Massive Deposits Research Articles

Venetoclax Plus CyBorD Induction Therapy and Venetoclax Maintenance Treatment for Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis with t(11;14) Translocation

Background: A total of 50% of patients with AL amyloidosis have t(11;14) translocation, allowing us to use the selective oral BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in their treatment. Case presentation: Our patient was admitted to the gastroenterology department due to weight loss and abdominal pain. An abdominal CT scan revealed some enlarged lymph nodes; therefore, he was referred to the hematology department. A bone marrow biopsy showed massive amorphous amyloid deposition. The sample was positive on Congo red staining and exhibited double refraction under a polarized light microscope. Serum-free light chains and the difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLCs) were elevated. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we detected t(11;14) translocation. Further examinations confirmed the involvement of the liver, colon and heart. Stage II AL amyloidosis was confirmed. Our patient received combined induction therapy with CyBorD and venetoclax due to the presence of the t(11;14) translocation. After six cycles, the patient achieved complete remission. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was performed. At 100 days post-ASCT, the patient had complete hematologic remission. Venetoclax maintenance treatment was initiated. The follow-up examinations showed that the patient is in very good partial remission. Conclusions: In the case of our AL amyloidosis patient with t(11;14) translocation, the combined treatment with CyBorD and venetoclax was well tolerated and effective.

Typochemistry of magnetite from massive sulfide and iron deposits of the Urals according to LA-ISP-MS data

The aim of the study is the determination of mineralogical and geochemical features of magnetite from massive sulfde and iron deposits to develop forecasting criteria of ore objects. The layered magnetitolites of sulfde (Mauk, Letnee, Sibai and Molodezhnoe) and stratiform iron (Kachar, Sarbai, Estyuninskoe, Osokino-Aleksandrovskoe and Techa) deposits of volcanosedimentary association are the objects of study. It is established using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) that, in contrast to magnetite of iron deposits, magnetite of ore-controlling volcanosedimentary horizons of the Urals massive sulfde deposits is characterized by a higher content and stable associations of Bi, Te, Co, As, Cd, Zn, Cu and Mo due to relict inclusions of sulfde clasts and products of their halmyrolysis. The elevated Ti, V and Zr contents, as well as the mixed associations of lithophile, siderophile and chalcophile elements, are more typical of magnetite of iron deposits after hyaloclastites. Typochemistry of magnetite from volcanosedimentary horizons can be a criterion for searching the massive sulfde deposits.

Microbial diversity in siliceous-ferruginous sedimentary rocks from the Urals massive sulfde deposits: a review

Paleozoic siliceous-ferruginous oxide sedimentary rocks of the Urals massive sulfde deposits contain well-preserved textural and structural evidence indicating the role of microorganisms in their formation. Filamentous, rod-shaped, spherical and tubular micron-scale bacterial forms mineralized with hematite, hematite-siliceous and siliceous material are described. The flamentous forms are morphologically dominant. Authigenic apatite, Mn-calcite, Ti oxides, illite and rare earth minerals (phosphates and carbonates) are constantly associated with bacteriomorphic structures. The structures of fossil bacteria based on their size, shape, cell division, distribution in colonies and comparison with ferruginous sediments of modern hydrothermal systems and massive sulfde deposits worldwide indicate that they correspond to mineralized stalks of iron bacteria Leptothrix ochracea and Gallionella ferruginea, coccoidal forms and sulfur-oxidizing Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans and giant Beggiatoa-like organisms. These observations indicate bacterial biocatalysis in the processes of halmyrolysis of sulfdes and hyaloclasts during the formation of iron oxide deposits.

