RESUMEN

The regulation of intracellular ionic homeostasis to trigger antigen-specific immune responses has attracted extensive interest in tumor therapy. In this study, we developed a dual-pathway nanoreactor, Au-Cu2-xSe@ZIF-8@P18 NPs (ACS-Z-P NPs), which targets danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and releases Zn2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Zn2+ released from the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was deposited in the cytoplasm, leading to aberrant transcription levels of intracellular zinc-regulated proteins and DNA damage, thereby inducing pyroptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) dependent on caspase1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway. Furthermore, upon laser irradiation, ACS-Z-P NPs could break through the limitations of inherent defects of immunosuppression in TME, enhance ROS generation through a Fenton-like reaction cascade, which subsequently triggered the activation of inflammatory vesicles and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). This cascade effect led to the amplification of pyroptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby remodeling the immunosuppressed TME. Consequently, this process improved dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation and augmented anti-tumor T-cell responses, effectively initiating antigen-specific immune responses and further enhancing pyroptosis and ICD. This study explores the therapeutic properties of these mechanisms in detail. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : The synthesized Au-Cu2-xSe@ZIF-8@P18 nanoparticles (ACS-Z-Ps) can effectively enhance the body's immune response by regulating zinc ion levels within cells. This regulation leads to abnormal levels of zinc-regulated protein transcription and DNA damage, which induces cellular pyroptosis. As a result, antigen presentation to dendritic cells (DCs) is improved, and anti-tumor T-cell responses are enhanced. The ACS-Z-P NPs overcome the limitations of ROS deficiency and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment by using H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment through a Fenton-like reaction. This leads to an increased production of ROS and O2, remodeling of the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment, and enhanced induction of cell pyroptosis and immunogenic cell death. ACS-Z-P NPs targeted B16 cells using the photosensitizer P18 in combination with PDT treatment. This approach significantly inhibited the proliferation of B16 cells and effectively inhibited tumor growth.

RESUMEN

Nanozymes, serving as synthetic alternatives to natural enzymes, offer several benefits including cost-effectiveness, enzyme-like catalytic abilities, enhanced stability, adjustable catalytic activity, easy recyclability, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness. Nonetheless, the ongoing quest to develop nanozymes with enhanced activity and to delve into the catalytic mechanism remains a challenge. In our research, we effectively developed Au@CuO nanocomposites (Au@CuO Nc), replicating the functions of four enzymes found in nature: peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and oxidase (OXD). The catalytic efficiency of Au@CuO Nc for TMB oxidation (oxTMB) was approximately 4.8 times greater than that of plain Cu2O cubes, attributed to the synergistic catalytic impact between the Au element and Cu2O within Au@CuO Nc. Mechanistic studies revealed that the novel Au@CuO Nc nanozyme greatly enhances the decomposition of H2O2 to reactive oxygen species (ROS) intermediates (˙OH, ˙O2- and 1O2), resulting in increased POD-like activity of the single-component Cu2O cubes. When an antioxidant like TA was added to the chromogenic system, it converted oxTMB into a colorless form of TMB, enabling further evaluation of TA. Hence, a colorimetric sensor was developed for the rapid and precise quantitative measurement of TA, demonstrating strong linearity between 0.3 and 2.4 µM and featuring a low detection threshold of 0.25 µM. Moreover, this sensor was effectively utilized for the assessment of TA in actual tea samples. This work innovatively proposes a simplified and reliable strategy for the advanced design of highly effective Cu-based nanozymes, enhancing enzyme-like reactions for simultaneous, on-site colorimetric probing of antioxidants.

