Protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Litopenaeus vannamei treated with l-arginine/l-lysine against myofibrillar proteins oxidation and quality degradation during freeze-thaw cycles

The storage and processing of Litopenaeus vannamei are often challenged by the freeze-thaw (F-T) cycle phenomenon. This study delved into the influence of pretreatment with l-arginine (Arg) and l-lysine (Lys) on the myofibrillar proteins oxidation and quality of shrimp subjected to F-T cycles. Arg and Lys pretreatment notably improved water-holding capacity (WHC), textural integrity as well as the myofibrillar structure of the shrimps. A lesser reduction in the amounts of immobile and bound water was found in the amino acid-treated groups, and the oxidation of lipids and proteins were both decelerated. Molecular simulation results indicated that Arg and Lys could form hydrogen and salt-bridge bonds with myosin, enhancing the stability of Litopenaeus vannamei. The study concludes that Arg and Lys are effective in alleviating the adverse effects of F-T cycles on the quality of Litopenaeus vannamei, and provides a new solution for the quality maintenance during storage and processing.

Novel reaction systems for catalytic synthesis of structured phospholipids

Phospholipids are distinctive, adaptable molecules that are crucial to numerous biological systems. Additionally, their various architectures and amphiphilic characteristics support their unrivaled crucial functions in scientific and industrial applications. Due to their enormous potential for use in the fields of medicine, food, cosmetics, and health, structured phospholipids, which are modified phospholipids, have garnered increased attention. Traditional extraction methods, however, are pricy, resource-intensive, and low-yielding. The process of enzyme-catalyzed conversion is effective for producing several types of structured phospholipase. However, most frequently employed catalytic procedures involve biphasic systems with organic solvents, which have a relatively large mass transfer resistance and are susceptible to solvent residues and environmental effects due to the hydrophobic nature of phospholipids. Therefore, the adoption of innovative, successful, and environmentally friendly enzyme-catalyzed conversion systems provides a new development route in the field of structured phospholipids processing. Several innovative catalytic reaction systems are discussed in this mini-review, including aqueous-solid system, mixed micelle system, water-in-oil microemulsion system, Pickering emulsion system, novel solvent system, three-liquid-phase system, and supercritical carbon dioxide solvent system. However, there is still a glaring need for a thorough examination of these systems for the enzymatic synthesis of structural phospholipids. In terms of the materials utilized, applicability, benefits and drawbacks, and comparative effectiveness of each system, this research establishes further conditions for the system's selection. To create more effective biocatalytic processes, it is still important to build green biocatalytic processes with improved performance. KEY POINTS: • The latest catalytic systems of phospholipase D are thoroughly summarized. • The various systems are contrasted, and their traits are enumerated. • Different catalytic systems' areas of applicability and limitations are discussed.

Value-added utilization technologies for seaweed processing waste in a circular economy: Developing a sustainable modern seaweed industry

The global seaweed industry annually consumes approximately 600,000 tons of dried algal biomass to produce algal hydrocolloids, yet only 15-30% of this biomass is utilized, with the remaining 70-85% discarded or released as scum or wastewater during the hydrocolloid extraction process. This residual biomass is often treated as waste and not considered for further commercial use, which contradicts the principles of sustainable development. In reality, the residual algal biomass could be employed to extract additional biochemical components, such as pigments, proteins, and cellulose, and these ingredients have important application prospects in the food sector. According to the biorefinery concept, recycling various products alongside the principal product enhances overall biomass utilization. Transitioning from traditional single-product processes to multi-product biorefineries, however, raises operating costs, presenting a significant challenge. Alternatively, developing value-added utilization technologies that target seaweed waste without altering existing processes is gaining traction among industry practitioners. Current advancements include methods such as separation and extraction of residual biomass, anaerobic digestion, thermochemical conversion, enzymatic treatment, functionalized modification of algal scum, and efficient utilization through metabolic engineering. These technologies hold promise for converting seaweed waste into alternative proteins, dietary supplements, and bioplastics for food packaging. Combining multiple technologies may offer the most effective strategy for future seaweed waste treatment. Nonetheless, most research on value-added waste utilization remains at the laboratory scale, necessitating further investigation at pilot and commercial scales.

Local Release of Copper Manganese Oxide Using HA Microneedle for Improving the Efficacy of Drug-Resistant Wound Inflammation

The production of bacterial toxins and excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce localized oxidative stress, triggering an exaggerated immune response that impedes wound healing and culminates in chronic wounds. To address this issue, a microneedle (MN) system loaded with copper-manganese oxide (CMO) is developed to modulate the hyperimmune response in wounds. CMO@MN exhibits excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties by effectively killing bacteria, scavenging ROS, and modulating macrophage polarization through their multiple enzymatic activities and photothermal properties. RNA sequencing revealed that CMO@MN improved the therapeutic effect on the infected skin of mice by balancing the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and promoting cell migration and angiogenesis through the regulation of relevant pathways. Overall, this CMO@MN patch skillfully balances the complex issues between the immune response and wound healing and has potential applications in the treatment of other serious bacterial infections.

