LncRNA SNHG15 sponges miR-3143/FOXO3 to regulate autophagy in ovarian dysfunction induced by benzene exposure.

Benzene, a recognized carcinogen, is utilized in synthesizing various chemicals. Epidemiological studies have established a positive correlation between benzene exposure and increased incidences of abnormal menstruation and dysmenorrhea. This exposure might also pose risks to the fetal hematopoietic system.

Hippo/YAP signaling's multifaceted crosstalk in cancer.

The Hippo/yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling is an evolutionarily conserved regulator in organ size control, which plays pivotal roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue regeneration. In cancer, dysregulation of Hippo/YAP signaling is typically recognized as one of the crucial drivers in tumorigenesis. However, beyond its canonical transcriptional targets, Hippo/YAP signaling engages in extensive crosstalk with multiple pathways to form an intricate regulatory network, thereby giving rise to its content-dependent influence on tumor initiation, progression and metastasis.

Rashba effect modulation in two-dimensional ABTe (A = Sb and Bi; B = Si and Ge) materials charge transfer.

Designing two-dimensional (2D) Rashba semiconductors, exploring the underlying mechanism of the Rashba effect, and further proposing efficient and controllable approaches are crucial for the development of spintronics. On the basis of first-principles calculations, we here theoretically designed all possible types (typical, inverse, and composite) of Janus structures and successfully achieved numerous ideal 2D Rashba semiconductors from a series of five atomic-layer ABTe (A = Sb and Bi; B = Si and Ge) materials. Considering the different Rashba constant and its modulation trend under an external electric field, we comprehensively analyzed the intrinsic electric field in terms of work function, electrostatic potential, dipole moment, and inner charge transfer.

Senescent Microglia Mediate Neuroinflammation-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction by Selective Elimination of Excitatory Synapses in the Hippocampal CA1.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been shown to exert an important effect on the progression of a growing number of neurodegenerative disorders. Prolonged exposure to detrimental stimuli leads to a state of progressive activation and aging-related features in microglia (also termed as senescent microglia). However, the mechanisms by which senescent microglia contribute to neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction remain to be elucidated.

Hydrogels with programmed spatiotemporal mechanical cues for stem cell-assisted bone regeneration.

Hydrogels are extensively utilized in stem cell-based tissue regeneration, providing a supportive environment that facilitates cell survival, differentiation, and integration with surrounding tissues. However, designing hydrogels for regenerating hard tissues like bone presents significant challenges. Here, we introduce macroporous hydrogels with spatiotemporally programmed mechanical properties for stem cell-driven bone regeneration.

Oxidative Stress-mediated Loss of Hippocampal Parvalbumin Interneurons Contributes to Memory Precision Decline After Acute Sleep Deprivation.

Sleep is pivotal to memory consolidation, and sleep deprivation (SD) after learning can impede this process, leading to memory disorders. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of acute sleep deprivation (ASD) on memory disorders and the underlying mechanisms. ASD model was induced by subjecting the mice to 6 h of SD following fear conditioning training.

Pollution of organophosphorus pesticides in the Dongting Lake, China and its relationship with dissolved organic matter: Occurrence, source identification and risk assessment.

The escalating global demand for food and industrialization has placed significant pressure on the integrity and management of inland lake ecosystems. Herein, the organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) pollution status and their relationship with dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Dongting Lake were investigated to identify the ecological risks and potential sources of OPPs. The total concentrations of 18 detected OPPs were in the range of 13.

Responses of soil antibiotic resistance genes to the decrease in grain size of sediment discharged into Dongting Lake, China.

Sediment or soil in wetlands is regarded as an important sink of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, there are no studies on the effects of sediment changes (which caused changes in soil texture) on soil ARGs in wetland. Here, we collected topsoil samples from 12 study sites that were deposited in early (prior to the 1970s) or recent years to reveal the responses of soil ARGs to the decrease in grain size of sediment discharged into Dongting Lake.

Structurally and mechanically tuned macroporous hydrogels for scalable mesenchymal stem cell-extracellular matrix spheroid production.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are essential in regenerative medicine. However, conventional expansion and harvesting methods often fail to maintain the essential extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which are crucial for their functionality and efficacy in therapeutic applications. Here, we introduce a bone marrow-inspired macroporous hydrogel designed for the large-scale production of MSC-ECM spheroids.

Zero Voltage-Degradation of LiMnO with Ultrathin Amorphous Li─Mn─O Coating.

Manganese-based lithium-rich layered oxides (Mn-LLOs) are promising candidate cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, however, the severe voltage decay during cycling is the most concern for their practical applications. Herein, an Mn-based composite nanostructure constructed LiMnO (LMO@LiMnO) is developed via an ultrathin amorphous functional oxide LiMnO coating at the grain surface. Due to the thin and universal LMO amorphous surface layer etched from the lithiation process by the high-concentration alkaline solution, the structural and interfacial stability of LiMnO are enhanced apparently, showing the significantly improved voltage maintenance, cycle stability, and energy density.

Biochar from phytoremediation plant residues: a review of its characteristics and potential applications.

Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly plant-based approach promising technique to repair heavy metal-contaminated soils. However, a significant quantity of plant residues needs to be properly treated and utilized. Pyrolysis is an effective technology for converting residues to biochar, which can solve the problem and avoid secondary contamination.

