Role of exosomal circular RNAs as microRNA sponges and potential targeting for suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma growth and progression

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lyu et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology(2023;2219-2840).Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a frequently encountered and highly aggressive primary liver cancer,which remains the third-commonest cause of cancer-related death despite the current therapeutic modalities.There is urgency in developing novel thera-peutic approaches,such as by manipulating extracellular vesicles,which con-stitute a highly heterogeneous nanoparticle population that contains various cargoes.These cargoes have a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication and can modify the functional level of the recipient cells via their uptake by other recipient cells.Exosomal non-coding RNAs have particular evolving significance in HCC,such as circular RNAs,which have been found differentially expressed in normal hepatic and HCC tissues.The aberrations in their expression levels have a key role in the HCC development and progression and the overall prognosis.In this editorial,we will shed light on the emerging role of exosomal circular RNAs in HCC development and progression,focusing on the oncogenic or potentially tumor suppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs.

A green cross-linking method for the preparation of renewable threedimensional graphene sponges for efficient adsorption of Congo red dye

Graphene-based materials possess significant potential for the treatment of dye wastewater due to their exceptional adsorption properties toward stubborn pollutants.However,their utilization is hindered by high preparation costs,low yields,environmental pollution during synthesis,and challenges in regenerating the adsorbent.This study proposes a novel approach to address these limitations by developing nitrogen-doped three-dimensional(3D)polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)crosslinked graphene sponges(N-PGA)using a cross-linking method with ammonium carbonate.This method offers a relatively mild,environmentally friendly approach.Ammonium carbonate serves as both a reducing and modifying agent,facilitating the formation of the intrinsic structure of N-PGA and acting as a nitrogen source.Meanwhile,PVA is utilized as the cross-linking agent.The results demonstrate that N-PGA exhibits a favorable internal 3D hierarchical porous structure and possesses robust mechanical properties.The measured specific surface area(BET)of N-PGA was as high as406.538 m^(2)·g^(-1),which was favorable for its efficient adsorption of Congo red(CR)dye molecules.At an initial concentration of 50 mg·L^(-1),N-PGA achieved an impressive removal rate of 89.6%and an adsorption capacity of 112 mg·g^(-1)for CR dye.Furthermore,it retained 79%of its initial adsorption capacity after 10 cycles,demonstrating excellent regeneration performance.In summary,the synthesized N-PGA displays remarkable efficacy in the adsorption of CR dye in wastewater,opening up new possibilities for utilizing 3D porous graphene nanomaterials as efficient adsorbents in wastewater treatment.

Efficient removal of U(VI) from wastewater by a sponge-like 3D porous architecture with hybrid electrospun nanofibers

Removal of uranium(VI)from nuclear wastewater is urgent due to the global nuclear energy exploitation.This study synthesized novel sponge-like 3D porous materials for enhanced uranium adsorption by combining electrospinning and fibrous freeze-shaping techniques.The materials possessed an organic-inorganic hybrid architecture based on the electrospun fibers of polyacrylonitrile(PAN)and SiO_(2).As a sup-porting material,the surface of fibrous SiO_(2) could be further functionalized by cyano groups via(3-cyanopropyl)triethoxysilane.All the cyano groups were turned into amidoxime(AO)groups to obtain a amidoxime-functionalized sponge(PAO/SiO_(2)-AO)through the subsequent ami-doximation process.The proposed sponge exhibited enhanced uranium adsorption performance with a high removal capacity of 367.12 mg/g,a large adsorption coefficient of 4.0×10^(4)mL/g,and a high removal efficiency of 97.59%.The UO_(2)^(2+)adsorption kinetics perfectly conformed to the pseudo-second-order reaction.The sorbent also exhibited an excellent selectivity for UO_(2)^(2+) with other interfering metal ions.2023 Hohai University.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

LncRNAs unraveling their sponge role in glioblastoma and potential therapeutic applications