Mineralogical features and physicochemical formation conditions of vein mineralization of the southern fank of the Saf'yanovka massive sulfde deposit (Central Urals)

The paper presents the results of studies of sulfde and fuorite veins of the southern fank of the Saf'yanovka massive sulfde deposit, Central Urals. The sulfde veins include sphalerite-galena and sphalerite-pyrite-chalcopyrite types, in which sulfdes are associated with gypsum, carbonates, barite or quartz. Fluorite in host rocks is closely related to carbonates (dolomite, calcite, and siderite), kaolinite and magnesiocarpholite. The sulfde veins differ in chemical composition and rare minerals. In galena-sphalerite veins, the higher Zn, Pb, Cd and Ag content is associated with the presence of sphalerite, galena and tennantite-(Zn) with Ag (up to 1.09 wt %). In sphalerite-pyrite-chalcopyrite veins, the accumulation of Cu, Sn, In, Se, Te and Bi is explained by the presence of tennantite-(Zn), enargite, stannoidite, sakuraiite (?), wittichenite, hessite and Se-bearing galena. The elevated (ppm) Th (1.69) и U (4.79) and REE + Y (447) content is determined in fuorite veins. The REE minerals include fuorcarbonates (synchisite-(Nd) (predominant), synchisite-(Y), synchisite-(Ce) and bastnasite), which are closely associated with overprinted dolomite and kaolinite. The fuid inclusions study of gypsum from pyrite-chalcopyrite veins showed that the associated Cu mineralization formed from H2O-Na-K chloride fuid at temperatures of 210–150 °С. The fuid, which was responsible for the formation of fuorite veins, contained Na, K, Ca и Mg. The formation temperatures of fuorite range from 190 to 280 °С. New data revealed the peculiarities of mineral composition of rich Cu ores with fuorite and also explain the higher content of some elements, including REEs.

Hematite-carbonate rocks of the Yubileynoe massive sulfde deposit (South Urals): evidence of replacement of sulfde clasts and hyaloclasts

The article considers textural and structural features of hematite-carbonate rocks associated with carbonate-sulfde clastic ores of the Yubileynoe massive sulfde deposit, South Urals. Some hematite-carbonate rocks exhibit signatures of the replacement of sulfde clasts and hyaloclasts by hematite-carbonate material, classifed as carbonate analogs of gossanites. The hematite-carbonate aggregates after sulfde clasts are characterized by inherited reniform-colloform, radial and crystalline-granular structures, as well as the inclusions of relict sulfdes and tellurides. The hematite-carbonate aggregates after sulfde clasts contain the elevated concentrations of chalcophile (Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Te) and lithophile (Ti, Zr, V, W) trace elements. The hematite-carbonate clasts after hyaloclasts contain aggregates with globular structure and syneresis cracks and contain relics of chlorite. The matrix of hematite-carbonate rocks consists of calcite with inclusions and aggregates of dolomite, chlorite, quartz and apatite. Late sulfde mineralization (pyrite metacrystals, aggregates and veins of chalcopyrite and sphalerite) is characteristic of both hematite-carbonate rocks after sulfde clasts and hyaloclasts.

Similar Spatial Expression of Immune-Related Proteins in SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis and Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the placenta can lead to fetal distress and demise, characterized by severe trophoblast necrosis, chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI), and massive perivillous fibrin deposition. We aimed to uncover spatial immune-related protein changes in SARS-CoV-2 placentitis compared with CHI placentas and uncomplicated pregnancies to gain insight into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Placentas were retrospectively collected from cases with SARS-CoV-2 placentitis resulting in fetal distress/demise (n=9), CHI (n=9), and uncomplicated term controls (n=9). The expression of 53 immune-related proteins was quantified using GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler in three separate compartments: villi (fetal compartment), intervillous space, and decidua (both maternal compartments). Compared with controls, SARS-CoV-2 placentitis and CHI both displayed differentially expressed proteins in the intervillous space only, including upregulation of myeloid markers (e.g., CD40, CD11c, CD68, CD163). Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 placentitis was associated with reduced expression of multiple apoptotic proteins (e.g., BAD, BIM, BLXL, BCL6). In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 placentitis and CHI are associated with enhanced myeloid cell infiltration into the intervillous space, but not in the decidua and villi. The more prominently reduced apoptosis-related protein expression in SARS-CoV-2 placentitis may lead to an exaggerated immune response, causing acute placental dysfunction and fetal demise.