RESUMEN

The programmed cell death (PCD) pathway removes functionally insignificant, infection-prone, or potentially tumorigenic cells, underscoring its important role in maintaining the stability of the internal environment and warding off cancer and a host of other diseases. PCD includes various forms, such as apoptosis, copper death, iron death, and cellular pyroptosis. However, emerging solid-state electron-mediated Z-scheme heterostructured semiconductor nanomaterials with high electron-hole (e-h+) separation as a new method for inducing PCD have not been well studied. We synthesize the Bi2S3-Bi2O3-Au-PEG nanorods (BB-A-P NRs) Z-scheme heterostructured semiconductor has a higher redox capacity and biocompatibility. Firstly, the BB-A-P NRs are excited by near-infrared (NIR) light, which mimics the action of catalase by supplying oxygen (O2) and converting it to a single-linear state of oxygen (1O2) via e-h+ transfer. Secondly, they react with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water (H2O) in tumor to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH), inducing apoptosis. Intriguingly, the Caspase-1/Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent conventional pyroptosis pathway induced cellular pyroptosis activated by apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes the intense release of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to the inflammatory death of tumor cells. This, in turn, activates the immunological environment to achieve immunogenic cell death (ICD). BB-A-P enables computed tomography imaging, which allows for visualization of the treatment. BB-A-P activated dual PCD can be viewed as an effective mode of cell death that coordinates the intracellular environment, and the various pathways are interrelated and mutually reinforcing which shows promising therapeutic effects and provides a new strategy for eliminating anoxic tumors.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Research about feeding ecology of fish is important to understand individual behavior and population development, which is also the basic to analyze trophic structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Chaetrichthys stigmatias is one of the key species in the Haizhou Bay fisheries ecosystem, which has critical ecological niche within the food web. In this study, we collected samples through bottom trawl surveys during the fall of 2018 in the Haizhou Bay, and analyzed the feeding ecology of C. stigmatias based on both stomach content analysis and stable isotope technology. The results showed that the primary diet groups for C. stigmatias were Ophiuroidea and Shrimp, including Ophiothrix marenzelleri, Ophiopholis mirabilis, Ophiura sarsii, Penaeidae, and Alpheus japonicus. The range of δ13C values of C. stigmatias was from -19.39‰ to -15.74‰, with an average value of (-18.07±0.87)‰, which had no significant correlation with body length. The range of δ15N values was from 8.16‰ to 12.86‰, with an average value of (10.14±1.51)‰, which was positively correlated with body length. The trophic level of C. stigmatias showed a positive relationship with body length, with an average value of (3.74±0.34) and a range value of 3.32 to 4.20 among different size groups. The contribution rates of different prey groups varied significantly. Based on the structural equation modeling, we found that the feeding intensity of C. stigmatias was primally influenced by body length, sea bottom salinity, sea bottom temperature, and water depth, with a particularly signi-ficant positive correlation with body length. The combination of stable isotope technology and stomach content analysis methods could contribute to comprehensive understanding on the feeding ecology of C. stigmatias, providing essential data and foundation for research on trophic structures and resource conservation in the Haizhou Bay ecosystem.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of 11 nutritional components(thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, biotin, choline, L-carnitine) in liquid milk. METHODS: Milk samples were shaken with 20 mmol/L ammonium formate solution and heated in a water bath at 100 ℃ for 30 min, then incubated with papain and acid phosphatase at 45 ℃ for 16 h, the lower liquid was collected after centrifugation for analysis. UPLC separation was performed on an ACQUITY~(TM) HSS T3(3.0 mm×150 mm, 1.8 µm) column, 2 mmol/L ammonium formate(containing 0.1% formic acid) solution and acetonitrile(containing 0.1% formic acid) were used as mobile phase. Quantitative detection was performed by internal standard method. RESULTS: 11 nutritional components can be effectively separated and detected in 12 min, and the linear correlation coefficients(R~2) were all above 0.995. The limits of detection(LODs) were between 0.05 and 0.50 µg/L, and the limits of quantification(LOQs) were between 0.20 and 1.25 µg/L. The recovery rates of three-level addition were 85.6%-119.3%, and the precision RSDs were between 3.68% and 7.82%(n=6). Based on the detection of 60 liquid milk samples from 5 different animals, it was found that the contents of 11 nutrients in liquid milk from different milk sources were significantly different, but pyridoxine could not be detected. CONCLUSION: The method can quantitatively detect 11 water-soluble nutrients, including free and bound forms, by effective enzymolysis. It is sensitive, reproducible and can meet the needs of quantitative detection.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cuproptosis, a recently discovered copper-dependent cell death, presents significant potential for the development of copper-based nanoparticles to induce cuproptosis in cancer therapy. Herein, a unique ternary heterojunction, denoted as HACT, composed of core-shell Au@Cu2O nanocubes with surface-deposited Titanium Dioxide quantum dots and modified with hyaluronic acid is introduced. Compared to core-shell AC NCs, the TiO2/Au@Cu2O exhibits improved energy structure optimization, successfully separating electron-hole pairs for redox use. This optimization results in a more rapid generation of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals triggering oxidative stress under ultrasound radiation. Furthermore, the HACT NCs initiate cuproptosis by Fenton-like reaction and acidic environment, leading to the sequential release of cupric and cuprous ions. This accumulation of copper induces the aggregation of lipoylated proteins and reduces iron-sulfur proteins, ultimately initiating cuproptosis. More importantly, HACT NCs show a tendency to selectively target cancer cells, thereby granting them a degree of biosecurity. This report introduces a ternary heterojunction capable of triggering both cuproptosis and oxidative stress-related combination therapy in a stimulus-responsive manner. It can energize efforts to develop effective melanoma treatment strategies using Cu-based nanoparticles through rational design.