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM),the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults,is the most malignant and still has no cure.However,the novel role of long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is attracting extensive attention.LncRNAs are transcribed RNA molecules over 200 nucleotides long that do not encode proteins.Unlike small non-coding RNAs,such as microRNAs(miRNAs),lncRNAs have more complex secondary and tertiary structures that enable them to interact with DNA,RNA,and proteins and perform multiple regulatory functions.LncRNAs act as molecular sponges,absorbing and sequestering other biomolecules,particularly miRNAs,thereby preventing these molecules from performing their normal functions.LncRNAs influence glioblastoma through gene expression regulation,molecular sponge capacity,epigenetic modulation,and signaling pathway interactions.In glioblastoma,a large number of lncRNAs have been found to be abnormally expressed,affecting tumor growth,invasion and resistance to treatment.Due to its regulatory role and disease-specific expression patterns,lncRNA has become a potential biomarker for glioblastoma and a promising new therapeutic target.This paper discusses the spongy role of lncRNAs in glioblastoma and its potential therapeutic applications,which will lay a foundation for our understanding of glioblastoma biology and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the future.

Ultrahydrophobic melamine sponge via interfacial modification with reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite and polydimethylsiloxane for oily wastewater treatment

Three-dimensional(3D)porous absorbents have attracted significant attention in the oily wastewater treatment technology due to their high porosity and elasticity.Given their amphiphilic surface,they have a propensity to simultaneously absorb water and oil,which restricts their range of applications.In this study,a reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide nanocomposite(rGO/TiO_(2))was used to fabricate an ultra-hydrophobic melamine sponge(MS)through interfacial modification using a solution immersion technique.To further modify it,poly-dimethylsiloxane(PDMS)was grafted onto its surface to establish stronger covalent bonds with the composite.The water contact angle of the sponge(rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS)was 164.2°,which satisfies the condition for ultrahydrophobicity.The evidence of its water repellency was demonstrated by the Cassie-Baxter theory and the lotus leaf effect.As a result of the increased density of rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS,it recorded an initial capacity that was 2 g/g lower than the raw MS for crude oil absorption.The raw MS retained 53% of its initial absorption capacity after 20 cycles of absorption,while rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS retained 97%,suggesting good recyclability.Excellent oil and organic solvent recovery(90%-96%)was demonstrated by rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS in oil-water combinations.In a continuous separation system,it achieved a remarkable separation efficiency of 2.4×10^(6)L/(m^(3)·h),and in turbulent emulsion separation,it achieved a demulsification efficiency of 90%-91%.This study provides a practical substitute for massive oil spill cleaning.

Characterization of Flame Retardancy and Oil-Water Separation Capacity of Superhydrophobic Silylated Melamine Sponges

A silylated melamine sponge(SMS)was prepared by two simple steps,namely,immersion and dehydration of a melamine sponge coated with methyltrichlorosilane.The silylated structure of SMS was characterized by FT-IR(Fourier-transform infrared)spectroscopy,SEM(Scanning electron microscopy)and in terms of water contact angles.Its oil-water absorption and separation capacities were measured by FT-IR and UV-visible spectrophoto-metry.The experimental results have shown that oligomeric silanol covalently bonds by Si-N onto the surface of melamine sponge skeletons.SMS has shown superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle exceeding 150°±1°,a better separation efficiency with regard to diesel oil(by 99.31%(wt/wt%)in oil-water mixture and even up to 99.99%(wt/wt%)for diesel oil in its saturated aqueous solution.Moreover,SMS inherited the intrinsicflame retardancy of the melamine sponge.In general,SMS has shown superhydrophobicity,high porosity,excellent selectivity,remarkable recyclability,and better absorption capacity for various oils and organic solvents,and a high separation efficiency for oil in saturated aqueous solutions.