Design, Current States, and Challenges of Nanomaterials in Anti-Neuroinflammation: A Perspective on Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease, brings huge damage to the society, to the whole family and even to the patient himself. However, until now, the etiological factor of AD is still unknown and there is no effective treatment for it. Massive deposition of amyloid-beta peptide(Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of Tau proteins are acknowledged pathological features of AD. Recent studies have revealed that neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathology of AD. With the rise of nanomaterials in the biomedical field, researchers are exploring how the unique properties of these materials can be leveraged to develop effective treatments for AD. This article has summarized the influence of neuroinflammation in AD, the design of nanoplatforms, and the current research status and inadequacy of nanomaterials in improving neuroinflammation in AD.

Fe-isotopic evidence for hydrothermal reworking as a mechanism to form high-grade Fe-Ti-V oxide ores in layered intrusions

The genesis of high-grade Fe-Ti-V oxide ores (up to >90 vol%) in layered intrusions remains highly debated. Here, on example of Hongge layered intrusion in China, we show that hydrothermal dissolution and precipitation of Fe-Ti-V oxides played a critical role in forming high-grade massive ore deposits as demonstrated by textural-compositional evidence and in-situ iron isotope data (δ56Fe), analyzed with femtosecond laser ablation multicollector (LA-MC-) ICP-MS. Hongge is a mafic layered intrusion composed of a Lower olivine clinopyroxenite Zone (LZ), a Middle clinopyroxenite Zone (MZ), where thick massive ore layers (with up to 90 % Fe-Ti-V oxides) formed, and an Upper gabbro Zone (UZ). Magnetite in Hongge exhibits two contrasting generations: 1) Mag1, observed in all lithological zones and formed at the magmatic stage, has extensive ilmenite exsolution lamellae and high Ti and Cr content. The δ56Fe of Mag1 shows considerable variations from −0.23 to 0.63 ‰ and strikingly an offset of ∼0.3 ‰ towards lower values in the massive ore zone compared to the zones below and above; 2) Mag2, concentrated mainly in thick massive ore layers in MZ without exsolution lamellae, is almost pure magnetite (with low Ti, Al content) and has extremely low δ56Fe values (−1.24 to −0.09 ‰), indicating precipitation from Fe-enriched hydrothermal fluids. Similarly, the δ56Fe of ilmenite shows significant variations from −1.08 to −0.27 ‰ and is significantly lower than typical values for igneous ilmenite (−0.4–0 ‰). Ilmenite displays a similar Fe isotope variation pattern to Mag1 along the stratigraphic position, i.e., with significantly lower δ56Fe in the massive ore zone. As magnetite and ilmenite together contain essentially all Fe, the isotopic shift of these minerals in the ore zone translates to a bulk isotopic offset of ∼−0.3 ‰ compared to the zones below and above. This requires a bulk flux of isotopically light Fe resulting in Fe enrichment in this zone to form massive or even monomineralic ores. The very light isotopic values, particularly hydrothermal magnetite (Mag2) and petrologic evidence, strongly indicate that the Fe flux into the massive ore layers occurred during hydrothermal reworking. This scenario is furthermore supported by magnetite-ilmenite elemental and isotopic thermometry, according to which Fe-Ti oxides experienced hydrothermal re-equilibration in a temperature range of 400–300 °C. Iron isotopic mass balance calculations imply that ∼20–30 % of the Fe in the thick massive ore layers may result from secondary enrichment through hydrothermal precipitation, significantly increasing the ore tonnages and grades. Potentially, other layered intrusions experienced similar mechanisms of hydrothermal Fe enrichment, which will have to be proven in future investigations.