RESUMEN

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) stand as among the most significant metal oxide nanoparticles in trigger the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce apoptosis. Nevertheless, the utilization of ZnO NPs has been limited by the shallowness of short-wavelength light and the constrained production of ROS. To overcome these limitations, a strategy involves achieving a red shift towards the near-infrared (NIR) light spectrum, promoting the separation and restraining the recombination of electron-hole (e--h+) pairs. Herein, the hybrid plasmonic system Au@ZnO (AZ) with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) doping (AZG) nano heterostructures is rationally designed for optimal NIR-driven cancer treatment. Significantly, a multifold increase in ROS generation can be achieved through the following creative initiatives: (i) plasmonic Au nanorods expands the photocatalytic capabilities of AZG into the NIR domain, offering a foundation for NIR-induced ROS generation for clinical utilization; (ii) elaborate design of mesoporous core-shell AZ structures facilitates the redistribution of electron-hole pairs; (iii) the incorporation GQDs in mesoporous structure could efficiently restrain the recombination of the e--h+ pairs; (iv) Modification of hyaluronic acid (HA) can enhance CD44 receptor mediated targeted triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In addition, the introduced Au NRs present as catalysts for enhancing photothermal therapy (PTT), effectively inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. The resulting HA-modified AZG (AZGH) exhibits efficient hot electron injection and e--h+ separation, affording unparalleled convenience for ROS production and enabling NIR-induced PDT for the cancer treanment. As a result, our well-designed mesoporous core-shell AZGH hybrid as photosensitizers can exhibit excellent PDT efficacy.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The primary purpose of this work is to study the fabrication of a flexible natural cellulosic fiber composite. In this respect, natural cellulosic fiber was obtained by modified poplar wood fiber through sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and γ-Aminopropyl Triethoxysilan. Then, the composites were fabricated by hot-pressing the modified wood fibers and polyurethane following characterization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation results confirmed that some of the hemicellulose and lignin were removed from wood fibers after NaOH modification and successfully grafted with alkoxy structures after KH550 modification. NaOH&KH550 modification improved the interfacial compatibility between poplar wood fibers and polyurethane. The flexibility of the composites was improved (the slenderness value was reduced by 113 %), allowing flexible deformations such as bending, twisting, and knotting. In addition, thermal stability, tensile strength (increased by 105 %), elongation at the break (increased by 125 %), and water resistance were increased. This flexible natural cellulosic fiber composite is expected to be applied in the veneering of curved materials and special-shaped structure furniture, providing a theoretical basis for improving the added value of wood-based composites.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Efficient and accurate acquisition of cellular biomolecular information is crucial for exploring cell fate, achieving early diagnosis, and the effective treatment of various diseases. However, current DNA biosensors are mostly limited to single-target detection, with few complex logic circuits for comprehensive analysis of three or more targets. Herein, we designed a sea anemone-like DNA nanomachine based on DNA strand displacement composed of three logic gates (YES-AND-YES) and delivered into the cells using gold nano bipyramid carriers. The AND gate activation depends on the trigger chain released by upstream DNA strand displacement reactions, while the output signal relies on the downstream DNAzyme structure. Under the influence of diverse inputs (including enzymes, miRNA, and metal ions), the interconnected logic gates simultaneously perform logical analysis on multiple targets, generating a unique output signal in the YES/NO format. This sensor can successfully distinguish healthy cells from tumor cells and can be further used for the diagnosis of different tumor cells, providing a promising platform for accurate cell-type identification.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This research supplied a "cleaner-production" way to produce "clean-label" quinoa starch-based Pickering emulsifier with excellent emulsifying properties. The effects of dry ball-milling time and speed on the multi-scale structures and emulsifying properties of quinoa starch were studied. With increasing ball-milling time and speed, particle size first decreased and then increased, the crystallinity, lamellar structure and short-range ordered structure gradually decreased, and contact angle gradually increased. The increased contact angle might be related to the increased oil absorption properties and the decreased water content. The emulsification properties of ball-milled quinoa starch (BMQS)-based Pickering emulsions increased with the increase in ball-milling time and speed, and the emulsions of BMQS-4 h, 6 h, 8 h, and 600 r reached the full emulsification state. After 120 days' storage, the oil droplets of BMQS-2 h (BMQS-400 r) deformed, the oil droplets increased, and the emulsification index decreased. The emulsification index and the oil droplets of BMQS-4 h, 6 h, 8 h and 600 r-based emulsions did not show obvious changes after storage, indicating the good emulsifying stability of these BMQS-based emulsions, which might be because that the relatively larger amount of starch particles that dispersed in the voids among the oil droplets could act as stronger network skeletons for the emulsion gel. This Pickering emulsifier was easily and highly efficiently produced and low-cost, having great potential to be used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