Geological suitability of natural sponge body for the construction of sponge city——a case study of Shuanghe Lake district in Zhengzhou airport zone

Natural and geological environmental conditions have an important impact on the planning and construction of sponge cities.This paper analyzes geological factors that influence the usage of natural sponge bodies,taking the Shuanghe lake district of Zhengzhou airport zone as an example.An evaluation system with seven factors has been established and the weights of these factors are determined using the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method.Overlay analysis is then carried out on all factors using GIS to evaluate the geological suitability of the construction of the sponge city.The results show that geologically suitable area for city construction in Shuanghe lake district accounts for 12.3%,relatively suitable area accounts for 76.1%,and relatively unsuitable area accounts for 11.6%.For suitable and relatively suitable areas,we should make full use of the advantages of surface infiltration,vadose zone transportation and aquifer storage to build a sponge city infrastructure with geological engineering as the main component,supplemented by engineering measures such as surface water storage and drainage,and jointly establish a sustainable urban hydrological cycle.For less suitable areas,artificial rain and flood control works,such as roof garden,should be considered.The findings of this paper can serve as an important reference for sponge city planning and construction not only in the research area but also in other regions with similar geological conditions.

Path Exploration and Practice of Sponge City Construction in the Pearl River Delta:A Case Study of Dalang Town,Dongguan City

In order to deal with global climate warming and practice the construction of national ecological civilization,a sponge city has become an important national plan for regional comprehensive management and development because it can systematically solve the issues of regional water resources,water security,water environment and water ecology,and provide a comprehensive plan of sustainable development for regional water control,storage and use.Sponge city construction has been carried out across the country.In this paper,taking Dalang Town as an example,and combining its local climate,geological geomorphology,hydrological conditions,current situation and future planning of urban space,management system and other characteristics,the connotation,construction strategy and objectives,index decomposition and other key contents of sponge city were discussed,and the methods of sponge city construction in the builtup area with high rainfall,abundant groundwater and high density were studied to provide reference for formulating solutions and schemes for Dalang Town and developing sponge city construction in the Pearl River Delta.

Design Strategies for Cellular Nanosponges as Medical Countermeasures

The interest in using therapeutic nanoparticles to bind with harmful molecules or pathogens and subsequently neutralize their bioactivity has grown tremendously.Among various nanomedicine platforms,cell membrane-coated nanoparticles,namely,“cellular nanosponges,”stand out for their broadspectrum neutralization capability challenging to achieve in traditional countermeasure technologies.Such ability is attributable to their cellular function-based rather than target structure-based working principle.Integrating cellular nanosponges with various synthetic substrates further makes their applications exceptionally versatile and adaptive.This review discusses the latest cellular nanosponge technology focusing on how the structure–function relationship in different designs has led to versatile and potent medical countermeasures.Four design strategies are discussed,including harnessing native cell membrane functions for biological neutralization,functionalizing cell membrane coatings to enhance neutralization capabilities,combining cell membranes and functional cores for multimodal neutralization,and integrating cellular nanosponges with hydrogels for localized applications.Examples in each design strategy are selected,and the discussion is to highlight their structure–function relationships in complex disease settings.The review may inspire additional design strategies for cellular nanosponges and fulfill even broader medical applications.

Comparison of ethanol-soaked gelatin sponge and microspheres for hepatic arterioportal fistulas embolization in hepatic cellular carcinoma

Hepatic arterioportal fistulas(APFs)are common in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Moreover,correlated with poor prognosis,APFs often complicate antitumor treatments,including transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).AIM To compare the efficacy of ethanol-soaked gelatin sponges(ESG)and microspheres in the management of APFs and their impact on the prognosis of HCC.METHODS Data from patients diagnosed with HCC or hepatic APFs between June 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,APFs were embolized with ESG(group E)or microspheres(group M)during TACE.The primary outcomes were disease control rate(DCR)and objective response rate(ORR).The secondary outcomes included immediate and first follow-up APF improvement,overall survival(OS),and progression-free survival(PFS).RESULTS Altogether,91 participants were enrolled in the study,comprising 46 in group E and 45 in group M.The DCR was 93.5%and 91.1%in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.714).The ORRs were 91.3%and 66.7%in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.004).The APFs improved immediately after the procedure in 43(93.5%)patients in group E and 40(88.9%)patients in group M(P=0.485).After 2 mo,APF improvement was achieved in 37(80.4%)and 33(73.3%)participants in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.421).The OS was 26.2±1.4 and 20.6±1.1 mo in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.004),whereas the PFS was 16.6±1.0 and 13.8±0.7 mo in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.012).CONCLUSION Compared with microspheres,ESG embolization demonstrated a higher ORR and longer OS and PFS in patients of HCC with hepatic APFs.

