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Although total carbon (TC) is an important component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5: particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 µm); its sources remain partially unidentified, especially in coastal urban areas. With ongoing development of the global economy and maritime activities, ship-generated TC emissions in port areas cannot be neglected. In this study, from September 11, 2017 to August 31, 2018, we collected 355 p.m.2.5 samples in Qingdao, China, to determine the water-soluble ion concentrations, TC concentrations, and stable carbon isotopes (δ13CTC). During the open fishing season (OFS; September 11, 2017 to April 30, 2018) and the closed fishing season (CFS; May 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018), the TC concentrations were 9.30 ± 5.38 µg/m3 and 3.36 ± 2.10 µg/m3 respectively, and the corresponding δ13CTC values were -24.53‰ ± 1.17‰ and -27.03‰ ± 0.91‰, respectively, indicating significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two periods. The differences in TC concentrations and the δ13CTC values between the OFS and CFS reflect changes in the source of contamination. Bayesian model was used to quantify the contributions of different TC sources, revealing that ship emissions accounted for approximately 35.3% of the total, which was close to the contribution from the largest source, i.e., motor vehicles (39%). Using the ship emission inventory, Qingdao's ship emissions were further quantified at 455 metric tons, representing 35%-40% of the total TC emissions around Qingdao. Notably, fishing ships contributed approximately 40% of the total ship emissions. These findings underscore the considerable impact of ship emissions, particularly those from fishing ships, on TC concentrations in coastal urban areas.

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Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent type of lung cancer, with early surgical treatment proving vital for prolonged patient survival. However, precise visualization of NSCLC remains a challenge due to limited molecular imaging probes, the unique anatomical structure of the lungs, and respiratory movement interference. In this study, we investigated the potential utility of CD36, which is highly expressed in NSCLC, as an imaging target. A selective and water-soluble fluorescent probe, MPA-ABT-510, was successfully constructed by coupling ABT-510 with MPA, a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye. Molecular docking analysis shows that MPA-ABT-510 possesses strong binding affinity to the CD36 protein, with specific hydrogen bond interactions at defined amino acid residues. In vitro assays reveals that the fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptide ABT-510 specifically binds to the CD36-high expressing NSCLC cell lines H1299 and A549. In vivo imaging verifies that the MPA-ABT-510 efficiently accumulates in the tumor site with a distinct fluorescent signal. Ex vivo imaging revealed that tumor-to-lung fluorescence ratios for subcutaneous and orthotopic H1299 mouse models were 7.19 ± 0.73 and 1.91 ± 0.42, respectively, while those for A549 mice were 5.53 ± 0.64 and 1.77 ± 0.41, respectively. Biodistribution analysis demonstrated efficient MPA-ABT-510 uptake in H1299 and A549 liver metastases models with tumor-to-liver fluorescence ratios of 2.47 ± 0.48 and 2.19 ± 0.22, respectively. High MPA-ABT-510 accumulation was evident in A549 intestinal metastases models, as evidenced by tumor-to-colorectal fluorescence ratios of 4.27 ± 0.11. MPA-ABT-510 exhibits superior imaging capabilities with minimal safety concerns, so it is a promising candidate for NSCLC surgical navigation.

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The pollen viability directly affects the pollination process and the ultimate grain yield of rice. Here, we identified that the MORN motif-containing proteins, OsMORN1 and OsMORN2, had a crucial role in maintaining pollen fertility. Compared with the wild type (WT), the pollen viability of the osmorn1 and osmorn2 mutants was reduced, and pollen germination was abnormal, resulting in significantly lower spikelet fertility, seed-setting rate, and grain yield per plant. Further investigation revealed that OsMORN1 was localized to the Golgi apparatus and lipid droplets. Lipids associated with pollen viability underwent alterations in osmorn mutants, such as the diacylglyceride (18:3_18:3) was 5.1-fold higher and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (18:2_18:2) was 5.2-fold lower in osmorn1, while the triacylglycerol (TG) (16:0_18:2_18:3) was 8.3-fold higher and TG (16:0_18:1_18:3) was 8.5-fold lower in osmorn2 than those in WT. Furthermore, the OsMORN1/2 was found to be associated with rice cold tolerance, as osmorn1 and osmorn2 mutants were more sensitive to chilling stress than WT. The mutants displayed increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated malondialdehyde content, and a significantly decreased seedling survival rate. Lipidomics analysis revealed distinct alterations in lipids under low temperature, highlighting significant changes in TG (18:2_18:3_18:3) and TG (18:4_18:2_18:2) in osmorn1, TG (16:0_18:2_18:2) and PI (17:2_18:3) in osmorn2 compared to the WT. Therefore, it suggested that OsMORN1 and OsMORN2 regulate both pollen viability and cold tolerance through maintaining lipid homeostasis.