Placental histopathology in early-onset fetal growth restriction with use of sildenafil, a secondary analysis of the Dutch STRIDER study

ObjectivesPlacental pathology lesions are common in early-onset fetal growth restriction (eoFGR). Therapeutic interventions to improve eoFGR outcomes are needed. In the international STRIDER trials (Sildenafil Therapy In Dismal prognosis Early-onset intrauterine growth Restriction) sildenafil didn't improve perinatal outcomes of eoFGR. We aimed to study the underlying placental pathology in the Dutch STRIDER trial and the effects of sildenafil on placental histopathology by describing the associations with sildenafil treatment, placental-dysfunction serum biomarkers and markers of oxidative stress. MethodsThe Dutch STRIDER trial was a randomized controlled trial of sildenafil versus placebo in 216 singleton pregnancies complicated by eoFGR, included between 20+0- and 29+6-weeks’ gestation. In 158 cases, placental histology was available. Lesions were classified independently by three perinatal pathologists blinded for clinical data, according to the international criteria of the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement. Blood samples taken at inclusion were analyzed for free thiols (FT), placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1, n = 85). ResultsThe ‘big four’ placental lesions (maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, and chronic or acute inflammatory lesions) were equally distributed in both groups. However, massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) and chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHIV) were less common in the sildenafil-treated group compared to the placebo-treated group (p = 0.026 and p = 0.043). FT, PlGF and sFlt-1 at inclusion were not discriminative for placental lesions. ConclusionsSildenafil had no effect on common placental lesions. The lower incidence of MPFD and CHIV after sildenafil exposure merits more research on the interaction between sildenafil and the immune system.

Extremely rapid, yet noncatastrophic, preservation of the flattened-feathered and 3D dinosaurs of the Early Cretaceous of China

Northeast China's Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation preserves spectacular fossils that have proved extraordinarily important in testing evolutionary hypotheses involving the origin of birds and the distribution of feathers among nonavian dinosaurs. These fossils occur either flattened with soft tissue preservation (including feathers and color) in laminated lacustrine strata or as three-dimensional (3D) skeletons in "life-like" postures in more massive deposits. The relationships of these deposits to each other, their absolute ages, and the origin of the extraordinary fossil preservation have been vigorously debated for nearly a half century, with the prevailing view being that preservation was linked to violent volcanic eruptions or lahars, similar to processes that preserved human remains at Pompeii. We present high-precision zircon U-Pb geochronology from cores and outcrops, demonstrating that Yixian Formation accumulation rates are more than an order of magnitude higher than usually estimated. Additionally, we provide zircon provenance and sedimentological data from 3D dinosaur fossils, which imply that their death and burial occurred in collapsed burrows, rather than via a catastrophic volcanogenic mechanism. In the studied area, the three principal fossil-rich intervals of the Yixian occur as a cyclic sequence that correspond to periods of high precipitation. Using Bayesian-Markov Chain Monte Carlo approaches, we constrain the total duration of the sequence to less than ~93,000 y and suggest that climatic precession paced the expression of these cyclic sediments. Rather than representing multiple, Pompeii-like catastrophes, the Yixian Formation is instead a brief snapshot of normal life and death in an Early Cretaceous continental community.

Spread and frequency of explosive silicic volcanism of the Carpathian-Pannonian Region during Early Miocene: Clues from the SW Pannonian Basin and the Dinarides