The superhydrophobic sponge decorated with Ni-Co double layered oxides with thiol modification for continuous oil/water separation

In this paper, the superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge(SS-PU) was facilely fabricated by etching with Jones reagent to bind the nanoparticles of Ni-Co double layered oxides(LDOs) on the surface, and following modification with n-dodecyl mercaptan(DDT). This method provides a new strategy to fabricate superhydrophobic PU sponge with a water contact angle of 157° for absorbing oil with low cost and in large scale. It exhibits the strong absorption capacity and highly selective characteristic for various kinds of oils which can be recycled by simple squeezing. Besides, the as-prepared sponge can deal with the floating and underwater oils, indicating its application value in handling oil spills and domestic oily wastewater. The good self-cleaning ability shows the potential to clear the pollutants due to the ultralow adhesion to water. Especially, the most important point is that the superhydrophobic sponge can continuously and effectively separate the oil/water mixture against the condition of turbulent disturbance by using our designed device system, which exhibit its good superhydrophobicity, strong stability.Furthermore, the SS-PU still maintained stable absorption performance after 150 cycle tests without losing capacity obviously, showing excellent durability in long-term operation and significant potential as an efficient absorbent in large-scale dispose of oily water.

Enhanced wound healing and hemostasis with exosome-loaded gelatin sponges from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND Rapid wound healing remains a pressing clinical challenge,necessitating studies to hasten this process.A promising approach involves the utilization of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)derived exosomes.The hypothesis of this study was that these exosomes,when loaded onto a gelatin sponge,a common hemostatic material,would enhance hemostasis and accelerate wound healing.AIM To investigate the hemostatic and wound healing efficacy of gelatin sponges loaded with hUC-MSCs-derived exosomes.METHODS Ultracentrifugation was used to extract exosomes from hUC-MSCs.Nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and western blot techniques were used to validate the exosomes.In vitro experiments were performed using L929 cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the exosomes and their impact on cell growth and survival.New Zealand rabbits were used for skin irritation experiments to assess whether they caused adverse skin reactions.Hemolysis test was conducted using a 2%rabbit red blood cell suspension to detect whether they caused hemolysis.Moreover,in vivo experiments were carried out by implanting a gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes subcutaneously in Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats to perform biocompatibility tests.In addition,coagulation index test was conducted to evaluate their impact on blood coagulation.Meanwhile,SD rat liver defect hemostasis model and full-thickness skin defect model were used to study whether the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes effectively stopped bleeding and promoted wound healing.RESULTS The NTA,TEM,and western blot experimental results confirmed that exosomes were successfully isolated from hUC-MSCs.The gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes did not exhibit significant cell toxicity,skin irritation,or hemolysis,and they demonstrated good compatibility in SD rats.Additionally,the effectiveness of the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes in hemostasis and wound healing was validated.The results of the coagulation index experiment indicated that the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes had significantly better coagulation effect compared to the regular gelatin sponge,and they showed excellent hemostatic performance in a liver defect hemostasis model.Finally,the full-thickness skin defect healing experiment results showed significant improvement in the healing process of wounds treated with the gelatin sponge loaded with exosomes compared to other groups.CONCLUSION Collectively,the gelatin sponge loaded with hUC-MSCs-derived exosomes is safe and efficacious for promoting hemostasis and accelerating wound healing,warranting further clinical application.