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Despite recent advancements in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, the prognosis remains unfavorable primarily due to high recurrence and liver metastasis rates. Fluorescence molecular imaging technologies, combined with specific probes, have gained prominence in facilitating real-time tumor resection guided by fluorescence. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is overexpressed in CRC, but the advancement of HGF fluorescent probes has been impeded by the absence of effective HGF-targeting small-molecular ligands. Herein, we present the targeted capabilities of the novel V-1-GGGK-MPA probe labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent dye, which targets HGF in CRC. The V-1-GGGK peptide exhibits high specificity and selectivity for HGF-positive in vitro tumor cells and in vivo tumors. Biodistribution analysis of V-1-GGGK-MPA revealed tumor-specific accumulation with low background uptake, yielding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values of tumor-to-colorectal >6 in multiple subcutaneous CRC models 12 h postinjection. Quantitative analysis confirmed the probe's high uptake in SW480 and HT29 orthotopic and liver metastatic models, with SNR values of tumor-to-colorectal and -liver being 5.6 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.5, and 2.1 ± 0.3, 2.0 ± 0.5, respectively, enabling precise tumor visualization for surgical navigation. Pathological analysis demonstrated the excellent tumor boundaries discrimination capacity of the V-1-GGGK-MPA probe at the molecular level. With its rapid tumor targeting, sustained tumor retention, and precise tumor boundary delineation, V-1-GGGK-MPA merges as a promising HGF imaging agent, enriching the toolbox of intraoperative navigational fluorescent probes for CRC.

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AIM: To evaluate scleral buckling (SB) surgery using a non-contact wide-field viewing system and 23-gauge intraocular illumination for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes. METHODS: Totally 9 patients (9 eyes) with retinal detachment in SO-filled eyes were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent non-contact wide-field viewing system-assisted buckling surgery with 23-gauge intraocular illumination. SO was removed at an appropriate time based on recovery. The patients were followed up for at least 3mo after SO removal. Retinal reattachment, complications, visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after surgery were observed. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 8.22mo (3-22mo) after SO removal. All patients had retinal reattachment. At the final follow-up, visual acuity showed improvement for 8 patients, and no change for 1 patient. The IOP was high in 3 patients before surgery, but it stabilized after treatment; it was not affected in the other patients. None of the patients had infections, hemorrhage, anterior ischemia, or any other complication. CONCLUSION: This new non-contact wide-field viewing system-assisted SB surgery with 23-gauge intraocular illumination is effective and safe for retinal detachment in SO-filled eyes.

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In the field of photocatalysis, new heterojunction materials are increasingly explored to achieve efficient energy conversion and environmental catalysis under visible light and sunlight. This paper presents a study on two newly constructed two-dimensional van der Waals heterojunctions, Sc2CCl2/MoSe2 and Sc2CCl2/PtSe2, using density-functional theory. The study includes a systematic investigation of their geometrical structure, electronic properties, and optical properties. The results indicate that both heterojunctions are thermodynamically, kinetically, and mechanically stable. Additionally, Bader charge analysis reveals that both heterojunctions exhibit typical type II band properties. However, the band gap of the Sc2CCl2/MoSe2 heterojunction is only 1.18 eV, which is insufficient to completely cross the reduction and oxidation (REDOX) potential of 1.23 eV, whereas the band gap of Sc2CCl2/PtSe2 heterojunction is 1.49 eV, which is theoretically capable for water decomposition. The subsequent calculation of the Sc2CCl2/PtSe2 heterojunction demonstrate excellent hole carrier mobility and high efficiency light absorption in the visible light range, facilitating the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. More importantly, Sc2CCl2/PtSe2 vdW type II heterojunction can achieve full water decomposition from pH 1 to pH 4, and its thermodynamic feasibility is confirmed by Gibbs free energy results. The aim of this study is to develop materials and analyses that will result in optoelectronic devices that are more efficient, stable, and sustainable.

