Bacterial hosts and horizontal transfer characteristics of clinically important tet(X)-variant genes in municipal wastewater treatment plants using epicPCR-directed cultivation strategy.

Mobile tet(X)-variant genes confer resistance to a wide range of tetracyclines, including the antibiotic of last-resort, tigecycline, raising significant concerns regarding their potential spread cross-environmental dissemination. However, the bacterial hosts and environmental spread of these genes remain poorly understood. Herein, a retrospective study unveiled the prevalence of tet(X)-variant genes (ranging from tet(X3) to tet(X6)) in activated sludge samples from five municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from 2013 to 2021.

Thermo-assisted fabrication of a novel shape-memory hyaluronic acid sponge for non-compressible hemorrhage control.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of skin extracellular matrix, provides an excellent framework for hemostatic design; however, there still lacks HA materials tailored with superior mechanical properties to address non-compressible hemorrhages. Here, we present a solvent-free thermal approach for constructing a shape-memory HA sponge for this application. Following facile thermal incubation around 130 °C, HA underwent cross-linking via esterification with poly(acrylic acid) within the sponge pre-shaped through a prior freeze-drying process.

Shining a light on liver health: advancements in fluorescence-enhanced enzyme biosensors for early disease detection.

Early detection of liver diseases holds paramount importance in optimizing treatment outcomes and prognosis, thereby significantly enhancing the likelihood of recovery while mitigating the risk of progression to liver cancer. Liver diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions, each potentially manifesting distinct enzymatic profiles. Monitoring these enzymes facilitates timely intervention and therapeutic management.

Low-carbon governance, fiscal decentralization, and enterprise green development: Evidence from China.

Simultaneously achieving economic development and environmental protection is a shared global challenge. While the positive effect of environmental regulations on protecting the environment has been widely recognized, the attention paid to low-carbon governance and corporate green transformation remains insufficient. Based on the two-stage least square regression model (2SLS) of instrumental variables, this paper utilizes panel data from China to identify the influence mechanism of government low-carbon governance on enterprise green development.

IS6 family insertion sequences promote optrA dissemination between plasmids varying in transfer abilities.

Plasmids are the primary vectors for intercellular transfer of the oxazolidinone and phenicol cross-resistance gene optrA, while insertion sequences (ISs) are mobile genetic elements that can mobilize plasmid-borne optrA intracellularly. However, little is known about how the IS-mediated intracellular mobility facilitates the dissemination of the optrA gene between plasmid categories that vary in transfer abilities, including non-mobilizable, mobilizable, and conjugative plasmids. Here, we performed a holistic genomic study of 52 optrA-carrying plasmids obtained from searches guided by the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database.

Field-based evidence for the enrichment of intrinsic antibiotic resistome stimulated by plant-derived fertilizer in agricultural soil.

Animal manures have been demonstrated to enhance antibiotic resistance in agricultural soils. However, little is known about the effects of plant-derived fertilizer on soil antibiotic resistome. Herein, metagenomic sequencing was used to investigate the effects of a plant-derived fertilizer processed from sugarcane and beet on soil antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in a soybean field along crop growth stages.

A peptide-engineered alginate aerogel with synergistic blood-absorbing and platelet-binding capabilities to rapidly stop bleeding.

Polysaccharide matrix infused with hemostasis-stimulating chemistry represents a critical medical need of bleeding management. Herein, we describe the development of a polysaccharide-peptide conjugate platform, an alginate engineered with fibrinogen-derived platelet-binding peptides (APE). The alginate backbone was found to allow for multivalent grafting of the peptides.

Hyper-thermophilic anaerobic pretreatment enhances the removal of transferable oxazolidinone and phenicol cross-resistance gene optrA in enterococci.

The extensive use of florfenicol in poultry industry results in the emergence of optrA gene, which also confers resistance to clinically important antibiotic linezolid. This study investigated the occurrence, genetic environments, and removal of optrA in enterococci in mesophilic (37 °C) and thermophilic (55 °C) anaerobic digestion systems, and a hyper-thermophilic (70 °C) anaerobic pretreatment system for chicken waste. A total of 331 enterococci were isolated and analyzed for antibiotic resistance against linezolid and florfenicol.

Armoring a liposome-integrated tissue factor with sacrificial CaCO to form potent self-propelled hemostats.

The development of hemostatic materials suitable for diverse emergency scenarios is of paramount significance, and there is growing interest in wound-site delivery of hemostasis-enhancing agents that can leverage the body's inherent mechanisms. Herein we report the design and performance of a biomimetic nanoparticle system enclosing tissue factor (TF), the most potent known blood coagulation trigger, which was reconstituted into liposomes and shielded by the liposome-templated CaCO mineralization. The mineral coatings, which mainly comprised water-soluble amorphous and vateritic phases, synergized with the lipidated TF to improve blood coagulation .

High-Efficiency 3D-Printed Three-Chamber Electromagnetic Peristaltic Micropump.

This paper describes the design and characteristics of a three-chamber electromagnetic-driven peristaltic micropump based on 3D-printing technology. The micropump is composed of an NdFeB permanent magnet, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, a 3D-printing pump body, bolts, electromagnets and a cantilever valve. Through simulation analysis and experiments using a single chamber and three chambers, valved and valveless, as well as different starting modes, the results were optimized.

