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The endoplasmic reticulum, a key cellular organelle, regulates a wide variety of cellular activities. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, one of the quality control systems of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a pivotal role in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by controlling endoplasmic reticulum turnover, remodeling, and proteostasis. In this review, we briefly describe the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system, and subsequently focus on the role of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, emphasizing the spatial and temporal mechanisms underlying the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy according to cellular requirements. We also summarize the evidence relating to how defective or abnormal endoplasmic reticulum autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review highlights the mechanisms associated with the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy and how they influence the pathophysiology of degenerative nerve disorders. This review would help researchers to understand the roles and regulatory mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum-phagy in neurodegenerative disorders.

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BACKGROUND: Preserving parathyroid function during thyroidectomy is crucial, but remains challenging. Real-time near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) aids surgeons in intraoperative parathyroid gland (PTG) identification. However, its role in detecting PTGs unintentionally removed during surgery is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study included adult patients undergoing endoscopic thyroidectomy. Surgeons identified and documented PTGs visually. Excised specimens underwent visual inspection and NIRAF imaging (PDE-Neo II). All fluorescent tissues were dissected and pathologically evaluated (reference standard). One scanned image per lobe was chosen to quantify autofluorescence (AF) intensity. RESULTS: Overall, 95 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomies, with NIRAF imaging applied to 152 excised lobes. Of these, 19 lobes displayed a total of 23 spots with increased intensity. 175 specimens were sent for pathological evaluation, and 7 were confirmed to be parathyroid tissue. NIRAF demonstrated 100.0 % sensitivity and 90.5 % specificity for predicting parathyroid tissue, with 30.4 % positive predictive value, 100.0 % negative predictive value of and 90.9 % accuracy. Quantitatively normalized, the AF signal intensity was significantly higher in NIRAF-positive tissues than negative (4.3 vs 1.2 times, p < 0.0001). Additionally, the AF signal intensity in regions pathologically confirmed of parathyroid tissue was higher than non-parathyroid tissue (9.1 vs 2.1 times, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that NIRAF has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting inadvertently resected PTGs after endoscopic thyroidectomy, contributing to preservation efforts. However, NIRAF-positive tissues still require additional confirmation through multiple methods, emphasizing other examinations to verify that they are indeed parathyroid tissues. Further research is warranted to refine NIRAF imaging parameters.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing globally. While the United States have lowered the age of initiation of screening to 45, other countries still start screening at age 50. In Taiwan, the incidence of CRC has declined in 55-74 year-olds after the initiation of screening, but still increased in those 50-54, potentially due to rising precancerous lesion incidence in 40-49 year-olds. This study aimed to explore the chronological trend of the prevalence of colorectal advanced neoplasms (AN) in the screening population aged 40-54. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a screening colonoscopy cohort for prevalence of AN in average-risk subjects aged 40-54 from 2003 to 2019. Logistic regression was used to distinguish cohort effect from time-period effect on the prevalence of AN. RESULTS: In total, 27,805 subjects (52.1% male) men were enrolled. There were notable increases in prevalence of AN in all three age groups during the 17-year span, but these were more rapid in age 40-44 (0.99% to 3.22%) and 45-49 (2.50% to 4.19%). Age 50-54 had higher risk of AN [aOR=1.62(1.19-2.19)] in 2003-2008 but not in later periods [2009-2014: aOR=1.08(0.83-1.41)] and [2015-2019: aOR=0.76(0.56-1.03)] when compared with age 45-49. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AN in age 40-54 increased in the Taiwanese population, with a later birth cohort having a higher prevalence of AN. However, the prevalence of AN in age 45-49 increased more remarkably and approximated that in age 50-54, which may justify earlier initiation of CRC screening at age 45.

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Background/Aim: The role of alcohol consumption and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remains uncertain. Materials and Methods: We conducted genotyping of the ALDH2 rs671 single nucleotide polymorphism in 298 patients with HCC and 889 non-cancerous healthy controls. We assessed associations stratified by sex and alcohol consumption status. Results: Distribution of ALDH2 rs671 variant genotypes differed significantly between HCC patients and controls (ptrend=0.0311). Logistic regression analyses indicated that compared to the wild-type GG genotype, the heterozygous variant AG genotype and homozygous variant AA genotype conferred 1.22- and 1.77-fold increases in HCC risk (p=0.1794 and 0.0150, respectively). Allelic frequency analysis showed that the A allele was associated with a 1.29-fold increased HCC risk (p=0.0123). Additionally, AA genotype carriers had significantly higher HCC risk than GG genotype carriers among males (p=0.0145) and non-alcohol drinkers (p<0.001). Conclusion: HCC risk is influenced by ALDH2 genotype, with effects modified by sex and alcohol consumption. Particularly, individuals with the ALDH2 rs671 AA genotype should avoid alcohol consumption, especially males.

