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Dimethyl sulfur compounds including dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), play a crucial part in global sulfur cycling. The eastern Indian Ocean (EIO), characterized by its remarkable diversity of biomes and climate dynamics, is integral to global climate regulation. However, the regulation mechanism of DMS (P, O) in the EIO remains to be elucidated in detail. This paper presented a field survey aimed at investigating the spatial distribution of DMS (P, O) and their relationships with environmental and biological factors in the EIO. The surface concentrations of DMS, DMSPt, and DMSOt varied from 0.07 to 7.37 nmol/L, 0.14 to 9.17 nmol/L, and 0.15 to 3.32 nmol/L, respectively, and their distributions are attributed to high Chl-a concentration near Sri Lanka and the influence of ocean currents (Wyrtki jets, Bay of Bengal runoff). Higher concentrations of DMS (P) and DMSOt were predominantly observed in water columns shallower than 75m and deeper than 75m deep, respectively. The monthly DMS fluxes in the study area peaked in August. Temperature and Dissolved Silica Index (DSI) were the key environmental determinants for DMS distribution, while nitrate (NO3-) was the primary factor for both DMSPt and DMSOt. In terms of biological factors, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were significant contributors to DMS (P, O) dynamics. Synechococcus was the dominant influence on the DMS source and DMSPt sink, whereas Prochlorococcus primarily consumed DMSOt. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed the relationship between DMS, DMSPt, DMSOt, and the key environmental/biological factors, as well as among them, and together they formed a co-regulatory network in the EIO. This contributes significantly to the advancement of global ecosystem models for DMS (P, O).

The Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) is an ideal region to explore the variability and controlling mechanisms of the seawater carbonate system and their potential influence on global climate change due to the distinctive environmental features, while studies in the EIO is far from sufficient. The spatiotemporal distributions of pH, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), alkalinity (Alk), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) were investigated in the EIO during autumn 2020 and spring 2021. The respective quantitative contributions of different controlling processes to DIC were further delineated. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the study area. Overall, the surface pH was lower and DIC, Alk, and pCO2 were higher during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020. The pH generally decreased from east to west during autumn 2020, whereas it decreased from north to south during spring 2021. The low values of DIC and Alk that were detected in the Bay of Bengal in these two seasons were mainly attributed to the influence of river inputs. Coastal upwelling during monsoon periods led to higher pCO2 and DIC values near Sumatra and Sri Lanka during spring 2021. The relationships of carbonate system parameters with different types of nutrients and different sized chlorophyll-a in the two seasons indicated the shifts of nutrients utilized by the phytoplankton, and phytoplankton species dominated the carbonate system variabilities. In vertical profiles, carbonate system parameters showed strong correlations with other physical and biogeochemical parameters, and these correlations were more robust during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020. The average sea–air flux of CO2 was 10.00 mmol m−2 d−1 during autumn 2020 and was 16.00 mmol m−2 d−1 during spring 2021, which revealed that the EIO served as a CO2 source during the study period. In addition, the separation of different controlling processes of DIC indicated stronger mixing processes, less CaCO3 precipitation, more intensive sea–air exchange, and weaker photosynthesis during spring 2021 than during autumn 2020.

Abstract Background The criteria for surgical intervention after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastric cancer are unclear. We aimed to clarify the risk factors for residual cancer and lymph node metastasis after non-curative ESD and to identify recommendations for additional surgery. Methods We collected data on 133 consecutive patients who underwent additional surgery after non-curative ESD of early gastric cancer at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2013 to July 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to seek risk factors of residual cancer and lymph node metastasis. Results The incidence rates of residual cancer and lymph node metastasis were 13.5% (18/133) and 10.5% (14/133), respectively. There was neither residual tumor nor lymph node metastasis in 104 (78.2%) cases. Multivariate analyses elucidated that horizontal margin was an independent risk factor for local residual cancer, whereas lymphatic infiltration was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis. Patients with mixed histological types were more likely to suffer lymph node metastasis and further undergo additional surgery after non-curative ESD than pure histological type. Conclusions Additional gastrectomy with lymph node dissection was strongly recommended in patients with lymphatic infiltration after non-curative ESD of early gastric cancer. Patients with mixed histological type have a high propensity for lymph node metastasis and should be treated as a separate subtype.