Explosive silicic volcanism of the Carpathian-Pannonian Region (CPR) is increasingly recognized as the primary source of tephra across the Alpine-Mediterranean region during the Early and Middle Miocene. However, the tephrostratigraphic framework for this period of volcanic activity is still incomplete. We present new multi-proxy data from Lower Miocene ignimbrites and tephra fallout deposits from the southwestern CPR and the Dinaride Lake System and integrate them into existing datasets to better resolve the regional extent and scale of these eruptions of the CPR. Volcanic glass geochemistry indicates distal fallout tuffs deposited in the Sinj Basin are correlative with the proximal Ostoros ignimbrites from the Bükkalja Volcanic Field, indicative of regionally extensive volcanism at 17.295 ± 0.028 Ma, based on CA-ID-TIMS UPb zircon geochronology. Based on integrated tephrostratigraphic data, newly identified 17.064 ± 0.010 Ma massive rhyolitic ignimbrite deposits from the Kalnik Volcaniclastic Complex located in the southwestern CPR are correlative with the 17.062 ± 0.010 Ma Mangó massive ignimbrite found in the Bükkalja Volcanic Field located in the northern CPR. Based on these new observations of its potential areal distribution and estimated thicknesses, these two widespread ∼17.1 Ma ignimbrites represent intermediate to large caldera-forming ignimbrites, larger than previously suggested. Finally, volcanic glass geochemistry of fallout deposits from the Dinaridic Sinj and Livno-Tomislavgrad Basins have similar volcanic glass geochemistry as the rhyolitic pumices from the lowermost part of the Bogács ignimbrite unit of the Bükkalja Volcanic Field. However, high-precision geochronology indicates that these distal ashfalls were deposited at 16.9567 ± 0.0074 Ma, significantly predating the 16.824 ± 0.028 Ma emplacement of the fiamme-bearing part of the Bogács ignimbrite. These distinct ages suggest that the Bogács unit represents multiple eruptive events and indicating that further work is required to deconvolve this portion of the CPR volcanic record. Together, these data suggest that large volume CPR ignimbrite volcanism was more frequent and widespread than previously understood, enhancing the existing volcanic framework and history of the source region for this time period.

Prediction of the height of caving zone above the undercut in block caving mining method

The block caving is one of the most commonly used methods in underground mining of massive, low/high grades, and deep deposits. As a result of undercutting, caving occurs and propagates toward the upper part of the ore block. It is essential to predict the height of caved ore and its volume based on shape of the caved zone to make an economic decision. This paper describes the mechanism of height of the caving zone development. Consequently, four new mathematical models (prismatic, parabolic, cubic, and hemispheric) are proposed to estimate the height of this caving zone. The results are compared with the existing approaches. The proposed methods have proven that the height of caving zone has a linear relationship with the uniaxial tensile and compressive strengths and the height of undercut as well. Also, the height of the caving zone has a negative exponential relationship with unit weight of undercut roof materials and its expansion factor. The Height of the caving zone of the prismatic model is 1.5 times higher than the parabolic model and 1.3 times higher than the hemispheric model. The cubic model estimates the lowest height of the caving zone (0.3 times the height estimated by the prismatic model). The average height of the caving zone, taking the average unit weight of 27 KN/m3 into account, is about 69.4 times the tensile strength, 5.8 times the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock mass, and 18.8 times the height of the undercut.

Diameter controlled fabrication of ultralong silicon wires through regulating metal mass in massive metal-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The successful fabrication of ultra-long silicon wires has facilitated the study and application of silicon wires. However, research on the controlled fabrication of ultralong silicon wires, such as diameter modulation, is still insufficient. Herein, tapering ultralong silicon wires are synthesized by using a massive metal-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. By altering the mass of the tin catalyst in the growth zone, the length and changing rate of the diameter can be modulated. When a 40 g catalyst is placed in the growth region, the length of obtained silicon wires is 6.6 mm, and the changing rate of diameter with length is 541 nm/mm. When the catalyst mass in the growth region is reduced to 20 g, the length of the products decreases to 4.0 mm, and the changing rate of diameter with length increases to 964 nm/mm. This work proposes a new route for the diameter-modulated fabrication of ultralong silicon wires and will promote their application across various fields.

