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Background: Compliance with colonoscopy among elderly individuals participating in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs is unsatisfactory, despite a high detection rate of bowel‐related diseases. In this study, our aim was to analyze the impact of risk factors on the trends of compliance and detection rates in colonoscopy among high‐risk individuals aged 60–74. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the high‐risk individuals aged 60–74 participating in the 2021 CRC screening program in Tianjin, China. Logistic regression analyses, including both univariate and multivariate analyses, were performed to explore the impact of different risk factors on colonoscopy compliance among the high‐risk individuals. Besides, the study investigated the influence of various risk factors on the detection rates of bowel‐related diseases among the high‐risk individuals who underwent colonoscopy. Results: A total of 24,064 high‐risk individuals were included, and 5478 individuals received a free colonoscopy, with an overall compliance of 22.76%. Among them, the adenoma detection rate was 55.46%. Males and individuals with a positive FIT had high compliance and detection rates for CRC, advanced adenomas (AA), advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN), and colorectal neoplasm (CN). Individuals aged 70–74 were associated with low compliance but high CRC, ACN, and CN detection rates. Individuals who reported a history of chronic constipation, bloody mucous, and CRC in first‐degree relative showed high compliance but no significantwere associated with the detection rates of CRC, AA, and CN. Conclusion: This study reported several risk factors associated with the screening behaviors for CRC. Patterns and trends in CRC, AA, ACN, and CN compliance and detection rates correlate with risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals under 50 is increasing worldwide. We conducted an analysis of colonoscopy findings in high‐risk individuals under 50 in the CRC screening program in Tianjin, China, to determine the detection rate and risk factors of advanced adenomas (AA), advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN), colorectal neoplasia (CN). Methods: Our study investigated individuals aged 40–49 who underwent CRC screening and completed colonoscopy, 2012–2020, while the 50–54 age group served as a control. We compared the detection rates of AA, ACN, and CN among three age groups using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, and investigated the risk factors associated with AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40–49. Results: We found a gradual increase in the detection rate of AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40–54. The detection rates for AA (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.41–0.81), ACN (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43–0.77), and CN (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.56–0.74) were lower in individuals aged 40–44 compared to 45–49. The detection rates of AA (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.87–1.34) and ACN (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.93–1.35) in individuals aged 45–49 were comparable with 50–54. Besides, lifestyle factors, BMI, and FIT are not associated with the detection rates of AA, ACN, and CN among individuals aged 40–49. Conclusions: Our study reveals screening data in individuals under 50, indicating comparable detection rates of AA and ACN in individuals aged 45–49 and 50–54. These findings provide valuable data support for optimizing the optimal age to initiate screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), in combination with various therapeutic agents, is the main strategy for patients with high risk of stage 2, and advanced stages of, human colorectal cancer. Although 5-FU-based chemotherapy causes myeloid cell suppression, which has long been considered as a major adverse effect in certain cancer patients, recent studies determined that 5-FU selectively kills myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), to increase cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying 5-FU's suppression of MDSCs is incompletely understood. We report here that 5-FU activates p53, to upregulate Fas expression in MDSCs, to increase MDSC sensitivity to FasL-induced apoptosis in vitro. 5-FU therapy upregulates Fas expression, to suppress MDSC accumulation, to increase CTL tumor infiltration in tumor-bearing mice. In human colorectal cancer patients, 5-FU-based chemotherapy suppresses MDSCs and increases CTLs level. Our findings determine that the p53-Fas pathway links 5-FU to MDSC suppression. Myelosuppression is a major adverse effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. However, recent findings indicate that 5-FU selectively suppresses myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), to enhance antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice. 5-FU-mediated myelosuppression may thus have a beneficial effect for cancer patients. The molecular mechanism underlying 5-FU's suppression of MDSCs is currently unknown. We aimed at testing the hypothesis that 5-FU suppresses MDSCs through enhancing MDSC sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis. We observed that, although FasL is highly expressed in T cells, Fas is weakly expressed in myeloid cells in human colon carcinoma, indicating that downregulation of Fas is a mechanism underlying myeloid cell survival and accumulation in human colon cancer. 5-FU treatment upregulated expression of both p53 and Fas, and knocking down p53 diminished 5-FU-induced Fas expression in MDSC-like cells, in vitro. 5-FU treatment also increased MDSC-like cell sensitivity to FasL-induced apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, we determined that 5-FU therapy increased expression of Fas on MDSCs, suppressed MDSC accumulation, and increased CTL tumor infiltration in colon tumor-bearing mice. In human colorectal cancer patients, 5-FU chemotherapy decreased MDSC accumulation and increased CTL level. Our findings determine that 5-FU chemotherapy activates the p53-Fas pathway, to suppress MDSC accumulation, to increase CTL tumor infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We would like to express our gratitude to Safari, Farzad, and Noursina, Ali, for their insightful comments about our article regarding the questionnaire procedure and the assessment of symptoms, including a history of chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, and mucous blood stools. This questionnaire has been included in national screening programs since 2007 and has been used in many cities in China.[[1], [3]] Since 2012, CRC screening in community allied third-grade class-A hospitals has been initiated in Tianjin City, China. As stated in the manuscript, only 39.41% of the screening population completed a colonoscopy within 1 month, so those with symptoms at the time of initial screening were advised to seek a definitive diagnosis promptly and were excluded from screening. [Extracted from the article]

Research has demonstrated that the formation of composites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) with silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) through the construction of heterojunctions can expand its light absorption range and suppress the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, thereby improving the photocatalytic performance. However, this method offers only limited performance improvements, and the composite photocatalysts are costly due to the expensive Ag3PO4. In this study, Ti3C2 MXene, which has good hydrophilicity and excellent electrical conductivity, is first used to form Schottky junction composites with bronze TiO2 (TiO2(B)) via electrostatic self-assembly. Then, Ag3PO4 quantum dots were further formed on the surface of the TiO2(B)/Ti3C2 MXene by in situ self-growth, and Ag3PO4 formed heterojunctions and Schottky junctions with TiO2(B) and Ti3C2 MXene, respectively. Finally, a ternary composite photocatalyst TiO2(B)/Ti3C2 MXene/Ag3PO4 was jointly constructed by these functional junctions. Under the synergistic effect of these functional junctions, the mobility and fast separation performance of photogenerated electron–hole pairs of the composite photocatalyst were significantly improved, the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs was effectively suppressed, and the light absorption performance was enhanced. As a result, the composite photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a commercial probiotic (Clostridium butyricum) on growth, gut microbiota, digestion‐related enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and water quality in genetically improved, farmed tilapia (GIFT; Oreochromis niloticus) were assessed in a closed‐circuit, container culture system. A basal diet containing commercially available C. butyricum at 3.0 × 1010, 1.5 × 1011 and 3.0 × 1011 CFU/kg, and a control diet were fed to tilapia fries for 90 days. Growth performances and water quality were improved by probiotic treatment. Activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase and trypsin) were improved, especially with 1.5 × 1011 CFU/kg (p < 0.05). After feeding for 45 days and 90 days, antioxidant capacity in the liver, spleen and head kidney, and the plasma immunity in the treatment groups improved. The analysis of 16S rRNA indicated that C. butyricum did not significantly increase its abundance in the hindgut, but could modulate gut microbial communities and significantly increase functions relating to nitrogen metabolism, phosphorylation and proteinases. These results support the administration of C. butyricum, especially at 1.5 × 1011 CFU/kg. As a probiotic for high‐density tilapia, C. butyricum improves water quality, growth performance, antioxidant capacity and the immune response of GIFT under crowding stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanidation is the most commonly used method for leaching and recovering Au and Ag from ores. In the process, some copper species may dissolve and react with cyanide to form cyanide–copper complexes in a cyanide solution. Waste cyanide solutions must be treated to reduce their cyanide concentrations before they may be safely discharged into tailing storage facilities. In this preliminary work, precipitate flotation techniques were used to remove cyanide–copper complexes from synthetic solutions similar to those found in gold cyanidation plants. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) were both employed as precipitants and frothers. Multiple parameters, including reaction time, bubbling time, pH, and surfactant dosage, were investigated. The results show that it is possible to remove up to 84.51% of the cyanide and 81.62% of the copper with a 7.60% water loss when adding 3.75 mg/mg Cu CTAB at a pH of 6. While further decreasing the pH may increase removal efficiencies, the contribution of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) volatilization and stripping will also be greatly increased. Tests performed with an industrial solution corroborated the results obtained using synthetic solutions. This study reveals that precipitation flotation can be used in the gold mining industry as a treatment for cyanidation solutions with high cyanide concentrations discharged into tailings facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) exhibit cancer stem cell properties and can generate daughter cells with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype. This study investigated the role of PGCC formation in the prognostic value of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The morphological characteristics were observed in patients with LARC after nCRT. Colorectal cancer cell lines were treated with irradiation or chemotherapeutic drugs, and the metastasis-related proteins were detected. 304 nCRT cases and 301 paired non-nCRT cases were collected for analysis. More PGCCs and morphologic characteristics related to invasion and metastasis appeared in tumor tissue after nCRT. Irradiation or chemicals could induce the formation of PGCCs with daughter cells exhibiting strong migratory, invasive, and proliferation abilities. In patients after nCRT, pathologic complete remission, partial remission, stable disease, and progressive disease were observed in 29 (9.54%), 125 (41.12%), 138 (45.39%), and 12 (3.95%) patients, respectively. Mucinous adenocarcinomas (MCs) occurred more frequently in nCRT than in non-nCRT patients (χ2 = 29.352, P=0.001), and the prognosis in MC patients was worse than that in non-MC patients (χ2 = 24.617, P=0.001). The difference in survival time had statistical significance for 60 days (χ2 = 5.357, P=0.021) and 70 days (χ2 = 18.830, P=0.001) rest interval time. On multivariable analysis, 60 days rest interval, Duke's stage, and recurrence and/or distant metastasis remained significant predictors of survival. In conclusion, irradiation or chemicals induce the formation of PGCCs and PGCCs produce daughter cells with strong migration and invasion abilities after a long incubation period. Appropriate rest interval (incubation period) is very important for patients with LARC who will receive nCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking 140 administrative villages for tourism expert diagnostic training as the object, using the minimum variance method and spatial analysis method, this paper studied leading types of rural tourism industry in Beijing based on a comprehensive analysis of the tourism business types in the villages. The results showed that rural tourism businesses are mostly the combination of many types, dominated by picking gardens and leisure farms, and the second dominant type is the combination of leisure farm and natural village household, with the clear regional distribution. The combined-business structure and its distribution is influenced by geographical location, natural conditions and industrial investment and many other factors. Water element is an important symbol of rural tourism in the suburbs of Beijing. The newly-emerging operation modes should be concluded in the scope of new format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, petrochemical industries with many integrated units and equipment have characteristics of high uncertainty and nonlinearity. Therefore, it becomes more and more difficult to make reliable and accurate point measurement of energy modeling. To tackle this problem, a novel prediction intervals (PIs) method integrating error & self-feedback extreme learning machine (ESF-ELM) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. For improving the energy modeling accuracy of extreme learning machine (ELM), the input weights are initialized using cosine similarity coefficients but not randomly initialized. In addition, an error-feedback layer and a self-feedback layer are added to the input layer and the hidden layer for enhancing generalization performance, respectively. Finally, PSO with a comprehensive measure is developed to evaluate the mean coverage probability and the mean width percentage of PIs. The proposed ESF-ELM with PSO is applied to constructing PIs of energy consumption for a Purified Terephthalic Acid production process. Simulation results show the proposed model can generate high-quality PIs with large coverage probability, narrow width, and superiority in adaptability and reliability, which provides guidance for decision makers to maximize benefits and give reasonable future plans. Highlights • A novel effective energy consumption prediction intervals method is proposed. • An Error feedback and a self-feedback layer are added to extreme learning machine. • Prediction intervals are optimized by using particle swarm optimization. • A case study of Purified Terephthalic Acid is executed for performance validation. • Simulation results show the proposed method can obtain good prediction intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slime coating is known to have one of the detrimental effects of clay in coal flotation. In this study, the viscosity measurements of coal-clay-mixture suspensions and corresponding batch flotations were performed with increasing CaCl2 concentrations (ranged in 1-20 mM). It was found that at 4-6 mM concentration a significant transfer from Newtonian to non-Newtonian behavior occurred; meanwhile, the clay recovery increased dramatically. In this process, clay recovery through true flotation with entrainment excluded gradually increased. Cryo-SEM analysis, furthermore, confirmed that more coating clay appeared in higher CaCl2 concentrations. Thus, the rheology measurement could be used as a method for determining whether the slime coating occurred in flotation pulp with low salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By merging reconstructed phenological series from published articles and observations of China Phenology Observation Network (CPON), the first blooming date of Amygdalus davidiana (FBA) in Beijing between 1741 and 2000 is reconstructed. The Butterworth method is used to remove