Abstract For tumor treatment, the ultimate goal in tumor therapy is to eliminate the primary tumor, manage potential metastases, and trigger an antitumor immune response, resulting in the complete clearance of all malignant cells. Tumor microenvironment (TME) refers to the local biological environment of solid tumors and has increasingly become an attractive target for cancer therapy. Neutrophils within TME of gastric cancer (GC) spontaneously undergo ferroptosis, and this process releases oxidized lipids that limit T cell activity. Enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by di‐iodinated IR780 (Icy7) significantly increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, neutrophil ferroptosis can be triggered by increased ROS generation in the TME. In this study, a liposome encapsulating both ferroptosis inhibitor Liproxstatin‐1 and modified photosensitizer Icy7, denoted LLI, significantly inhibits tumor growth of GC. LLI internalizes into MFC cells to generate ROS causing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Simultaneously, liposome‐deliver Liproxstatin‐1 effectively inhibits the ferroptosis of tumor neutrophils. LLI‐based immunogenic PDT and neutrophil‐targeting immunotherapy synergistically boost the anti‐PD‐1 treatment to elicit potent TME and systemic antitumor immune response with abscopal effects. In conclusion, LLI holds great potential for GC immunotherapy.

Abstract Objectives Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are lymphocyte aggregates that play an anti‐tumor role in most solid tumors. However, the functions of TLS in gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (GNENs) remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and prognostic values of TLS in resected GNEN patients. Methods Haematoxylin–eosin, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiple fluorescent IHC staining were used to assess TLS to investigate the correlation between TLSs and clinicopathological characteristics and its prognostic value. Results Tertiary lymphoid structures were identified in 84.3% of patients with GNEN. They were located in the stromal area or outside the tumor tissue and mainly composed of B and T cells. A high density of TLSs promoted an anti‐tumor immune response in GNEN. CD15+ TANs and FOXP3+ Tregs in TLSs inhibited the formation of TLSs. High TLS density was significantly associated with prolonged recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of GNENs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that TLS density, tumor size, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage and World Health Organisation (WHO) classification were independent prognostic factors for OS, whereas TLS density, tumor size and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for RFS. Finally, OS and RFS nomograms were developed and validated, which were superior to the WHO classification and the TNM stage. Conclusion Tertiary lymphoid structures were mainly located in the stromal area or outside the tumor area, and high TLS density was significantly associated with the good prognosis of patients with GNEN. Incorporating TLS density into a nomogram may improve survival prediction in patients with resected GNEN.

BackgroundThis investigation sought to elucidate the correlations between alcohol intake and trajectories of fasting blood glucose (FBG) among American women in midlife.MethodsOur analysis was rooted in the foundational data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a comprehensive longitudinal study centered on US women during their midlife transition. We employed group-based trajectory modeling to chart the FBG trajectories spanning from 1996 to 2005. Employing logistic regression, we gauged the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to draw connections between initial alcohol consumption and FBG trajectory patterns, whilst controlling for predominant potential confounders.ResultsOur cohort comprised 2,578 women in midlife, ranging in age from 42 to 52, each having a minimum of three subsequent FPG assessments. We discerned two distinct FBG trajectories: a low-stable pattern (n = 2,467) and a high-decreasing pattern (n = 111). Contrasted with the low-stable group, our data showcased an inverse relationship between alcohol intake and the high-decreasing FBG trajectory in the fully adjusted model 3. The most pronounced reduction was evident in the highest tertile of daily servings of alcoholic beverages (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10–0.52, p

Tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) are a particular type of T cell subgroup, which stably reside in tissues and have been revealed to be the most abundant memory T cell population in various tissues. They can be activated in the local microenvironment by infection or tumor cells and rapidly clean them up to restore homeostasis of local immunity in gastrointestinal tissues. Emerging evidence has shown that tissue-resident memory T cells have great potential to be mucosal guardians against gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, they are considered potential immune markers for immunotherapy of gastrointestinal tumors and potential extraction objects for cell therapy with essential prospects in clinical translational therapy. This paper systematically reviews the role of tissue-resident memory T cells in gastrointestinal tumors and looks to the future of their prospect in immunotherapy to provide a reference for clinical application.