RESUMEN

Based on the standpoint of low carbon footprint processing and less denaturation of plant protein ingredient, the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF), direct current electric field (DCEF), and alternating current electric field (ACEF) treatments on the structure, functional properties and volatile compounds of pea protein isolate were investigated. The results showed that the electric fields (EFs) caused both blueshifts (max. âˆ¼8 cm-1) and redshifts (max. âˆ¼7 cm-1) in the IR spectra and blueshifts (max. âˆ¼5 nm) in the UV spectra. PEF caused an increase of emulsifying activity index and a decrease of emulsion stability index to DCEF and ACEF. A total of 27 volatile compounds were identified and the EFs could cause emerging of new volatiles and disappearing of inherent volatiles potentially to modify the flavor of products. Alterations were significantly observed among the types of EF, but seldomly among the operating parameter levels in the same EF.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Wearable biomimetic electronics have aroused tremendous attention due to their capability to continuously detect and deliver real-time dynamic physiological signals pertaining to the wearer's environment. However, upon close contact with the human skins, a wearable sensor undergoes mechanical strain which inevitably degrades the electrical performance. To address this issue, we demonstrate a universal design approach for stretchable and multiplexed biosensors that can yield unaltered ion sensing performance under variable mechanical tensile strains, which is achieved by introducing a PMMA molecular layer between stretchable substrate and ion sensors. Such design demonstrates reliable multiplexed ion sensing capability and provides high sensitivity (>50 mV/decade), reliable selectivity, as well as wide working range (0.1-100 mM) for sodium, ammonium, potassium and calcium ions in complex sweat biomarkers. Via this introduced PMMA molecular layer, our sensor even exhibits 95 % electrical performance maintained up to 30 % tensile strain, whereas the mechanical tensile property is far superior to original sensor performance. Besides, the sensors were also utilized for real-time monitoring of ions in sweat to validate its biomedical electronics applications. This sensing platform can be easily extended to other biomimetic sensors to enable stable signal acquisition for biomedical electronics.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Combination therapy has emerged as a promising approach for effective tumor treatment. However, the combination of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) has not been explored due to the contradictory requirement of oxygen (O2 ) for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the necessity to avoid O2 for the activation of HAPs. In this study, this challenge is addressed by developing BiOCl-Au-Ag2 S Z-scheme heterostructure nanoparticles loaded with tirapazamine (TPZ) to achieve O2 -independent therapy. These nanoparticles demonstrate efficient electron-hole separation under ultrasound irradiation while maintaining a high redox potential. The generated holes react with water to efficiently produce hydroxyl radicals, while the electrons autonomously activate TPZ, negating the need for O2 . In vitro and in vivo assessments validate the effective tumor elimination by these Z-scheme nanoparticles without disrupting the hypoxic environment. This innovative design overcomes the limitations associated with O2 requirement in SDT and introduces a novel strategy for HAP activation and synergistic therapy between ROS and HAPs-based therapy.