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Abstract Ferroptosis, a newly discovered irondependent form of regulated cell death caused by excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides, is linked to the development and treatment response of various types of cancer, including gastric cancer (GC). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), as key regulators in cancer, have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. However, studies on ferroptosis-related ncRNA networks in GC are still lacking. Here, we first identified 61 differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis in GC by computing and analyzing gene expression profile of tumor and normal tissues for GC. Then, upstream lncRNAs and miRNAs interacting with them were found through miRNet and miRBase databases, and hub lncRNAs and miRNAs were obtained through topological analysis. Finally, the ceRNA regulatory network linked to ferroptosis in GC was established, which includes two ferroptosis marker genes (TXNIP and TSC22D3), one driver gene (GABARAPL1), and one suppressor gene (CAV1). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that changes in the expression of these genes were associated with the survival of GC patients. Furthermore, our study revealed that this ceRNA network may influence the progression of GC by regulating ferroptosis process. These results will help experimental researchers to design an experiment study to further explore the roles of this regulatory network in GC ferroptosis.

Fly ash was modified using calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The morphology of precipitated calcium carbonate was controlled by adding different crystal-shape-forming additives. Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate, zinc chloride, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, and aluminium chloride on the crystal shape of precipitated calcium carbonate were studied. The effects of crystal-shaped additives of precipitated calcium on the whiteness of modified fly ash and hand sheets were analyzed. The results showed that the addition of ZnCl2 (0.35%) can play a role in coating fly ash well. The coating effect of the acicular, chain, and lamellar precipitated calcium carbonate on the surface of fly ash was slightly less effective than that of globular crystals.

Abstract While there exist numerous methods to identify binary phenotypes (i.e. COPD) using electronic health record (EHR) data, few exist to ascertain the timings of phenotype events (i.e. COPD onset or exacerbations). Estimating event times could enable more powerful use of EHR data for longitudinal risk modeling, including survival analysis. Here we introduce Semi-supervised Adaptive Markov Gaussian Embedding Process (SAMGEP), a semi-supervised machine learning algorithm to estimate phenotype event times using EHR data with limited observed labels, which require resource-intensive chart review to obtain. SAMGEP models latent phenotype states as a binary Markov process, and it employs an adaptive weighting strategy to map timestamped EHR features to an embedding function that it models as a state-dependent Gaussian process. SAMGEP’s feature weighting achieves meaningful feature selection, and its predictions significantly improve AUCs and F1 scores over existing approaches in diverse simulations and real-world settings. It is particularly adept at predicting cumulative risk and event counting process functions, and is robust to diverse generative model parameters. Moreover, it achieves high accuracy with few (50–100) labels, efficiently leveraging unlabeled EHR data to maximize information gain from costly-to-obtain event time labels. SAMGEP can be used to estimate accurate phenotype state functions for risk modeling research.

Abstract Background Cellulose degradation can determine mycelial growth rate and affect yield during the growth of Flammulina filiformis. The degradation of cellulose requires the joint action of a variety of cellulases, and some cellulase-related genes have been detected in mushrooms. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of cellulose degradation. Results In this study, FfMYB15 that may regulate the expression of cellulase gene FfCEL6B in F. filiformis was identified. RNA interference (RNAi) showed that FfCEL6B positively regulated mycelial growth. Gene expression analyses indicated that the expression patterns of FfCEL6B and FfMYB15 in mycelia cultured on the 0.9% cellulose medium for different times were similar with a correlation coefficient of 0.953. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity analyses implied that FfMYB15 was located in the nucleus and was a transcriptional activator. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that FfMYB15 could bind and activate FfCEL6B promoter by recognizing MYB cis-acting element. Conclusions This study indicated that FfCEL6B played an active role in mycelial growth of F. filiformis and was regulated by FfMYB15.

Spectral clustering has become a typical and efficient clustering method used in a variety of applications. The critical step of spectral clustering is the similarity measurement, which largely determines the performance of the spectral clustering method. In this paper, we propose a novel spectral clustering algorithm based on the local similarity measure of shared neighbors. This similarity measurement exploits the local density information between data points based on the weight of the shared neighbors in a directed k-nearest neighbor graph with only one parameter k, that is, the number of nearest neighbors. Numerical experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms other existing spectral clustering algorithms in terms of the clustering performance measured via the normalized mutual information, clustering accuracy, and F-measure. As an example, the proposed method can provide an improvement of 15.82% in the clustering performance for the Soybean dataset.