Grain can be stored for long periods under suitable storage conditions. The present study investigated the effects of cooling aeration on the intergranular air properties and grain quality of wheat stored in two squat silos during winter. In the first silo, 4759 tonnes of bulk wheat were downward-aerated in a suction-type way by four 11 kW centrifugal ventilation fans at an airflow rate of 10.1 m3/(h·t). The fans were firstly controlled by software based on a smart de-moisturization aeration model, and the grain bulk lost 0.8% moisture content (MC) and its average temperature was decreased by 5.8 °C. When the fans were then controlled using smart cooldown aeration model, the average bulk temperature decreased from 17.0 to 5.2 °C, and the average bulk MC was reduced by 0.6%. The cooling fronts moved predictably through the bulk layers during cooldown aeration, which consumed energy at a rate of 0.067 . In a second silo, 4,675 tonnes of wheat were also downward-aerated at 9.8 m3/(h·t) using smart cooldown aeration model and four 5.5 kW mixed-flow fans. There was a 0.7% MC loss and the average bulk temperature decreased by 6.7 °C. Except for the middle part (fourth and seventh) bulk layers, the other bulk layers in this silo had cooling fronts that moved at similar speeds. The energy consumed by cooldown aeration was 0.040kWh(t·∘C)−1 and 58% unit energy consumption was lowered when compared to a local grain squat silo with geosynclinal ventilation ducts under artificially controlled cooling-ventilation operations. The running conditions for the ventilation fans during cooldown aeration in the squat silos were verified. (i) The temperature difference between the grain bulk and ambient air was ≥ 4 °C. (ii) The humidity ratio of the grain bulk was higher than that of the ambient air. The equilibrium relative humidity of the intergranular air tended to decrease in both silos. After cooldown aeration, the wheat kernels had a higher water absorption rate and fatty acid value, retentive peak temperature of gelatinization, and a higher dough development time, protein network strength, and starch gelatinization rate. The proposed aeration control system has good application potential in squat silos used for grain storage.

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is conventionally believed to be a low productive, oligotrophic marine ecosystem, where the diazotroph communities presumed to play a vital role in adding “new” nitrogen through the nitrogen fixation process. However, the diazotroph communities in the oceanic region of the BoB are still poorly understood though it represents most of the seawater volume. The present study investigated a detailed account of the bacterioplankton community structure and distribution in the oceanic BoB during the winter monsoon using high throughput sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA and nifH genes. Our study observed diverse groups of bacterioplankton communities in the BoB including both cyanobacterial and non-cyanobacterial phylotypes. Cyanobacteria (Prochlorococcus spp. and Synechococcus spp.) and Proteobacteria (mainly α-, γ-, and δ-Proteobacteria) were the most abundant groups within the bacterial communities, possessing differential vertical distribution patterns. Cyanobacteria were more abundant in the surface waters, whereas Proteobacteria dominated the deeper layers (75 m). However, within the diazotroph communities, Proteobacteria (mainly γ-Proteobacteria) were the most dominant groups than Cyanobacteria. Function prediction based on PICRUSt revealed that nitrogen fixation might more active to add fixed nitrogen in the surface waters, while nitrogen removal pathways (denitrification and anammox) might stronger in deeper layers. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that temperature, salinity, and silicate were major environmental factors driving the distribution of bacterial communities. Additionally, phosphate was also an important factor in regulating the diazotroph communities in the surface water. Overall, this study provided detailed information on bacterial communities and their vital role in the nitrogen cycles in oligotrophic ecosystems.

Abstract Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is considered to be the leading cause for the failure of anti-angiogenesis therapy in advanced gastric cancer patients. In the present study, we investigate the role of tenascin-c (TNC) in the formation of VM in gastric cancer and found that TNC was upregulated in gastric cancer tissue than in the corresponding adjacent tissues and correlated with VM and poor prognosis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, knockdown of TNC significantly inhibited VM formation and proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, with a reduction in cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, TNC knockdown suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK and subsequently inhibited the process of EMT, both of which play an important role in VM formation. Our results indicated that TNC plays an important role in VM formation in gastric cancer. Combining inhibition of TNC and ERK may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit gastric cancer growth and metastasis and decrease antiangiogenic therapeutic resistance.

