Rapid industrialization in China has caused significant environmental challenges,particularly heavy metal pollution from mine tailings.Toxic heavy metals such as lead(Pb),cadmium(Cd),and mercury(Hg)are released during...Rapid industrialization in China has caused significant environmental challenges,particularly heavy metal pollution from mine tailings.Toxic heavy metals such as lead(Pb),cadmium(Cd),and mercury(Hg)are released during the processing of mining wastewater and leaching of mine tailings.Owing to their excellent physicochemical properties,cementitious materials are widely used for the solidification/stabilization of heavy metals,immobilizing heavy metals via two distinct mechanisms.Physically,their favorable characteristics,including high mechanical strength,low porosity,and durable matrix,create effective barriers.Chemically,the alkaline environment facilitates the precipitation of metal hydroxides/carbonates.Conversely,hydration products(calcium silicate hydrate gels and ettringite)contribute to immobilization through adsorption and physical encapsulation.This study systematically investigated the migration mechanisms of heavy metal contaminants in mine tailings;further,it elucidated the multifaceted immobilization pathways of cementitious materials,which involve synergistic adsorption,precipitation,and encapsulation by hydration products combined with homocrystalline substitution.A comprehensive analysis indicated that cementitious materials significantly reduced the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals.Nonetheless,their long-term stability and potential environmental impact require further investigation.This study aims to provide theoretical support for environmental management and sustainable resource utilization,and to explore the broader application potential of cementitious technology for heavy metal stabilization,thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for future research on heavy metals in low-cement solidified/stabilized tailings.展开更多
Background:The association between delayed surgery and survival outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT)remains unclear.This study aimed to determ...Background:The association between delayed surgery and survival outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT)remains unclear.This study aimed to determine the optimal timing of surgery following nCRT in these patients and to explore the association between delayed surgery and survival outcomes.Methods:Restricted cubic spline curves were used to determine the optimal timing of surgery for patients with a poor response to nCRT(ypT2-4N0 or ypTxN+).The patients were divided into two groups:the early surgery group and the delayed surgery group.Propensity score matching(PSM)analysis was employed to reduce the selection bias and survival analysis was conducted to assess the survival differences.Immunostaining of post-operative specimens was performed to investigate whether the difference in survival was associated with the CD8^(+) T-cell density in the tumor.Results:A total of 583 patients were enrolled in this study.The optimal timing for surgery was determined to be 9 weeks after nCRT.In PSM analysis,delayed surgery was associated with worse disease-free survival(63.0%vs 76.3%at 5 years,53.0%vs 76.3%at 10 years;P=0.003)and cancer-specific survival(72.9%vs 85.5%at 5 years,60.1%vs 81.8%at 10 years;P=0.001).Immunostaining analysis showed that longer waiting times were associated with decreased CD8^(+) T-cell density in tumors(P=0.017).Conclusions:Patients who had a poor tumor response after nCRT,detected by using magnetic resonance imaging restaging or other assessments,need timely radical surgery without delay.展开更多
α-Lactalbumin(α-LA),the primary whey protein in human milk,is rich in essential amino acids and plays a crucial role in infant growth and development.This study investigated the effects of different calcium(Ca)bindi...α-Lactalbumin(α-LA),the primary whey protein in human milk,is rich in essential amino acids and plays a crucial role in infant growth and development.This study investigated the effects of different calcium(Ca)binding levels on the structural characteristics and gastrointestinal digestive behavior of bovine,goat and humanα-LA.We used spectroscopic techniques to detect changes in the secondary and tertiary structure ofα-LA and analyzed thermal stability with differential scanning calorimetry.Decalcification led to partial unfolding ofα-LA,resulting in a more open conformation and significantly reduced thermal stability.Additionally,decalcification increased the in vitro digestibility ofα-LA under the infant digestion condition,diminishing its resistance to pepsin and yielding more small peptides and free amino acids.Conversely,higher Ca content slightly affected the structure ofα-LA and reduced its digestibility.Bovine,goat and humanα-LA exhibited differences in structure and digestion patterns.Humanα-LA showed the lowest gastric digestibility,with hydrolysis occurring mainly on large peptides rather than intact proteins.However,during intestinal digestion,humanα-LA demonstrated higher digestibility than bovine and goatα-LA,releasing more small peptides and amino acids for more complete digestion.These results provide insights into the relationship between the structure and digestibility ofα-LA,which can inform the formulation of infant formulas aimed at optimizing protein digestion and nutrient absorption.展开更多