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Given the growing interest in manipulating microbiota to enhance the fitness of mass-reared insects for biological control, this study investigated the impact of an artificial diet on the microbiota composition and performance of Orius strigicollis. We compared the microbiota of O. strigicollis fed on an artificial diet and moth eggs via culturing and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Subsequently, we assessed life history traits and immune gene expression of O. strigicollis fed on the artificial diet supplemented with Pantoea dispersa OS1. Results showed that microbial diversity remained largely unaffected by the artificial diet, with similar microbiota compositions in both diet groups. OS1, a minor member of the microbiota but significantly enriched in bugs fed on the artificial diet, improved nymphal survival rates and shifted adult longevity-reproduction life history in females. Additionally, OS1 supplementation elevated the transcription of antimicrobial peptide diptericin. According to population parameters, the group receiving OS1 only during the nymphal stage showed higher population growth potential compared to the group supplemented across all life stages. These findings reveal the resilience of O. strigicollis microbiota under distinct dietary conditions and highlight the potential of using natural symbionts and specific supplementation regimes to improve Orius rearing for future biocontrol programs.

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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the safety and feasibility of single-intercostal totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIIE) with those of multiple-intercostal MIIE. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2022, clinical data were collected for 528 patients who successfully underwent totally minimally invasive esophagectomy. Among these patients, 294 underwent MIIE, with 200 undergoing the single-intercostal approach and 94 undergoing the multiple-intercostal approach. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to the cohort of 294 patients. Subsequently, perioperative outcomes and other pertinent clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients were subjected to PSM, and 89 groups of patient data (178 persons in total) were well balanced and included in the follow-up statistics. Compared to the multiple intercostal group, the single intercostal group had a shorter operative time (280 min vs. 310 min; p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the incidence of major perioperative complications (p > 0.05). The total number of lymph nodes sampled (25.30 vs. 27.55, p > 0.05) and recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes sampled on the both sides (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ. The single intercostal group had lower postoperative long-term usage of morphine (0,0-60 vs. 20,20-130; p < 0.01), total temporary addition (10,0-30 vs. 20,20-40; p < 0.01) and temporary usage in the first 3 days after surgery (0,0-15 vs. 10,10-20; p < 0.01) than did the multicostal group.There were no significant differences in age, sex, tumor location or extent of lymphadenectomy or in the clinical factors between the single-intercostal group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques can be used for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Compared to multiple intercostal MIIE, the feasibility of which has been proven internationally, the single intercostal technique can also be applied to patients of different age groups and sexes and with different tumor locations. It can provide surgeons with an additional surgical option. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and written informed consent was exempted from ethical review. The registration number was 20,230,326. The date of registration was 2023.03.26.

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Oxidation of styrene is a key reaction in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, and therefore oxidizing styrene with selective, efficient, and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts is significant from an environmental and economic standpoint. In this study, we report the transition Cr-based metal-organic framework [NH2-MIL-101(Cr)] as a heterogeneous photocatalyst, which efficiently promotes styrene epoxidation using H2O2 as a green oxidant, achieving high conversion efficiency (98%) and excellent selectivity (82%) under ambient conditions. Radical detection and quenching experiments reveal that the superoxide radical anion (O2˙-) acts as an active oxygen species, selectively promoting the oxidation of styrene to its oxidized form. This work provides insight into the development of a sustainable and cost-effective method for producing styrene oxide.