Abstract Background WD40 repeat (WDR)43 is an RNA-binding protein that belongs to the WDR domain protein family. Its biological function is largely unclear, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods In the present study, we searched the TCGA database and found the correlation between WDR43 and CRC. Subsequently, the high expression of WDR43 in human clinical samples of CRC was validated and we further examined the biological functions of it in CRC cells. Finally, we explored potential downstream proteins or pathways and established subcutaneous xenograft model to verify our findings. Results Immunohistochemistry of 16 patient specimens confirmed that the expression of WDR43 was elevated in CRC. WDR43 knockdown was shown to increase apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and reduce tumorigenesis in animal models. In addition, it was found that WDR43 knockdown inhibited vimentin (VIM) expression in CRC cells and overexpression of VIM can partially reverse the effects of WDR43 both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion In conclusion, the role of WDR43 in the occurrence and development of CRC was investigated in the present study. WDR43 may serve as a valuable biomarker and provide new options for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors originated from progenitor cells. As these tumors are predominantly non-functional, most of them display asymptomatic characteristics, making it difficult to be realized from early onset. Therefore, patients with pNETs are usually diagnosed with metastatic disease or at a late disease stage. The relatively low incidence also limits our understanding of the biological background of pNETs, which largely impair the development of new effective drugs. The fact that up to 10% of pNETs develop in patients with genetic syndromes have promoted researchers to focus on the gene mutations and driver mutations in MEN1, DAXX/ATRX and mTOR signaling pathway genes have been implicated in disease development and progression. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have further enriched our knowledge of the complex molecular landscape of pNETs, pointing out crucial roles of genes in DNA damage pathways, chromosomal and telomere alterations and epigenetic dysregulation. These novel findings may not only benefit early diagnosis of pNETs, but also help to uncover tumor heterogeneity and shape the future of translational medical treatment. In this review, we focus on the current molecular biology of pNETs and decipher how these findings may translate into future development of targeted therapy.

Measurements of different size-fractionated chlorophyll a concentrations (Chl a) of phytoplankton assemblages in situ are vital for advancing our understanding of the phytoplankton size structure and thus the marine biogeochemical cycle. In the present study, we thus made a comparative analysis of total and size-fractionated Chl a in the Yellow Sea (YS) and Western Pacific (WP). Our results suggest that the total Chl a was highly variable in the YS (averaging ~1.02 μg L−1) and was generally 3–4-fold more than that in the WP (averaging ~0.30 μg L−1). The pico-sized Chl a had a significant contribution to total Chl a in the WP (range 75–88%), while the average contributions of the nano-sized and pico-sized Chl a to total Chl a in the YS were 47 and 38%, respectively, suggesting that a majority of the total Chl a in the YS was associated with nano- and picophytoplankton. Moreover, we applied the generalized additive models (GAMs) to explore the relationships between the total Chl a and that contained in each of the three size classes. These GAMs relationships suggested a continuum from picophytoplankton dominated waters to large phytoplankton (cells> 2 μm) domination with increasing Chl a. Finally, we made a comparison of the total Chl a obtained with GF/F filters and that measured from size-fractionated filtration and revealed that their corresponding concentrations are in good agreement, indicating the size-fractionated filtration had no effect on total Chl a determination.

To examine the spatial pattern and controlling factors of the primary productivity (PP) of phytoplankton in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO), deck-incubation carbon fixation (a 14C tracer technique) and the related hydrographic properties were measured at 15 locations during the pre-summer monsoon season (February–April 2017). There are knowledge gaps in the field observations of PP in the EIO. The estimated daily carbon production rates integrated over the photic zone ranged from 113 to 817 mgC m–2 d–1, with a mean of 522 mgC m–2 d–1. The mixed-layer integrated primary production (MLD-PP) ranged from 29.0 to 303.7 mgC m–2 d–1 (mean: 177.2 mgC m–2 d–1). The contribution of MLD-PP to the photic zone-integrated PP (PZI-PP) varied between 19 and 51% (mean: 36%). Strong spatial variability in the carbon fixation rates was found in the study region. Specifically, the surface primary production rates were relatively higher in the Bay of Bengal domain affected by riverine flux and lower in the equatorial domain owing to the presence of intermonsoonal Wyrtki jets, which were characterized by a depression of thermocline and nitracline. The PZI-PP exhibited a linear (positive) relationship with nutrient values, but with no significance, indicating a partial control of macronutrients and a light limitation of carbon fixation. As evident from the vertical profiles, the primary production process mainly occurred above the nitracline depth and at high photosynthetic efficiency. Phytoplankton (>5 μm), including dinoflagellates, Trichodesmium, coccolithophores, and dissolved nutrients, are thought to have been correlated with primary production during the study period. The measured on-deck biological data of our study allow for a general understanding of the trends in PP in the survey area of the EIO and can be incorporated into global primary production models.