The effects of liquid nitrogen freezing(LNF),immersion freezing(IF),and air freezing(AF)combined with thawing in running water at 20◦C on the quality of Perca fluviatilis fillets were investigated using label-free pro...The effects of liquid nitrogen freezing(LNF),immersion freezing(IF),and air freezing(AF)combined with thawing in running water at 20◦C on the quality of Perca fluviatilis fillets were investigated using label-free proteomics technology.The ice crystal equivalent diameter(12.30±0.33μm)and ice crystal area ratio(7.61±2.81%)of LNF were significantly lower than IF and AF(P<0.05).The ice crystals of LNF were small and evenly distributed,and the mechanical damage to the cell structure is small.LNF samples were closer to fresh samples regarding texture.Proteomic analysis identified a total of 11 differentially abundant proteins(DAPs)associated with LNF,IF,and AF.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis indicated that these DAPs were primarily catalytic proteins,metabolic enzymes,and structural proteins involved in metabolic pathways such as pyruvate metabolism,glycolysis,and arginine and proline metabolism.Among them,tubulin beta chain(A0A8C3G6F1),carbonic anhydrase(A0A2P1JP97),immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 1(A0A484DE91),and tubulin are predicted to serve as potential protein markers for freezing,thawing loss,hardness,and springiness of Perca fluviatilis fillets post-thawing.These findings provide a basis for further research into the quality change induced by protein degradation of frozen Perca fluviatilis.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs),recognized as an emerging global environmental concern,have been extensively detected worldwide,with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary(YRE)and East China Sea(ECS)regions....Microplastics(MPs),recognized as an emerging global environmental concern,have been extensively detected worldwide,with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary(YRE)and East China Sea(ECS)regions.Despite their critical research significance,there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area,particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence.Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS.We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water,ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water.These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers,exhibit a size range between 0.5 and 5.0 mm,and display distinct coloration.Co-occurrence network analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis confirm a robust correlation between MPs in bottom water and sediment,signifying the pivotal role of bottom water in mediating the distribution and transportation of MPs within the benthic layer.Furthermore,a positive correlation between MPs in sediment and bottom water turbidity underscores the impact of surface sediment resuspension and upwelling on MPs distribution.This study clarifies the intricate interactions within the benthic layer and highlights the crucial role of bottom water as a mediator in the vertical distribution of MPs,advancing our understanding of the“source-to-sink”transport processes governing MPs within water-sediment systems.展开更多
α-Lactalbumin(α-LA)is an active protein with multiple biological functions,which can provide the body with abundant essential amino acids,such as Trp and Lys.It is the main whey protein in human milk,accounting for ...α-Lactalbumin(α-LA)is an active protein with multiple biological functions,which can provide the body with abundant essential amino acids,such as Trp and Lys.It is the main whey protein in human milk,accounting for about 22%of its total protein,and provides energy and nutrition for infants’body and brain development.However,theα-LA in bovine milk is relatively low,so bovineα-LA is often added as a supplement to improveα-LA content and the balance of amino acids in infant formula.In addition,more studies have focused on the health benefits ofα-LA in humans,proposing novel physiological roles or supplementing more substantial research evidence,including improving metabolism-related chronic diseases,promoting intestinal health,strengthening bone and muscle health,reducing oxidative stress,delaying aging,and enhancing sleep and cognitive performance.Nonetheless,a considerable proportion of the research remains confined to cell and animal experiments,and it remains uncertain whether these findings will be replicated in humans,and at what dosage.This review describes the basic properties and the structural characteristics focusing onα-LA and specifically discusses its digestion and absorption in infants,adults,and the elderly.Further,the review summarizes the beneficial effects and mechanisms of action ofα-LA supplementation in both infants and adults,as well as the future applications ofα-LA are also discussed.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52374121)the Henan Province Science and Technology Research and Development Joint Fund,China(No.235200810016)the National Key Research and Development Program,China(No.2023YFC2907203).