the multi-year variations for generating the phenological series of annual variations in the first blooming date of A. davidiana. The extreme delay years in the phenological series are identified using the percentage threshold method. The characteristics of the extreme delays and the correspondence of these events with natural forcings are analysed. The main results are as follows. In annual phenological series, the extreme delays appeared in single year as main feature, only A.D.1800-1801, 1816-1817 and 1983-1984 were the events of two consecutively extreme years. Approximately 85% of the extreme delays occurred during 1-2 years after the large volcanic eruptions (VEI ≥ 4) in the eastern rim or the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, as the same proportion of the extreme delays followed El Niño events. About 73% years of the extreme delays fall in the valleys of sunspot cycles or the Dalton minimum period in the year or the previous year. According to the certainty factor (CF), the large eruptions have the greatest influence to the extreme delays; sunspot activity is the second, and ENSO is the last one. The extreme phenological delayed year is most likely to occur after a large eruption, which particularly occurs during El Niño year and its previous several years were in the descending portion or valley of sunspot phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of existing modeling methods are based on point prediction. However, the accuracy of point prediction cannot meet the actual demand due to existence of high noise, volatility, complexity and irregularity inherent in the chemical process data. In order to solve this problem, a hybrid high-quality prediction intervals (PIs) method integrating complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), sample entropy (SE), and improved multi-kernel relevant vector machine (RVM) is proposed in the paper. The proposed PIs method mainly consists of three aspects: Firstly, CEEMD is adopted to decompose the original data into several independent intrinsic mode functions (IMFS), and then SE is used to analyze the complexity of the extracted IMFs to obtain recombinant components; Secondly, an improved multi-kernel RVM (MRVM) is presented to predict recombinant components independently, in which the linear kernel and the Gaussian kernel are combined; Thirdly, the predicted components are aggregated to obtain an ensemble result using another MRVM for constructing the high-quality PIs. To verify the performance of the proposed PIs method, a purified Terephthalic acid (PTA) solvent system is selected. Comparative simulation results demonstrate that the proposed PIs method greatly outperforms on coverage probability and sharpness in all the step predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Influences of unconventional phase on catalytic performance are manifested. • Methods for unconventional phase engineering and phase transformation are also summarized. • Representative fuel cell catalysts with unconventional phases are also provided. • Perspective sights and challenges for the unconventional phase engineering are added. The commercialization of fuel cells is greatly hampered by the poor stability, sluggish kinetics, and limited catalytic activity of electrocatalysts of both the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) or small molecules oxidation reaction (SMOR). Thus far, the exploration of highly active and durable electrocatalysts has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the performance of fuel cells. Accordingly, increasing attention has been devoted to optimizing the geometric and electronic properties of catalysts and modifying the adsorption/desorption of intermediates via phase engineering, especially for unconventional phase engineering. Herein, in this review, unconventional phase engineering is introduced in terms of the phase definition, classification, characterization, and understanding. Subsequently, we highlight the recent advances in the unconventional phase engineering by focusing on the rational design, preparation and transformation of different phases in nanomaterials. Moreover, the latest progress of electrocatalysts with unconventional phase for driving electrocatalytic ORR, HOR or SMOR are scientifically and systematically summarized, along with a deep understanding on the structure–activity relationship. Furthermore, we also provide personal perspectives on challenges and opportunities in this emerging field, covering the exploitation of phase-dependent properties of electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, one of Doublesex genes from the common freshwater cladoceran Daphnia carinata , designated DapcaDsx1 , was cloned using primers based on homologous sequences and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). qPCR was employed to quantify differences in DapcaDsx1 expression between the different sexual phases, with expression levels being higher in sexual females. The role of DapcaDsx1 in the reproductive transformation was further investigated in parthenogenetic-phase females and sexual-phase females using whole-mount in situ hybridization. This cellular localization study showed specific expression of DapcaDsx1 in the thoracic segments, second antenna and part of the ventral carapace. Higher expression levels were exhibited in sexual females compared to parthenogenetic females. This suggests that the DapcaDsx1 gene plays significant roles in switching modes of reproduction and during sexual differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic technology is currently the most promising technology for environmental pollution control. The preparation of photocatalysts with excellent properties is the core of the development of photocatalytic technology. TiO2 can form a heterojunction with g-C3N4, which can effectively inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, improve the mobility of photogenerated carriers, and thus improve the photocatalytic performance. In this study, NaCl was used as a template, and the loose and porous g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts were prepared by the template method. Compared to the pure g-C3N4 prepared by the conventional thermal polycondensation method and TiO2, the g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts prepared in this study exhibited a greatly increased specific surface area, an improved light absorption performance, a significantly suppressed recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Furthermore, the g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance. In this study, NaCl was used as a template, and the loose and porous g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts were prepared by the template method. Compared to the pure g-C3N4 prepared by the conventional thermal polycondensation method and TiO2, the g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts prepared in this study exhibited a greatly increased specific surface area, an improved light absorption performance, a significantly suppressed recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Furthermore, the g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cladoceran Daphnia carinata undergoes an unusual transition from asexual to sexual reproduction in response to environmental stimuli. Previously, a D. carinata cuticular protein (CP) was identified in an EST library. In this study, the full-length CP cDNA was cloned and sequenced (GenBank accession number: KF551931), and the expression levels in different reproductive states were assessed. Parthenogenetic and sexual female D. carinata were isolated, and CP expression was investigated using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CP was expressed during both reproductive stages, but expression was higher in sexual females. Cellular localization was also investigated using digoxin-labeled RNA probes in RNA whole-mount in situ hybridization assays, and CP was mainly expressed in the first pair of thoracic appendages, the surface of the head, shell spines, and other parts of the epidermis in parthenogenetic organisms. In contrast, CP expression was restricted to the thoracic appendages in sexual females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cladoceran Daphnia carinata undergoes an unusual transition from asexual to sexual reproduction in response to environmental stimuli. Previously, a D. carinata cuticular protein (CP) was identified in an EST library. In this study, the full-length CP cDNA was cloned and sequenced (GenBank accession number: KF551931), and the expression levels in different reproductive states were assessed. Parthenogenetic and sexual female D. carinata were isolated, and CP expression was investigated using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CP was expressed during both reproductive stages, but expression was higher in sexual females. Cellular localization was also investigated using digoxin-labeled RNA probes in RNA whole-mount in situ hybridization assays, and CP was mainly expressed in the first pair of thoracic appendages, the surface of the head, shell spines, and other parts of the epidermis in parthenogenetic organisms. In contrast, CP expression was restricted to the thoracic appendages in sexual females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An advanced method for zinc cyanide removal based on precipitation. • 92.17% of cyanide and 88.86% of zinc could be removed using OTAB. • The process is effective when non-polar organic contaminants and <50 mmol/L salt are present. • Co-existed copper can be simultaneously treated. In gold-processing plants, the final tailing containing metal cyanide species is typically treated using various oxidation methods to produce the main source of process water, which is subsequently recycled to the upstream units, such as flotation units. In some gold-processing plants, a considerable amount of metal cyanide species such as zinc cyanide remains in process water, despite the cyanide destruction process. Because residual zinc cyanide complexes can depress gold flotation, the amount of process water must be decreased such that it can be recycled to a flotation circuit. Previous studies report that the critical concentration of zinc cyanide, measured based on the total cyanide concentration during flotation depression, is 0.4 mmol/L. In the present study, the feasibility of using quaternary ammonium salts to precipitate zinc cyanide complexes to less than the critical concentration was studied. The results showed that 92.17% of 60 mg/L of cyanide and 88.86% of 50 mg/L of zinc (molar ratio Zn/CN = 1:3) can be removed using 0.4 g/L of octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide at a pH of 10. The concentration of the residual CN cyanide was less than the critical concentration. This indicates that the abovementioned process is effective when nonpolar organic contaminants and moderate amounts of salt (<50 mmol/L) are present. This work revealed that the precipitation process can be used as an advanced treatment method for process water subjected to oxidation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidences link gut microbiota to colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and development. However, the CRC stage- and spatial-specific bacterial taxa were less investigated, especially in a Chinese cohort, leading to our incomplete understanding of the functional roles of gut microbiota in promoting CRC progression and recurrence. Here, we report the composition and structure of gut microbiota across CRC stages I, II and III, by analyzing the gut mucosal microbiomes of 75 triplet-paired samples collected from on-tumor, adjacent-tumor and off-tumor sites and 26 healthy controls. We observed tumor-specific pattern of mucosal microbiome profiles as CRC progressed and identified ten bacterial taxa with high abundances (>1%) as potential biomarkers for tumor initiation and development. Peptostreptococcus and Parvimonas can serve as biomarkers for CRC stage I. Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Parvimonas, Burkholderiales, Caulobacteraceae, Delftia and Oxalobacteraceae can serve as biomarkers for CRC stage II, while Fusobacterium, Burkholderiales, Caulobacteraceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Faecalibacterium and Sutterella can serve as biomarkers for CRC stage III. These biomarkers classified CRC stages I, II and III distinguished from each other with an area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) > 0.5. Moreover, co-occurrence and co-excluding network analysis of these genera showed strong correlations in CRC stage I, which were subsequently reduced in CRC stages II and III. Our findings provide a reference index for stage-specific CRC diagnosis and suggest stage-specific roles of Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus and Parvimonas in driving CRC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different fertilizer treatments and crop rotations on crop yield stability. A 9 years field experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2021 to evaluate the effects of combinations of two annual crop rotations and two methods of applying fertilizer on crop yield stability. Crop rotations were kidney bean–mustard–rice (P–B–O) and kidney bean–mustard–cowpea (P–B–V) each year. Fertilization methods were recommended fertilization (RF) and conventional fertilization (CF). The indexes Wi2 (Wricke's ecovalance), coefficient of variation (CV), and sustainable yield index (SYI) were used to quantify the long term effects of crop rotation and fertilization on crop yield stability, and a yield change trend model was used to predict future production. For fertilization program RF, average kidney bean and mustard yields in rotation P–B–O increased respectively by 7.47% and 19.37% over P–B–V in the 9 years of the project. For CF, average kidney bean and mustard yields for P–B–O increased respectively by 14.99% and 18.33% over P–B–V. Wi2 indexes of kidney bean and mustard for P–B–O (respectively 116 and 956) were significantly less than for P–B–V (respectively 147.87 and 1259.67). SYI for kidney beans and mustard in P–B–O (respectively 0.63 and 0.57) were significantly greater than for P–B–V (respectively 0.50 and 0.42). The trends of crop average yields for RF and CF show that the average yield trends of kidney bean in P–B–O (respectively 32.41 and 32.34) were greater than in P–B–V (respectively 29.56 and 27.45). The trends of average yields of mustard for RF and CF in P–B–O (respectively 64.18 and 60.87) were greater than in P–B–V (respectively 51.74 and 51.87). The preceding results led to the conclusion that long term annual P–B–O rotation combined with RF considerably increased yield and maintained yield stability, thus establishing the sustainability of this cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driving ethanol electrooxidation in fuel cells is a promising technology for realizing the effective conversion of biomass energy into renewable electrical energy. However, it is still a challenge to broaden the application of fuel cells due to the limitation of effective electrocatalysts. Herein, we have proposed the design and synthesis of an advanced nonmetal-doped Pd nanocrystal catalyst for promoting the electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), in which the incorporation of nonmetal Te not only effectively modifies the electronic structure of Pd to enhance the intrinsic activity of the catalyst but also significantly boosts the further oxidation of intermediates, thereby promoting the electrocatalytic properties. Significantly, a mass activity of 1203 mA mgPd−1 for the optimized PdTe nanocrystals (NCs) has been realized, which is 4.7- and 2.5-fold enhancements as compared to the Pd NCs (255.4 mA mgPd−1) and commercial Pd/C (485 mA mgPd−1), respectively, presenting a promising electrocatalyst for fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realization of a controllable transparent conducting system with selective light transparency is crucial for exploring many of the most intriguing effects in top‐illuminated optoelectronic devices. However, the performance is limited by insufficient electrical conductivity, low work function, and vulnerable interface of traditional transparent conducting materials, such as tin‐doped indium oxide. Here, it is reported that two‐dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene film acts as an efficient transparent conducting electrode for the lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) photodiode with controllable near infrared transmittance. The solution‐processed interface engineering of MXene and PbS layers remarkably reduces the interface defects of MXene/PbS CQDs and the carrier concentration in the PbS layer. The stable Ti3C2Tx/PbS CQDs photodiodes give rise to a high specific detectivity of 5.51 × 1012 cm W−1 Hz1/2, a large dynamic response range of 140 dB, and a large bandwidth of 0.76 MHz at 940 nm in the self‐powered state, ranking among the most exceptional in terms of comprehensive performance among reported PbS CQDs photodiodes. In