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Introduction: Chronic lower back pain (cLBP), frequently attributed to lumbar disk herniation (LDH), imposes substantial limitations on daily activities. Despite its prevalence, the neural mechanisms underlying lower back pain remain incompletely elucidated. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) emerges as a non-invasive modality extensively employed for investigating neuroplastic changes in neuroscience. In this study, task-based and resting-state fMRI methodologies are employed to probe the central mechanisms of lower back pain. Methods: The study included 71 chronic lower back pain patients (cLBP group) due to LDH and 80 age, gender, and education-matched healthy volunteers (HC group). The subjects are mainly middle-aged and elderly individuals. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (JOA) were recorded. Resting-state and task-based fMRI data were collected. Results/discussion: No significant differences were observed in age, gender, and education level between the two groups. In the cLBP group during task execution, there was diffuse and reduced activation observed in the primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area. Additionally, during resting states, notable changes were detected in brain regions, particularly in the frontal lobe, primary sensory area, primary motor cortex, precuneus, and caudate nucleus, accompanied by alterations in Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation, Regional Homogeneity, Degree Centrality, and functional connectivity. These findings suggest that chronic lower back pain may entail reduced excitability in sensory-motor areas during tasks and heightened activity in the sensory-motor network during resting states, along with modified functional connectivity in various brain regions.

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The specific first-line regimen for advanced gastric cancer (GC) is still controversial. The benefit of apatinib for first-line treatment of advanced GC remains unknown and needs to be further explored. Eighty-two patients with advanced GC treated in our institution from October 2017 to March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All individuals had her-2 negative GC and had received at least two cycles of first-line treatment, including 44 patients in the combination treatment group (apatinib in combination with chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy) and 38 patients in the simple chemotherapy group. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of apatinib in combination with chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced GC by comparing the efficacy, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events in two groups of patients. The median PFS of the simple chemotherapy group was 9.25 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.1-11.2 months), and that of the combination treatment group was 10.9 months (95% CI, 7.9-15.8 months), which was 1.65 months longer than the simple chemotherapy group. Statistically significant differences are shown (P = 0.022). The objective response rate (ORR) of the combination treatment group was 65.9%, and 36.8% in the simple chemotherapy group. Statistically significant differences are shown (P = 0.014). No serious (Grade IV) adverse events occurred in either group. Our study indicates that apatinib in combination with chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced GC exhibits good anti-tumor activity and is well tolerated by patients.

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A sufficient number of participants should be included to adequately address the research interest in the surveys with sensitive questions. In this paper, sample size formulas/iterative algorithms are developed from the perspective of controlling the confidence interval width of the prevalence of a sensitive attribute under four non-randomized response models: the crosswise model, parallel model, Poisson item count technique model and negative binomial item count technique model. In contrast to the conventional approach for sample size determination, our sample size formulas/algorithms explicitly incorporate an assurance probability of controlling the width of a confidence interval within the pre-specified range. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated with respect to the empirical coverage probability, empirical assurance probability and confidence width. Simulation results show that all formulas/algorithms are effective and hence are recommended for practical applications. A real example is used to illustrate the proposed methods.

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Recent studies have revealed that tumor immunotherapy resistance is influenced by ADAR-mediated RNA editing, but its targets remain unelucidated. Our current study identified the poliovirus receptor (PVR) oncogene, which encodes an immune checkpoint in colorectal cancer (CRC), as a potential target for RNA editing. We performed transcriptome sequencing analysis and experimental validation in two Chinese CRC cohorts. PVR and ADAR expressions significantly increased in CRC tumors and showed positive correlations in both cohorts, coupled with upregulated PVR RNA editing in CRC tumors. Manipulation of ADAR expression by over-expression or knockdown substantially changed PVR expression and RNA editing in HTC116 CRC cells. Luciferase reporter and actinomycin D assays further revealed that RNA editing in PVR 3'-UTR could upregulate PVR RNA expression, probably by increasing the RNA stability. By increasing PVR expression, ADAR-mediate RNA editing might contribute to tumor- and immune-related gene functions and pathways in CRC. Moreover, a signature combining PVR RNA editing and expression showed promising predictive performance in CRC diagnosis in both Chinese CRC cohorts. Our findings thus highlight the importance of ADAR-mediated RNA editing in PVR up-regulation in CRC tumors and provide new insight into the application of PVR RNA editing as a novel diagnostic biomarker for CRC.