Exploration of Sponge System Design in Wetland Parks Based on Rainwater and Flood Control: A Case Study of Southern Anhui Province

Based on the background that wetland resources in China are under threat and urgently need to be protected,a series of rainwater and flood problems caused by urban construction is analyzed comprehensively,and the design and planning methods of wetland parks in response to rainwater and flood disasters caused by floods and heavy rainfall are explored.Southern Anhui with complex and variable terrain and frequent rainfall and flood disasters is selected as the research area,with Xuanzhou District of Xuancheng City as the main research object.The relationship between municipal drainage of urban park and water conservancy drainage is investigated from different sample selection,design samples,and design flow rates.Based on literature review and model building methods,an urban storm flood model suitable for typical wetland parks in southern Anhui is constructed after processing the survey data using Arc GIS,SWMM(storm water management model).On this basis,a methodology and principles for designing a sponge system of wetland park based on rainwater and flood control are proposed,including technical measures such as rainwater collection,retention,and purification.This paper provides certain research results in design schemes,effect evaluations,ecological and social benefits,and useful suggestions and solutions for urban stormwater management and resilience development.

基于Sponge结构的轻量级Hash函数设计

随着物联网技术的高速发展、资源受限设备的广泛应用,传统密码算法正面临着新的挑战.除了要提供一定程度的安全保证外,资源受限环境下的Hash函数还面临着轻量化需求.提出一种基于Sponge结构的轻量级Hash函数,内部变换采用改进的Klein算法,并对其软件实现进行面对字节的优化,具有64位摘要长度.对算法进行依赖性测试和安全分析结果表明该算法可以满足资源受限环境的安全需求.效率测试表明该算法硬件实现规模满足资源受限环境的要求,并兼顾了软件实现效率.

真核表达载体pEGFP-C2-miR-126-sponge的构建及其表达活性研究

目的构建靶向miR-126的真核表达载体pEGFP-C2-miR-126-海绵体(sponge),并探讨其下调miR-126的表达对肝癌HepG2细胞体外生长的影响,为后续深入研究miR-126在肝癌发生中的作用提供前期实验基础。方法合成miR-126-sponge,构建pEGFP-C2-miR-126-sponge真核表达载体,体外瞬时转染肝癌细胞HepG2,荧光显微镜下观察EGFP的表达情况;Real-time PCR检测细胞中miR-126的表达水平;MTT法和克隆形成实验检测细胞的增殖变化;划痕实验观察细胞的体外迁移能力改变。结果成功构建pEGFP-C2-miR-126-sponge真核表达载体(命名为p-miR-126-sp);Real-time PCR结果显示,与对照组(p-Cont)相比,p-miR-126-sp组中miR-126表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);MTT检测发现,p-miR-126-sp组中细胞增殖数目明显减少(P<0.05);此外,p-miR-126-sp组的克隆形成数和细胞迁移数均明显减少(P<0.05)。结论 miR-126-sponge可显著下调miR-126的表达水平进而抑制肝癌细胞HepG2的体外增殖及迁移能力。

Ceramide from the Marine Sponge Phyllospongia sp

从中国南海海绵Ｐｈｙｌｏｓｐｏｎｇｉａｓｐ．中分离得到了一个神经酰胺类化合物Ｐｈｙｌ－ｌｏａｍｉｄｅＡ，它的结构通过波谱方法和化学方法确定．

基于新加密结构和Sponge结构的轻量级Hash函数CHF

针对能耗等资源受限环境对密码算法的需求,基于Sponge迭代结构,采用基于新加密结构(命名为MS结构)的CLEFIA-128*(轻量级分组密码国际标准的修订算法)作为压缩函数,设计了一个轻量级Hash函数CHF。效率测试和分析表明CHF算法的软件效率高于常见轻量级Hash函数,并兼顾了硬件效率,既能满足射频识别(Radio frequency identification,RFID)等资源极端受限环境对硬件的使用需求,也可以满足其他一些诸如嵌入式系统和单片机等环境对软件实现的需求,适用范围更广。依赖性测试和安全分析表明,该算法能够满足轻量级Hash函数的安全需求,也从侧面论证了MS结构的安全性。