contrast with the traditional photodiode technologies, this efficient and stable approach opens a new horizon to construct widely used infrared photodiodes with CQDs and MXenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing concern over water pollution, which poses a threat to human life and health. Absorption by low-cost absorbents is considered to be a cost-effective and efficient route. However, the non-reusability of absorbents greatly limits their applications. In this study, a novel vermiculite/TiO2 composite combining the inexpensive absorbent with the commonly used photocatalyst was firstly synthesized via the sol-gel method. On the one hand, the organic pollutants are absorbed by vermiculite and then decomposed through the photocatalysis process, enabling the next round of absorption and creating an absorption–decomposition reusable cycle. On the other hand, the modulation effect of optical and electronic structure on the prepared TiO2 photocatalyst by the vermiculite incorporation could significantly improve the photocatalytic activity and eventually enhance the aforementioned cyclic degradation capacity. The layer-structured vermiculite (Vt) supports a uniform coverage of TiO2 at an optimized ratio, providing an optimal adsorption environment and contact area between the photocatalyst and methylene blue (MB) molecules. Vt/TiO2 heterojunction is formed with Si-O-Ti bonding, at which electrons transfer from Vt to TiO2, enriching electron density in TiO2 and favoring its photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the incorporation of Vt increases the light absorption of TiO2 in the visible range by narrowing the optical band gap to 1.98 eV, which could promote the generation of photo-excited carriers. In addition, PL measurements revealed that the carrier recombination is substantially suppressed, and the charge separation and migration are greatly enhanced by a factor of 3. As a result, the decomposition rate of MB is substantially increased 5.3-fold, which is ascribed to the synergistic effects of the elevated photocatalysis and the large absorption capacity governed by the chemisorption mechanism of the intra-particle diffusion. These results pave the way for composite design towards efficient, economical, and pragmatic water pollution treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The application of circulating, cell-free, methylated Septin9 (mSEPT9) DNA in screening and recurrence monitoring is highly promising. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is associated with microsatellite instability (MSI). The present study was performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of mSEPT9 for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate its utility in CRC screening and recurrence monitoring.Methods: For screening and diagnosis of CRC, peripheral mSEPT9 detection and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) were performed in 650 subjects, then the level of CEA, CA19-9 and CA724 was quantified in 173 subjects. Clinicopathological parameters and mismatch repair protein were detected among subjects with CRC. For recurrence monitoring of CRC, the sensitivity of mSEPT9 of 70 subjects was compared with tumor markers and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT).Results: Seventy-three percent of CRC patients were mSEPT9-positive at 94.5% specificity, and 17.1% of patients with intestinal polyps and adenoma were mSEPT9-positive at 94.5% specificity, which were higher than FOBT for the screening of CRC. The sensitivity and specificity of mSEPT9 for diagnosis and recurrence monitoring were higher than that of CEA, CA19-9 and CA724. The combined detection of mSEPT9 and CECT enhanced the sensitivity for recurrence monitoring. Pre-therapeutic levels of mSEPT9 were strongly associated with TNM stage, Dukes stages and mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR).Conclusions: mSEPT9 analysis might be popularized as a routine biomarker for CRC screening. The combined detection of mSEPT9 and CECT can play an important role for recurrence monitoring. CIMP was highly associated with the pathological stage of CRC and dMMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyanide adsorption onto CTAB-PSS aggregates. • Copper cyanide complexes removed from effluents containing Cu and CN by precipitation and filtration. • Conductivity plot of the solution as a tool for optimization of substrate dosage and ratio. • Thiocyanate ions significantly reduced the removal efficiency of Cu and T CN. Precipitation of metal cyanide complexes using quaternary ammonium salts has been used in cyanidation solutions after gold leaching. Due to the high residual load of metal cyanide complexes and ammonium salts, this method does not apply to effluents containing moderate or low cyanide concentrations. To overcome these limitations, in this study, we introduce poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) into a solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide Sinpharm (CTAB), to form polymer-surfactant aggregates (PSAs) and enhance the removal efficiency of Cu and T CN. 93.8% and 97.0% of Cu and T CN , respectively, were removed from the synthetic solution (Cu 0.5 mM and CN 1.5 mM) under optimum dosage of 150 ppm PSS and 0.8 mM CTAB, resulting in 92.2% of substrate usage. The addition of 3.0 mM CTAB without PSS resulted in only 46.3% of substrate usage, even though the removals of Cu and T CN were 92.2 and 93.6%, respectively. The presence of thiocyanate ions significantly reduced the removal efficiency due to the competitive interaction with PSAs, whereas the pH of the solution and the temperature did not have any noticeable impact. Tests performed with an industrial effluent corroborated the results obtained with synthetic solutions: PSAs react with copper cyanide to form a precipitate that can be separated from the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the widespread use of antibiotics in intensive grouper mariculture has resulted in the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment, leading to an increasing incidence of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, causing serious economic losses. Hence, it is crucial to develop alternative strategies to antibiotics for healthy and sustainable development of the mariculture industry. Here, we aimed to screen host gut-derived probiotics and evaluate its effects on growth and immunity of grouper. In this study, 43 bacterial strains were isolated from the intestine of the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂), and a potential probiotic strain G1-26, which can efficiently secrete amylase, protease, and lipase, was obtained using different screening mediums. Based on 16S rDNA sequencing, the potential probiotic strain G1-26 was identified as Vibrio fluvialis. The results of a biological characteristic evaluation showed that V. fluvialis G1-26 could grow at 25–45 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, salinity 10–40, and bile salt concentration 0–0.030%, and produce amylase, lipase, and protease under different culture conditions. Additionally, V. fluvialis G1-26 is sensitive to many antibiotics and does not exhibit aquatic biotoxicity. Subsequently, hybrid groupers were fed diets containing V. fluvialis G1-26 at different concentrations (0, 106, 108, and 1010 CFU/g) for 60 d. The results showed that V. fluvialis G1-26 at 108 CFU/g did not significantly affect the growth performance of the hybrid grouper (P > 0.05). V. fluvialis G1-26 supplementation at 108 and 1010 CFU/g significantly promoted the relative expression of immune-related genes in hybrid groupers (TLR3 , TLR5 , IL-1β , IL-8 , IL-10 , CTL , LysC , TNF-2 , and MHC-2) and improved the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, total superoxide dismutase, and total protein in the liver. In conclusion, V. fluvialis G1-26, a potential probiotic strain isolated from the intestine of the hybrid grouper, can be used as an effective immunopotentiator at an optimal dose of 108 CFU/g diet. Our results provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of probiotics in the grouper mariculture industry. • 43 bacterial strains were isolated from the intestine of the hybrid grouper. • A strain G1-26 identified as Vibrio fluvialis with strong digestive enzyme production ability was isolated. • The G1-26 feeding at 108 and 1010 CFU/g could enhance the immune performance and the optimal dosage is 108 CFU/g diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of the prognostic markers and therapeutic targets might benefit