Comprising one of the major carbon pools on Earth, marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an essential role in global carbon dynamics. The objective of this study was to better characterize DOM in the eastern Indian Ocean. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, seawater samples were collected in October and November of 2020 from sampling stations in three subregions: the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, Southern Sri Lanka, and Western Sumatra. We calculated and evaluated different hydrological parameters and organic carbon concentrations. In addition, we used excitation emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to analyze the natural water samples directly. Parameters associated with chromophoric DOM did not behave conservatively in the study areas as a result of biogeochemical processes. We further evaluated the sources and processing of DOM in the eastern Indian Ocean by determining four fluorescence indices (the fluorescence index, the biological index, the humification index, and the freshness index β/α). Based on EEM-PARAFAC, we identified six components (five fluorophores) using the peak picking technique. Commonly occurring fluorophores were present within the sample set: peak A (humic-like), peak B (protein-like), peak C (humic-like), and peak T (tryptophan-like). The fluorescence intensity levels of the protein-like components (peaks B and T) were highest in the surface ocean and decreased with depth. In contrast, the ratio of the two humic-like components (peaks A and C) remained in a relatively narrow range in the bathypelagic layer compared to the surface layer, which indicates a relatively constant composition of humic-like fluorophores in the deep layer.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in the formation of the tumor microenvironment. The deposition of the ECM is associated with poor prognosis in a variety of tumors. Aberrant ECM deposition could undermine the effect of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, there is no systematic analysis on the relationship between the ECM and prognosis or chemotherapy effect. In the present study, we applied the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) algorithm to score 2199 canonical pathways in 2125 cases of probe or sequencing data and identified the core matrisome as the driving factor in gastric cancer progression. We classified gastric cancer samples into three clusters according to the composition of the ECM and evaluated clinical and multi-omics characterization of ECM phenotypes. The ECM score was evaluated by GSVA score of core matrisome and a higher ECM score predicted poor prognosis of gastric cancer [Hazard Ratio (HR), 2.084; p-value < 2 × 10−16]. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and KUGH, YUSH, and KUCM cohorts, we verified that patients with a low ECM score could benefit from chemotherapy. By contrast, patients with a high ECM score did not achieve satisfactory response from chemotherapy. Determining the characteristics of the ECM microenvironment might help to predict the prognosis and chemotherapy response of patients with gastric cancer, and help to resolve the enigma of chemoresistance acquisition, as well as providing inspiration to develop combination therapy.

Microbial communities are composed of many rare species and a few abundant species. Considering the disproportionate importance of rare species for ecosystem functioning, it is important to understand the mechanisms structuring the rare and abundant components of a diverse community in response to environmental changes. Here, we used a 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing approach to investigate the bacterial community diversity in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) during the monsoon and intermonsoon. We employed a phylogenetic null model and network analysis to evaluate the assembly processes and co-occurrence pattern of the microbial community. We found that higher bacterial diversity was detected in the intermonsoon with high temperature and low Chlorophyll a concentrations and N/P ratios. The balance between ecological deterministic processes and stochastic processes varied with seasons in the EIO. Meanwhile, conditionally rare taxa (CRT) were more likely modulated by variable selection processes than always rare taxa (ART) and abundant taxa (AT) (CRT > ART > AT). By linking assembly process and species co-occurrence, we demonstrated that the microbial co-occurrence associations tended to be higher when deterministic processes (mainly variable selection) were weaker. This negative trend was observed in rare species rather than abundant species. The linkage could enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms underpinning the generation and maintenance of microbial community diversity.