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The coupling of two-dimensional van der Waals heterojunctions is an effective way to achieve photocatalytic hydrogen production. This paper designs the MoxW1-xS2/AlN (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) van der Waals heterojunction as a possible photocatalytic material. By using first-principles calculations, the effects of different Mo/W ratios on the band gap and photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of heterojunctions were investigated. The results show that the heterojunction is a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst and can achieve overall water splitting. By calculating the absorption spectrum, it is found that the heterojunction has a wider visible light absorption range when the bimetal is added, and there is still a strong absorption peak at 615 nm. With the increase of the Mo atom ratio, the absorption spectrum is red-shifted. The Gibbs free energy of the two-component Mo0.5W0.5S2/AlN heterojunction is only -0.028 eV. Our work provides a new perspective for the modification of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide photocatalytic heterojunctions.

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Objective To investigate the effect of different doses of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and depression in patients with breast cancer.Methods A total of 96 patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomly divided into esketamine L group(0.15mg/kg),M group(0.30mg/kg),high-dose H group(0.50mg/kg),and normal saline group(C group)with 24 cases in each group which will be given during induction of anesthesia.State Anxiety Scale(SAI)score and Montgomery Depression Scale(MADRS)score were recorded 1day before surgery(D1),1day after surgery(D2),3days after surgery(D3),5days after surgery(D4),and 7days after surgery(D5).Data such as the dosage of remifentanil,the dosage of norepinephrine,and the duration of the op-eration(from the beginning of the operation to the end of the operation)were recorded during the operation.The time from the end of an-esthesia to extubation and the postoperative PACU residence time was recorded,and delirium,postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV),dizziness,drowsiness,and pain relief rate within 24hours after surgery were recorded.Results At D3,group H had a lower SAI score than the other three groups(P＜0.05);compared with D1,the SAI score at D4 and D5 in groups C,L,and M was signifi-cantly decreased(P＜0.05).The SAI score of group H at D3,D4,and D5 was decreased(P＜0.05);the MADRS score of group H was lower than that of the other three groups at D3 and D4(P＜0.05);compared with D1,the MADRS score of all groups gradually de-creased with the extension of time(P＜0.05).Remifentanil consumption in group H was significantly lower than that in the other three groups(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative delirium,PONA,remedial analgesia,dizzi-ness,lethargy,and fever among the four groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Intraoperative intravenous injection of esketamine can reduce the SAI and MADRS scores,reduce the perioperative opioid consumption,and not increase the incidence of postoperative adverse reac-tions in breast cancer patients.

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In this study, the photocatalytic properties of AlN/TMO heterojunctions formed by coupling MoO2 and WO2 of transition metal oxides with AlN are studied in detail using first-principles calculations with the aim of finding efficient and low-cost photocatalysts for water splitting to produce hydrogen to reduce environmental pollution. The AIMD, phonon spectrum, and elastic constants demonstrated the thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanical stabilities of the AlN/TMO heterojunction. The results showed that the AlN/MoO2 (1.55 eV) and AlN/WO2 (1.99 eV) heterojunctions have typical type-II energy band arrangements, which can effectively promote the separation of photogenerated electrons and hole pairs. Meanwhile, the AlN/MoO2 heterojunction showed excellent carrier mobilities (electron, 250.05 cm2 V-1 S-1 and hole, 45 467.07 cm2 V-1 S-1), which greatly exceeded those of each component. The AlN/WO2 heterojunction showed an excellent HER (-0.07 eV) performance, which was close to the expected value. For the AlN/WO2 heterojunction, a suitable band gap value, excellent HER, and other properties indicated that it has the potential to become a new candidate for photocatalytic water splitting. Our study enriches the theoretical research of transition metal oxide materials and wide-band gap materials by providing a reference direction for the design of reasonably high-quality photocatalysts.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the combined application of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion in treating bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome, and its influences on airway remodeling, inflammatory factors, lung function, and quality of life on the base of conventional western medicine treatment. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with bronchial asthma of cold-wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group. In the control group, the basic treatment was used, i.e. budesonide formoterol powder inhalation. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, blistering cupping combined with thunder-fire moxibustion was supplemented, Dazhui (GV 14), Danzhong (CV 17) and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), and Zhongfu (LU 1) were selected; blistering cupping was administered once a day and thunder-fire moxibustion was given twice a day. One course of treatment was composed of 7 days in both groups, and 2 courses of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, the airway remodeling indexes (matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1], and transforming growth factor-ß1 [TGF-ß1]) and inflammatory indexes (interleukin [IL] -1ß、IL-25) were detected by using radioimmunoassay in the patients of the two groups. The lung function, traditional Chinese medicine symptom score, and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) score were observed in the patients of the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-ß1, IL-1ß, IL-25, peak expiratory flow (PEFR), traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, and AQLQ scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the first second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the conventional western medicine treatment, the combination of blistering cupping with thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce inflammatory levels, inhibit airway remodeling and improve the lung function and quality of life in the patients with bronchial asthma.

