212, and X19 was increased by 129.07%, 141.64%, and 497.58%, respectively, after seeds pre-treatment with melatonin under PEG + NaCl combined stress. Melatonin -priming appreciably regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced accumulation of osmotic regulators, decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased K+ content in stems and root of H4399, Y1212, and X19 under PEG + NaCl stress. The path investigation displayed that seeds primed with melatonin altered the modification of the path relationship between Lpr and leaf area under stress. The present study suggested that melatonin priming was a strategy as regards the enhancement of root hydraulic conductivity under PEG, NaCl, and PEG + NaCl stress, which efficiently enhanced wheat resistant to drought–salinity stress.

Environmental pollution and energy crises have garnered global attention. The substantial discharge of organic waste into water bodies has led to profound environmental contamination. Photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) enabling the simultaneous removal of refractory contaminants and recovery of the chemical energy contained in organic pollutants provides a potential strategy to solve environmental issues and the energy crisis. This review will discuss the fundamentals, working principle, and configuration development of PFCs and photocatalytic microbial fuel cells (PMFCs). We particularly focus on the strategies for improving the wastewater treatment performance of PFCs/PMFCs in terms of coupled advanced oxidation processes, the rational design of high-efficiency electrodes, and the strengthening of the mass transfer process. The significant potential of PFCs/PMFCs in various fields is further discussed in detail. This review is intended to provide some guidance for the better implementation and widespread adoption of PFC wastewater treatment technologies.

With the development of urban engineering construction, the issue of construction engineering accidents has become more and more prominent. The geotechnical parameter interval obtained by using the traditional methods cannot meet the needs of actual engineering. Based on the idea of unsupervised learning, the peaty soil with the worst engineering properties is considered, and 8 physical indexes are selected as the input set. The principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is used to realize the dimensionality reduction of multi-sample and multi-parameter decoupling, and the correlation and sensitivity of each physical index is obtained. Combined with its correlation and sensitivity, the comprehensive evaluation value of physical indexes of peat soil with different buried depths is given. The k-means clustering is used to analyze the relationship among physical index, and comprehensive evaluation value and engineering characteristics of peaty soil provide a theoretical basis for the selection of geotechnical parameters. The supervised learning method-BP neural network algorithm is used to analyze the unsupervised results and verify the accuracy of the (PCA—k-means) algorithm model. The normal samples obtained by clustering analysis are optimized by a variety of truncation methods to obtain a reliable value range, and the value results are compared with the actual engineering values to verify the rationality of the model engineering parameters. The algorithm model is of good engineering application value. The research results can provide references for engineering investigation, design and construction parameter values, and also provide a new analysis method for geotechnical parameter value analyses.

Abstract Environmental exposure to ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can disturb the immune response. However, the evidence on adverse health effects caused by exposure to PAHs emitted from specific sources among different vulnerable subpopulations is limited. In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to evaluate whether exposure to source‐specific PAHs could increase systemic inflammation in older adults. The present study included community‐dwelling older adults and collected filter samples of personal exposure to PM2.5 during the winter of 2011. Blood samples were collected after the PM2.5 sample collection. We analyzed PM2.5 bound PAHs and serum inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. The Positive Matrix Factorization model was used to identify PAH sources. We used a linear regression model to assess the relative effects of source‐specific PM2.5 bound PAHs on the levels of measured inflammatory cytokines. After controlling for confounders, exposure to PAHs emitted from biomass burning or diesel vehicle emission was significantly associated with increased serum inflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation. These findings highlight the importance of considering exposure sources in epidemiological studies and controlling exposures to organic materials from specific sources.

Summary: Understanding the pathways of human exposure to micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is crucial for assessing their health impacts. Intravenous infusion can induce MNPs direct entry into the human blood, posing serious risks on human health, but remains unclear. Herein, we developed comprehensive analytical methods to detect polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MNPs down to 20 nm, and found about 0.52 μg equal to 105–1011 particles of PVC-MNPs released from intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) during each intravenous infusion of 250 mL injection. The released amounts of MNPs from IVIPs were dependent on the plastic materials, and the injection volume and composition. These findings indicated that the released MNPs should be directly introduced into the human blood circulatory system, causing serious impacts on human health. Our study reveals a previously ignored but important pathway of human exposure to MNPs, and calls for further research on the potential risks of these MNPs on human health.

Ice wine has prominent fruity sweetness and unique, rich aroma compared to wine. The sweetness was accumulating, the acidity and astringency tended to soften of grape berry during the freezing period. The process gave the ice wine balanced taste, with prominent honey sweetness, accompanied by refreshing alcoholic taste, soft acidity and astringency. Eleven key aroma compounds were identified in ice wine through GC–MS and ROAV values. The key aroma compounds were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient and fragrance mechanism were speculated. Ethyl acetate and 1-octen-3-ol derived from the aroma of grape, are produced by anaerobic metabolism and lipoxygenase pathways of pyruvate and linoleic acid, respectively. Ester aromas, 2-phenylethanol and 2-methylbutanal were derived from the brewing process, were produced by octanoic acid, caproic acid, phenylalanine and isoleucine through lipid metabolism, Ehrlich pathway and Strecker pathway, respectively. Proposed corresponding control methods based on factors that affect the formation of ice wine aromas.

The interactions among circRNAs, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and their downstream effectors are intricately linked to their functional roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis has been significantly implicated in the context of digestive system tumors. This axis is frequently abnormally activated in digestive cancers, including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. Moreover, the overactivation of the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis promotes tumor cell proliferation, suppresses apoptosis, enhances invasive and metastatic capabilities, and contributes to drug resistance. In this regard, gaining crucial insights into the complex interaction between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway holds great potential for elucidating disease mechanisms, identifying diagnostic biomarkers, and designing targeted therapeutic interventions.