Abstract Background Peritoneal metastasis (PM) occurs frequently in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and confers poor survival. Lipid metabolism acts as a non‐negligible regulator in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for the metastasis of GC. As apolipoprotein C2 (APOC2) is a key activator of lipoprotein lipase for triglyceride metabolism, the exact mechanism of APOC2 remains largely unknown in GC. Methods Tandem mass tags identified differentially expressed proteins between human PM and GC tissues, and showed that APOC2 overexpressed in PM tissues, which was further confirmed by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Global gene expression changes were identified in APOC2 knockdown cells via RNA‐sequencing. The role of APOC2 in lipid metabolism of GC cells was assessed via the Seahorse XF analyzer and lipid staining assays. The biological role of APOC2 in GC cells was determined by 3D Spheroid invasion, apoptosis, colony formation, wound healing, transwell assay, and mouse models. The interaction between APOC2 and CD36 was analyzed by co‐immunoprecipitation and biolayer interferometry. The underlying mechanisms were investigated using western blot technique. Results APOC2 overexpressed in GC PM tissues. Upregulation of APOC2 correlated with a poor prognosis in GC patients. APOC2 promoted GC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation via CD36‐mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activation. Furthermore, APOC2‐CD36 axis upregulated EMT markers of GC cells via increasing the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Knockdown either APOC2 or CD36 inhibited the malignant phenotype of cancer cells, and delayed GC PM progression in murine GC models. Conclusion APOC2 cooperates with CD36 to induce EMT to promote GC PM via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. APOC2‐CD36 axis may be a potential target for the treatment of aggressive GC.

The influence of typhoon and Kuroshio intrusion process on the natural phytoplankton assemblages in the northeastern South China Sea (neSCS) was examined during a cruise in summer 2017. One hundred ninety-six seawater samples were collected and analyzed in the neSCS. In total, 299 species were identified belonging to 82 genera, mostly dominated by Bacillariophyta (159), followed by Dinophyta (132), Cyanophyta (4) and Chrysophyta (4). Among all, Thalassionema nitzschioides, Thalassionema frauenfeldii, Thalassiosira minima, in Bacillariophyta, Prorocentrum lenticulatum, Prorocentrum compressum in Dinophyta, and Trichodesmium thiebautii, in the Cyanophyta were the most dominated species, respectively. Correlation analysis shows compared with other groups Bacillariophyta was mostly influenced by silicate, whereas, Dinophyta and Cyanophyta showed significant correlation with temperature, salinity, phosphate, and nitrate. After the typhoon, the higher abundance of Dinophyta was observed, whereas it was lower in case of Bacillariophyta and Cyanophyta, shows typhoon “Roke“ and ”Haitang” had a significant influence on the phytoplankton assemblages, which could be manifested by the variations of total phytoplankton abundance in the surface water of neSCS. Overall, our present study provides the latest in-depth information about how the environmental factors influencing the phytoplankton density and diversity in the neSCS during summer.

Signet ring cell gastric carcinoma (SRCGC) is a poorly differentiated malignancy, and can be highly dangerous in the progression stage. There is a higher male to female ratio among patients with signet ring cell carcinoma as compared to patients with non-SRCGC. ERβ has been found to express in stomach adenocarcinoma, but how it affects tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we studied estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) to explore the role of sex-associated factors in SRCGC. We analyzed the clinicopathological statistics of patients with SRCGC, and conducted a series of in vitro experiments. Immunohistochemistry showed that patients with low ERβ expression were at risk of poor prognosis and higher T stage. In vitro assays indicated that ERβ might prevent SRCGC progression by inhibiting cell proliferation and invasiveness and by promoting anoikis. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR proved that the mTOR–Arpc1b/EVL signaling pathway might participate in the negative regulatory role of ERβ. In conclusion, our findings show that ERβ might inhibit the malignancy of signet ring cells in patients with SRCGC, indicating that ERβ might be a potential target in adjuvant treatment.

The variability of size-fractionated chlorophyll a (Chl a) biomass and related environmental variables was investigated in a survey conducted in the northeastern South China Sea (NESCS), to assess their responses to upwelling, Kuroshio, and nutrients in the summer of 2017. The depth-weighted total Chl a concentration varied from 0.057 to 0.496 μg/L. The contribution of size-fractionated Chl a to total Chl a biomass was determined, with the contributions of pico-Chl a (0.2–2 μm), nano-Chl a (2–20 μm), and micro-Chl a (>20 μm) found to be 52.87%, 38.54%, and 8.59%, respectively. We found that nano-Chl a contributes more to total-Chl a than pico-Chl a in areas affected by upwelling. In addition, the results indicated an upward shift in the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) content in the upwelling area and the Kuroshio intrusion area. The Chl a biomass was increased in the physical process. Overall, correlation analysis showed that environmental variables (temperature, salinity, phosphate, silicate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium) significantly influenced the phytoplankton biomass. However, physical processes determined the changes in environmental variables, with upwelling and Kuroshio being the main factors regulating the distribution of Chl a.