Upstream nitrogen availability determines the Microcystis salt tolerance and influences microcystins release in brackish water.

The occurrence of large Microcystis biomass in brackish waters is primarily caused by its downward transportation from the upstream freshwater lakes and reservoirs through rivers rather than due to in situ bloom formation. Factors that determine the survival of freshwater cyanobacteria in brackish waters have not been well investigated. Here, we studied the spatiotemporal variability of inorganic nitrogen in an upstream lake and conducted laboratory and in-situ experiments to assess the role of nitrogen availability on the salt tolerance of Microcystis and the release of microcystins.

Exosomal derived miR-1246 from hydroquinone-transformed cells drives S phase accumulation arrest by targeting cyclin G2 in TK6 cells.

Background: Hydroquinone (HQ), a major metabolite of benzene and known hematotoxic carcinogen. MicroRNA 1246 (miR-1246), an oncogene, regulates target genes in carcinogenesis including leukemia. This study investigates the impact of exosomal derived miR-1246 from HQ-transformed (HQ19) cells on cell-to-cell communication in recipient TK6 cells.

Hydroquinone-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress affects TK6 cell autophagy and apoptosis via ATF6-mTOR.

Hydroquinone (HQ), one of the main active metabolites of benzene in vivo, 7is commonly used as a surrogate for benzene in in vitro studies and has been shown to be cytotoxic. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in HQ-induced autophagy and apoptosis in human lymphoblastoid cells (TK6) and how activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6) is involved. We treated TK6 cells with HQ to establish a cytotoxicity model and found that HQ induced cellular ERS, autophagy and apoptosis by Western blot, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy.

Effect of mir-92a-3p on hydroquinone induced changes in human lymphoblastoid cell cycle and apoptosis.

Hydroquinone (HQ), one of the metabolites of benzene in humans, has significant hepatotoxic properties. Chronic exposure to HQ can lead to leukemia. In a previous study by this group, we constructed a model of malignant transformation of human lymphoblastoid cells (TK6) induced by chronic exposure to HQ with significant subcutaneous tumorigenic capacity in nude mice.

Influence of human activities and climate change on wetland landscape pattern-A review.

Wetlands (rivers, lakes, swamps, etc.) are biodiversity hotspots, providing habitats for biota on the earth. In recent years, wetlands have been significantly affected by human activities and climate change, and wetland ecosystems have become one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01480 is activated by Foxo3a and promotes hydroquinone-induced TK6 cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a critical role in the damage caused to the body by environmental exogenous chemicals; however, few studies have explored their effects during exposure to benzene and its metabolite, hydroquinone (HQ). An emerging lncRNA, LINC01480, was found to be associated with the immune microenvironment of some cancers, but its specific function remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of LINC01480 in HQ-induced apoptosis.

Recent advances in the chemistry of aryltriazene.

Triazene is one of the most versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. Generally, it is viewed as a safe equivalent of diazonium salt, thus immediately finding numerous applications in preparative chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Besides, it can be used as a removable directing group in C-H functionalization or play a smart role as a precursor for aryl cation/radical generation.

Probing into the nucleation and reinforcing effects of poly (vinyl acetate) grafted cellulose nanocrystals in melt-processed poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites.

Blending poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to fabricate nanocomposites is a valuable strategy to improve the properties of PLA without sacrificing its biodegradability. However, the nucleation and reinforcing mechanisms of CNCs for semi-crystalline PLA matrix are still elusive in melt-processed PLA/CNC nanocomposites. Herein, poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) chains were grafted onto the surface of CNCs via an efficient radical polymerization in an aqueous medium, making CNCs suitable for conventional melting processing techniques.

Onshore wind farms do not affect global wind speeds or patterns.

The proportion of global electricity generated by wind is increasing. There are concerns that onshore wind farms may affect local winds and/or patterns, with impacts on local ecosystems. Global-scale evaluations of these impacts are lacking.

Effects of the surface chemical groups of cellulose nanocrystals on the vulcanization and mechanical properties of natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as the promising reinforcing fillers in the rubber industry, their surface chemical groups have vital effects on the vulcanization kinetics, cross-linking densities, and mechanical properties of rubber composites. Herein, CNCs with acidic carboxyl (CCA) and alkaline amino groups (CCP) were produced by modifying the sulfonic CNCs (CCS) in environment-friendly ways. Studies found the CCS and CCA with acid groups have obvious inhibiting effects on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR), while CCP with alkaline amino groups accelerates the vulcanization of NR.

Insights into a novel nitrogen removal process based on simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) following nitritation with in-situ NOB elimination.

Simultaneous anammox and denitrification (SAD) is an efficient approach to treat wastewater having a low C/N ratio; however, few studies have investigated a combination of SAD and partial nitritation (PN). In this study, a lab-scale up-flow blanket filter (UBF) and zeolite sequence batch reactor (ZSBR) were continuously operated to implement SAD and PN advantages, respectively. The UBF achieved a high total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of over 70% during the start-up stage (days 1-50), and reached a TN removal efficiency of 96% in the following 90 days (days 51-140) at COD/NH-N ratio of 2.