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Rare earth elements (REEs) have become increasingly important to our modern society due to their strategic significance and numerous high technological applications. Regolith-hosted heavy rare earth element (HREE) deposits in South China are currently the main source of the HREEs, but the ore-forming processes are poorly understood. In these deposits, the REEs are postulated to accumulate in regolith through adsorption on clay minerals. In the Zudong deposit, the world's largest regolith-hosted HREE deposit, clay minerals are dominated by short, stubby, nanometer-scale halloysite tubes (either 10 or 7 Å) and microcrystalline kaolinite in the saprolite and lower pedolith and micrometer-sized vermicular kaolinite in the humic layer and upper pedolith. A critical transformation of the clay minerals in the upper pedolith is coalescence and unrolling of halloysite to form vermicular kaolinite. Microcrystalline kaolinite also transformed to large, well-crystalline vermicular kaolinite. This transformation could result in significant changes in different physicochemical properties of the clay assemblages. Halloysite-abundant clay assemblages in the deep regolith have specific surface area and porosity significantly higher than the kaolinite-dominant clay assemblages in the shallow soils. The crystallinity of clay minerals also increased, exemplified by decrease in Fe contents of the kaolinite group minerals (from ∼1.2 wt% in the lower saprolite to ∼0.35 wt% in the upper pedolith), thereby indicative of less availability of various types of adsorption sites. Hence, halloysite-abundant clay minerals of high adsorption capacity in deep regolith could efficiently retain the REEs released from weathering of the parent granite. Reduction in adsorption capacity during the clay transformation in shallow depth partially leads to REE desorption, and the released REEs would be subsequently transported to and adsorbed at deeper part of the soil profile. Hence, the clay-adsorbed REE concentration in the lower pedolith and saprolite (∼2500 ppm on average) is much higher than the uppermost soils (∼400 ppm on average). Therefore, weathering environments that favor the release of the REEs in the shallow soils but preservation of halloysite in the deep regolith can continuously adsorb REEs in the clay minerals to form economically valuable deposits.

Metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer. In the process of cancer development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to promoting the invasion and migration of tumor cells. In a previous study, the role of resveratrol in migration and metastasis was investigated in MDA-MB-231 (MDA231) human breast cancer cells and a xenograft-bearing mouse model. Additionally, the related mechanism was explored. In the present study, in vitro Transwell assays showed that resveratrol can inhibit the migration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced MDA231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that resveratrol can reduce the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Immunofluorescence was performed to confirm the expression of EMT-related markers. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that resveratrol changed the expression of the EMT-related markers E-cadherin and vimentin. Western blot analysis demonstrated that resveratrol decreased the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, Fibronectin, α-SMA, P-PI3K, P-AKT, Smad2, Smad3, P-Smad2, P-Smad3, vimentin, Snail1, and Slug, as well as increased the expression levels of E-cadherin in MDA231 cells. In vivo, resveratrol inhibited lung metastasis in a mouse model bearing MDA231 human breast cancer xenografts without marked changes in body weight or liver and kidney function. These results indicate that resveratrol inhibits the migration of MDA231 cells by reversing TGF-β1-induced EMT and inhibits the lung metastasis of MDA231 human breast cancer in a xenograft-bearing mouse model.

Age is an important risk factor for breast cancer, but data regarding whether patient age at diagnosis is related to breast cancer survival are conflicting. This population-based study evaluated the effect of age on breast cancer prognosis and identified outcome-related factors. We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and enrolled female primary non-metastatic cases. Patients were subdivided into seven groups, and analyses of the associations between age and overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model, respectively. We also assessed differences in survival among three specific age groups, using the ages of 30 and 50 years as cut-offs. Stratified analyses regarding race, histology, grade, stage and hormone receptor status were also carried out. A total of 133,057 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer from 2004 to 2008 were included in the current study (6.4% <40 years), Women aged 40 to 49 years and 60 to 69 years exhibited significantly better OS and BCSS, respectively (log-rank, p<0.001), than their counterparts in other groups. Middle-aged women exhibited distinctly better OS (log-rank, p<0.001) and BCSS (log-rank, p<0.001) than their counterparts in the other two age groups. Following adjustments for potential confounding factors, middle-age at breast cancer diagnosis was shown to be an independent predictor of favourable outcomes in terms of OS, but not BCSS (for OS, HR, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.87-0.98; p = 0.007; for BCSS, HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.80-1.01; p = 0.075, using the young group as reference). Stratified analysis showed that middle-age was significantly associated with increased survival, except among patients with stage III disease, and that elderly women faced worse prognoses than younger patients. Our results indicate that younger breast cancer patients exhibit more aggressive disease than older patients. Middle-aged patients exhibit better OS and BCSS than young and elderly patients but exhibit BCSS rates similar to those of young patients after adjustments for confounders. Stratified analysis demonstrated that middle-aged patients exhibited better survival than young patients, with the exception of patients with stage III disease. An age of 60 years or more was a significant independent predictor of a poor prognosis.

