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Breast cancer represents the most prevalent malignancy in women globally. While UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2 (UGP2) has been implicated in tumor biology, its pathophysiological role in breast carcinogenesis remains undefined. This study systematically investigates the clinical relevance and functional mechanisms of UGP2 in breast cancer progression. Multi-omics analysis was conducted using GEPIA2, TIMER2, and TCGA databases to evaluate UGP2 expression patterns, clinicopathological correlations, and prognostic significance across breast cancer subtypes. Findings were validated through immunohistochemical analysis of 118 clinical specimens. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from GEO were employed to resolve UGP2 spatial distribution within tumor microenvironments. Functional enrichment analysis elucidated UGP2-associated pathways, while loss-of-function experiments using siRNA-mediated knockdown assessed UGP2’s impact on malignant phenotypes in breast cancer cell lines. Our research found that the expression level of UGP2 in the TNBC subtype was significantly higher than that in other subtypes. The elevated expression level of UGP2 suggests a poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. The high expression level of UGP2 is positively correlated with the level of CNV. UGP2 is mainly located in epithelial cells and CAFs subsets and can participate in biological processes such as collagen synthesis. Knockdown of UGP2 in vitro can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells. This study demonstrates that elevated UGP2 expression is clinically associated with aggressive tumor behavior and unfavorable prognosis in breast cancer patients, particularly in the triple-negative subtype (TNBC). Mechanistic analyses reveal UGP2’s functional involvement in both tumor cell proliferation and stromal remodeling through cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) interactions. The robust association between UGP2 overexpression and aggressive clinicopathological features positions it as both a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target, particularly in TNBC management.

Background Semen quality significantly influences conception, and its preservation is crucial for couples seeking pregnancy. We investigated dietary and lifestyle risk factors impacting semen quality. Methods A total of 466 males from the Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center’s pre-pregnancy consultation clinic were recruited between January 2021 and March 2023 for inclusion. Semen analysis was performed, and diet and lifestyle data were gathered via questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the link between diet, lifestyle variables, and semen quality. Results Smoking worsened progressive sperm motility (38.0% vs. 36.0%, t = 2.262; P = 0.049). Alcohol consumption impaired progressive motility (40.5 ± 17.8% vs. 34.7 ± 16.1%, t = 3.396; P < 0.001) and total motility (56.0% vs. 64.0%; P = 0.001). Using plastic beverage bottles for oil or seasonings lowered sperm concentrations (40.4% vs. 59.0% vs. 65.5%; P = 0.032). A sweet diet correlated with higher total sperm motility (55.0% vs. 60.0%, 62.0% vs. 63.2%; P = 0.017). Higher milk product intake improved sperm concentration (41.6 10 6 vs. 63.7 10 6 vs. 66.1*10 6 ; P = 0.021) and motility (54.5% vs. 56.0% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.033). More frequent egg consumption increased semen volume (3.1 mL vs. 3.8 mL vs. 4.0 mL; P = 0.038). Roughage intake enhanced sperm concentration (160.8 10 6 vs. 224.6 10 6 ; P = 0.027), and adequate sleep improved progressive sperm motility rate (35.4% ± 18.2% vs. 40.2 ± 16.3%, F = 3.747; P = 0.024) and total motility (52.7% vs. 61.5%; P = 0.013). The regression model showed that using plastic containers for condiments was a protective factor for semen volume (OR: 0.12; CI 0.03–0.55; P = 0.006), sperm concentration (OR: 0.001, CI 0.00–0.30; P = 0.012), and count (OR: 0.12, CI 0.03–0.48; P = 0.003). Milk and egg consumption were also protective for semen volume (OR: 0.18, CI 0.06–0.51; P = 0.001 and OR: 0.11, CI 0.03–0.55; P = 0.006, respectively), while sufficient sleep benefitted total sperm motility (OR: 0.47, CI 0.24–0.95; P = 0.034). Conclusions Smoking and drinking, type of condiment container, diet preference, sleep duration, and milk, roughage, and egg consumption may reduce semen quality.