Catalyst-free regioselective sulfonylation of phenoxazine with sulfonyl hydrazides in H2O/HFIP

A facile catalyst-free sulfonylation of phenoxazine with sulfonyl hydrazides was efficiently developed in H2O/HFIP without any catalyst. This metal- and catalyst-free protocol is suitable for aromatic and aliphatic reagents to afford the corresponding sulfones in moderate to high yields. A gram-scale experiment was performed to assess the practicability of the method.

A green extraction method for agar with improved thermal stability and water holding capacity

The conventional agar extraction method has drawbacks such as high energy consumption, low yield, poor quality, and possible residual harmful factors, which greatly limit its application in high-end fields such as biomedicine and high-end materials. This work explored a new freezing-thawing-high-temperature coupling technique for agar extraction. It increased the yield and the strength of agar by 10.6 % and 13.7 %, respectively, as compared to direct high-temperature extraction of agar (HA). The greater molecular weight and lower sulfate content of agar obtained from freeze-thaw cycles combined with high temperature extraction (FA) may be attributed to the desulfurization effect caused by freeze-thaw cycles and the preservation of the molecular chain structure. The reduction in sulfate content decreases the steric hindrance resistance of the polysaccharide chains, enhances their interactions, and promotes the regularity and density of the agar structure, while also improving its water retention and thermal stability. In conclusion, this research can offer a theoretical basis and guidance for the eco-friendly extraction of agar with improved agar characteristics and expended its applications.

[A mechanistic study of radiotherapy on intratumoral NK cell infiltration augmentation by regulating the EZH2/CXCL10 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect and associated mechanism of tumor tissue-infiltrating NK cells after receiving radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A HCC tumor-bearing mouse model was constructed using human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (SK-Hep-1) and divided into four groups: control, radiotherapy, NK cell clearance, and NK clearance combined with radiotherapy. Tumor growth condition was simultaneously recorded. The NK cell ratio in peripheral blood and the NK cell intratumoral infiltration condition were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Lentiviral-constructed SK-Hep-1 cells was used to detect the effect of radiotherapy on the regulation of CXCL10 and NK cell chemotaxis following EZH2 overexpression. SK-Hep-1 cells were irradiated in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of EZH2 and CXCL10 mRNA and protein in the two groups of cell lines and mouse tumor tissues were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry. The chemotaxis and blocking experiments were used to validate the chemotaxis effect of CXCL10 on NK cells. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The HCC tumor-bearing mouse model experiment showed that HCC tumor growth was most remarkable in the NK clearance combined with the radiotherapy group compared to the radiotherapy group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of NK cells in the peripheral blood of nude mice in the radiotherapy group was significantly reduced, while the NK cell intratumoral infiltration was significantly increased (P<0.05). Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry showed in vitro and in vivo expressional alterations. The average expression levels of EZH2 mRNA and protein in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and tumor tissues were decreased in the radiotherapy group than the control group and mouse tumor tissues (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of CXCL10 increased (P<0.05). The cell supernatant following radiotherapy enhanced NK cell chemotaxis but inhibited CXCL10 neutralization. EZH2 overexpression validated that radiotherapy up-regulated CXCL10 mRNA and down-regulated protein expression levels in in vitro and in vivo experiments (P<0.05). The chemotactic effect on NK cells was significantly weakened with EZH2 overexpression following radiotherapy. Conclusion: NK cells, as immune effector cells, are directly involved in radiotherapy- activated anti-HCC immunity. Importantly, radiotherapy inhibits EZH2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby upregulating CXCL10 expression and enhancing intratumoral NK cell invasion.

Search for Time-Dependent CP Violation in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} decays using a pp collision data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in 2012 and from 2015 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.7  fb^{-1}, is presented. The initial flavor of each D^{0} candidate is determined from the charge of the pion produced in the D^{*}(2010)^{+}→D^{0}π^{+} decay. The decay D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{0} is used as a control channel to validate the measurement procedure. The gradient of the time-dependent CP asymmetry ΔY in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} decays is measured to be ΔY=(-1.3±6.3±2.4)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, which is compatible with CP conservation.