Cancer has keeping the main threat to the health of human being. Its overall survival rate has shown rare substantial progress in spite of the improving diagnostic and treatment techniques for cancer in recent years. Indeed, such classic strategies for malignant tumor as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have been developed and bring more hope to the patients, but still been accompanied by certain limitations, which include the challenge of managing large wound sizes, systemic toxic side effects, and harmful to the healthy tissues caused by imprecise alignment with tumors in radiotherapy. Furthermore, immunotherapy exhibits a limited therapeutic effect in advanced tumors which is reported only up to 25%–30%. The combination of nanomaterials and cancer treatment offers new hope for cancer patients, demonstrating strong potential in the field of medical research. Among the extensively utilized nanomaterials, calcium carbonate nanomaterials (CCNM) exhibit a broad spectrum of biomedical applications due to their abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional safety profile. CCNM have the potential to elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels in tumor cells, trigger the mitochondrial damage and ultimately lead to tumor cell death. Moreover, compared with other types of nanomaterials, CCNM exhibit remarkable advantages as delivery systems owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of CCNM synthesis, focusing on summarizing its diverse roles in cancer treatment and the benefits and challenges associated with CCNM in cancer therapy. Hoping to present the significance of CCNM as for the clinical application, and summarize information for the design of CCNM and other types of nanomaterials in the future.

Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) has become a good alternative to the traditional surgical treatment of acute appendicitis, due to its advantages of small incision, mild postoperative pain, short hospital stay, and good cosmetic effect. However, the further application of SPLA has been restricted by its relatively long operating time, high level of operating difficulty, and increased equipment and technical requirements. Clinical teams worldwide have attempted to improve and optimize SPLA technical protocols and equipment to maintain stable intraoperative pneumoperitoneal pressure, improve the ‘triangle relationship’ of operating angles, and develop new surgical procedures with less trauma and higher cost-effectiveness. Here, new SPLA techniques reported over the past decade are reviewed and compared, with the aim of providing new insights into technical improvements, equipment upgrades and clinical studies in the coming years.

Abstract Background Superoxide dismutases (SODs, EC 1.15.1.1) are defense proteins that can be used as sweepers to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS). They have been widely studied in the plant. Intensive research demonstrates that SOD plays an essential role in plants. However, in Pleurotus ostreatus, the function and regulatory pathway of SOD in the growth and development and the abiotic stress response have not been clear. Results In this study, three MnSOD-encoding genes of the P. ostreatus CCMSSC00389 strain were cloned and identified. Mnsod1, Mnsod2, and Mnsod3 were interrupted by 3, 7, and 2 introns, and encoded proteins of 204, 220, and 344 amino acids, respectively. By comparing the relative expression of three MnSOD-encoding genes in mycelia, the results showed that the gene with the highest primary expression was Mnsod1. Subsequently, the function of P. ostreatus Mnsod1 was explored by overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi). The results showed that during the growth and development of P. ostreatus, MnSOD1 protein increased gradually from mycelia to the fruiting body, but decreased in spores. The change of Mnsod1 transcription level was not consistent with the changing trend of MnSOD1 protein. Further studies showed that during primordia formation, the expression of Mnsod1 gradually increased, reaching a peak at 48 h, and the transcription level was 2.05-folds compared to control. H2O2 content progressively accumulated during the formation of primordia, and its change trend was similar to that of Mnsod1 transcription. OE-Mnsod1-1 and OE-Mnsod1-21 strains accelerated the formation of primordia. The results suggested that Mnsod1 may participate in the formation rate of P. ostreatus primordium by regulating the signal molecule H2O2. In addition, OE-Mnsod1-1 and OE-Mnsod1-21 strains shortened the mycelial recovery time after heat stress and improved the tolerance of the strains to 2.5 mM and 5 mM H2O2, which showed that Mnsod1 was involved in the response of P. ostreatus mycelium to heat stress. Conclusions This study indicates that Mnsod1 plays an active role in the formation of P. ostreatus primordia and the response to abiotic stress.

This paper studied the antibacterial effect and functional components of the extracellular secretions of a strain of Bacillus subtilis KC-WQ. The experiment found that KC-WQ had obvious antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and Aeromonas hydrophila, among which it had the most significant antibacterial effect on Salmonella. On this basis, the acid precipitation method was used to separate the antibacterial components, and the structure was found through thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The antibacterial substances secreted by this strain were lipopeptides with a molecular weight distribution between 1030.5 and 1491.4 Da, mainly composed of Iturin, Surfactin and Fengycin, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.8 mg/mL. The lipopeptide component still maintained a good antibacterial effect after heat treatment (105 ℃, 20 min). The response surface method was used to optimize the culture conditions of KC-WQ, and the best fermentation conditions were obtained: The initial pH was 6.0, the fermentation temperature was 36 ℃, the shaker speed was 208 r/min, and the predicted crude product yield was 1.311 g/L. Later verified by experiments, the actual yield was 1.236 g/L. The above results indicated that Bacillus subtilis KC-WQ had good antibacterial and processing properties, could be used as a good antibacterial ingredient, and had a good application prospect in the development of antibacterial and preservation materials in food industry.