the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), one of the most aggressive malignancies. Vacuolar protein sorting associated protein 26 A (VPS26A) is a candidate prognosis gene for hepatocellular carcinoma, but its expression and function in PAAD remain unknown. The mRNA and protein expression of VPS26A in PAAD was explored and validated by bioinformatics and immunohistochemical analysis. The correlation between VPS26A expression and various clinical parameters, genetic status, diagnostic and prognostic value, survival and immune infiltration were evaluated, and the co-expressed gene-set enrichment analysis for VPS26A was performed. Cytologic and molecular experiments were further carried out to investigate the role and potential mechanism of VPS26A in PAAD. The mRNA and protein levels of VPS26A were elevated in PAAD tissues. High VPS26A expression was associated with the advanced histological type, tumor stage simplified, smoking status and tumor mutational burden score, and the poor prognosis of PAAD patients. VPS26A expression was significantly correlated with immune infiltration and immunotherapy response. VPS26A-co-expressed genes were mainly enriched in the regulation of cell adhesion and actin cytoskeleton and the immune-response-regulating signaling pathway. Our experiments further demonstrated that VPS26A promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion potentials of PAAD cell lines through activating the EGFR/ERK signaling. Our study suggested that VPS26A could be a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target for PAAD through comprehensive regulation of its growth, migration and immune microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiation exposure is inherently involved in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which could cause radiation-induced injury to endoscopists with long-term exposure. Nonradiation ERCP has been applied to pregnant patients. Conceivably, the same techniques could be used to benefit endoscopists. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonradiation-to-endoscopist (NRE) ERCP, compared with standard ERCP. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted from August 2010 to December 2015. Patients aged 18–90 years and with choledocholithiasis (< 15 mm) or distal biliary stricture were eligible. Pre-ERCP evaluation with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was mandatory. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:2 match using propensity score matching (PSM) between NRE and standard groups. The primary endpoint was overall ERCP success rate. Secondary endpoints were cannulation success rate, stone clearance rate, complication rate, and duration of hospitalization. Results: A total of 329 patients met inclusion criteria. After PSM, 73 patients were included in the NRE group and 146 in the standard group. The ERCP overall success rate for NRE and standard groups was equivalent (94.5% vs. 93.2%, P = 0.70). There was no difference in cannulation success rates between the two groups (95.6% vs. 97.8%, P = 0.39). A total of 88.3% of patients in the NRE group and 93.9% of patients in the standard group had stones cleared at initial ERCP (P = 0.57). No difference in overall stone clearance rate between the two groups (95.0% vs. 93.9%, P = 0.77) was found after second ERCP. The complication rate (1.4% vs. 1.4%, P = 1.00) and hospital duration (8.3 ± 5.1 vs. 10.2 ± 8.8 days, P = 0.07) were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Although technically demanding, NRE-ERCP is both safe and feasible in selected patients compared with standard ERCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Daphnia (water fleas) are small crustaceans that undergo an unusual switch from asexual to sexual reproduction that is dependent on environmental conditions. In this study, a senescence-associated protein (SAP) from the common freshwater species Daphnia pulex was cloned using primers based on homologous sequences and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Real-time PCR was employed to quantify the expression of D. pulex SAP (DpSAP) in individual organisms. The role of DpSAP in the reproductive transformation was further investigated in both parthenogenetic and sexual females by using digoxin-labeled SAP RNA probes and RNA whole-mount in situ hybridization. DpSAP was more highly expressed in sexual females, indicating a role in growth and reproduction. Cellular localization studies using RNA whole-mount in situ hybridization showed specific expression in the second tentacle joints. These expression patterns suggest an important role for DpSAP in the reproductive transformation of D. pulex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Photocatalytic degradation, as an emerging method to control environmental pollution, is considered one of the most promising environmental purification technologies. As Tibet is a region with some of the strongest solar radiation in China and even in the world, it is extremely rich in solar energy resources, which is ideal for applying photocatalytic technology to its ecological environment protection and governance. In this study, Na2Ti3O7 nanobelts were prepared via a hydrothermal method and converted to TiO2∙xH2O ion exchange, which was followed by high-temperature calcination to prepare TiO2(B) nanobelts ("B" in TiO2(B) means "Bronze phase"). A simple in situ method was used to generate Ag3PO4 particles on the surface of the TiO2 nanobelts to construct a Ag3PO4/TiO2(B) heterojunction composite photocatalyst. By generating Ag3PO4 nanoparticles on the surface of the TiO2(B) nanobelts to construct heterojunctions, the light absorption range of the photocatalyst was successfully extended from UV (ultraviolet) to the visible region. Furthermore, the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs in the catalyst was inhibited by the construction of the heterojunctions, thus greatly enhancing its light quantum efficiency. Therefore, the prepared Ag3PO4/TiO2(B) heterojunction composite photocatalyst greatly outperformed the TiO2(B) nanobelt in terms of photocatalytic degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop an autophagy-gene-based signature that could help to anticipate the therapeutic effects of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Methods: We downloaded the gene expression profiles of CRC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Genes with significant prognostic value in CRC were screened through univariate Cox regression analysis, while the LASSO Cox regression method was applied to screen optimal genes to construct the autophagy‐related prognostic signature. Results: 11 autophagy genes were identified and selected for the establishment of prognosis prediction model for CRC patients. The CRC patients were classified into the low- and high-risk groups according to the optimal cutoff value. The time-dependent ROC curves indicated the good performance of this model in prognosis prediction, with AUC values of 0.66, 0.66, and 0.67 at 1, 3 and 5 years for TCGA samples, as well as AUC values of 0.63, 0.65 and 0.64 for GEO samples, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis results confirmed risk score as the independent marker for prognosis prediction in CRC. Besides, the constructed nomogram also had high predictive value. The results analysis on the tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) relative ratios and mRNA levels of key immune checkpoint receptors indicated the signature was closely related to immune microenvironment of CRC in the context of TIICs and immune checkpoint receptors' mRNA level. The proportion of MSI-L + MSI-H in the high-risk group was higher than that in the low-risk group. Moreover, the tumor purity was evaluated by estimate function package suggested that lower tumor purity in CRC might lead to a poorer prognosis. Conclusion: The autophagy-related features obtained in this study were able to divide the CRC patients into low- and high-risk groups, which should be contribute to the decision-making of CRC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Shenfu injection (SFI) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine which has been clinically used for treatment of septic shock and cardiac shock. The aim of this study was to clarify effects of SFI on cerebral microcirculation and brain injury after hemorrhagic shock (HS). METHODS: Twenty-one domestic male Beijing Landrace pigs were randomly divided into three groups: SFI group (SFI, n = 8), saline group (SA, n = 8) or sham operation group (SO, n = 