Lignin depolymerized phenolic compounds and biofuel precursors are ideal value-added products for lignin residues generated in biorefineries and modern paper pulp facilities. Hydrogenolysis of lignin is an efficient depolymerization method for the production of carbon-neutral sustainable fuels and platform chemicals. Lignin is underutilized due to its complex structure, mainly because of its complex interunit linkage crosslinks such as α-O-4, β-O-4, 4-O-5, and β-5. This paper centers on the hydrolysis reaction of three major ether bonds (α-O-4, β-O-4, 4-O-5) in lignin and lignin model compounds based on different catalysts for hydrogenative degradation and catalytic systems. The methods and strategies to inhibit the condensation reactions are summarized. In particular, density functional theory calculation of the reaction pathways are combined with isotopically labeled reaction pathways to deeply analyze the hydrogenation degradation mechanism of biomass and further improve the yield of monophenols during the hydrogenation degradation of lignin. Finally, a brief summary of the challenges and prospects of lignin hydrogenation degradation is proposed.

Lignin is one of the important components of lignocellulosic cell walls, which endows plant cell walls with rigidity and strength and protects them from microbial invasion. The presence of lignin is thought to hinder the conversion of biomass to bioenergy, so understanding enzyme-lignin interactions is very important in order to reduce the inhibition of lignin and improve the hydrolysis yields. Conversion of lignocellulosic raw materials into bioethanol is divided into pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation. In this paper, both pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose are described in detail. Finally, the reasons why lignin hinders enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, mainly from forming spatial barriers and interacting with cellulase, are discussed, and the influencing factors and mechanisms of action of cellulase hydrolysis are explored with a view to targeted regulation of lignin structure to improve lignocellulosic saccharification.

Lignocellulose is the main component of plants and has a wide range of sources. The high-value production of lignocellulose lies in the biorefinery of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The advantages and disadvantages of traditional lignocellulose pretreatment methods were summarized, and the effective pretreatment parameters were listed. As a green solvent system with excellent performance, deep eutectic solvents (DES) are considered to be the most potential biomass pretreatment system. Based on this, the new trend and progress of DES in lignocellulose pretreatment were reviewed, focusing on the effects of distinct kinds of lignocellulose raw materials, distinct components of DES, distinct reaction conditions and assisted by microwave ultrasound on the pretreatment of lignocellulose, and the recyclability of DES solution system was discussed. Finally, the application and development direction of DES in lignocellulose pretreatment are proposed and prospected.

The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution’s effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been established. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out in this study to investigate the connection between vision disorder and ambient particles (diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10)) and gaseous pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3)). Twelve relevant studies published by 26 February 2024 were identified in three databases. A pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, a substantially higher incidence of vision disorder was observed (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). No significant correlation existed between exposure to PM10, SO2 and CO and vision disorder. However, O3 exposure was negatively associated with vision disorder. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that PM2.5 exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and that children and adolescents were more susceptible to NO2 and PM2.5 than adults. Overall, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and NO2, may increase the incidence of vision disorder.

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy (ART) prolongs lifespan and decreases mortality of HIV infected patients. However, many patients do not achieve optimal immune reconstitution. The influence of non-optimal immune recovery on non-AIDS related diseases is not well defined in aged HIV-infected patients receiving ART.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, China to evaluate the association of an inadequate immunological response and non-AIDS diseases in HIV infected patients ≥60 years of age and virally suppressed for at least 2 years by ART.ResultsThe study included patients (n = 666) who initiated ART between August 2009 and December 2020. The prevalence of patients with an inadequate immunological response was 29.6%. The percentage of non-AIDS diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, tumor, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was 32.9, 9.9, 31, 4.1, and 13%, respectively. In addition to baseline CD4+ T cell counts, CVD and tumor were associated with poor immune reconstitution in aged Chinese HIV-1 infected patients. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were AOR 2.45 (95% CI: 1.22–4.93) and 3.06 (95% CI: 1.09–8.56, p = 0.03). Inadequate immunological response was associated with greater mortality (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.42–5.67, p = 0.003) in this cohort.ConclusionThese results tend to demonstrate appropriate drug selection at ART initiation and prevention of non-AIDS complications during ART decreased mortality of and an inadequate immunological response in aged HIV infected patients.

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug in clinical cancer treatment, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A correct understanding of the mechanisms leading to a low or lack of sensitivity of HCC to 5-FU-based treatment is a key element in the current personalized medical treatment.Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze the expression profiles of the cancer cell line from GDSC2 to identify 5-FU-related modules and hub genes. According to hub genes, HCC was classified and the machine learning model was developed by ConsensusClusterPlus and five different machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, we performed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis on the genes in our model.Results: A total of 19 modules of the cancer cell line were divided by WGCNA, and the most negative correlation with 5-FU was the midnight blue module, from which 45 hub genes were identified. HCC was divided into three subgroups (C1, C2, and C3) with significant overall survival (OS) differences. OS of C1 was the shortest, which was characterized by a high clinical grade and later T stage and stage. OS of C3 was the longest. OS of C2 was between the two subtypes, and its immune infiltration was the lowest. Five out of 45 hub genes, namely, TOMM40L, SNRPA, ILF3, CPSF6, and NUP205, were filtered to develop a risk regression model as an independent prognostic indicator for HCC. The qRT-PCR results showed that TOMM40L, SNRPA, ILF3, CPSF6, and NUP205 were remarkably highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma.Conclusion: The HCC classification based on the sensitivity to 5-FU was in line with the prognostic differences observed in HCC and most of the genomic variation, immune infiltration, and heterogeneity of pathological pathways. The regression model related to 5-FU sensitivity may be of significance in individualized prognostic monitoring of HCC.