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ObjectiveMetabolic biomarkers are expected to decode the phenotype of gastric cancer (GC) and lead to high-performance blood tests towards GC diagnosis and prognosis. We attempted to develop diagnostic and prognostic models for GC based on plasma metabolic information.DesignWe conducted a large-scale, multicentre study comprising 1944 participants from 7 centres in retrospective cohort and 264 participants in prospective cohort. Discovery and verification phases of diagnostic and prognostic models were conducted in retrospective cohort through machine learning and Cox regression of plasma metabolic fingerprints (PMFs) obtained by nanoparticle-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry (NPELDI-MS). Furthermore, the developed diagnostic model was validated in prospective cohort by both NPELDI-MS and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS (UPLC-MS).ResultsWe demonstrated the high throughput, desirable reproducibility and limited centre-specific effects of PMFs obtained through NPELDI-MS. In retrospective cohort, we achieved diagnostic performance with areas under curves (AUCs) of 0.862–0.988 in the discovery (n=1157 from 5 centres) and independent external verification dataset (n=787 from another 2 centres), through 5 different machine learning of PMFs, including neural network, ridge regression, lasso regression, support vector machine and random forest. Further, a metabolic panel consisting of 21 metabolites was constructed and identified for GC diagnosis with AUCs of 0.921–0.971 and 0.907–0.940 in the discovery and verification dataset, respectively. In the prospective study (n=264 from lead centre), both NPELDI-MS and UPLC-MS were applied to detect and validate the metabolic panel, and the diagnostic AUCs were 0.855–0.918 and 0.856–0.916, respectively. Moreover, we constructed a prognosis scoring system for GC in retrospective cohort, which can effectively predict the survival of GC patients.ConclusionWe developed and validated diagnostic and prognostic models for GC, which also contribute to advanced metabolic analysis towards diseases, including but not limited to GC.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated epithelial cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and approximately 10% of gastric cancers, termed EBVaGC, represent 80% of all EBV-related malignancies. However, the exact role of EBV in epithelial cancers remains elusive. Here, we report that EBV functions in vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Epithelial cancer cells infected with EBV develop tumor vascular networks that correlate with tumor growth, which is different from endothelial-derived angiogenic vessels and is VEGF-independent. Mechanistically, activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling cascade, which is partly mediated by LMP2A, is responsible for EBV-induced VM formation. Both xenografts and clinical samples of NPC and EBVaGC exhibit VM histologically, which are correlated with AKT and HIF-1α activation. Furthermore, although anti-VEGF monotherapy shows limited effects, potent synergistic antitumor activities are achieved by combination therapy with VEGF and HIF-1α-targeted agents. Our findings suggest that EBV creates plasticity in epithelial cells to express endothelial phenotype and provides a novel EBV-targeted antitumor strategy.

This study aims to develop an automatic weighing device based on embedded technology for accurately monitoring the consumption of various cleaning agents during each cleaning cycle of mechanical cleaning equipment used in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD). The hardware of the automatic weighing device included an ESP32 development board, HX711 module, infrared sensor, load cell, and display screen, with the circuit having been designed using a printed circuit board. After each cleaning cycle of the mechanical cleaning equipment, the device automatically calculated the consumption of cleaning agents. To validate its accuracy, the device's measurements were compared with the gold standard (volumetric measurement method). Additionally, the device was installed on a washer-disinfector for practical application testing to evaluate its performance. A mobile APP was also developed to enable real-time synchronization of data displayed on the screen of the automatic weighing device. A total of 20 comparative tests were conducted between the automatic weighing device and the volumetric method. The mean difference in measured cleaning agent consumption was 0.16 mL (95% CI: -0.24 to 0.56), with the interquartile range of absolute differences being 0.54 mL-1.06 mL. The expected consumption values for enzymatic and alkaline cleaning agents for the washer-disinfector were 100 g and 60 g per cycle, respectively. During the first 52 cleaning cycles, the average consumption of enzymatic detergent was 88.46 g (95% CI: 85.81-91.18), and that of alkaline detergent was 49.45 g (95% CI: 48.51-50.40), both significantly below the expected values. After replacing the peristaltic pump hose, a subsequent test of 55 cleaning cycles showed average consumptions of 97.70 g (95% CI: 96.40-99.00) for enzymatic detergent and 59.67 g (95% CI: 58.90-60.44) for alkaline detergent, both closely approaching the expected values. The automatic weighing device demonstrated reliable measurement performance, simple structure, high compatibility, and stable operation. It is easy to install, use, and maintain, offering a feasible and scientifically effective technical solution for accurately monitoring cleaning agent consumption in CSSD.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of adding Morinda officinalis polysaccharide (MOP) on the growth, carcass performance and meat quality of Wenchang chickens. A total of 480 eighty-one-day-old Wenchang chickens were randomly allocated into five groups using a completely randomized design, with eight replicates per group (n = 8 per treatment). The control group received a basal diet (CON group), while the experimental group was given a diet with 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg MOP supplements. During the 40 day trial, MOP supplementation did not affect the growth and carcass performance (p > 0.05), but it increased the a* value of breast muscles compared to the CON group. The breast and thigh muscles in the MOP group had significantly lower shear force than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). The MOP groups significantly decreased the muscle fibers’ cross-sectional area and diameter in the breast and thigh muscles of Wenchang chickens compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The MOP500 group notably raised the total number of essential amino acids and total amino acid levels in Wenchang chickens, whereas the MOP1000 group significantly lowered the total SFA concentration (p < 0.05). Collectively, MOP enhances Wenchang chickens’ meat quality, with optimal results at 1000 mg/kg.