Particulate organic matter (POM) is distributed worldwide in high abundance. Although insoluble, it could serve as a redox mediator for microbial reductive dehalogenation and mineral transformation. Quantitative information on the role of POM in the natural occurrence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is lacking, but is needed to re-evaluate the sources of AgNPs in soils, which are commonly considered to derive from anthropogenic inputs. Here we demonstrate that POM reduces silver ions to AgNPs under solar irradiation, by producing superoxide radicals from phenol-like groups. The contribution of POM to the naturally occurring AgNPs is estimated to be 11–31%. By providing fresh insight into the sources of AgNPs in soils, our study facilitates unbiased assessments of the fate and impacts of anthropogenic AgNPs. Moreover, the reducing role of POM is likely widespread within surface environments and is expected to significantly influence the biogeochemical cycling of Ag and other contaminants that are reactive towards phenol-like groups. Silver nanoparticles are known environmental contaminants, however it is unclear whether they arise in soils through natural processes, anthropogenic processes, or both. Here Huang and colleagues offer fresh insight into the natural formation of these contaminants by soil particulate organic matter exposed to solar irradiation.

Mesozoic mineral deposits in South China include world-class deposits of W, Sn and Sb and those that provide the major sources of Ta, Cu, Hg, As, Tl, Pb, Zn, Au and Ag for the entire country. These deposits can be classified into polymetallic hydrothermal systems closely related to felsic intrusive rocks (Sn–W –Mo granites, Cu porphyries, polymetallic and Fe skarns, and polymetallic vein deposits) and low-temperature hydrothermal systems with no direct connection to igneous activities (MVT deposits, epithermal Au and Sb deposits). Recent studies have shown that they formed in the Triassic (Indosinian), Jurassic–Cretaceous (Early Yanshanian), and Cretaceous (Late Yanshanian) stages. Indosinian deposits include major MVT (Pb–Zn–Ag) deposits and granite-related W–Sn deposits. Early Yanshanian deposits are low-temperature Sb–Au and high-temperature W–Sn and Cu porphyry types. Many Late Yanshanian deposits are low-temperature Au–As–Sb–Hg and U deposits, and also include high-temperature W–Sn polymetallic deposits. The formation of these deposits is linked with a specific tectonothermal evolution and igneous activities. This special issue brings together some of the latest information in eight papers that deal with the origins and tectonic environments of mineral deposits formed in these stages. We anticipate that this issue will stimulate more interests in these ore deposits in South China.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a refractory type of breast cancer that does not yet have clinically effective drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects and mechanisms of resveratrol combined with cisplatin on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (MDA231) cell viability, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, MTS assays showed that resveratrol combined with cisplatin inhibits cell viability as a concentration-dependent manner, and produced synergistic effects (CI < 1). Transwell assay showed that the combined treatment inhibits TGF-β1-induced cell migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that resveratrol upregulated E-cadherin expression and downregulated vimentin expression. Western blot assay demonstrated that resveratrol combined with cisplatin significantly reduced the expression of fibronectin, vimentin, P-AKT, P-PI3K, P-JNK, P-ERK, Sma2, and Smad3 induced by TGF-β1 (p < 0.05), and increased the expression of E-cadherin (p < 0.05), respectively. In vivo, resveratrol enhanced tumor growth inhibition and reduced body weight loss and kidney function impairment by cisplatin in MDA231 xenografts, and significantly reduced the expressions of P-AKT, P-PI3K, Smad2, Smad3, P-JNK, P-ERK, and NF-κB in tumor tissues (p < 0.05). These results indicated that resveratrol combined with cisplatin inhibits the viability of breast cancer MDA231 cells synergistically, and inhibits MDA231 cells invasion and migration through Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) approach, and resveratrol enhanced anti-tumor effect and reduced side of cisplatin in MDA231 xenografts. The mechanism may be involved in the regulations of PI3K/AKT, JNK, ERK and NF-κB expressions.