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Most plant phylogeographic studies in China have focused on the importance of genetic divergence and where should the shelter be located. Little attention has been paid to range expansion and recolonization routes in this region. In this study, two cpDNA fragments (psbK-psbI and trnL-F), two pairs of nuclear gene sequences (ITS and ETS), and nine pairs of SSR molecular markers were used, combined with Bayesian Skyline Plot method, gene barrier analysis, and species distribution models to explore the phylogeographical pattern, potential expansion routes and population dynamic history of Pinellia ternata from 22 population. The results showed that phylogeograhical pattern and genetic structure for P. ternata are effected by environmental heterogeneity and climate fluctuation, and it can be divided into two groups (Southwest group, Central and Eastern group) and thus there are at least two glacial refugia in China. Three expanding routes within groups were explored to contribute to the phylogeogrephic pattern of P. ternata based on the geographical distribution and network analysis of haplotypes. In a word, our study reveals repeated range expansions and inter/postglacial recolonization routes on the fragmented distribution pattern in China and resolves the refugia distributing in China and has also certain reference value for the protection of the medicinal plant P. ternata.

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BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate AMP (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). PDE inhibitors can mitigate chronic pain and depression when these disorders occur individually; however, there is limited understanding of their role in concurrent chronic pain and depression. We aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of action of PDE using two mouse models of concurrent chronic pain and depression. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were subjected to partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) to induce chronic neuropathic pain or injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce inflammatory pain, and both animals showed depression-like behavior. First, we determined the change in PDE expression in both animal models. Next, we determined the effect of PDE7 inhibitor BRL50481 or hippocampal PDE7A knockdown on PSNL- or CFA-induced chronic pain and depression-like behavior. We also investigated the role of cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and neuroinflammation in the effect of PDE7A inhibition on PSNL- or CFA-induced chronic pain and depression-like behavior. RESULTS: This induction of chronic pain and depression in the two animal models upregulated hippocampal PDE7A. Oral administration of PDE7 inhibitor, BRL50481, or hippocampal PDE7A knockdown significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity and depression-like behavior. Hippocampal PDE7 inhibition reversed PSNL- or CFA-induced downregulation of cAMP and BDNF and the phosphorylation of PKA, CREB and p65. cAMP agonist forskolin, reversed these changes and caused milder behavioral symptoms of pain and depression. BRL50481 reversed neuroinflammation in the hippocampus in PSNL mice. CONCLUSIONS: Hippocampal PDE7A mediated concurrent chronic pain and depression in both mouse models by inhibiting cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling Inhibiting PDE7A or activating cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling are potential strategies to treat concurrent chronic pain and depression.

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Currently, the global prevalence of myopia is high and on the rise, seriously affecting the health of students. Studies have suggested that dietary factors may be associated with the occurrence and development of myopia, but the results are inconsistent. This survey aims to analyze the correlation between dietary factors and myopia while controlling for more confounding factors. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was performed to select 10,619 primary and secondary school students in Shenyang for visual examination, and questionnaires were administered to 6974 of them. Logistic regression was performed with myopia as the dependent variable and the variables with p < 0.1 in the univariate analysis as independent variables. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score matching. The results showed that the overall prevalence of myopia among primary and secondary school students in Shenyang was 59.1%, with mild myopia predominating. Students who ate fresh fruits two or more times a day had a 0.69 times lower risk of myopia compared to those who did not eat fruits (95% CI 0.50-0.97). However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that this protective effect was only significant for male students, with an OR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.38-0.91). Moreover, female students who consumed sugary beverages once or more a day had a 1.8 times higher risk of myopia compared to those who did not consume sugary beverages (95% CI 1.03-3.15). Vegetable consumption, intake of fried foods, and breakfast habits were not significantly associated with myopia. In summary, excessive consumption of sugary beverages could increase the risk of myopia, especially in female students, whereas fruit intake contributed to reducing the risk of myopia, particularly in male students.

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In the field of automatic optical inspection (AOI), this study presents innovative strategies to enhance object detection accuracy while minimizing dependence on large annotated datasets. We initially developed a defect detection model using a dataset of 3579 images across 32 categories, created in collaboration with a major Taiwanese panel manufacturer. This model was evaluated using 12,000 ambiguously labeled images, with improvements achieved through data augmentation and annotation refinement. To address the challenges of limited labeled data, we proposed the Adaptive Fused Semi-Supervised Self-Learning (AFSL) method. This approach, designed for anchor-based object detection models, leverages a small set of labeled data alongside a larger pool of unlabeled data to enable continuous model optimization. Key components of AFSL include the Bounding Box Assigner, Adaptive Training Scheduler, and Data Allocator, which together facilitate dynamic threshold adjustments and balanced training, significantly enhancing the model's performance on AOI datasets. The AFSL method improved the mean average precision (mAP) from 43.5% to 57.1% on the COCO dataset and by 2.6% on the AOI dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving high levels of precision and efficiency in AOI with minimal labeled data.

