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Electrospinning Chitosan/Fe-Mn Nanofibrous Composite for Efficient and Rapid Removal of Arsenite from Water.
Min, L, Ma, Y, Zhang, B, He, D, Chen, J, Li, X, Wang, S, Chi, Y
Toxics. 2024;(3)
Abstract
Efficient removal of extremely mobile and toxic As(III) from water is a challenging but critical task. Herein, we developed a functionalized sorbent of chitosan nanofiber with iron-manganese (Fe-Mn@CS NF) using a one-step hybrid electrospinning approach to remove trace As(III) from water. Batch adsorption studies were performed to determine the adsorption efficiency under a variety of conditions, including contact time, starting concentration of As(III), ionic strength, and the presence of competing anions. The experimental results demonstrated that the concentration of As(III) dropped from 550 to less than 1.2 µg/L when using 0.5 g/L Fe-Mn@CS NF. This demonstrates the exceptional adsorption efficiency (99.8%) of Fe-Mn@CS NF for removing As(III) at pH 6.5. The kinetic tests revealed that the adsorption equilibrium was reached in 2.6 h, indicating a quick uptake of As(III). The ionic strength effect analysis showed that the adsorbed As(III) formed inner-sphere surface complexes with Fe-Mn@CS NF. The presence of SO42- or F- had a negligible impact on As(III) uptake, while the presence of PO43- impeded As(III) absorption by competing for adsorption sites. The exhausted sorbent could be effectively regenerated with a dilute NaOH solution. Even after 10 cycles of regenerating Fe-Mn@CS NF, the adsorption efficiency of As(III) in natural groundwater was maintained over 65%. XPS and FTIR analyses show that the presence of M-OH and C-O groups on the sorbent surface is essential for removing As(III) from water. Overall, our study highlights the significant potential of Fe-Mn@CS NF for the efficient and quick elimination of As(III) from water.
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Proteomic insights into modifiable risk of venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular comorbidities.
Yuan, S, Xu, F, Zhang, H, Chen, J, Ruan, X, Li, Y, Burgess, S, Åkesson, A, Li, X, Gill, D, et al
Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH. 2024;(3):738-748
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been associated with several modifiable factors (MFs) and cardiovascular comorbidities. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to decipher proteomic pathways underlying the associations of VTE with MFs and cardiovascular comorbidities. METHODS A 2-stage network Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to explore the associations between 15 MFs, 1151 blood proteins, and VTE using data from a genome-wide meta-analysis including 81 190 cases of VTE. We used protein data from 35 559 individuals as the discovery analysis, and from 2 independent studies including 10 708 and 54 219 participants as the replication analyses. Based on the identified proteins, we assessed the druggability and examined the cardiovascular pleiotropy. RESULTS The network Mendelian randomization analyses identified 10 MF-VTE, 86 MF-protein, and 34 protein-VTE associations. These associations were overall consistent in the replication analyses. Thirty-eight pathways with directionally consistent direct and indirect effects in the MF-protein-VTE pathway were identified. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 12 (LRP12: 34.3%-58.1%) and coagulation factor (F)XI (20.6%-39.6%) mediated most of the associations between 3 obesity indicators and VTE. Likewise, coagulation FXI mediated most of the smoking-VTE association (40%; 95% CI, 20%-60%) and insomnia-VTE association (27%; 95% CI, 5%-49%). Many VTE-associated proteins were highly druggable for thrombotic conditions. Five proteins (interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha, LRP12, prothrombin, angiopoietin-1, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4) were associated with VTE and its cardiovascular comorbidities. CONCLUSION This study suggests that coagulation FXI, a druggable target, is an important mediator of the associations of obesity, smoking, and insomnia with VTE risk.