Research on ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis mice of Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides

Objective: A mouse silicosis model was constructed by injecting silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) particles into the trachea to explore the effect and mechanism of Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides (CCP) on ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis mice. Methods: In May 2023, CCP were extracted and isolated, the monosaccharide composition and functional group composition were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. C57BL/6J mice were injected with 50 μl 50 mg/ml SiO(2) suspension to construct silicosis mouse model, which were then randomly divided into model group, CCP intervention groups [low dose group (LCCP group), medium dose group (MCCP group) and high dose group (HCCP group) ], the control group was administered by physiological saline, 8 mice in each group. Mice in the CCP intervention groups received oral gavage administration once daily with CCP solution (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), while control group and model group received physiological saline, lasted for 30 days. The body weight of mice was recorded and the lung coefficient was calculated. The pathomorphological changes of mouse lung tissue were determined by HE and Masson staining. The contents of fibrosis indexes [hydroxyproline acid (HYP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) ] of lung tissue and the pro-inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) ] of lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were determined by ELISA. The expression level of Collagen Ⅰ was determined by immunohistochemistry. The relative protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), P-Smad2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κBp65) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in lung tissue were determined by Western blot. Results: The total sugar content of the CCP was 86.78%, composed of D-mannose, D-rhamnose, D-glucose and D-galactose, with a molar ratio of 12.71∶1.53∶1.00∶12.64. The infrared spectrum indicated the characteristic groups of its polysaccharides. Compared with the control group, the body weight of mice in the model group was decreased, lung coefficient was increased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were increased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were increased (P<0.05). The mice lung showed massive inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and the silicosis fibrosis was severe. The expression of CollagenⅠin lung tissue of model group was increased, and the proteins expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were increased in mouse lung tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the body weights of mice in the MCCP and HCCP groups were increased, the lung coefficients were decreased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were decreased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were decreased (P<0.05). The inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung was reduced, and the degree of fibrosis was improved to varying degrees. The expression level of CollagenⅠwas down-regulated in the lung tissue of MCCP and HCCP groups, and the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were decreased in lung tissue (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The CCP could reduce the levels of fibrosis-related indicators and pro-inflammatory factors in lung tissue, ameliorating mouse lung inflammation and silicosis fibrosis caused by SiO(2) particles by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway and TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway.

Massive perivillous fibrin deposition: A case report

Massive perivillous fibrin deposition: A case report

Effect of Linggui Zhugan Decoction on myocardial fibrosis and Lats1/Yap signaling pathway in mice after myocardial infraction

This study aims to investigate the effects of Linggui Zhugan Decoction(LGZGD) on myocardial fibrosis(MF) and the Lats1/Yap signaling pathway in mice after myocardial infarction(MI), exploring its role and mechanism in inhibiting MF. The MI-induced ischemic mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, followed by continuous intervention for six weeks. Doppler ultrasound imaging-system of small animals was used to detect left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole(LVIDs), and left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole(LVIDd). Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining. Serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) were detected by using ELISA. Myocardial tissue mRNA levels of Lats1, Yap, and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) were determined by RT-qPCR. Protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), collagen Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ), collagen Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ), tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1(TIMP1), matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2), Yap, p-Yap, and n-Yap was determined by Western blot. Compared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS levels, increased LVIDd and LVIDs levels(P&lt;0.01), disordered arrangement of myocardial cells, partial fracture of myocardial fibers, and massive deposition of collagen fibers. Moreover, serum levels of CK-MB and LDH were significantly increased(P&lt;0.01), while myocardial tissue mRNA levels of Lats1 were significantly decreased(P&lt;0.01), and mRNA levels of Yap and CTGF were significantly increased(P&lt;0.01). Protein expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, MMP2, Yap, and n-Yap was significantly increased(P&lt;0.01), while protein expression of Lats1, TIMP1, p-Yap, and the ratio of p-Yap/Yap were significantly decreased(P&lt;0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with LGZGD(9.36 g·kg~(-1)), mice showed significantly increased LVEF and LVFS levels, decreased LVIDd and LVIDs levels(P&lt;0.01), more orderly arrangement of myocardial cells, significantly reduced myocardial fiber fracture and collagen fiber deposition. Serum levels of CK-MB and LDH were significantly decreased(P&lt;0.01), while myocardial tissue mRNA levels of Lats1 were significantly increased(P&lt;0.01), and mRNA levels of Yap and CTGF were significantly decreased(P&lt;0.01). Protein expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, MMP2, Yap, and n-Yap was significantly decreased(P&lt;0.01), while protein expression of Lats1, TIMP1, p-Yap, and the ratio of p-Yap/Yap were significantly increased(P&lt;0.01). LGZGD can inhibit MF in mice after MI and improve mouse cardiac function, which is closely related to the activation of the Lats1/Yap signaling pathway.

