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.

Performance improvement in stepped solar still modified by sponge layer

In this paper,the experimental investigation on the performance improvement of conventional stepped solar still is conducted.The steps are covered by the porous material to improve the performance of the conventional device and increase the evaporation rate.All the parameters,including the temperature on the glass surface,the water temperature inside the evaporation zone,and the amount of water produced in both conventional and modified stepped solar stills are measured and compared.The efficiency of two devices and their exergy efficiency have been calculated.Finally,the economic analysis of both devices has been done to check the economic feasibility of the modified device.The amount of freshwater generated during one day was 2244.4 and 3076.2 mL/m^(2),respectively for the conventional and modified stepped solar stills.As a result,the amount of water produced in one day by modified stepped solar still is 35.5% more than the conventional one.Also,the costs for the conventional and modified stepped solar stills have been calculated as 0.0359 and 0.029$/(L·m^(-2)),respectively.

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.

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.

Superhydrophobic melamine sponge prepared by radiation-induced grafting technology for efficient oil-water separation

This paper presents a superhydrophobic melamine(ME)sponge(ME-g-PLMA)prepared via high-energy radiation-induced in situ covalent grafting of long-alkyl-chain dodecyl methacrylate(LMA)onto an ME sponge for efficient oil–water separation.The obtained ME-g-PLMA sponge had an excellent pore structure with superhydrophobic(water contact angle of 154°)and superoleophilic properties.It can absorb various types of oils up to 66–168 times its mass.The ME-g-PLMA sponge can continuously separate oil slicks in water by connecting a pump or separating oil underwater with a gravity-driven device.In addition,it maintained its highly hydrophobic properties even after long-term immersion in different corrosive solutions and repeated oil adsorption.The modified ME-g-PLMA sponge exhibited excellent separation properties and potential for oil spill cleanup.

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.

Physical property improvement of fluid shortening using peanut oil-based diacylglycerols and their applications in sponge cake

Fluid shortening is an important ingredient in the production of sponge cake. Peanut oil with 0, 43% and 85% of diacylglycerol content was used as the base oil. Different emulsifiers, such as glycerol monostearate, soy lecithin and sucrose ester, and their respective amounts, were investigated. It was found that the addition of emulsifiers had a positive effect on water-absorbing capacity, air-absorbing capacity and viscosity of the oils. Glycerol monostearate was the preferred emulsifier for fluid shortening with a recommended addition of 1.5%. The effects of different diacylglycerol content on fluid shortening and their impact on sponge cake production was also investigated. The onset oxidation temperature of the oil could be increased from 253.21 ℃ for PO-TAG-based fluid shortening to 263.70 ℃ for PO-DAG85-based fluid shortening. And the increase in diacylglycerol content leading to a lower specific gravity of the batter, which was 1.06 g/mL, 1.02 g/mL and 0.98 g/mL prepared by PO-DAG, PO-DAG43 and PO-DAG85 shortening, respectively. The results showed that diacylglycerols can be used as base oils in fluid shortening to improve the crystal network and stability of fluid shortenings, thereby reducing the specific gravity of the batter and improving the structural properties of the cake. This will extend the potential applications of diacylglycerols and increase the variety of base oils available for fluid shortening preparation.

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.

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.

Landscape Design Methods of Urban Sponge Park

Urban rain-caused floods can not be well resolved with rising urban problem. Hence, construction of sponge park is born at the right moment. The research reviewed the concept, content and value of sponge parks and proposed theory and principle of landscape design in order to seek the method of landscape design of sponge parks, improve urban eco-environment and advance harmony development between human and nature.

Ent-untenospongin A, a New C_(21) Furanoterpene from the Indian Marine Sponge Hippospongia sp.

A new C_(21) furanoterpene. ent-untenospongin A (2), together with a known related compound. tetradehydrofurospongin-1 (1), has been isolated from the indian marine sponge Hippospongia sp. and its structure was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.

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。

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。

Development of Tuckahoe (Poria cocos) Purple Potato Steamed Sponge Cake

This study was conducted to find the optimum process conditions for tuck- ahoe （Poria cocos） purple potato steamed sponge cake. The results showed that the best production process conditions of tuckahoe purple potato steamed sponge cake were as follows： ratio of wheat flour to tuckahoe power at 8：2, 10% purple potato starch, 25% white granulated sugar, and 1.5% yeast powder.

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。

Waterfront Spatial Design from the Perspective of Sponge City

Due to environmental awareness, demand for watercourse landscape eco- function is growing domestically. However, flood control and drainage are the only focuses, and the rest functions of water course are slighted. Besides, cross-section biodiversity is falling and wetland self-cleaning capacity is impairing, resulting from river limitation on riverbed, making a straight river bend and revetment. So, water course has to be managed from ecology, economy, culture and social effect, to re- store natural river function and meet human demands. And to return to nature and people first would be the general principles.