The phytoplankton sinking rate in the eastern Indian Ocean was measured during spring 2017 based on the SETCOL method. The range of phytoplankton sinking rates was −0.291 to 2.188 md−1, with an average of 0.420 ± 0.646 md−1. The phytoplankton sinking rate in the Equator (EQ) and the eastern boundary of the Indian Ocean near Sumatra (EB) was lower than that in the Bay of Bengal (BOB). The sinking rate above 100 m was low and increased rapidly below 100 m in all the three regions. The phytoplankton community composition had an important impact on the phytoplankton sinking rate in the east Indian Ocean. The strong stratification in BOB resulted in Trichodesmium spp. bloom and a lower phytoplankton diversity and evenness in BOB, while the phytoplankton in the deep layer are senescent cells that sink down from the upper layer and cannot actively regulate the state of the cells, resulting in a higher sinking rate. Depth and temperature have a great impact on the physiological state of phytoplankton. The sinking rate of phytoplankton depend on the dominant groups composing the phytoplankton community. For the eastern Indian Ocean, seawater stratification caused by temperature changes the distribution of nutrients in the upper layer, and phytoplankton are affected by temperature and nutrients, resulting in changes in community structure, and finally showing different subsidence characteristics.

Picophytoplankton (pico) in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) were investigated during the inter-monsoon periods. They were found to typically comprise Prochlorococcus (Pro), Synechococcus (Syn), and Picoeukaryotes (PEuks). In the survey area, the pico showed two different vertical distribution patterns in different regions, whereby the Syn abundance decreased with depth, whereas those of Pro and PEuks increased and then decreased with depth, with the maximum depths ranging from 50 to 100 m. The cell abundance and community structure of the pico were similar at the equator (EQ) and the eastern boundary of the Indian Ocean near Sumatra (EB), but the pico cell abundance was significantly lower in the Bay of Bengal (BOB). Pro dominated most regions of the entire EIO and were approximately one-to-two orders of magnitude more abundant than Syn and PEuks. The distributions of Syn and PEuks showed little difference across various regions. Influenced by the physicochemistry of circulation and water masses, there were many different environmental factors in the different regions. The abundance of pico domination by Pro showed a strong positive correlation with the nutrients and salinity in the survey area, indicating increasing nutrient availability, particularly in the oligotrophic EIO. Generalized additive models (GAMs) analysis showed the differences in their responses to environmental variability. Pro and PEuks both increased strongly with warming up to below 26 °C, and Pro and PEuks were more responsive to chemical (nutrient) variability. Syn showed a broader tolerance of low-salinity conditions. In a certain range, an increase in nitrite and nitric acid can improve the cell abundance of Pro. As a significant contributor to primary productivity in oligotrophic waters, this study provides essential information for studying pico communities in the EIO and its adjacent marine ecosystems.

In order to better understand the effects of environmental factors and water mixing on the phytoplankton community structure in the Bay of Bengal, a field investigation was conducted from October to December 2016. A total of 276 species from 68 genera were identified, including Bacillariophyta (81 species), Miozoa (188 species), Cyanobacteria (four species), and Ochrophyta (three species). The abundance and distribution of dominant cyanobacteria gradually decreased along the latitude. This is evidenced in the vertical direction, which shows that cyanobacteria were affected by changes in environmental factors caused by the vertical mixing of seawater. The relationship between stratified N:P and phytoplankton also revealed that the changes in the vertical direction of the water deeply affected the phytoplankton community structure in the Bay of Bengal. The regions with strong vertical stratification were more favorable for the growth of cyanobacteria, while the regions with weak vertical stratification were more favorable for the growth of diatoms and dinoflagellates. According to the canonical correspondence analysis, nitrogen, silicates, phosphates, vertical stratification, and temperature were key control factors for phytoplankton communities. However, changes in these chemical parameters in the study area were also caused by the seawater cycle process.

G protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1) is a membrane estrogen receptor, belonging to the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors family, and has important biological functions in cancer. However, the functional role of GPER1 in gastric cancer (GC) remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we employed gene set enrichment analysis and discovered that GPER1 expression was concomitant with EMT process and was positively correlated with activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in GC. Knockdown of GPER1 with siRNA suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS and MGC-803 GC cells. Knockdown of GPER1 also downregulated the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin, upregulated E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, and suppressed expression of the Snail, Slug and Twist1 transcription factors, indicating that knockdown of GPER1 inhibited EMT. Moreover, 740Y-P, a PI3K activator, reversed the effects of GPER1 knockdown on EMT processes. Overexpression of GPER1 with plasmid can further prove these findings. In summary, these data demonstrate that GPER1 inhibition suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT-mediated EMT. Our study elucidated the function of GPER1 in gastric cancer, and we identified PI3K/AKT-mediated EMT as a novel mechanism by which GPER1 contributes to proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer. These data suggest that combining inhibition of GPER1 and PI3K may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit gastric cancer metastasis.

Shifts in phytoplankton phenology were observed in the Strait of Malacca (SM) and Sunda Shelf (SS), which were speculated to be potentially related to global warming and climate anomaly events. Such interactions between phytoplankton structure and physico-chemical factors were less known in narrow straits. Therefore, the spatial distribution pattern and diversity of surface phytoplankton assemblage, local hydrology, and nutrient regimes were investigated over the SM and SS (South China Sea, SCS) during 2017 and 2018 pre-monsoon season (spring). Diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria were representatives of microphytoplankton in the survey area. Total phytoplankton abundance peaked near Singapore Strait (SGS) and diminished toward SS. From the lower ratio of diatoms to dinoflagellates (

Phytoplankton are the basis of primary production and play important roles in regulating energy export in marine ecosystems. Compared to other regions, chromophytic phytoplankton are considerably understudied in the Bay of Bengal (BOB). Here, we investigated community structure and spatial distribution of chromophytic phytoplankton in the BOB by using RuBisCO genes (Form ID rbcL). High throughput sequencing of rbcL genes revealed that diatoms, cyanobacteria (Cyanophyceae), Pelagophyceae, Haptophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Eustigamatophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Dictyochophyceae, and Pinguiophyceae were the most abundant groups recovered in the BOB. Abundances and distribution of diatoms and Pelagophyceae were further verified using quantitative PCR analyses which showed the dominance of these groups near the Equator region (p < 0.01) where upwelling was likely the source of nutrients. Further, redundancy analysis demonstrated that temperature was an important environmental driver in structuring distributions of Cyanophyceae and dominant chromophytic phytoplankton. Morphological identification and quantification confirmed the dominance of diatoms, and also detected other cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates that were missing in our molecular characterizations. Pearson’s correlations of these morphologically identified phytoplankton with environmental gradients also indicated that nutrients and temperature were key variables shaping community structure. Combination of molecular characterization and morphological identification provided a comprehensive overview of chromophytic phytoplankton. This is the first molecular study of chromophytic phytoplankton accomplished in the BOB, and our results highlight a combination of molecular analysis targeting rbcL genes and microscopic detection in examining phytoplankton composition and diversity.

Adherence to TB treatment is the most important requirement for efficient TB control. Migrant TB patients' "migratory" nature affects the adherence negatively, which presents an important barrier for National TB Control Program in China. Therefore, TB control among migrants is of high importance.The aim of this study is to describe adherence to TB treatment among migrant TB patients and to identify factors associated with adherence. A total of 12 counties/districts of Shandong Province, China were selected as study sites. 314 confirmed smear positive TB patients were enrolled between August 2(nd) 2008 and October 17(th) 2008, 16% of whom were non-adherent to TB therapy. Risk factors for non-adherence were: the divorced or bereft of spouse, patients not receiving TB-related health education before chemotherapy, weak incentives for treatment adherence, and self supervision on treatment. Based on the risk factors identified, measures are recommended such as implementing health education for all migrant patients before chemotherapy and encouraging primary care workers to supervise patients.

Principal component analysis is applied to analyze the horizontal component of geomagnetic data for the Panzhihua Ms 6.1 earthquake. We investigate temporal variations in eigenvalues and find that only the first principal component has good correlation with the Ap index for which the cross-correlation correlation R is larger than 0.6, which may imply solar-terrestrial activity. Both the second and third principal components show clear daily variation, being high during work hours and low at night and on weekends. The mean eigenvalue of the third component at night (00:00-04:00 LT) increased about 40 days before the earthquake and returned to normal 10 days before the earthquake. These features are likely to be correlated with the earthquake.