Direct and Remote Sensing Monitoring of Plant Salinity Stress in a Coastal Back-Barrier Environment: Mediterranean Pine Forest Stress and Mortality as a Case Study

The increase in atmospheric and soil temperatures in recent decades has led to unfavorable conditions for plants in many Mediterranean coastal environments. A typical example can be found along the coast of the Campania region in Italy, within the “Volturno Licola Falciano Natural Reserve”, where a pine forest suffered a dramatic loss of trees in 2021. New pines were planted in 2023 to replace the dead ones, with a larger tree layout and interspersed with Mediterranean bushes to replace the dead pine forest. A direct (in situ) monitoring program was planned to analyze the determinants of the pine salinity stress, coupled with Sentinel-2 L2A data; in particular, multispectral indices NDVI and NDMI were provided by the EU Copernicus service for plant status and water stress level information. Both the vadose zone and shallow groundwater were monitored with continuous logging probes. Vadose zone monitoring indicated that salinity peaked at a 30 cm soil depth, with values up to 1.9 g/L. These harsh conditions, combined with air temperatures reaching peaks of more than 40 °C, created severe difficulties for pine growth. The results of the shallow groundwater monitoring showed that the groundwater salinity was low (0.35–0.4 g/L) near the shoreline since the dune environment allowed rapid rainwater infiltration, preventing seawater intrusion. Meanwhile, salinity increased inland, reaching a peak at the end of the summer, with values up to 2.8 g/L. In November 2023, salts from storm-borne aerosols (“sea spray”) deposited on the soil caused the sea-facing portion of the newly planted pines to dry out. Differently, the pioneer vegetation of the Mediterranean dunes, directly facing the sea, was not affected by the massive deposition of sea spray. The NDMI and NDVI data were useful in distinguishing the old pine trees suffering from increasing stress and final death but were not accurate in detecting the stress conditions of newly planted, still rather short pine trees because their spectral reflectance largely interfered with the adjacent shrub growth. The proposed coupling of direct and remote sensing monitoring was successful and could be applied to detect the main drivers of plant stress in many other Mediterranean coastal environments.

High contribution of an invasive macroalgae species to beach wrack CO2 emissions

Accumulations of macroalgal wrack are important for adequate functioning of the beach ecosystem. However, the sudden beaching of seaweed masses smothers the coastline and forms decomposing piles on the shore, harming tourism-based economies, but also affecting the beach ecosystem metabolism. The decomposition of sudden pulses of wrack can modify the biogeochemistry of beach sands and increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The presence of invasive species in the wrack deposits can superimpose harmful effects on the beach functioning. We quantified the wrack biomass of Rugulopteryx okamurae, an invasive species of extreme impact, on five sandy beaches from the Atlantic coast of the Strait of Gibraltar (Spain), and we tested the effects on in situ respiratory CO2 fluxes using an infrared gas analyser. All the beaches showed massive accumulations of Rugulopteryx wrack deposits. However, the biomass changed significantly between beaches, ranging (mean ± SE) from 968.3 ± 287.7 kg m−1 to 9210 ± 1279.4 kg m−1 of wet weight. Wrack supported high respiration rates, with CO2 fluxes averaging (±SE) 19.15 ± 5.5 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 across beaches, reaching astounding maximum peaks of 291 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. The within-beach variability was related to the distance of the wrack deposits from the shoreline, as the average metabolic rates tended to increase significantly from the swash to the drift line. Thicker wrack and a more degraded algae stage showed significantly higher CO2 fluxes. We estimated that the annual CO2 flux of R. okamurae in our study area ranged between 0.39 (±0.01) and 23.30 (±11.33) kg C m−2 y−1. We suggest that massive amounts of beach wrack can become a globally significant contributor to GHG emissions that can offset any potential carbon-sink capacity of macroalgal forests. However, the piles of wrack located several meters above the drift line showed non-measurable CO2 efflux. Transferring beach wrack from swash to drier upper-beach areas, a common practice in many coastal regions suffering from massive wrack accumulations, might help reduce GHG emissions while removing the wrack stockpiles from the intertidal. However, this practice is not necessarily suitable for all beaches and can create ecological and conservation problems in the dune system. There is an urgent need to implement practical and sustainable management practices for massive wrack deposits capable of presenting various solutions to achieve a balance between conservation and recreation actions, answering the consequences of a problem that links both, environmental and economic issues.