Biosorption characteristics of unicellular green alga Chlorella sorokiniana immobilized in loofa sponge for removal of Cr(Ⅲ)

Loofa sponge （LS） immobilized biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana （LSIBCS）, isolated from industrial wastewater, was investigated as a new biosorbent for the removal of Cr（Ⅲ） from aqueous solution. A comparison of the biosorption of Cr（Ⅲ） by LSIBCS and free biomass of C. sorokiniana （FBCS） from 10-300 mg Cr（Ⅲ）/L aqueous solutions showed an increase in uptake of 17.79% when the microalgal biomass was immobilized onto loofa sponge. Maximum biosorption capacity for LSIBCS and FBCS was found to be 69.26 and 58.80 mg Cr（Ⅲ）/g biosorbent, respectively, whereas the amount of Cr（Ⅲ） ions adsorbed onto naked LS was 4.97 mg/g. The kinetics of Cr（Ⅲ） biosorption was extremely rapid and equilibrium was established in about 15 and 20 min by LSIBCS and FBCS, respectively. The biosorption equilibrium was well defined by Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The biosorption was found to be pH dependent and the maximum sorption occurred at the solution pH 4.0. Desorption studies showed that 98% of the adsorbed Cr（Ⅲ） could be desorbed with 0.1 mol/L HNO3, while other desorbing agents were less effective in the order： EDTA 〉 H2SO4 〉 CH3COOH 〉 HCl. The regenerated LSIBCS retained 92.68% of the initial Cr（Ⅲ） binding capacity up to five cycles of reuse in continuous flow-fixed bed columns. The study revealed that LSIBCS could be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of Cr（Ⅲ） from wastewater.

Sponge Effect on Coal Mine Methane Separation Based on Clathrate Hydrate Method

The findings were presented from laboratory investigations on the hydrate formation and dissociation processes employed to recover methane from coal mine gas.The separation process of coal mine methane(CMM) was carried out at 273.15K under 4.00 MPa.The key process variables of gas formation rate,gas volume stored in hydrate and separation concentration were closely investigated in twelve THF-SDS-sponge-gas systems to verify the sponge effect in these hydrate-based separation processes.The gas volume stored in hydrate is calculated based on the measured gas pressure.The CH4 mole fraction in hydrate phase is measured by gas chromatography to confirm the separation efficiency.Through close examination of the overall results,it was clearly verified that sponges with volumes of 40,60 and 80 cm 3 significantly increase gas hydrate formation rate and the gas volume stored in hydrate,and have little effect on the CH4 mole fraction in hydrate phase.The present study provides references for the application of the kinetic effect of porous sponge media in hydrate-based technology.This will contribute to CMM utilization and to benefit for local and global environment.

Overlay of a sponge soaked with ropivacaine and multisite infiltration analgesia result in faster recovery after laparoscopic hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Compared with traditional open surgery,laparoscopic surgery is preferred due to the advantages of less trauma,less pain,and faster recovery.Nevertheless,many patients still suffer from postoperative pain resulting from the surgical incision and associated tissue injury.Many researchers have reported methods to improve postoperative pain control,but there is not a simple and effective method that can be clinically adopted in a widespread manner.We designed this study to prove the hypothesis that application of ropivacaine in the port site and operative site in patients is an effective and convenient method which can decrease postoperative pain and accelerate recovery.AIM To evaluate the effects of ropivacaine on pain control after laparoscopic hepatectomy and its contribution to patient recovery.METHODS From May 2017 to November 2018,146 patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy were randomized to receive infiltration of either 7.5 mg/mL ropivacaine around the trocar insertions,incision,and cutting surface of the liver(with a gelatin sponge soaked with ropivacaine)at the end of surgery(ropivacaine group),or normal saline(5 mL)at the same sites at the end of surgery(control group).The degree of pain,nausea,vomiting,heart rate(HR),and blood pressure were collected.The length of postoperative hospitalization,complications,and the levels of stress hormones were also compared between the two groups.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the ropivacaine group showed reduced postoperative pain at rest within 12 h(P<0.05),and pain on movement was reduced within 48 h.The levels of epinephrine,norepinephrine,and cortisol at 24 and 48 h,HR,blood pressure,and cumulative sufentanil consumption in the ropivacaine group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).In the ropivacaine group,hospitalization after operation was shorter,but the difference was not statistically significant.There were no significant differences in postoperative nausea,vomiting,or other complications,including hydrothorax,ascites,peritonitis,flatulence,and venous thrombus(P>0.05),although fewer patients in the ropivacaine group experienced these situations.CONCLUSION Infiltration with ropivacaine in the abdominal wound and covering the cutting surface of the liver with a gelatin sponge soaked with ropivacaine significantly reduce postoperative pain and the consumption of sufentanil.