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Climate change is a new disrupter to global fisheries systems and their governance frameworks. It poses a pressing management challenge, particularly in China, which is renowned as the world's largest fishing country and seafood producer. As climate change continues to intensify in the region and climate awareness grows within the country's national policy, the need to understand China's fisheries' resilience to the escalating climate crisis becomes paramount. In this study, we conduct an interdisciplinary analysis to assess the vulnerability and risk of China's marine capture fisheries in response to climate change. This study employs a spatially explicit, indicator-based approach with a coupled social-ecological framework, focusing on 67 species and 11 coastal regions. By integrating diverse sets of climatic, ecological, economic, societal, and governance indicators and information, we elucidate the factors that could hinder climate adaptation, including a limited understanding of fish early life stages, uncertainty in seafood production, unequal allocation and accessibility of resources, and inadequate consideration of inclusive governance and adaptive management. Our results show that species, which have managed to survive the stress of overfishing, demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt to climate change. However, collapsing stocks such as large yellow croaker face a high risk due to the synergistic effects of inherent biological traits and external management interventions. We emphasize the imperative to build institutional, scientific, and social capacity to support fisheries adaptation. The scientific insights provided by this study can inform fisheries management decisions and promote the operationalization of climate-resilient fisheries in China and other regions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) shows a low response to PD-1 inhibitors. Antiangiogenic therapy can enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy, but it still cannot meet clinical needs. Increasing evidence supported a close relationship between gut microbiome and anti-PD-1 efficacy. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and tislelizumab and fruquintinib in refractory MSS mCRC. Methods: In the phase II trial, MSS mCRC patients were administered FMT plus tislelizumab and fruquintinib as a third-line or above treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), safety and quality of life. Feces and peripheral blood were collected for exploratory biomarker analysis. This study is registered with Chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100046768. Findings: From May 10, 2021 to January 17, 2022, 20 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 13.7 months. Median PFS was 9.6 months (95% CI 4.1-15.1). Median OS was 13.7 months (95% CI 9.3-17.7). Median DoR was 8.1 months (95% CI 1.7-10.6). ORR was 20% (95% CI 5.7-43.7). DCR was 95% (95% CI 75.1-99.9). CBR was 60% (95% CI 36.1-80.9). Nineteen patients (95%) experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE). Six patients (30%) had grade 3-4 TRAEs, with the most common being albuminuria (10%), urine occult blood (10%), fecal occult blood (10%), hypertension (5%), hyperglycemia (5%), liver dysfunction (5%), hand-foot skin reaction (5%), and hypothyroidism (5%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Responders had a high-abundance of Proteobacteria and Lachnospiraceae family and a low-abundance of Actinobacteriota and Bifidobacterium. The treatment did not change the structure of peripheral blood TCR repertoire. However, the expanded TCRs exhibited the characteristics of antigen-driven responses in responders. Interpretation: FMT plus tislelizumab and fruquintinib as third-line or above treatment showed improved survival and manageable safety in refractory MSS mCRC, suggesting a valuable new treatment option for this patient population. Funding: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82102954 to Wensi Zhao) and the Special Project of Central Government for Local Science and Technology Development of Hubei Province (ZYYD2020000169 to Yongshun Chen).