Luminal instruments are characterized by their slender internal lumens, which make them particularly challenging to clean and dry. A common drying method used by Sterile Processing Department (SPD) technicians involves blowing high-pressure air into one end of the lumen to expel moisture. However, this process generates a significant amount of aerosols that may contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These aerosols can increase the microbial load in the SPD environment, leading to secondary contamination of other medical devices and posing health risks to SPD staff. Current methods used in SPD to reduce aerosols, such as gauze pockets and perforated boxes, have shown limited effectiveness. This study designed and fabricated a self-activating air filtration device, which primarily consists of four components: a centrifugal fan, a high-efficiency air filter, an acrylic box, and a diffuse reflective photoelectric switch. The total cost of the device is approximately $25. To verify the functionality of the device, we selected 20 sets of endoscopic instrument packs, 40 suction tubes, and 20 plastic hoses. The device's efficacy in reducing airborne dust particles and biological aerosols was evaluated, and a simple smoke test was conducted to assess its reliability. Compared to results obtained without a HEPA filter, the self-activating air filtration device achieved a substantial reduction in airborne dust particles across various sizes: 79.34% for 0.3μm, 78.66% for 0.5μm, 76.58% for 1.0μm, 76.15% for 2.5μm, 72.55% for 5.0μm, and 75.00% for 10μm particles, with an average reduction of 76.36% (calculated using the median). No bacterial growth was observed on the ten culture plates sampled using the device, whereas five out of the ten culture plates sampled without the HEPA filter exhibited bacterial growth, resulting in a positivity rate of 50%. The differences were statistically significant. Additionally, the smoke test confirmed that the device effectively prevented contaminated air from escaping through the top opening of the acrylic box. The self-activating air filtration device significantly reduces the aerosols generated during the drying of luminal instruments, thereby mitigating the risks that aerosols pose to both the environment and staff health. Its automatic on-off functionality and low cost of use and maintenance make it a valuable solution for aerosol control in SPD and other hospital settings.

The polysaccharide of Millettia speciosa Champ. ex Benth (MSCP) has antioxidant properties, but its impact on chicken growth and development is not yet known. This study used chlortetracycline as a control to assess MCSP as a feed antibiotic substitute and its effects on Wenchang chicken production, slaughter performance, and meat quality. A total of 576 healthy 80-day-old Wenchang chickens were randomly allocated to six experimental groups. The control group (Control) received a basal diet, while the antibiotic group (CTC) was supplemented with 2 g/kg chlortetracycline (CTC). Four additional experimental groups were administered varying doses of MSCP: 400 mg/kg (MSCP400), 800 mg/kg (MSCP800), 1600 mg/kg (MSCP1600), and 3200 mg/kg (MSCP3200), respectively. The study discovered that incorporating MSCP and CTC into chicken diets significantly boosted the final body weight and average daily feed intake compared to the control group (p < 0.01), with MSCP notably enhancing average daily weight gain. With the addition of 800 mg/kg MSCP, chicken growth performance is comparable to that achieved with antibiotics in feed. However, it did not impact slaughtering performance (p > 0.05). In addition, MSCP significantly raised the pH after 24 h (p < 0.05) and decreased the yellowness (p < 0.01) of breast muscle. MSCP increased the essential amino acids (EAA) proportion in breast muscle (p < 0.05), EAA to nonessential amino acids (NEAA) ratio (p < 0.05), and diversity of fatty acids while decreasing C20:0 and increasing C18:2N6 and C22:1N9 content. Moreover, MSCP significantly reduced muscle fiber size (p < 0.01), increased fiber density (p < 0.01), boosted MYOD1 expression (p < 0.05), and decreased MSTN expression in breast muscle (p < 0.01). Overall, our study showed that supplementing the diet with MSCP, particularly at a dose of 800 mg/kg, enhanced growth, meat quality, muscle morphology, amino acid content, fatty acid composition, and gene expression related to muscle development in breast muscle. The results indicate that MSCP is a feed additive with the potential to replace antibiotics and improve meat quality, showing promising application potential.