Discovery of Cell Number-Interstitial Fluid Volume (CIF) Ratio Reveals Secretory Autophagy Pathway to Supply eHsp90α for Wound Healing.

Cell secretion repairs tissue damage and restores homeostasis throughout adult life. The extracellular heat shock protein-90alpha (eHsp90α) has been reported as an exosome cargo and a potential driver of wound healing. However, neither the mechanism of secretion nor the genetic evidence for eHsp90α in wound healing has been substantiated. Herein, we show that tissue injury causes massive deposition of eHsp90α in tissues and secretion of eHsp90α by cells. Sequential centrifugations of conditioned medium from relevant cell lines revealed the relative distributions of eHsp90α in microvesicle, exosome and trypsin-sensitive supernatant fractions to be approximately <2%, <4% and >95%, respectively. Establishing the cell-number-to-interstitial-fluid-volume (CIF) ratio for the microenvironment of human tissues as 1 × 109 cells: 1 mL interstitial fluid enabled us to predict the corresponding tissue concentrations of eHsp90α in these fractions as 3.74 μg/mL, 5.61 μg/mL and 178 μg/mL. Remarkably, the 178 μg/mL eHsp90α matches the previously reported 100-300 μg/mL of recombinant eHsp90α whose topical application promotes maximum wound healing in animal models. More importantly, we demonstrate that two parallel secretory autophagy-regulating gene families, the autophagy-regulating (AR) genes and the Golgi reassembly-stacking protein (GRASP) genes work together to mediate the secretion of the physiological concentration of eHsp90α to promote wound healing. Thus, utilization of the CIF ratio-based extrapolation method may enable investigators to rapidly predict biomarker targets from cell-conditioned-medium data.

Assessment of atmospheric pollution by potentially toxic elements in the urban areas of the Riotinto mining district

Ore mineralizations in bedrock and their exploitation may have a negative impact on air quality of surrounding urban areas and, subsequently, on human health. This study uses lichens as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution to evaluate the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the towns close to the massive sulfide deposits of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) in SW Spain. Altogether 89 native lichen samples of Xanthoria parietina were collected from the mining towns, control towns out of the reach of the mining activity, as well as from distal sampling sites. The samples were analyzed for 29 elements after acid digestion. The concentrations for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, S, and Fe are significantly higher in the mining towns in comparison to the control towns. The ore mineral-associated PTEs, including Cu, Zn, As, Ba, and Pb, exhibit extreme concentrations in the urban areas close to the mining activity, and particularly in the small settlement of La Dehesa next to the mineral processing plant and the tailings pond. The distal samples confirm the decrease in the concentrations of all PTEs, and these samples present similar values as in the control areas. The results, point at increased bioaccumulation of PTEs in the lichen thalli of the adjacent urban areas, suggesting that the air quality of the adjacent urban areas is locally impacted by the massive polymetallic sulfide deposits which is enhanced by the mining activity. Therefore, monitoring the urban air quality is recommended.