Sprayable surface-adaptive biocompatible membranes for efficient hemostasis via assembly of chitosan and polyphosphate.

This work describes a hemostatic membrane system (or surface coating) based on spray-assisted layer-by-layer electrostatic assemblies of oppositely charged polyphosphate (polyP) and chitosan (Cs). The as-prepared membrane formed a robust micro-stratified porous structure with high flexibility. Both blood clotting test and rodent hepatic severe hemorrhage model revealed the excellent hemostatic performance of the membrane system, benefitting from the robust assembly and synergistic effect of polyP/Cs as well as membrane surface chemistry.

Downregulation of Sirt6 by CD38 promotes cell senescence and aging.

Decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels accompany aging. CD38 is the main cellular NADase. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a natural inhibitor of CD38, is a well-known drug that extends the human lifespan.

Injectable thermogelling bioadhesive chitosan-based hydrogels for efficient hemostasis.

Development of an injectable hemostatic for treating noncompressible or irregularly shaped bleeding wounds remains a pressing medical need. Herein, we report an injectable thermogelling chitosan/glycerophosphate formulation that enhances gel-forming capacity and wet tissue adherence by incorporation of dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA). This was found to decrease gelation time by >2 times around 37 °C while increasing hydrogel internal network structure, with its tissue adhesive strength >2 times greater than that of the non-composite hydrogel or previously reported.

Long noncoding RNA HULC regulates the NF-κB pathway and represents a promising prognostic biomarker in liver cancer.

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a diverse array of biological processes. While lncRNAs are commonly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the specific regulatory roles they play in this oncogenic context require further study and clarification. Although HULC (lncRNA highly upregulated in liver cancer) is involved in disease pathogenesis, its precise role in this context remains unclear.

Lestaurtinib Has the Potential to Inhibit the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Uncovered by Bioinformatics Analysis and Pharmacological Experiments.

Patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seek a satisfactory prognosis. However, most HCC patients present a risk of recurrence, thus highlighting the lack of effectiveness of current treatments and the urgent need for improved treatment options. The purpose of this study was to identify new candidate factors in the STAT family, which is involved in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and new targets for the treatment of HCC.

Identification and validation of the N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation regulator ZC3H13 as a novel prognostic marker and potential target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has been implicated in various malignancies. This study aimed to identify prognostic signature based on m6A methylation regulators for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and provide candidate targets for HCC treatment. In this study, the expression levels, prognostic values, correlation with tumor grades and genetic variations of m6A-related genes in HCC were evaluated using bioinformatics analyses.

Downregulation of ZC3H13 by miR-362-3p/miR-425-5p is associated with a poor prognosis and adverse outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notorious for its poor prognosis. Previous studies identified several N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related genes that play key roles in the initiation and progression of HCC patients. In particular, the N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation regulator ZC3H13 could be a candidate as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

miR-30c-5p inhibits glioma proliferation and invasion via targeting Bcl2.

Background: Glioma is a highly malignant brain tumor, characterized by the poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. Previous studies have confirmed that miRNA-30c-5p is closely associated with tumor cell biological properties. The present study explored the biological role of miR-30c-5p in human glioma malignant behavior and underlying mechanisms.

Ferroptosis-related gene NOX4, CHAC1 and HIF1A are valid biomarkers for stomach adenocarcinoma.

Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death nexus linking metabolism, redox biology and diseases including cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify a ferroptosis-related gene prognostic signature for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) by systematic analysis of transcriptional profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GEO and a clinical cohort from our centre. We developed a predictive model based on three ferroptosis-related genes (CHAC1, NOX4 and HIF1A), gene expression data and corresponding clinical outcomes were obtained from the TCGA database, and the reliability of this model was verified with GSE15459 and 51 queues in our centre.

MiR-148b-3p Regulates the Expression of DTYMK to Drive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis.

Deoxythymidilate kinase (DTYMK) has been identified as a putative oncogene associated with the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanisms whereby it regulates this cancer type remain uncertain. The present study was therefore designed to explore the role of DTYMK in HCC and to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms. MiRNAs associated with DTYMK expression levels in HCC were identified through analyses of both clinical samples and publically available gene expression datasets.

TUG1 long non-coding RNA enlists the USF1 transcription factor to overexpress ROMO1 leading to hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and highly aggressive cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recognized as potential molecular targets for HCC and are currently under increased research focus. Here, we investigate the regulatory processes underlying the axis of the lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), Upstream Transcription Factor 1 (USF1), and reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1) in the propagation and metastasis of HCC cells.

The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Breast Cancer Drug Resistance.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the commonly occurring malignancies in females worldwide. Despite significant advances in therapeutics, the mortality and morbidity of BC still lead to low survival and poor prognosis due to the drug resistance. There are certain chemotherapeutic, endocrine, and target medicines often used for BC patients, including anthracyclines, taxanes, docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil.

Long Non-Coding RNA TP53TG1 Upregulates SHCBP1 to Promote Retinoblastoma Progression by Sponging miR-33b.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TP53 target 1 (TP53TG1) is known to be strongly associated with tumor and cancer progression. However, its expression profile, unique role, and regulatory pathways in retinoblastoma (RB) are not known. Here, we revealed a large expression of TP53TG1 in RB tissues and cell lines.