文摘Rapid industrialization in China has caused significant environmental challenges,particularly heavy metal pollution from mine tailings.Toxic heavy metals such as lead(Pb),cadmium(Cd),and mercury(Hg)are released during the processing of mining wastewater and leaching of mine tailings.Owing to their excellent physicochemical properties,cementitious materials are widely used for the solidification/stabilization of heavy metals,immobilizing heavy metals via two distinct mechanisms.Physically,their favorable characteristics,including high mechanical strength,low porosity,and durable matrix,create effective barriers.Chemically,the alkaline environment facilitates the precipitation of metal hydroxides/carbonates.Conversely,hydration products(calcium silicate hydrate gels and ettringite)contribute to immobilization through adsorption and physical encapsulation.This study systematically investigated the migration mechanisms of heavy metal contaminants in mine tailings;further,it elucidated the multifaceted immobilization pathways of cementitious materials,which involve synergistic adsorption,precipitation,and encapsulation by hydration products combined with homocrystalline substitution.A comprehensive analysis indicated that cementitious materials significantly reduced the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals.Nonetheless,their long-term stability and potential environmental impact require further investigation.This study aims to provide theoretical support for environmental management and sustainable resource utilization,and to explore the broader application potential of cementitious technology for heavy metal stabilization,thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for future research on heavy metals in low-cement solidified/stabilized tailings.
基金supported by Sun Yat-sen University 5010 research fund[201313]Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation[grant no.2021A1515010096 and 2023A1515010243]+1 种基金Sun Yat-sen University Basic Research Fund[grant no.19ykpy180]Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou[grant no.2023A04J1763].
文摘Background:The association between delayed surgery and survival outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT)remains unclear.This study aimed to determine the optimal timing of surgery following nCRT in these patients and to explore the association between delayed surgery and survival outcomes.Methods:Restricted cubic spline curves were used to determine the optimal timing of surgery for patients with a poor response to nCRT(ypT2-4N0 or ypTxN+).The patients were divided into two groups:the early surgery group and the delayed surgery group.Propensity score matching(PSM)analysis was employed to reduce the selection bias and survival analysis was conducted to assess the survival differences.Immunostaining of post-operative specimens was performed to investigate whether the difference in survival was associated with the CD8^(+) T-cell density in the tumor.Results:A total of 583 patients were enrolled in this study.The optimal timing for surgery was determined to be 9 weeks after nCRT.In PSM analysis,delayed surgery was associated with worse disease-free survival(63.0%vs 76.3%at 5 years,53.0%vs 76.3%at 10 years;P=0.003)and cancer-specific survival(72.9%vs 85.5%at 5 years,60.1%vs 81.8%at 10 years;P=0.001).Immunostaining analysis showed that longer waiting times were associated with decreased CD8^(+) T-cell density in tumors(P=0.017).Conclusions:Patients who had a poor tumor response after nCRT,detected by using magnetic resonance imaging restaging or other assessments,need timely radical surgery without delay.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD2101504)the fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M721369)+1 种基金the Hunan Engineering and Technology Research Center for Nutrition and Health Products,Innovation Platform and Talent Plan(2019TP2066)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(JUSRP202416004).
文摘α-Lactalbumin(α-LA),the primary whey protein in human milk,is rich in essential amino acids and plays a crucial role in infant growth and development.This study investigated the effects of different calcium(Ca)binding levels on the structural characteristics and gastrointestinal digestive behavior of bovine,goat and humanα-LA.We used spectroscopic techniques to detect changes in the secondary and tertiary structure ofα-LA and analyzed thermal stability with differential scanning calorimetry.Decalcification led to partial unfolding ofα-LA,resulting in a more open conformation and significantly reduced thermal stability.Additionally,decalcification increased the in vitro digestibility ofα-LA under the infant digestion condition,diminishing its resistance to pepsin and yielding more small peptides and free amino acids.Conversely,higher Ca content slightly affected the structure ofα-LA and reduced its digestibility.Bovine,goat and humanα-LA exhibited differences in structure and digestion patterns.Humanα-LA showed the lowest gastric digestibility,with hydrolysis occurring mainly on large peptides rather than intact proteins.However,during intestinal digestion,humanα-LA demonstrated higher digestibility than bovine and goatα-LA,releasing more small peptides and amino acids for more complete digestion.These results provide insights into the relationship between the structure and digestibility ofα-LA,which can inform the formulation of infant formulas aimed at optimizing protein digestion and nutrient absorption.