pG-miR-7-Sponge转基因小鼠载体的构建及鉴定

目的构建pG-miR-7-Sponge转基因小鼠的真核载体并检测其表达活性,为转基因小鼠的建立提供前期实验基础。方法利用miRNA sponge(海绵体)技术原理,合成miR-7-Sponge序列,酶切连接入真核表达载体eGFP-C2并转化Stbl3感受态细胞,克隆PCR、酶切和测序鉴定重组载体eGFP-C2-miR-7-Sponge(简称pG-miR-7-Sp);将重组载体pG-miR-7-Sp体外瞬时转染人肺癌95D细胞,荧光显微镜下观察细胞的GFP表达情况;Real-Time PCR检测细胞中miRNA-7的表达;MTT法检测细胞的增殖变化。结果经克隆PCR、酶切鉴定及测序分析,成功构建了真核表达载体pGmiR-7-Sp;pG-miR-7-Sp瞬时转染95D细胞48 h后,与对照组细胞相比,miR-7表达水平明显降低(P<0.05);同时细胞的生长明显加快(P<0.05)。结论成功构建pG-miR-7-Sp真核表达载体。

miRNA Sponge介导的miR-17和miR-20a基因沉默的抗白血病作用机制

本研究旨在检测急性白血病患者中miR-17和miR-20a前体的表达水平,并探讨miRNA Sponge介导的miR-17和miR-20a沉默的抗白血病作用机制。采用荧光实时定量PCR方法检测初治急性白血病患者及8种白血病细胞株中miR-17和miR-20a前体的表达水平,分析其在各型白血病中的表达情况。利用前期构建的针对miR-17和miR-20a基因的miRNA Sponge慢病毒表达载体,感染高表达miR-17和miR-20a的Jurkat细胞株;用CCK-8方法及流式细胞术分别检测miR-17和miR-20a沉默对Jurkat细胞增殖能力及细胞周期的影响。结果表明:初治急性白血病患者中miR-17和miR-20a前体的表达明显高于正常对照(P<0.05);且与急性髓系白血病患者相比,急性淋巴细胞白血病患者中的表达量更高;然而二者表达量与患者外周血高白细胞计数无明显相关性(P>0.05)。miR-17和miR-20a沉默能抑制Jurkat细胞的增殖,使细胞周期阻滞于G1—S期,同时促进细胞的凋亡。结论:急性白血病患者中miR-17和miR-20a呈过表达,可能参与白血病的发生、发展;高表达的miR-17和miR-20a可通过在转录后抑制P21和E2F1表达,从而促进细胞增殖及细胞周期G1—S期转换,抑制细胞凋亡。

构建稳定表达pLVshRNA-EGFP-EBVsponge的SNU719细胞系

目的:构建稳定表达pLVshRNA-EGFP-EBVsponge的SNU719细胞系。方法:合成能与EB病毒(EBV)编码的EBV-miR-BART16、EBV-miR-BART4-5p、EBV-miR-BART5-5p及EBV-miR-BART22 miRNAs特异结合的miRNA海绵(miRNA sponge)序列,用PITA软件预测构建的sponge是否结合非特异性miRNAs;构建pLVshRNA-EGFP-EBVsponge载体,与慢病毒包装质粒pH1、pH2共转染293T细胞,包装产生慢病毒颗粒,感染SNU719细胞,经嘌呤霉素筛选获得稳定表达细胞株;Real-time PCR检测细胞中EBV-miR-BART16、EBV-miRBART4-5p、EBV-miR-BART5-5p及EBV-miR-BART22表达水平。结果:成功构建pLVshRNA-EGFP-EBVspong(命名为pEGFP-EBV-sp);与对照组相比,pEGFP-EBV-sp组中4种microRNA表达水平显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:成功构建稳定表达pEGFP-EBV-sp的SNU719细胞系。