RESUMEN

In order to elucidate the importance of grafting in the compatibilization process of silane coupling agents, poplar veneer was treated with silane coupling agents and grafted under different heating conditions. The treated veneers were used composited with PE film to prepare different plywood samples. XPS and WCA were used to analyze the effect of grafting conditions on the surface properties of the silane-treated veneer. The results showed that free silanols can physically be adsorbed onto all silane-treated veneer surfaces, forming hydrogen-Si-O-Si- bonds and therefore increasing the water contact angle. Only under heating conditions could the -Si-O-Si- be converted into covalent -Si-O-C- bonds, which helped to improve the bonding strength. When silane-treated veneer was grafted at 120 °C for 90 min, the tensile shear strength of plywood reached 1.03 MPa, meeting the requirements of GB/T 9846.3-2004 for outdoor materials. Enhanced interlock between silane-modified veneer and PE film was observed under the optimal grafting condition by SEM. The better interface structure allowed improvement of thermal stability. DMA results showed that the retention rate in storage modulus at 130 °C was 60% for the grafted sample, while the retention rate for the ungrafted sample was only 31%.

RESUMEN

Zooplankton community is ecological important because of its high sensitivity to environmental changes especially in estuarine areas. The Yellow River estuary (YRE) in China is the fifth biggest estuary in the world with significant seasonal characteristics and anthropogenic influence of Water-Sediment Regulation (WSR). This study investigated the spatio-temporal patterns of zooplankton in the YRE to explore the response of zooplankton to seasonal variation and WSR. Results suggested that the temporal patterns of zooplankton were mainly characterized by seasonal shift of dominant species. Hierarchical cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling determined summer, summer-autumn and winter-spring three zooplankton assemblages. Zooplankton spatial distributions represented seasonal consistency, in which the abundance generally showed a decreasing gradient from the river mouth to sea. WSR caused a high species replacement rate in July-August (80.36%) and a dramatic abundance decline from 4224.60 ind./m3 to 1541.10 ind./m3 with persistency and hysteresis effect. The high zooplankton abundance moved seaward in spatial distribution after WSR. Summer spatial pattern was determined with two and three zooplankton station assemblages, which was more clear after WSR. Redundancy analysis identified SSS, SST and transparency as important factors structuring zooplankton spatio-temporal patterns, in which SSS was the key one. The results provide a necessary reference for understanding the response of zooplankton community in estuarine areas to spontaneous changes and anthropogenic factors, and can help the protection of estuarine ecosystems and the formulation of hydrological regulatory policies.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Trophic dynamics is one of the major regulators of fishery production in marine ecosystems, which is important for the implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management. Based on data collected form bottom trawl surveys in Haizhou Bay and adjacent waters during autumn of 2011 and 2018, Delta-GAMMs (Delta-generalized additive mixed models) were constructed to evaluate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the predation of five key prey species (including Leptochela gracilis, Alpheus japonicus, Loligo spp., Larimichthys polyactis, and Oratosquilla oratoria) in the Haizhou Bay. Percent frequency of occurrence and predation pressure index were used to identify their major predators. Variance inflation factor and full subsets regression were analyzed to quantify the degree of multicollinearity between these factors. The results showed that the occurrence frequency of keystone prey species in the stomach of predators ranged from 8.5% to 42.2%, and the weight percentage ranged from 4.2% to 40.9%. The average deviance explanation rate of the "binomial" model was 16.1%, and the average deviance explanation rate of the "positive" model was 23.8%. Body length of predator, predator