Abstract Background Progerin elevates atrophic gene expression and helps modify the nuclear membrane to cause severe muscle pathology, which is similar to muscle weakness in the elderly, to alter the development and function of the skeletal muscles. Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS), a state of cell growth arrest owing to such stimuli as oxidation, can be caused by progerin. However, evidence for whether SIPS-induced progerin accumulation is connected to denervation-induced muscle atrophy is not sufficient. Methods Flow cytometry and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors were used to assess the effect of oxidation on protein (p53), progerin, and nuclear progerin–p53 interaction in the denervated muscles of models of mice suffering from sciatic injury. Loss-of-function approach with the targeted deletion of p53 was used to assess connection among SIPS, denervated muscle atrophy, and fibrogenesis. Results The augmentation of ROS and iNOS-derived NO in the denervated muscles of models of mice suffering from sciatic injury upregulates p53 and progerin. The abnormal accumulation of progerin in the nuclear membrane as well as the activation of nuclear progerin–p53 interaction triggered premature senescence in the denervated muscle cells of mice. The p53-dependent SIPS in denervated muscles contributes to their atrophy and fibrogenesis. Conclusion Oxidative stress-triggered premature senescence via nuclear progerin–p53 interaction that promotes denervated skeletal muscular atrophy and fibrogenesis.