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National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak in early 2020, NTUH has been at the forefront of Taiwan's healthcare system, taking proactive measures to prepare for and manage the pandemic. The hospital swiftly established dedicated outpatient clinics and wards, which were crucial in isolating and treating COVID-19 patients. NTUH also played a pivotal role in assisting the government with the development of diagnostic reagents and vaccines and contributing to the global effort to combat the disease. To address the long-term effects of COVID-19, NTUH established a special clinic for integrated care in September 2021, offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients recover and return to normal life. NTUH also shared its pandemic prevention experience internationally, participating in video conferences to discuss its preventive measures and best practices. In caring for frontline healthcare workers, NTUH established interdisciplinary care teams to provide psychological support, assistance with basic daily needs, and effective social, psychological, and mental health support programs. In conclusion, NTUH demonstrated efficient response capabilities and care for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable insights for future challenges in dealing with emerging infectious diseases.

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A large-scale, high-speed, long-runout landslide occurred in Xinmo Village, Maoxian, Sichuan Province, China, on June 24, 2017. It was characterized by fast sliding speed, rapid volume growth, and large impact area. The dynamic process of such landslides and the influence of erosion on the dynamic process are studied by field investigation, numerical inversion and simulation. The results showed that entrainment erosion was a major factor of landslide volumetric change and a salient feature of the landslide process. An exponential equation relating the erosion rate and the deposition volume was established. Moreover, the study found that a slight change of the erosion rate (1e-4) also had a significant impact on the lateral spreading, longitudinal runout, and vertical erosion. As the erosion rate increased, the lateral spreading, longitudinal runout, and vertical erosion of this type of landslide became more obvious. By using the coefficient of variation method, it was obtained that the erosion rate had a greater influence on the vertical erosion than on the lateral spreading and longitudinal runout. In the study of the velocity of the rock avalanche under different erosion conditions, it was found that the erosion amount and the landslide velocity were not strictly linearly related. This study has important significance for understanding the dynamic process and erosion effect of rock avalanche, and provides useful references and insights for future research in related fields.

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Amyloid-beta peptide (Aß) is a neurotoxic constituent of senile plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The detailed mechanisms by which protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) contributes to Aß toxicity is not yet entirely understood. Using fully differentiated primary rat cortical neurons, we found that inhibition of Aß25-35-induced PKCδ increased cell viability with restoration of neuronal morphology. Using cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and histone H3 phosphorylated at Ser-10 (p-Histone H3) as the respective markers for the G1-, S-, and G2/M-phases, PKCδ inhibition mitigated cell cycle reentry (CCR) and subsequent caspase-3 cleavage induced by both Aß25-35 and Aß1-42 in the post-mitotic cortical neurons. Upstream of PKCδ, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-3 mediated PKCδ induction, CCR, and caspase-3 cleavage upon Aß exposure. Downstream of PKCδ, aberrant neuronal CCR was triggered by overactivating cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) via calpain2-dependent p35 cleavage into p25. Finally, PKCδ and CDK5 also contributed to Aß25-35 induction of p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) in cortical neurons. Together, we demonstrated that, in the post-mitotic neurons exposed to Aßs, STAT3-dependent PKCδ expression triggers calpain2-mediated p35 cleavage into p25 to overactivate CDK5, thus leading to aberrant CCR, PUMA induction, caspase-3 cleavage, and ultimately apoptosis.