Healthcare expenditures in China have been rising rapidly in recent years. To reform the medical insurance payment system, China has introduced Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) to maintain quality. But does excessive control of hospitalization expenditures affect the quality of care? This study analyzes the implementation of DRG in Chinese public hospitals to examine its impact on both hospitalization expenditures and quality of care. Based on data from the Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and the DRG management platform in Hunan Province, this study utilized a random sampling method to select hospitalization data. The analysis included 49,192 cases from four public hospitals, encompassing periods before(n = 23,494) and after(n = 25,698) DRG implementation. Additionally, data from two other public hospitals were randomly selected, comprising 7,969 cases before and after the introduction of hospital administrative interventions following DRG implementation (3,862 pre-intervention and 4,107 post-intervention). Statistical analyses comprised descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, multiple linear regression, and multivariate logistic regression. After DRG implementation, the logarithmic mean of total hospitalization expenditures decreased significantly (3.914 ± 0.837 vs. 3.872 ± 1.004), while rates of unplanned readmissions, unplanned reoperations, postoperative complications, and patient complaints within 30 days increased significantly (3.784% vs 4.214%, 0.083% vs 0.166%, 0.207% vs 0.258%, 3.741% vs 5.133%). The proportions of grade IV surgeries and critical patients also decreased (42.602% vs 46.174%, 16.943% vs 18.001%). Adjusted linear regression indicated DRG implementation was negatively associated with the log mean of costs (β = -0.002, 95% CI: - 0.003, - 0.001), a 0.2% reduction. In logistic regression, DRG was not significantly associated with mortality or nosocomial infection, but was positively associated with postoperative complications (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.20) and patient complaints (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.75).Post-DRG, provincial hospitals had higher values than municipal hospitals in log mean costs, proportion of critical patients, and Grade IV surgeries (3.897 ± 1.024 vs. 3.857 ± 1.012; 19.568% vs. 16.463%; 47.252% vs. 39.371%). Before DRG, provincial (vs. municipal) hospitals showed no association with hospitalization expenditures, critical illness proportion, or mortality, but had 1.19 times the Grade IV surgery proportion (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.32). After DRG, these became 1.004, 1.34, and 1.44 times higher, respectively, with no mortality association. After administrative intervention, increases occurred in nosocomial infection, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, patient complaints (5.955% vs. 5.040%; 0.186% vs. 0.000%; 4.065% vs. 3.324%; 4.868% vs. 3.360%), and log mean costs (3.898 ± 1.253 vs. 3.963 ± 0.884). Mortality and postoperative complications did not change significantly (0.40% vs. 0.463%; 0.279% vs. 0.189%). Linear regression indicated a positive association between intervention and expenditures (0.5%increase). Logistic regression showed negative associate with mortality, infection, complications and patient complaints corresponding to risk reductions of 2%, 7%, 4% and 3% respectively. The DRG payment system effectively controlled the growth of hospitalization expenditures in Chinese public hospitals. However, an exclusive focus on expenditure containment may adversely affect medical quality. Appropriate administrative interventions can help improve medical quality while managing expenditures.