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Despite advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment, it remains one of the most lethal malignancies with extremely poor diagnosis and prognosis. Herein, we demonstrated the efficiency of a novel peptide GB-6 labeled with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye 3H-indolium, 2-[2-[2-[(2-carboxyethyl)thio]-3-[2-[1,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-sulfo-1-(3-sulfopropyl)-2H-indol-2-ylidene]ethylidene]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]ethenyl]-3,3-dimethyl-5-sulfo-1-(3-sulfopropyl)-, inner salt (MPA) and radionuclide technetium-99m (99mTc) as targeting probes using the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) that is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer as the target. A short linear peptide with excellent in vivo stability was identified, and its radiotracer [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-PEG4-GB-6 and the NIR probe MPA-PEG4-GB-6 exhibited selective and specific uptake by tumors in an SW1990 pancreatic cancer xenograft mouse model. The favorable biodistribution of the tracer [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-PEG4-GB-6 in vivo afforded tumor-specific accumulation with high tumor-to-muscle and -bone contrasts and renal body clearance at 1 h after injection. The biodistribution analysis revealed that the tumor-to-pancreas and -intestine fluorescence signal ratios were 5.2 ± 0.3 and 6.3 ± 1.5, respectively, in the SW1990 subcutaneous xenograft model. Furthermore, the high signal accumulation in the orthotopic pancreatic and liver metastasis tumor models with tumor-to-pancreas and -liver fluorescence signal ratios of 7.66 ± 0.48 and 3.94 ± 0.47, respectively, enabled clear tumor visualization for intraoperative navigation. The rapid tumor targeting, precise tumor boundary delineation, chemical versatility, and high potency of the novel GB-6 peptide established it as a high-contrast imaging probe for the clinical detection of GRPR, with compelling additional potential in molecular-targeted therapy.

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BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly used as a biomarker for metastatic rectal cancer and has recently shown promising results in the early detection of recurrence risk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prognostic value of ctDNA detection in LARC patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). We systematically searched electronic databases for observational or interventional studies that included LARC patients undergoing nCRT. Study selection according to the PRISMA guidelines and quality assessment of the REMARK tool for biomarker studies. The primary endpoint was the impact of ctDNA detection at different time points (baseline, post-nCRT, post-surgery) on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was to study the association between ctDNA detection and pathological complete response(pCR) at different time points. RESULTS: After further review and analysis of the 625 articles initially retrieved, we finally included 10 eligible studies. We found no significant correlation between ctDNA detection at baseline and long-term survival outcomes or the probability of achieving a pCR. However, the presence of ctDNA at post-nCRT was associated with worse RFS (HR = 9.16, 95% CI, 5.48-15.32), worse OS (HR = 8.49, 95% CI, 2.20-32.72), and worse pCR results (OR = 0.40, 95%CI, 0.18-0.89). The correlation between the presence of ctDNA at post-surgery and worse RFS was more obvious (HR = 14.94; 95% CI, 7.48-9.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ctDNA detection is a promising biomarker for the evaluation of response and prognosis in LARC patients undergoing nCRT, which merits further evaluation in the following prospective trials.

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Purpose: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is an identified risk factor for pediatric chronic gastritis (PCG), but its impact on gastric juice microbiota (GJM) remains to be further elucidated in PCG. This study aimed to analyze and compare the microbial communities and microbial interactive networks of GJM in PCG that clinically tested positive and negative for HP (HP+ and HP-, respectively). Methods: A total of 45 PCG patients aged from 6 to 16 years were recruited, including 20 HP+ and 25 HP- patients tested by culture and rapid urease test. Gastric juice samples were collected from these PCG patients and subjected to high-throughput amplicon sequencing and subsequent analysis of 16S rRNA genes. Results: While no significant change in alpha diversity, significant differences in beta diversity were observed between HP+ and HP- PCG. At the genus level, Streptococcus, Helicobacter, and Granulicatella were significantly enriched in HP+ PCG, whereas Campylobacter and Absconditabacteriales (SR1) were significantly enriched in HP- PCG. Network analysis showed that Streptococcus was the only genus positively correlated with Helicobacter (r = 0.497) in the GJM network of overall PCG. Moreover, compared to HP- PCG, HP+ PCG showed a reduction in microbial network connectivity in GJM. Netshift analysis identified driver microbes including Streptococcus and other four genera, which substantially contributed to the GJM network transition from HP- PCG to HP+ PCG. Furthermore, Predicted GJM function analysis indicated up-regulated pathways related to the metabolism of nucleotides, carbohydrates, and L-Lysine, the urea cycle, as well as endotoxin peptidoglycan biosynthesis and maturation in HP+ PCG. Conclusion: GJM in HP+ PCG exhibited dramatically altered beta diversity, taxonomic structure, and function, with reduced microbial network connectivity, which could be involved in the disease etiology.