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Safety and efficacy of melatonin supplementation as an add-on treatment for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
Sun, Y, Chen, J, Shi, X, Li, Z, Wan, L, Yan, H, Chen, Y, Wang, J, Wang, J, Zou, L, et al
Journal of pineal research. 2024;(1):e12922
Abstract
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of melatonin as an add-on treatment for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS). Participants aged 3 months to 2 years with a primary diagnosis of IESS were recruited and assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both treatment groups received a combination of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ) for 2 weeks, and the treatment group also received melatonin (3 mg) between 20:00 and 21:00 daily, 0.5-1 h before bedtime. The study's primary endpoint was the average reduction rate in spasm frequency assessed by seizure diaries. Secondary endpoints included assessment of the response rate, EEG hypsarrhythmia (Kramer score), and psychomotor development (Denver Developmental Screening Test, DDST). Sleep quality was assessed by using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ), the Infant Sleep Assessment Scale (ISAS), and actigraphy. Safety parameters were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted on intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2000036208). Out of 119 screened patients, 70 were randomized and 66 completed treatments. In the intention-to-treat population, there were no significant differences in the average percentage reduction of spasm frequency (median [interquartile range, IQR: Q3-Q1], 100% [46.7%] vs. 66.7% [55.3%], p = .288), the 3-day response rate (51.4% vs. 37.1%, p = .229), the 28-day response rate (42.9% vs. 28.6%, p = .212), EEG Kramer scores (2 [3.5] vs. 2 [3], p = .853), or DDST comprehensive months (5 [2.5] vs. 6 [6], p = .239) between the melatonin (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35) groups. However, caregivers reported improved sleep quality after melatonin treatment, with 85.7% reporting regular sleep compared to 42.9% with placebo (42.9%, p < .001). The melatonin group had lower ISAS scores in 4-11-month-old patients compared to the placebo (mean ± SD, 29.3 ± 4.4 vs. 35.2 ± 5.9, p < .001). Moreover, the median (IQR) value of sleep-onset latency was shortened by 6.0 (24.5) min after melatonin treatment, while that in the placebo group was extended by 3.0 (22.0) min (p = .030). The serum melatonin (6:00 h) level (pg/mL) of the children in the melatonin group after treatment was significantly higher than in the placebo group (median [IQR], 84.8 [142] vs. 17.5 [37.6], p < .001). No adverse effects related to melatonin were observed in the study, and there were no significant differences in adverse effects between the melatonin and placebo groups. Although not statistically significant, the results of this randomized clinical trial proved that melatonin supplementation, as an add-on treatment, can improve spasm control rate in the treatment of IESS. For IESS children treated with ACTH, the addition of melatonin was found to improve sleep quality, shorten sleep onset latency, and increase blood melatonin levels. Moreover, it was observed to be a safe treatment option.
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Path analysis to identify factors influencing osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study.
Chen, Q, Chen, J, Zeng, R, Shi, J
Experimental gerontology. 2024;:112392
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which is influenced by both environmental factors and nutritional metabolism. The relationship between biochemical indicators and bone mineral density (BMD) is intricate and involves complex mechanisms. Path analysis, a statistical method that investigates causal relationships and the strength of associations among multiple factors, can be valuable in elucidating the connection between biochemical indicators and BMD. METHODS In this study, we employed advanced statistical techniques, specifically structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the intricate interrelationships among a myriad of factors that exert influence on BMD. This analytical approach facilitated not only the identification of the direct relationships between specific variables and BMD but also the exploration of the intricate of indirect pathway through which other variables contribute to the oval impact on BMD. By delving into the direct and indirect effects, we aimed to unravel the complex influences that collectively shape the state of bone health, providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of the factors affecting BMD. RESULTS Our findings revealed that lipid levels had a significant indirect influence on BMD, which was mediated by body mass index (BMI). BMI exhibited both direct and indirect effects on BMD. Uric acid (UA) exerted a significant direct and indirect influence on BMD, with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) acting as the mediator. However, the total effect of UA on BMD was not significant due to the cancellation of positive effect UA on BMD but negative indirect effects of UA through GFR. For females, albumin had a significant direct effect on BMD, whereas this effect was not observed in males. The path analysis models generated results that demonstrated an acceptable fit for both female data (χ2 = 9.63, df = 7, p = 0.21, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05) and male data (χ2 = 6.26, df = 4, p = 0.18, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Nutritional metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining BMD in elderly females and males.
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A metabolomics study on carcinogenesis of ground-glass nodules.