5). In the SFI group, animals were induced to HS by rapid bleeding to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg within 10 minutes and maintained at 40±3 mmHg for 60 minutes. Volume resuscitation (shed blood and crystalloid) and SFI were given after 1 hour of HS. In the SA group, animals received the same dose of saline instead of SFI. In the SO group, the same surgical procedure was performed but without inducing HS and volume resuscitation. The cerebral microvascular flow index (MFI), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, aquaporin-4 expression, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and ultrastructural of microvascular endothelia were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the SA group, SFI significantly improved cerebral MFI after HS. SFI up regulated cerebral endothelial NOS expression, but down regulated interleukin-6, TNF-α, inducible NOS and aquaporin-4 expression compared with the SA group. The cerebral microvascular endothelial injury and interstitial edema in the SFI group were lighter than those in the SA group. CONCLUSIONS: Combined application of SFI with volume resuscitation after HS can improve cerebral microcirculation and reduce brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reformulated simethicone emulsion from Berlin Chemical AG might develop white flocculate precipitate covering the gastric mucosa when used before esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We aim to investigate whether combining the reformulated simethicone emulsion with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution could prevent the development of white precipitate and improve visibility during EGD.Methods: Our clinical study involved 523 patients. They were randomly assigned to two groups. In Group A, patients received a warm solution containing 30 ml 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and 15 ml reformulated simethicone emulsion. In Group B, patients received 45 ml 40 °C lukewarm water. Visibility scores were recorded and analyzed. Flushes, volume of flush water, overall time taken for EGD and complications during or after the procedure were also recorded.Results: We found that no white precipitate was observed during EGD in Group A. Moreover, visibility scores in Group A were significantly lower (P < 0.01). Patients in Group A had fewer flushes (P < 0.01) and smaller volume of flush water (P < 0.01). In addition, the overall time taken for the EGD procedure was significantly shorter in Group A (P < 0.01). The percentage of patients who had no adverse response was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.01).Conclusions: Premedication with a mixed solution of 15 ml reformulated simethicone emulsion and 30 ml 5% sodium bicarbonate solution can prevent the development of white precipitate, substantially enhancing mucosal visibility safely.Trial Registration: The registered name of the trial is "Efficacy of using premedication with reformulated simethicone emulsion during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination". Its Current Controlled Trials number is ChiCTR1900021689. Its date of registration is 11 September 2019. Retrospectively registered, http://www.medresman.org.cn/uc/sindex.aspx . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop straw return and organic manure application are effective and environmentally friendly methods used by farmers to improve soil structure, fertility and agricultural productivity. Sweet potato is a typical "potassium (K)-favoring" food crop and widely grown throughout the world. However, the regulation effects of long-term organic fertilization on soil aggregates-associated K stocks and K uptake by sweet potato are less understood. Herein, a long-term fertilization experiment since 2007 including chemical fertilizer (NPK), NPK combined with commercial manure (NPK+CM), NPK combined with pig manure (NPK+PM), and NPK combined with rice straw (NPK+RS) treatments under peanut-sweet potato crop rotation was employed. Long-term fertilizer application contributed to higher yield, yield stability, and K uptake of sweet potato. NPK+PM and NPK+RS treatments both showed the best promoting effect on plant growth. NPK+PM and NPK+RS treatments showed remarkable increasement of aggregate-associated exchangeable potassium (EK) and non-exchangeable potassium (NEK) stocks, particularly for small-macroaggregates (0.25–2 mm) and large-macroaggregates (> 2 mm). Total potassium (TK), EK and NEK stocks in large and small-macroaggregates displayed positive effects on K uptake and yield for sweet potato. Pearson's correlation and random forest model analysis revealed that EK and NEK stock in large-macroaggregate were the most key factors for K uptake and yield of sweet potato under long-term fertilization. Overall, our study highlights the prominent advantage of long-term organic fertilization. [Display omitted] • Long-term fertilization promoted yield, yield stability and K uptake of sweet potato. • Long-term fertilization increased aggregate K stocks especially for macroaggregate. • Large-macroaggregate's EK and NEK stocks were most key factors of K uptake and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic lymphatic leakage is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The purpose of this study was to introduce ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation techniques for postoperative lymphatic leakage in patients with cancer. Methods: From January 2018 through June 2020, seven cancer patients (three males, four females, aged 59–75 years [mean 67.57 ± 6.11 years]) developed lymphatic leakage after abdominal or pelvic surgery, with drainage volumes ranging from 550 to 1200 mL per day. The procedure and follow-up of ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were recorded. This study retrospectively analysed the technical success rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, clinical efficacy, and complications. Results: The operation was technically successful in all patients. Angiography revealed leakage, and embolisation was performed in all seven patients (7/7, 100%). The operative time of angiography and embolisation was 41 to 68 min, with an average time of 53.29 ± 10.27 min. The mean length of stay was 3.51 ± 1.13 days. Lymph node embolisation was clinically successful in five patients (5/7, 71.43%), who had a significant reduction in or disappearance of chylous ascites. The other two patients received surgical treatment 2 weeks later due to poor results after embolisation. All patients were followed for 2 weeks. No serious complications or only minor complications were found in all the patients. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation were well tolerated by the patients, who experienced a low incidence of complications. Early intervention is recommended for cancer patients with postoperative lymphatic leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starvation is a common stress in fish. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with growth depression caused by feeding restriction and compensatory growth are not well understood. We investigated the effect of fasting and refeeding on the transcriptome profiles of brain in juvenile S. hollandi using RNA-seq. A total of 4.73 × 108 raw reads were obtained from nine brain samples. De novo transcriptome assembly identified 387,085 unigenes with 2.1×109 nucleotides. A total of 936 annotated unigenes showed significantly differential expression among the control, fasting, and fasting-refeeding groups. The down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during fasting were mainly associated with cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitosis. The up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to glucose and lipid metabolism, material transportation, and transcription factors. Most decreased DEGs during fasting were restored to normal levels after refeeding. Comparing with the control group, genes associated with protein synthesis, stimulus response, and carbohydrate metabolism were significantly over-expressed and pro-opio melanocortin (POMC) was down-regulated during the refeeding period. In conclusion, fish mobilized stored energetic materials and reduced energy consumption to prolong survival during fasting. After refeeding, the down-regulation of DEGs, e.g., POMC may be associated with compensatory growth. Up-regulation of DEGs related to ribosomal protein, stimulus response, and carbohydrate metabolism may contribute to eliminate negative effect of starvation on brain. This study provided the first transcriptome data related with impact of short-time starvation and refeeding in S. hollandi brains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics have attracted considerable attention as potential antibiotic substitutes in aquaculture. However, their functional genomic characterisation remains incomplete. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the probiotic characteristics of Bacillus cereus G1-11 isolated from the gut of the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) by integrating genomics and phenotypic characteristics. Genome mining revealed gene clusters that are responsible for acid and bile tolerance as well as host intestinal adhesion and colonisation. Moreover, the G1-11 genome encodes proteins that associated with the bacterial antioxidant system and antimicrobial substances. Additionally, it contains gene clusters related to nutrient absorption, essential amino acids, and vitamin synthesis. The results showed that the G1-11 strain has the ability improved the intestinal barrier function of the host and enhanced the nutritional value of the feed. The genome analysis of G1-11 was complemented by in vitro experiments, which showed its ability to survive during gastrointestinal transit, as well as its antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities. The results indicate that B. cereus G1-11, as a probiotic, has the potential to enhance the growth and immunity of hybrid groupers. • Bacillus cereus G1-11 isolated from hybrid grouper gut was tested as a probiotic. • G1-11 has gene clusters for gut adhesion, colonisation, and immune functions. • G1-11 contains molecular markers associated with amino acid and vitamin synthesis. • Genes encoding secondary metabolites and bacteriocins were found in G1-11 genome. • G1-11 is resilient to gut transport and has antioxidant and antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‑coding RNAs, which are critical in a diverse range of biological processes, including development, differentiation, homeostasis, and in the formation of diseases by accelerating and/or inhibiting the translation of mRNAs. The present study aimed to examine the potential role of miRNA (miR)‑205‑5p in the developmental process of colorectal cancer (CRC) through protein‑tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7). Initially, TargetScan was used to predict the miRNA target sites in the sequence of the PTK7 3'‑untranslated region. It was then found that the mRNA expression level of miR‑205‑5p was lower in CRC cells, determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and there was a negative correlation between miR‑205‑5p and PTK7 in CRC tissues. It was also found that miR‑205‑5p regulated the gene transcription of PTK7, determined using a luciferase reporter assay. The results of RT‑qPCR and western blot analyses in human colorectal cancer revealed that miR‑205‑5p suppressed the expression of PTK7. Finally, it was revealed that miR‑205‑5p restricted the proliferation ability of CRC cells through inhibiting PTK7, which was determined using colony forming and 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. miR‑205‑5p accelerated cell apoptosis through inhibiting PTK7, demonstrated using Annexin V‑FITC/propidium iodide staining. The results of a Transwell assay indicated that miR‑205‑5p inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells through inhibiting PTK7. Therefore, miR‑205‑5p is involved in the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC through inhibiting PTK7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Aim: Progesterone receptor, inflammation, neurotransmitter expression, and fibrosis are involved in slow‐transit constipation. The aim of the present study was to examine whether patients with slow‐transit constipation have an overexpression of progesterone receptor and serotonin, which may impair the fibrosis of muscularis propria in colorectal wall. Methods: High‐resolution colon manometry was used to record the colorectal peristaltic contractions of the proximal ascending and sigmoid colon in patients. Protein samples prepared from frozen sigmoid colon tissue and the proximal margin of the ascending colon of four female patients were compared using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling technique coupled to 2D liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Immunohistochemical staining of progesterone receptor, serotonin, and fibronectin was performed in paraffin‐embedded sigmoid colon tissues and the proximal margin of the ascending colon or ileum from 43 patients with slow‐transit constipation. Results: Among these differentially regulated proteins based on isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, 56 proteins involved in the response to progesterone, inflammation, matrix remodeling, fibrosis, and muscle metabolism. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that there was significantly higher expression of progesterone receptor (t = 19.19, P = 0.000) and serotonin (t = 13.52, P = 0.004) in sigmoid colon than in the proximal margin of the ascending colon and ileum. Progesterone receptor and fibronectin expression in the outer layer of muscularis propria were higher than in the middle layer. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that progesterone receptor, along with inflammation and fibrosis, may take part in slow‐transit constipation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a novel immersed multilayer biodegradable ureteral stent with reformed biodegradation and evaluate it in vitro. Methods: Poly(glycolic-co-lactic acid) (PGLA), microsphere zein and BaSO4 were employed to produce a multilayer biodegradable stent using immersion technology. Tests of the biodegradable stents and conventional control stents were conducted in human urine in vitro to evaluate the biodegradable properties. The biocompatibility was assessed by the morphology and proliferation of urine-derived cells cultured with extracted media from the biodegradable stent and a latex material positive control. Results: An immersed multilayer biodegradable stent was successfully produced. It began to degrade in week 2 and was fully degraded by week 4. The mass loss ratio in the first 2 weeks was low (approximately 10.0% at 1 week, 20.0% at 2 weeks) and increased after 3 weeks (approximately 70%) to the end of testing. During the first 2 weeks, the radial compression load performances of the biodegradable stents were better than those of the control stents with statistically significant differences (p=0.00, p=0.01) and the tensile strengths were lower in the biodegradable stents than those in the control stents throughout the experiment. SEM showed that the stents degraded layer by layer from the outer to the inner wall. The influences on the cells of extracted medium from the biodegradable stents were morphologically slight and lower than 10% in relative growth rates. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates that the immersed multilayer biodegradable ureteral stent has good radial compression and biocompatible performance and can be degraded in vitro within 4 weeks in a moderate manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wei Zeng and Jie Hu have contributed equally to this work. Correction to: Surgical Endoscopy https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-021-08822-2 This article was updated to correct the units for "radiation exposure time" in Table 3. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: In this study, the capacity for t-PA to affect T cell-brain microvascular endothelial cell adhesion by acting as a cytokine was investigated. Following the treatment of a brain-derived endothelial cell line, bEnd.3, with various concentrations of t-PA, adhesion and transwell migration assays were performed. In the presence of t-PA, enhanced adhesion of T cells to bEnd.3 cells was observed. Using western blot analysis, an increase in ICAM-1 expression was detected for both t-PA-treated bEnd.3 cells and bEnd.3 cells treated with a non-enzymatic form of t-PA. In contrast, when LRP1 was blocked using a specific antibody, upregulation of ICAM-1 was inhibited and cAMP–PKA signaling was affected. Furthermore, using an EAE mouse model, administration of t-PA was associated with an increase in ICAM-1 expression by brain endothelial cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that t-PA can induce ICAM-1 expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells, and this may promote the development of EAE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]