Subduction of oceanic slabs can physically and chemically modify mantle wedges, but how mantle wedges are temporally evolved is difficult to be constrained. In this study, we use in situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopes of mafic intrusions to examine a coupled evolution of magmas and mantle sources above a subduction zone. Neoproterozoic mafic intrusions in the western margin of the Yangtze Block are mostly composed of gabbros that were formed in an arc system during 870–750 Ma followed by generation of voluminous slab-derived granitoids. The mantle wedge was progressively modified by slab fluids, sediment melts and altered oceanic crust (AOC) melts. Gabbros from the 870-Ma intrusion have normal δ18O (4.79‰ to 6.07‰), high εHf (+ 10.4 to + 15.0) and εNd (+ 4.0 and + 6.4) and were derived from a mantle source enriched by slab fluids. Gabbros from the 860–840-Ma intrusions have overall relatively high δ18O (5.61‰ to 7.42‰), but variable εHf values (− 3.5 to + 15.0) that are decoupled from εNd (+ 1.85 to + 3.87). These features are clearly suggestive of a mantle source modified by sediment melts. However, gabbros from the 820–780-Ma intrusions have relatively low δ18O (4.22‰ to 5.49‰), and constant εHf (+ 4.7 to + 9.6) that are decoupled from εNd (− 0.52 to + 1.92). Such features can be explained by a mantle source contaminated by 18O-depleted AOC melts. The widespread younger TTG-type granitoids were partial melts of the subducted oceanic slab and terminated the mafic magmatism in the region, indicating that slab break-off probably resulted in slab melting after a long period of subduction. Similar Neoproterozoic magmatism also occurred in Greater India and Madagascar, suggesting a giant Andean-type arc system along the western margin of Rodinia. In this arc system, mantle-derived magmas were dominated by an arc affinity in the earlier stage before 820 Ma and became rift-related after that, reflecting regional slab tearing and break-off. Our study also provides evidence for the linkage between the marginal subduction and the internal rifting in Rodinia, and suggest that slab break-off probably triggered its break-up.

Background Excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) severely limits therapeutic drug penetration into tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Collagen is the most abundant matrix protein in the tumor ECM, which is the main obstacle that severely hinders the diffusion of chemotherapeutic drugs or nanomedicines. Methods We designed a collagenase-functionalized biomimetic drug-loaded Au nanoplatform that combined ECM degradation, active targeting, immune evasion, near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered drug release, and synergistic antitumor therapy and diagnosis into one nanoplatform. PDAC tumor cell membranes were extracted and coated onto doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded Au nanocages, and then collagenase was added to functionalize the cell membrane through lipid insertion. We evaluated the physicochemical properties, in vitro and in vivo targeting, penetration and therapeutic efficacy of the nanoplatform. Results Upon intravenous injection, this nanoplatform efficiently targeted the tumor through the homologous targeting properties of the coated cell membrane. During penetration into the tumor tissue, the dense ECM in the PDAC tissues was gradually degraded by collagenase, leading to a looser ECM structure and deep penetration within the tumor parenchyma. Under NIR irradiation, both photothermal and photodynamic effects were produced and the encapsulated chemotherapeutic drugs were released effectively, exerting a strong synergistic antitumor effect. Moreover, this nanoplatform has X-ray attenuation properties that could serve to guide and monitor treatment by CT imaging. Conclusion This work presented a unique and facile yet effective strategy to modulate ECM components in PDAC, enhance tumor penetration and tumor-killing effects and provide therapeutic guidance and monitoring. Graphical Abstract

Shenqi Fuzheng injection (SQFZ) combined with chemotherapy can sensitize tumour cells. However, the mechanisms underlying SQFZ's effects remain unknown. In human breast cancer cell lines and M2 macrophages, we showed that SQFZ was a significantly potent agent of sensitization. The human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231/DDP, and the human acute leukaemia mononuclear cell line, THP-1, were used. MDA-MB-231/DDP breast cancer xenografts were established to monitor tumour growth. Resistance-associated proteins were examined by western blotting. Levels of cytokines and chemokines were detected by ELISA. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric analysis. SQFZ significantly enhanced the capability of cisplatin to reduce tumour mass. SQFZ and cisplatin decreased the expression of CD206 by 1.89-fold and increased that of CD86 by 1.76-fold as compared to cisplatin alone. The levels of PGE2, IL-6, and CCL1 decreased significantly, and the activation of p-PI3K and the expressions of P-gp and ABCG2 were also inhibited by SQFZ in combination with cisplatin treatment in vivo. The survival following cisplatin administration of 60 μM and 120 μM reduced significantly in the presence of SQFZ in MDA-MB-231/DDP and M2 co-cultured cells. IGF-1, a PI3K activator, combined with SQFZ weakened the effects of SQFZ-induced apoptosis from 28.7% to 10.5%. The effects of IGF-1 on increasing the expressions of P-gp, ABCG2, and Bcl-2, and decreasing that of Bax were reversed by SQFZ. Our findings provide evidence that SQFZ is a potential therapeutic drug for cancer therapy.