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OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the outcome of low-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism, disclose whether age and gender influence the outcome and determine the incidence and onset time of hypothyroidism following low-dose RAI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients who received doses less than 370 Mbq RAI were enrolled in the study. Treatment outcome and incidence of hypothyroidism were compared between different gender (45 male vs.113 female), age (77 patients ≥45 years old vs. 81 patients <45 years old) and dose (39 patients receiving higher doses RAI vs. 119 receiving lower dose with a cutoff of 222 MBq) groups. Treatment outcomes were categorized into post-treatment hypothyroidism, treatment failure (persistent hyperthyroidism), and euthyroidism. In those becoming hypothyroid, time to develop hypothyroidism was calculated for cumulative incidences over time. RESULTS: Out of 158 patients, 47 (29.7%) developed hypothyroidism, 101 (63.9%) had treatment failure, and 10 (6.3%) remained euthyroid after treatment. Response rates (33.6% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.260) and hypothyroidism incidences (26.9% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.170) did not differ significantly between lower and higher dose groups, neither between lower and higher age groups (p = 0.69 in response rates and p = 0.75 in hypothyroidism incidence). Females exhibited higher response rates (42.5% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.008) and hypothyroidism incidence (46.3% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.004) compared to males. Hypothyroidism onset occurred at a mean of 24.0 ±â€¯29.2 months, and the cumulative incidences over time were 47% and 60% in six and twelve months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose RAI has a low response rate for treating hyperthyroidism. Although there may be a lower incidence of hypothyroidism following low-dose RAI compared to high-dose RAI, hypothyroidism may occur early after treatment. Besides, females have higher response rates but more incidence of hypothyroidism. The balance between the risks and benefits of using low-dose RAI should be taken into deliberate consideration.

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Introduction: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment due to anthropogenic activities can significantly affect soil N transformations in forest ecosystems. However, the effects of N and P additions on nitrification and denitrification processes in Metasequoia glyptostroboides plantations, and economically important forest type in China, remain poorly understood. Methods: This study investigated the responses of soil nitrification and denitrification rates, as well as the abundances of nitrifiers and denitrifiers, to different levels of N and P additions in a 6-year nutrient addition experiment in a M. glyptostroboides plantation. Results: Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify the main predictors of nitrification and denitrification rates. The results showed that moderate N addition (N2 treatment, 2.4 mol·m-2) stimulated nitrification rates and abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), while excessive N and P additions inhibited denitrification rates and reduced the abundance of nirS-type denitrifiers. AOB abundance was the main predictor of nitrification rates under N additions, whereas microbial biomass carbon and nirS gene abundance were the key factors controlling denitrification rates. Under P additions, tree growth parameters (diameter at breast height and crown base height) and AOB abundance were the primary predictors of nitrification and denitrification rates. Discussion: Our study reveals complex interactions among nutrient inputs, plant growth, soil properties, and microbial communities in regulating soil N transformations in plantation forests. This study also offers valuable insights for formulating effective nutrient management strategies to enhance the growth and health of M. glyptostroboides plantations under scenarios of increasing elevated nutrient deposition.

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OBJECTIVES: This study employed a national longitudinal cohort to assess expected years of life lost (EYLL) in newly diagnosed psychiatric patients. METHODS: Data from Taiwan's National Death Registry and Health Insurance Research Database were scrutinized to identify patients with various psychiatric disorders. Disorders were ranked hierarchically, and age groups were categorized as young, middle-aged, and older adults. We utilized the semiparametric survival extrapolation method to estimate life expectancy (LE) and EYLL. Modifying effect of comorbid conditions and socioeconomic characteristics were also explored. RESULTS: Among the 5,757,431 cases, young adults with dementia, alcohol use disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder experienced an excess of 15 years of EYLL. Middle-aged adults faced approximately 9 years or more of EYLL, while older adults had lower EYLL values. Comorbid conditions, low income levels, and living in rural areas were associated with higher EYLL. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the substantial EYLL among young adults with psychiatric disorders and the significant impact of specific disorders on EYLL. Early intervention, tailored support, and healthcare system readiness are imperative for improved outcomes. Resource allocation and targeted interventions focusing on early detection and comprehensive treatment can alleviate the economic burden.