Background Breast cancer (BC), a common malignant tumor originating from the terminal ductal lobular unit of the breast, poses a substantial health risk to women. Previous studies have associated cytochrome b561 (CYB561) with a poor prognosis in BC; however, its underlying mechanism of this association remains unclear. Methods We investigated the expression of CYB561 mRNA in BC using databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Tumor–Normal–Metastatic plot, and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases. The prognostic value of CYB561 protein in BC was assessed in relation to its expression levels in tumor tissue samples from 158 patients with BC. The effect of CYB561 on BC progression was confirmed using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The biological functions and related signaling pathways of CYB561 in BC were explored using gene microarray, Innovative Pathway, Gene Ontology enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The correlation between CYB561 and the BC tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated using the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-cell analysis and further validated through immunohistochemistry of serial sections. Results Our study demonstrated that upregulation of CYB561 expression predicted poor prognosis in patients with BC and that CYB561 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasive ability of BC cells in vitro. CYB561 knockdown inhibited BC tumor formation in vivo.CYB561 was observed to modulate downstream tropomyosin 1 expression. Furthermore, CYB561 expression was associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC immune microenvironment. Conclusions Elevated CYB561 expression suggests a poor prognosis for patients with BC and is associated with macrophage M2 polarization in the BC microenvironment. Therefore, CYB561 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target for BC treatment.

Background: LncRNAs play diverse roles and participate in various biological processes within the human body. It has been frequently reported that they are involved in the occurrence and development of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. PRNCR1, a crucial player in several types of cancers, may also have implications for recurrent spontaneous miscarriage risk. However, the correlation between PRNCR1 rs13252298 A > G polymorphism and this risk remains unclear. In summary, we conducted the following experiments to investigate the association between the PRNCR1 polymorphic site rs13252298 and susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Method: Our research included 695 healthy controls and 413 patients with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage from southern China. Genotyping was performed using the TaqMan method. Result: Our findings revealed that there is a relationship between PRNCR1 rs13252298 A > G polymorphism and lower susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (AG and AA: adjusted OR = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.527–1.196, p = 0.2696; GG and AA: adjusted OR = 0.705, 95% CI = 0.542–0.917, p = 0.0092; dominant model: adjusted OR = 0.722, 95% CI = 0.563–0.926, p = 0.0104; recessive model: adjusted OR = 0.949, 95% CI = 0.644–1.398, p = 0.7912). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that the PRNCR1 rs13252298 A > G allele may contribute to a decreased risk of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. The rs13252298 polymorphism could potentially serve as a biomarker for detecting recurrent spontaneous miscarriage risk and aiding prevention efforts.

Background: Nano-selenium has been widely used in antiviral and anticancer therapy, and has the advantages of good targeting and low toxicity. For the first time, we combined male reproduction with nano-selenium to investigate its antioxidant effect. This study investigated the protective effect of lentinan functionalized selenium nanoparticles on oxidative stress injury of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced Leydig cell line, TM3. Methods: The suitable concentration of nano-selenium treatment to promote cell proliferation was also discussed. The concentration of 4 μM could significantly promote the growth of TM3 cells. Oxidative stress damage was caused using an 800 μM concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The cells were divided into four groups: normal control group, oxidative stress treatment group, H2O2+SeNPs@LNT group, and SeNPs@LNT group. The H2O2+SeNPs@LNT group was pretreated with 4 μM of SeNPs@LNT for 12 h, followed by 800 μM of H2O2 for 8 h. Results: Nano-selenium could significantly promote the proliferation and viability of TM3 cells. SeNPs@LNT treatment increased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential in normal cells and slowed down the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential level caused by oxidative stress injury. In addition, the increase in reactive oxygen species caused by oxidative stress was inhibited by SeNPs@LNT treatment. The apoptosis of TM3 cells was detected, and SeNPs@LNT alleviated the necrosis and apoptosis of TM3 cells induced by H2O2. Nano-selenium plays a protective role against oxidative H2O2-induced stress injury in TM3 cells through the changes in the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway and P53 pathway, and the expression levels of other related proteins, protein kinase B (AKT) and C3. Conclusion: SeNPs@LNT exhibited good biological activity and antioxidant effect and can thus be used to protect the male reproductive system from oxidative stress.