Cellulase has many potential applications in ethanol production, extraction of medicinal ingredients, food, brewing, oil exploration, environmental protection. However, the widespread use of cellulase is limited by its relatively high production costs and low biological activity. Therefore, we studied the enzymatic properties and reusability of cellulase immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and sodium alginate for the first time. The results showed that the optimum temperature and pH of immobilized cellulase was 40 °C and 3.0, respectively. After 1 month of storage at 4 °C, the enzyme activity of immobilized cellulase dropped to 71.2% of the baseline. Immobilized cellulase was proved to be reusable and maintained ~ 70% of its activity after 7 cycles of repeated use. Versus free cellulase, the immobilized cellulase showed good thermal stability, pH resistance, storage stability and reusability, which could be beneficial in large-scale industrial manufacturing processes.

To address the absence of a reliable timing and alerting tool for acidic electrolyzed oxidizing water (AEOW) disinfection of medical instruments in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), we developed an embedded timing and alert device triggered by total dissolved solids (TDS) sensing. Built around an Arduino development board, the device integrated a TDS sensor module, a rechargeable battery, and a wireless charging coil. Encapsulated with potting adhesive, it achieved an IP67 protection rating. It can identify the AEOW environment through TDS value detection to automatically start/stop timing, and is equipped with features including light alerts, data storage, and traceability. Medical instruments disinfected with AEOW in the CSSD of a hospital were selected as the test objects. Digital kitchen timers were used as the control group in September 2025, and TDS-triggered timers were adopted as the experimental group in October 2025. A comparative analysis was conducted on the disinfection timing execution rate and disinfection duration compliance rate between the two groups. The results demonstrated that the disinfection timing execution rate of 94.92% (655/690) and the disinfection duration compliance rate of 98.26% (678/690) in the experimental group were higher than those of 84.88% (713/840) and 93.69% (787/840) in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Characterized by low cost and simple operation, the TDS-triggered timer provides a reliable, automated, and traceable timing solution for AEOW disinfection in CSSD. It also facilitates digital management of the disinfection process, and is expected to improve the quality of AEOW disinfection and enhance patient safety.

Metabolic cardiomyopathy (MC) is characterized by intracellular lipid accumulation and utilizing fatty acids as a foremost energy source, thereby leading to excess oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. There is no effective therapy available yet. In this study we investigated whether defective mitophagy contributed to MC and whether urolithin A (UA), a naturally occurring microflora-derived metabolite, could protect against MC in experimental obese mice. Mice were fed high fat diet for 20 weeks to establish a diet-induced obese model. We showed that mitochondrial autophagy or mitophagy was significantly downregulated in the heart of experimental obese mice. UA (50 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 , for 4 weeks) markedly activated mitophagy and ameliorated MC in obese mice by gavage. In PA-challenged H9C2 cardiomyocytes, UA (5 μM) significantly increased autophagosomes and decreased autolysosomes. Furthermore, UA administration rescued PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy and relieved mitochondrial defects in the heart of obese mice, which led to improving cardiac diastolic function and ameliorating cardiac remodelling. In PA-challenged primarily isolated cardiomyocytes, both application of mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 (15 μM) and silencing of mitophagy gene Parkin blunted the myocardial protective effect of UA. In summary, our data suggest that restoration of mitophagy with UA ameliorates symptoms of MC, which highlights a therapeutic potential of UA in the treatment of MC. UA, a naturally-occurring compound, protects against diastolic dysfunction and cardiac remodelling in the obese mice, without altering the blood glucose level. Mechanistically, UA activated PINK1/Parkin dependent mitophagy, by which the mitochondrial defects including reduced respiratory capacity, MMP collapse and mitochondrial oxidative stress were alleviated.

Background Intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the important factors influencing meat quality, however, for chickens, the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying this trait have not yet been determined. In this study, a systematic identification of candidate genes and new pathways related to IMF deposition in chicken breast tissue has been made using gene expression profiles of two distinct breeds: Beijing-you (BJY), a slow-growing Chinese breed possessing high meat quality and Arbor Acres (AA), a commercial fast-growing broiler line. Results Agilent cDNA microarray analyses were conducted to determine gene expression profiles of breast muscle sampled at different developmental stages of BJY and AA chickens. Relative to d 1 when there is no detectable IMF, breast muscle at d 21, d 42, d 90 and d 120 (only for BJY) contained 1310 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BJY and 1080 DEGs in AA. Of these, 34–70 DEGs related to lipid metabolism or muscle development processes were examined further in each breed based on Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The expression of several DEGs was correlated, positively or negatively, with the changing patterns of lipid content or breast weight across the ages sampled, indicating that those genes may play key roles in these developmental processes. In addition, based on KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs in both BJY and AA chickens, it was found that in addition to pathways affecting lipid metabolism (pathways for MAPK & PPAR signaling), cell junction-related pathways (tight junction, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton), which play a prominent role in maintaining the integrity of tissues, could contribute to the IMF deposition. Conclusion The results of this study identified potential candidate genes associated with chicken IMF deposition and imply that IMF deposition in chicken breast muscle is regulated and mediated not only by genes and pathways related to lipid metabolism and muscle development, but also by others involved in cell junctions. These findings establish the groundwork and provide new clues for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying IMF deposition in poultry. Further studies at the translational and posttranslational level are now required to validate the genes and pathways identified here.