文摘The effects of liquid nitrogen freezing(LNF),immersion freezing(IF),and air freezing(AF)combined with thawing in running water at 20◦C on the quality of Perca fluviatilis fillets were investigated using label-free proteomics technology.The ice crystal equivalent diameter(12.30±0.33μm)and ice crystal area ratio(7.61±2.81%)of LNF were significantly lower than IF and AF(P<0.05).The ice crystals of LNF were small and evenly distributed,and the mechanical damage to the cell structure is small.LNF samples were closer to fresh samples regarding texture.Proteomic analysis identified a total of 11 differentially abundant proteins(DAPs)associated with LNF,IF,and AF.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis indicated that these DAPs were primarily catalytic proteins,metabolic enzymes,and structural proteins involved in metabolic pathways such as pyruvate metabolism,glycolysis,and arginine and proline metabolism.Among them,tubulin beta chain(A0A8C3G6F1),carbonic anhydrase(A0A2P1JP97),immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 1(A0A484DE91),and tubulin are predicted to serve as potential protein markers for freezing,thawing loss,hardness,and springiness of Perca fluviatilis fillets post-thawing.These findings provide a basis for further research into the quality change induced by protein degradation of frozen Perca fluviatilis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41977329,No.41771513,No.42049903,No.42277403)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2021B1515020041)for financial supportWe thank the crews of the ZheyukeⅡfor their hard work at sea and the scientists who joined the cruise to help in data collection.
文摘Microplastics(MPs),recognized as an emerging global environmental concern,have been extensively detected worldwide,with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary(YRE)and East China Sea(ECS)regions.Despite their critical research significance,there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area,particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence.Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS.We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water,ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water.These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers,exhibit a size range between 0.5 and 5.0 mm,and display distinct coloration.Co-occurrence network analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis confirm a robust correlation between MPs in bottom water and sediment,signifying the pivotal role of bottom water in mediating the distribution and transportation of MPs within the benthic layer.Furthermore,a positive correlation between MPs in sediment and bottom water turbidity underscores the impact of surface sediment resuspension and upwelling on MPs distribution.This study clarifies the intricate interactions within the benthic layer and highlights the crucial role of bottom water as a mediator in the vertical distribution of MPs,advancing our understanding of the“source-to-sink”transport processes governing MPs within water-sediment systems.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD2101504)the fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M721369)the Key Laboratory of FSMP Risk Identification and Key Analysis Technology for Jiangsu Market Regulation Research Foundation(TSKF-2023001).
文摘α-Lactalbumin(α-LA)is an active protein with multiple biological functions,which can provide the body with abundant essential amino acids,such as Trp and Lys.It is the main whey protein in human milk,accounting for about 22%of its total protein,and provides energy and nutrition for infants’body and brain development.However,theα-LA in bovine milk is relatively low,so bovineα-LA is often added as a supplement to improveα-LA content and the balance of amino acids in infant formula.In addition,more studies have focused on the health benefits ofα-LA in humans,proposing novel physiological roles or supplementing more substantial research evidence,including improving metabolism-related chronic diseases,promoting intestinal health,strengthening bone and muscle health,reducing oxidative stress,delaying aging,and enhancing sleep and cognitive performance.Nonetheless,a considerable proportion of the research remains confined to cell and animal experiments,and it remains uncertain whether these findings will be replicated in humans,and at what dosage.This review describes the basic properties and the structural characteristics focusing onα-LA and specifically discusses its digestion and absorption in infants,adults,and the elderly.Further,the review summarizes the beneficial effects and mechanisms of action ofα-LA supplementation in both infants and adults,as well as the future applications ofα-LA are also discussed.