population density, and sea bottom temperature were important factors influencing prey-predator trophic interactions. Predator length was the most important factor, with feeding probability and weight percentage of keystone prey species all increasing with body length of predator. Feeding probability and weight percentage of key prey species decreased with predator population density. The effects of environmental factors such as sea bottom temperature, depth of water, latitude, and sea bottom salinity showed different trends, depending on the prey-predator assemblage. This study showed that the Delta-GAMMs was an effective method to explore the trophic interactions between prey and predators in marine ecosystems, and could provide a theoretical basis for the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Occasional species are often neglected in community ecology studies due to low abundance and frequence. However, they are closely related to biodiversity maintenance and marine conservation. We used index of relative importance (IRI), distribution center of gravity and Mann-Kendall trend test to elucidate the spatial and temporal distributions and changing trends of occasional fishes in Haizhou Bay based on the fishery resources survey data collected from 2013 to 2019. The occasional fishes in Haizhou Bay was identified based on IRI. Nine of the occasional species were selected to analyze the spatial distribution and interannual trends of relative biomass and occurrence frequency. The results showed that a total of 93 fish species were recorded in the multi-year survey in Haizhou Bay. Among which, 61 species had IRI<10, indicating the existence of a large number of occasional fishes in Haizhou Bay. The nine selected occasional species had distinctive spatial distribution characteristics. Erisphex pottii, Azuma emmnion, and Raja porosa were mainly distributed in the eastern part of Haizhou Bay, with a wide habitat range. Sphyraena pinguis, Coilia nasus, and Zebrias zebra were distributed in the western and southern parts, respectively. The rest species were mainly distributed in the southwestern part. In terms of interannual variation, the biomass and occurrence frequency of Coilia mystus, R. porosa, A. emmnion, and S. pinguis showed fluctuating changes, while Odontamblyopus rubicundus and Ctenotrypauchen microcephalus showed an increasing trend. The biomass and occurrence of Z. zebra, C. nasus and E. pottii gradually decreased with no catch in recent years. This study would contribute to the understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of occasional species, and provide guidance for the conservation of occasional biological resources and species diversity, especially for the establishment of marine protected areas.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Piezoelectric material-mediated sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has received considerable research interest in cancer therapy. However, the simple applications of conventional piezoelectric materials do not realize the full potential of piezoelectric materials in medicine. Therefore, the energy band structure of a piezoelectric material is modulated in this study to meet the actual requirement for cancer treatment. Herein, an elaborate PEGylated piezoelectric solid solution 0.7BiFeO3 -0.3BaTiO3 nanoparticles (P-BF-BT NPs) is synthesized, and the resultant particles achieve excellent piezoelectric properties and their band structure is tuned via band engineering. The tuned band structure of P-BF-BT NPs is energetically favorable for the synchronous production of superoxide radicals (•O2 - ) and oxygen (O2 ) self-supply via water splitting by the piezoelectric effect. Besides, the P-BF-BT NPs can initiate the Fenton reaction to generate hydroxyl radical (•OH), and thus, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) can be augmented by ultrasound. Detailed in vitro and in vivo research has verified the promising effects of multimodal imaging-guided P-BF-BT NP-mediated synergistic SDT/CDT by the piezo-Fenton process in hypoxic tumor elimination, accompanied by high therapeutic biosafety. The current demonstrates a novel strategy for designing and synthesizing "custom-made" piezoelectric materials for cancer therapy in the future.

Asunto(s)