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Surgical resection constitutes the first choice of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite advancements in intraoperative navigation, there remains a considerable lack of effective targeting probes for the imaging-guided surgical navigation of CRC owing to their high heterogeneity. Hence, developing a suitable fluorescent probe to detect the specific types of CRC populations is crucial. Herein, we labeled ABT-510, a small, CD36-targeting thrombospondin-1-mimetic peptide overexpressed in various cancer types, with fluorescein isothiocyanate or near-infrared dye MPA. We found that fluorescence-conjugated ABT-510 exhibited excellent selectivity and specificity toward cells or tissues with high CD36 expression. The tumor-to-colorectal signal ratios were 11.28 ± 0.61 (95% confidence interval) and 10.74 ± 0.07 (95% confidence interval) in subcutaneous HCT-116 and HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice, respectively. Moreover, high signal contrast was observed in the orthotopic and liver metastatic CRC xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, MPA-PEG4-r-ABT-510 exhibited an antiangiogenic effect via tube information assay with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Overall, MPA-PEG4-r-ABT-510 presents rapid and precise tumor delineation characteristics, thereby making it a desirable tool for CRC imaging and surgical navigation.

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Chromium (Cr) contamination of agricultural soils is a major threat to human and plant health worldwide and causes reductions in plant growth and crop yields. 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) and nitric oxide (NO) have been shown to ameliorate the reductions in growth caused by the stresses induced by heavy metals; however, the interactions between EBL and NO on the alleviation of Cr-induced phytotoxicity have been poorly studied. Hence, this study was undertaken to examine any beneficial effects of EBL (0.01 µM) and NO (100 µM), applied alone or in combination, on the mitigation of stress induced by Cr (100 µM) in soybean seedlings. Although EBL and NO applied alone reduced the toxic effects of Cr, the combined treatment had the greatest effect. Mitigation of Cr intoxication occurred via reduced Cr uptake and translocation and by ameliorating reductions in water contents, light-harvesting pigments, and other photosynthetic parameters. In addition, the two hormones increased the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms increasing the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing membrane damage and electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, the hormones reduced the accumulation of the toxic compound, methylglyoxal, by amplifying activities of glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II. Thus, applications of NO and EBL can significantly mitigate Cr-phytotoxicity when cultivating soybean plants in Cr-contaminated soils. However, further more-in depth studies including field investigations parallel with calculations of cost to profit ratios and yield losses are requested to validate the effectiveness of NO and/or EBL for remediation agents in Cr-contaminated soils with using key biomarkers (i.e., oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and osmoprotectants) involved in the uptake, accumulation, and attenuation of Cr toxicity tested in our study.

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A type-II van der Waals heterojunction photocatalyst is not only an ideal material for hydrogen production by water splitting, but also an important way to improve efficiency and produce low-cost clean energy. In this work, we unexpectedly found that monolayers of AlN and C2N, g-C3N4, and C6N8 all formed type-II heterojunctions according to density functional theory, and we report a comparison of their photocatalytic performance. Among them, the AlN/C2N heterojunction has an appropriate band gap value of 1.61 eV for visible light water splitting. It has higher carrier mobility than the AlN/g-C3N4 heterojunction (electron 253.1 cm2 V-1 s-1 > 31.6 cm2 V-1 s-1 and hole 11043.4 cm2 V-1 s-1 > 524.7 cm2 V-1 s-1), and an absorption peak similar those of monolayer C2N in visible light (8 × 104 cm-1) and monolayer AlN in ultraviolet light (11 × 104 cm-1). The Bader charge shows that the charge transfer number of the AlN/g-C3N4 heterojunction is higher than that of the AlN/C2N heterojunction, and its Gibbs free energy (-0.22 eV) is smaller than that of single-layer g-C3N4 (-0.30 eV). The AlN/C6N8 heterojunction also has a perfect band gap of 2.16 eV and an absorption peak of over 10 × 104 cm-1 in the UV region. Since a type-II heterojunction can effectively promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and prevent their rapid recombination, the above heterojunctions are promising candidates for new photocatalysts.