A H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury cell model was established to investigate the antioxidant effect of nano-selenium on mouse spermatocyte lines and the regulation mechanism of the expression level and activity of selenium-containing antioxidant enzymes induced by oxidative stress. A safe and effective nano-drug system of functionalized selenium-containing nanoparticles (SeNPs) was developed with lentinan (LNT) (SeNPs@LNT). Mice spermatocyte line GC2-spg cells were treated with SeNPs@LNT (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 μM) for 24–72 h to evaluate the cytotoxicity of selenium. GC2-spg cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), SeNPs@LNT, and H2O2+SeNPs@LNT groups. H2O2+SeNPs@LNT group was pretreated with SeNPs@LNT 4 μM for 12 h, followed by H2O2 600 μM for 8 h. The cell viability decreased in the H2O2 group and increased significantly in the SeNPs@LNT group. Compared with the H2O2 group, the SeNPs@LNT+H2O2 group exhibited obvious red fluorescence, indicating a higher level of mitochondrial membrane potential. The content of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the SeNPs@LNT group reduced significantly, and the intensity of green fluorescence in the SeNPs@LNT+H2O2 group decreased significantly compared with the H2O2 group, indicating the inhibitory effect of SeNPs@LNT on the generation of ROS-induced oxidative stress. The activity of GPx and SOD increased significantly in the SeNPs@LNT group. The expression of p53 decreased significantly under the intervention of nano-selenium, and GPx1 expression increased. In the oxidative stress group, the expressions of DNA damage-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were higher than those in other groups. Thus, SeNPs@LNT can promote GC2-spg cell proliferation, improve GPx and SOD activities, remove intracellular ROS, and reduce mitochondrial damage and functional abnormalities caused by oxidative stress by regulating the ERK and p53 protein levels. SeNPs@LNT has good biological activity and antioxidant effect, which can be used to protect the male reproductive system from oxidative stress.

Recently, the single-shaft series-parallel powertrain of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Bus (PHEB) has become one of the most popular powertrains due to its alterable operating modes, excellent fuel economy and strong adaptability for driving cycles. Nevertheless, for configuring the PHEB with single-shaft series-parallel powertrain in the development stage, it still faces greater challenge than other configurations when choosing and matching the main component parameters. Motivated by this issue, a comprehensive multi-objectives optimization strategy based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) is developed for the PHEB with the typical powertrain. First, considering repeatability and regularity of bus route, the methods of off-line data processing and mathematical statistics are adopted, to obtain a representative driving cycle, which could well reflect the general characteristic of the real-world bus route. Then, the economical optimization objective is defined, which is consist of manufacturing costs of the key components and energy consumption, and combined with the dynamical optimization objective, a multi-objective optimization function is put forward. Meanwhile, GA algorithm is used to optimize the parameters, for the optimal components combination of the novel series-parallel powertrain. Finally, a comparison with the prototype is carried out to verify the performance of the optimized powertrain along driving cycles. Simulation results indicate that the parameters of powertrain components obtained by the proposed comprehensive multi-objectives optimization strategy might get better fuel economy, meanwhile ensure the dynamic performance of PHEB. In contrast to the original, the costs declined by 18%. Hence, the strategy would provide a theoretical guidance on parameter selection for PHEB manufacturers.

Achieving high selectivity of Li + and Mg 2+ is of paramount importance for effective lithium extraction from brines, and nanofiltration (NF) membrane plays a critical role in this process. The key to achieving high selectivity lies in the on-demand design of NF membrane pores in accordance with the size difference between Li + and Mg 2+ ions, but this poses a huge challenge for traditional NF membranes and difficult to be realized. In this work, we report the fabrication of polyamide (PA) NF membranes with ultra-high Li + /Mg 2+ selectivity by modifying the interfacial polymerization (IP) process between piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) with an oil-soluble surfactant that forms a monolayer at oil/water interface, referred to as OSARIP. The OSARIP benefits to regulate the membrane pores so that all of them are smaller than Mg 2+ ions. Under the solely size sieving effect, an exceptional Mg 2+ rejection rate of over 99.9% is achieved. This results in an exceptionally high Li + /Mg 2+ selectivity, which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than all the currently reported pressure-driven membranes, and even higher than the microporous framework materials, including COFs, MOFs, and POPs. The large enhancement of ion separation performance of NF membranes may innovate the current lithium extraction process and greatly improve the lithium extraction efficiency. Achieving high selectivity of Li+ and Mg2+ is of paramount importance for effective lithium extraction from brines, and nanofiltration (NF) membrane plays a critical role in this process. Here the authors report the fabrication of polyamide NF membranes with ultra-high Li + /Mg2+ selectivity by modifying the interfacial polymerization process with an oil-soluble surfactant.