Zhang, X, Tong, X, Chen, Y, Chen, J, Li, Y, Ding, C, Ju, S, Zhang, Y, Zhang, H, Zhao, J
CytoJournal. 2024;:12
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and normal lung (NL) tissues using metabolomics techniques, to discover potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-five patients with primary ground-glass nodules (GGN) identified on computed tomography imaging and who were willing to undergo surgery at Shanghai General Hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were recruited to the study. All participants underwent video thoracoscopy surgery with segmental or wedge resection of the lung. Tissue samples for pathological examination were collected from the site of ground-glass nodules (GGN) lesion and 3 cm away from the lesion (NL). The pathology results were 35 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cases (13 invasive adenocarcinoma, 14 minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and eight adenocarcinoma in situ), 10 benign samples, and 45 NL tissues. For the untargeted metabolomics technique, 25 LUAD samples were assigned as the case group and 30 NL tissues as the control group. For the targeted metabolomics technique, ten LUAD samples were assigned as the case group and 15 NL tissues as the control group. Samples were analyzed by untargeted and targeted metabolomics, with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection used as part of the experimental procedure. RESULTS Untargeted metabolomics revealed 164 differential metabolites between the case and control groups, comprising 110 up regulations and 54 down regulations. The main metabolic differences found by the untargeted method were organic acids and their derivatives. Targeted metabolomics revealed 77 differential metabolites between the case and control groups, comprising 69 up regulations and eight down regulations. The main metabolic changes found by the targeted method were fatty acids, amino acids, and organic acids. The levels of organic acids such as lactic acid, fumaric acid, and malic acid were significantly increased in LUAD tissue compared to NL. Specifically, an increased level of L-lactic acid was found by both untargeted (variable importance in projection [VIP] = 1.332, fold-change [FC] = 1.678, q = 0.000) and targeted metabolomics (VIP = 1.240, FC = 1.451, q = 0.043). Targeted metabolomics also revealed increased levels of fumaric acid (VIP = 1.481, FC = 1.764, q = 0.106) and L-malic acid (VIP = 1.376, FC = 1.562, q = 0.012). Most of the 20 differential fatty acids identified were downregulated, including dodecanoic acid (VIP = 1.416, FC = 0.378, q = 0.043) and tridecane acid (VIP = 0.880, FC = 0.780, q = 0.106). Furthermore, increased levels of differential amino acids were found in LUAD samples. CONCLUSION Lung cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease with diverse genetic alterations. The study of metabolic profiles is a promising research field in this cancer type. Targeted and untargeted metabolomics revealed significant differences in metabolites between LUAD and NL tissues, including elevated levels of organic acids, decreased levels of fatty acids, and increased levels of amino acids. These metabolic features provide valuable insights into LUAD pathogenesis and can potentially serve as biomarkers for prognosis and therapy response.
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Susceptibility of Cd availability in microplastics contaminated paddy soil: Influence of ferric minerals and sulfate reduction.
Wang, Y, Tang, L, Chen, J, Joseph, A, Wu, Y, Rene, ER, Tang, J, Zhu, N, Wang, P
Journal of hazardous materials. 2024;:133343
Abstract
The combined contamination of cadmium (Cd) and microplastics (MPs) in paddy soil always occurred, while its influence on Cd availability remained unclear. This study investigated the Cd availability in Cd-MPs co-contaminated paddy soil in consideration of both ferric minerals and sulfate reduction under flooding conditions. The presence of MPs resulted in a higher Cd releasing risk, as represented by the increase in the available Cd and decrease in Fe-Mn oxide-bound Cd contents, especially on the 7th and 14th days based on the sequential extraction results. MPs facilitated the formation of Fe-organic ligands, which accelerated the reductive dissolution of iron minerals but decreased the amounts of amorphous iron minerals due to the release of dissolved organic substances into pore water. Furthermore, MPs promoted the relative abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (such as Streptomyces and Desulfovibrio genera), thus increasing the contents of reductive S species, which was advantageous to the co-precipitation of Fe, S, and Cd on the surface of MPs based on our experimental and statistical results. Taken together, both iron and sulfate reduction under anaerobic conditions played a critical role in Cd mobilization in Cd-MPs co-contaminated paddy fields.
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Biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme: recent advances.
Yu, F, Wang, Z, Zhang, Z, Zhou, J, Li, J, Chen, J, Du, G, Zhao, X
Critical reviews in biotechnology. 2024;:1-17
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing tetrapyrrole in hemoproteins, including: hemoglobin, myoglobin, catalase, cytochrome c, and cytochrome P450, plays critical physiological roles in different organisms. Heme-derived chemicals, such as biliverdin, bilirubin, and phycocyanobilin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have shown great potential in fighting viruses and diseases. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of hemoproteins and heme derivatives, which depends on the adequate heme supply in various microbial cell factories. The enhancement of endogenous biosynthesis and exogenous uptake can improve the intracellular heme supply, but the excess free heme is toxic to the cells. Therefore, based on the heme-responsive regulators, several sensitive biosensors were developed to fine-tune the intracellular levels of heme. In this review, recent advances in the: biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme were summarized to provide a solid foundation for the efficient production and application of high-value-added hemoproteins and heme derivatives.
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Association of maternal prenatal copper concentration with gestational duration and preterm birth: a multicountry meta-analysis.