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Abnormal expression of circRNAs has been observed in different types of carcinomas, and they play significant roles in the biology of these cancers. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance and functional mechanisms of the majority of circRNAs implicated in breast cancer progression remain unclear. The primary objective of our investigation is to uncover new circRNAs in breast cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which they exert their effects. The circRNA expression profile data for breast cancer and RNA-sequencing data were acquired from distinct public databases. Differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNA were identified through fold change filtering. The establishment of the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network relied on the interplay between circular RNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. The hub genes were identified from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) regulatory network using the CytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape. Moreover, the expression levels and prognostic value of these hub genes in the PPI network were assessed using the GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to identified the expression and intracellular localization of hsa_circ_0059665 by using the tissue microarray. Transwell analysis and CCK-8 analysis were performed to assess the invasion, migration, and proliferation abilities of breast cancer cells. Additionally, we investigated the interactions between hsa_circ_0059665 and miR-602 through various methods, including FISH, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to determine the potential regulatory role of hsa_circ_0059665 in breast cancer progression. A total of 252 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified. Among them, 246 circRNAs were up-regulated, while 6 circRNAs were down-regulated. Based on prediction and screening of circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA binding sites, we constructed a network consisting of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions. In addition, we constructed a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and identified six hub genes. Moreover, the expression levels of these six hub genes in breast cancer tissues were found to be significantly lower. Furthermore, the survival analysis results revealed a significant correlation between low expression levels of KIT, FGF2, NTRK2, CAV1, LEP and poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. The FISH experiment results indicated that hsa_circ_0059665 exhibits significant downregulation in breast cancer, and its decreased expression is linked to poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Functional in vitro experiments revealed that overexpression of hsa_circ_0059665 can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells. Further molecular mechanism studies showed that hsa_circ_0059665 exerts its anticancer gene role by acting as a molecular sponge for miR-602. In our study, we constructed and analyzed a circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory network and found that hsa_circ_0059665 can act as a sponge for miR-602 and inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells.

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IMPORTANCE: The reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a significant feature of tumors, yet the circulating levels of fatty acids in lung cancer patients remain to be explored. Moreover, the association between fatty acid levels and related factors, including nutritional intake, tumor metabolism, and tumor immunity, has been rarely discussed. OBJECTIVES: To explore the differences in serum free fatty acids between lung cancer patients and healthy controls, and investigate the factors associated with this phenomenon. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A case-control study enrolled 430 primary lung cancer patients and 430 healthy controls. The whole population had a medium [Q1, Q3] age of 48.0 [37.0, 58.9] years, with females comprising 56% of the participants. The absolute quantification of 27 serum free fatty acids (FFAs) was measured using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection. Data, including dietary intake, blood indicators, and gene expression of lung tissues, were obtained from questionnaires, blood tests, and RNA-sequencing. Statistical differences in FFA levels between lung cancer patients and healthy controls were investigated, and related contributing factors were explored. RESULTS: Levels of 22 FFAs were significantly higher in lung cancer patients compared to those in healthy controls, with fold changes ranging from 1.14 to 1.69. Lung cancer diagnosis models built with clinical and FFA features yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.830 (0.780-0.880). Total fatty acids (TFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed no significant dietary-serum associations, indicating that the elevations might not be attributed to an excessive intake of relevant fatty acids from the diet. For RNA-sequencing of lung tissues, among the 68 lipid metabolism genes, 26 genes showed significant upregulation (FDR < 0.05), while 33 genes exhibited significant downregulation, indicating the involvement of the fatty acids in the tumor metabolism. Through joint analysis with immune cells and inflammatory factors in the blood, fatty acids might exert suppressing effects on tumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer patients had elevated levels of serum free fatty acids compared to healthy individuals. The elevations might not be attributed to an excessive intake of relevant fatty acids from the diet but related to pathological factors of tumor metabolism and immunity. These findings will complement research on fatty acid metabolism of lung cancer and provide insights into potential intervention targets.

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In aerobic composting of food waste, acidification of the material (acidified food waste, AFW) often occurs and consequently leads to failure of fermentation initiation. In this study, we solved this problem by adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculants. The results showed that the inoculation with S. cerevisiae effectively promoted the composting process. In 2 kg composting, inoculation with S. cerevisiae significantly elevated the pile temperatures by 4 ~ 14 °C, accompanied by a rapid increase in pH from 4.5 to 6.0. In 15 kg composting, total acid decreased faster and the thermophilic stage above 50 °C was prolonged by 3 days longer than in the control. The residual oxygen content in the reactor indicated that S. cerevisiae, which proliferated during composting, increased microbial activity and reduced ammonia emission during the thermophilic phase. Cell density analysis showed that compost inoculated with S. cerevisiae promoted thermophilic bacterial propagation. Metagenomic analysis showed that the dominant bacteria in the AFW compost were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, and the relative abundance of Bacillus, Thermobacillus, and Thermobifida increased when inoculated with S. cerevisiae. These results indicate that the inoculation of S. cerevisiae is an effective strategy to improve the aerobic composting process of AFW by accelerating the initial phase and altering microbial community structure in the thermophilic phase. Our findings suggest that S. cerevisiae can be applied to aerobic composting of organic wastes to effectively address the problem of acidification.