Abstract Due to the significant friction-reduction and anti-wear properties of nano particle, nano copper oxide (CuO) particle decorating on boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) nanocomposites are fabricated with polydopamine (PDA) as the linking agent. The structural and morphological characteristics of the CuO@BNNS composite are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction patterns, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The synergistic effect of CuO and BNNS on extreme pressure of lubrication oil are investigated. A four-ball tribometer is adopted to investigate the tribological behaviors of the as-prepared oil with different additives. Optical microscope and SEM are used to analyze the topography of worn surface. Energy dispersive spectroscopy is adopted to investigate the element distribution on worn surface. The results demonstrate that the CuO@BNNS nanoparticle could effectively improve the friction-reduction and anti-wear properties of the paraffin liquid, compared to paraffin liquid containing modified CuO (f-CuO) or PDA-BNNS respectively. The worn surface of steel ball presents smooth morphology for oil containing CuO@BNNS, contrast to oil containing f-CuO or PDA-BNNS respectively. With the tribo-film formation on the worn surface, the elements distribute uniformly on the worn surface for oil containing CuO@BNNS. Compared to lower load, the effect of load-carrying capacity and easy-shear property of CuO@BNNS outstand under 392 N, which results in the smooth worn surface compared to oil containing other additives. Article Highlights CuO@BNNS hybrid nanoparticle was prepared with a simple and mild method. CuO@BNNS presents superior anti-friction and anti-wear properties due to the synergistic effect of nanoparticle. The result obtained in the paper promotes the application of h-BN based nanocomposites in tribology.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role in fostering economic development, and the FDI technology spillover effect is one of the core forces driving an open economy toward new green growth milestones. Evaluating the impact of FDI inflows on green innovation is essential for sustainable and environment-friendly city design. Based on the panel data of 278 cities in China from 2010–2019, we conducted an empirical analysis to test the impact and mechanisms of FDI on green technology innovation (GTI). The results demonstrate that FDI has a positive and highly significant effect on GTI. The channel analysis indicates that the FDI significantly stimulates urban GTI through two mechanisms: alleviating financing restraints and mitigating the risk of new GTI in the early stages. In the heterogeneity analysis, we find that the FDI effect is more pronounced in China's resource-based regions with high levels of institutional and human capital and in regions with low-carbon pilot policies and good protection of intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the study shows FDI can affect GTI in neighboring areas through spatial spillover effects. Our findings underscore the importance of encouraging and sustaining internationalization in environmentally friendly sectors to foster green transformation. In essence, developing foreign investment policies and enhancing the green technology spillover effect of FDI are vital for strengthening GTI capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotrophic microbes rely on host‐derived carbon sources for their growth and survival. Depriving pathogens of plant carbon is therefore a promising strategy for protecting plants from disease and reducing yield losses. Importantly, this carbon starvation‐mediated resistance is expected to be more broad‐spectrum and durable than race‐specific R‐gene‐mediated resistance. Although sugars are well characterized as major carbon sources for bacteria, emerging evidence suggests that plant‐derived lipids are likely to be an essential carbon source for some fungal microbes, particularly biotrophs. Here, we comprehensively discuss the dual roles of carbon sources (mainly sugars and lipids) and their transport processes in immune signalling and microbial nutrition. We summarize recent findings revealing the crucial roles of lipids as susceptibility factors at all stages of pathogen infection. In particular, we discuss the potential pathways by which lipids and other plant carbon sources are delivered to biotrophs, including protein‐mediated transport, vesicle trafficking and autophagy. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps and offer suggestions for clarifying the mechanisms that underlie nutrient uptake by biotrophs, providing guidance for future research on the application of carbon starvation–mediated resistance. Summary statement: This review summarizes the roles of host carbon sources in plant–microbe interactions, highlights the carbon nutrition and susceptibility factor roles of host lipids for biotrophic fungi and outlines several host transport processes that potentially contribute to fungal carbon acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the DISCOMS (DISCOntinuation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS)) randomized clinical trial, we could not demonstrate that discontinuing MS DMTs in older, stable adults was not inferior to continuing DMTs. Relapses were rare in both groups, and most new disease activity was one to two new brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions unassociated with clinical changes. Objective/Aims: Describe results of the DISCOMS extension study. Methods: Among 10/19 of the original sites, we enrolled patients who completed DISCOMS; did not reach the primary endpoint during the original trial; and retained original randomized assignment. Participants completed one study visit and brain MRI at least 30 months after original enrollment in DISCOMS. Primary endpoint was time from entry into the primary study to relapse or new brain MRI activity. Results: Mean (SD) total follow-up was 40 (11.7) months. There were no relapses, and new brain MRI lesions (1/30 continuer, 2/44 discontinuers) were uncommon during the extension. Time from primary trial entry to disease event was significantly shorter for subjects in the discontinue group (p = 0.043 from log-rank test). Conclusions: From entry into DISCOMS extension study, time to new MS activity remained shorter in discontinuers, but relapses were absent and new brain MRI lesions were rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil stabilization technology has been applied for a long time in the infrastructure construction field. Currently, the use of waste materials as stabilizer is growing in attention, because it promises to develop green and high-performance soil stabilization efficiency. In this work, three common waste materials, including rice husk ash (RHA), steel slag (SS) and iron tailing (IT) powder, were selected and synergistically utilized with cement to prepare stabilized soil. The mechanical strength, hydration degree and microstructure of the stabilized soil samples were tested. The experimental results showed that the mechanical strengths of the samples were improved as the cement content increased. To be specific, RHA-blended samples exhibited the lowest strengths compared with those incorporating SS and IT, indicating the poor effect of RHA on stimulating strength improvement. Moreover, SS and IT showed a much more significant effect on enhancing the mechanical strength for the stabilized soil samples, and the strength increasing rates can reach up to 60% compared to the reference batch. In addition, microstructural analysis results further verified the benefits of cement and waste materials on improving the performance of stabilized soil samples, as the hydration reaction and pore structure were proven to be improved with the aid of waste materials. This work gives insights into environmentally friendly road construction with high utilization of selected common wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subgrade structure of high-speed railways is an important foundation for the safe and smooth operation of high-speed trains, and the scientific design of the subgrade structure provides a fundamental guarantee of its durability and technical economy. As, in the development of high-speed railways in China, higher speeds are being pursued, more requirements have been put forward for the dynamic stability of subgrade structures. To address this issue, this article focuses on the control requirements for the long-term stability of subgrade deformation, and various design methods for high-speed railway subgrade structures are presented. Considering the energy dissipation and dynamic stability characteristics of subgrade filling materials, the dynamic performance of coarse-grained soil filling materials in the bottom layer and graded crushed stones in the surface layer are revealed. The methods for determining the values of dynamic parameters such as the dynamic modulus and damping ratio are provided. Based on the dynamic shakedown theory, the stress–strain hysteresis characteristics of fillers and the variation law of dissipated energy are revealed. The correlation between unit volume dissipated energy and shakedown state under cyclic loading conditions is identified. A criterion for determining the critical shakedown state of high-speed railway subgrade structures based on equivalent unit volume dissipated energy is proposed, and a method for determining the design threshold of dynamic stress and dynamic strain is also proposed. The results show that the shakedown design critical values of equivalent unit volume dissipated energy in the bottom and surface layers of the foundation were between 0.0103~0.0133 kJ/m3 and 0.0121~0.0149 kJ/m3, respectively. The critical dynamic strain range was 0.8 × 10−3~1.3 × 10−3. On this basis, a high-speed railway subgrade design method based on energy dissipation and dynamic shakedown characteristics was developed. The results can provide theoretical support for the design of high-speed railway subgrade structures with different filling material alternatives and control standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]