Monangi, NK, Xu, H, Fan, YM, Khanam, R, Khan, W, Deb, S, Pervin, J, Price, JT, Kaur, L, , , et al
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2024;(1):221-231
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copper (Cu), an essential trace mineral regulating multiple actions of inflammation and oxidative stress, has been implicated in risk for preterm birth (PTB). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the association of maternal Cu concentration during pregnancy with PTB risk and gestational duration in a large multicohort study including diverse populations. METHODS Maternal plasma or serum samples of 10,449 singleton live births were obtained from 18 geographically diverse study cohorts. Maternal Cu concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The associations of maternal Cu with PTB and gestational duration were analyzed using logistic and linear regressions for each cohort. The estimates were then combined using meta-analysis. Associations between maternal Cu and acute-phase reactants (APRs) and infection status were analyzed in 1239 samples from the Malawi cohort. RESULTS The maternal prenatal Cu concentration in our study samples followed normal distribution with mean of 1.92 μg/mL and standard deviation of 0.43 μg/mL, and Cu concentrations increased with gestational age up to 20 wk. The random-effect meta-analysis across 18 cohorts revealed that 1 μg/mL increase in maternal Cu concentration was associated with higher risk of PTB with odds ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.57) and shorter gestational duration of 1.64 d (95% CI: 0.56, 2.73). In the Malawi cohort, higher maternal Cu concentration, concentrations of multiple APRs, and infections (malaria and HIV) were correlated and associated with greater risk of PTB and shorter gestational duration. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports robust negative association between maternal Cu and gestational duration and positive association with risk for PTB. Cu concentration was strongly correlated with APRs and infection status suggesting its potential role in inflammation, a pathway implicated in the mechanisms of PTB. Therefore, maternal Cu could be used as potential marker of integrated inflammatory pathways during pregnancy and risk for PTB.
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Unveiling terahertz wave stress effects and mechanisms in Pinellia ternata: Challenges, insights, and future directions.
Wang, D, Zheng, J, Sarsaiya, S, Jin, L, Chen, J
Physiologia plantarum. 2024;(1):e14195
Abstract
This review aims to elucidate the intricate effects and mechanisms of terahertz (THz) wave stress on Pinellia ternata, providing valuable insights into plant responses. The primary objective is to highlight the imperative for future research dedicated to comprehending THz wave impacts across plant structures, with a specific focus on the molecular intricacies governing root system structure and function, from shoots to roots. Notably, this review highlights the accelerated plant growth induced by THz waves, especially in conjunction with other environmental stressors, and the subsequent alterations in cellular homeostasis, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in brassinosteroids. Brassinosteroids are explored for their dual role as toxic by-products of stress metabolism and vital signal transduction molecules in plant responses to abiotic stresses. The paper further investigates the spatio-temporal regulation and long-distance transport of phytohormones, including growth hormone, cytokinin, and abscisic acid (ABA), which significantly influence the growth and development of P. ternata under THz wave stress. With a comprehensive review of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Brassinosteroid Insensitive (BRI) homeostasis and signalling under THz wave stress, the article elucidates the current understanding of BRI involvement in stress perception, stress signalling, and domestication response regulation. Additionally, it underscores the importance of spatio-temporal regulation and long-distance transport of key plant hormones, such as growth hormone, cytokinin, and ABA, in determining root growth and development under THz wave stress. The study of how plants perceive and respond to environmental stresses holds fundamental biological significance, and enhancing plant stress tolerance is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the environmental burdens associated with low-tolerance crop cultivation.
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Serum food specific IgG antibodies are associated with small bowel inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease.
Chen, J, Chen, H, Huang, Y, Xie, H, Li, S, Wang, C
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2024;(1):48-53
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Food antigens are thought to play a vital role in the initiation and perpetuation of Crohn's disease (CD). The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential association of serum food specific IgG antibodies and small bowel (SB) inflammation in CD patients. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study with 96 CD patients. Demographic, disease-related data and inflammatory parameters were collected. Serum food IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Capsule endoscopy was performed to detect SB inflammation quantified by the Lewis Score. RESULTS Seventy-eight of (81.3%) CD patients were detected positive for at least one food-specific antibody. The five most prevalent food antibodies in CD patients were tomato, egg, corn, rice, and soybean. Patients with SB inflammation had a higher positive rate of food IgG antibodies (P = 0.010) and more IgG-positive food items (P = 0.010) than those without. Specifically, patients with SB inflammation were more likely to have positive food-specific IgG against egg (P = 0.014), corn (P = 0.014), and wheat (P = 0.048). Additionally, the number of positive food IgGs ≥ 3 and elevated ESR were independently associated with concurrent SB inflammation (P = 0.015 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that CD patients with SB inflammation had a higher positive rate of food IgG antibodies and more IgG-positive food items. The number of food positive IgGs ≥ 3 and elevated ESR were independently associated with concurrent SB inflammation.