Structure-Assisted Design of Chitosanase Product Specificity for the Production of High-Degree Polymerization Chitooligosaccharides

Chitosanases are valuable enzymatic tools in the food industry for converting chitosan into functional chitooligosaccharides (COSs). However, most of the chitosanases extensively characterized produced a low degree of polymerization (DP) COSs (DP = 1-3, LdpCOSs), indicating an imperative for enhancements in the product specificity for the high DP COS (DP >3, HdpCOSs) production. In this study, a chitosanase from Methanosarcina sp. 1.H.T.1A.1 (OUC-CsnA4) was cloned and expressed. Analysis of the enzyme-substrate interactions and the subsite architecture of the OUC-CsnA4 indicated that a Ser49 mutation could modify its interaction pattern with the substrate, potentially enhancing product specificity for producing HdpCOSs. Site-directed mutagenesis provided evidence that the S49I and S49P mutations in OUC-CsnA4 enabled the production of up to 24 and 26% of (GlcN)5 from chitosan, respectively─the wild-type enzyme was unable to produce detectable levels of (GlcN)5. These mutations also altered substrate binding preferences, favoring the binding of longer-chain COSs (DP >5) and enhancing (GlcN)5 production. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking studies underscored the significance of +2 subsite interactions in determining the (GlcN)4 and (GlcN)5 product specificity. These findings revealed that the positioning and interactions of the reducing end of the substrate within the catalytic cleft are crucial factors influencing the product specificity of chitosanase.

[Study of plasma metabolic markers in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion based on non-target metabolomics approach]

Objective: To screen plasma metabolic markers in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) by non-target metabolomics approach. Methods: From September 2022 to May 2023, the plasma of 23 URSA pregnant women with threatened abortion who visited the outpatient clinic of Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital in the first trimester (URSA group) was collected, and the plasma of 22 healthy pregnant women in the first trimester who underwent prenatal examination during the same period (normal control group) was collected. Plasma metabolomics was analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), fold change analysis, principal component analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis were applied to screen for differential metabolites, and the metabolites and their pathways associated with URSA were screened using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and pathway enrichment analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in age, body mass index and gestational weeks between URSA and normal control group(all P<0.05). Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-MS showed that a total of 526 metabolites were detected from plasma, of which 33 were found to be differential metabolites associated with URSA based on the screening standards. Six potential metabolites with large area under the curve (AUC) were identified by ROC curve analysis, including phosphatidylethanolamine (AUC=0.972, 95%CI: 0.920-1.000), santene hydrate (AUC=0.902, 95%CI: 0.786-0.982), L-leucine (AUC=0.884, 95%CI: 0.772-0.960), cembrene (AUC=0.881, 95%CI: 0.758-0.956), caffeine (AUC=0.875, 95%CI: 0.756-0.962), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester (AUC=0.864, 95%CI: 0.732-0.946). The AUC for the combined diagnosis of URSA by the six metabolites was 0.983 (95%CI: 0.929-1.000). Pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites showed that the pathogenesis of URSA was associated with a variety of metabolic pathways including caffeine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Conclusion: The plasma metabolic profiles of pregnant women with normal pregnancies versus URSA differ in early pregnancy, and six potential metabolites such as phosphatidylethanolamine, santene hydrate, L-leucine, cembrene, caffeine, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, and their metabolic pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of URSA.

Long-term prognostic value of CT-based high-risk coronary lesion attributes and radiomic features of pericoronary adipose tissue in diabetic patients

AIMS

To investigate the long-term prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived high-risk attributes and radiomic features of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) in diabetic patients for predicting major adverse cardiac event (MACE).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Diabetic patients with intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled and referred for CCTA. Three models (model-1 with clinical parameters; model-2 with clinical factors + CCTA imaging parameters; model-3 with the above parameters and PCAT radiomic features) were developed in the training cohort (835 patients) and tested in the independent validation cohort (557 patients). 1392 patients were included and MACEs occurred in 108 patients (7.8%). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that HbA1c, coronary calcium Agatston score, significant stenosis and high-risk plaque were independent predictors for MACE whereas none of PCAT radiomic features showed predictive value. In the training cohort, model-2 demonstrated higher predictive performance over model-1 (C-index = 0.79 vs. 0.68, p < 0.001) whereas model-3 did not show incremental value over model-2(C-index = 0.79 vs. 0.80, p = 0.408). Similar findings were found in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined model (clinical and CCTA high-risk anatomical features) demonstrated high efficacy in predicting MACE in diabetes. PCAT radiomic features failed to show incremental value for risk stratification.

[Assessment of baseline CCL19+ dendritic cell infiltration for predicting responses to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of baseline CCL19+ dendritic cell (CCL19+ DC) infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment with immunotherapy efficacy and CD8+ T cell infiltration.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma hospitalized at First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology from January, 2020 to December, 2023, and collected tissue samples from 96 patients undergoing immunotherapy for assessing CCL19+ DC and CD8+ T cell infiltration using immunofluorescence assay. We evaluated the predictive value of baseline CCL19+ DCs for patient responses to immunotherapy using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves and analyzed the correlations of baseline CCL19+ DC expression with immunotherapy efficacy and CD8+ T cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltrations. In co-culture systems of lung adenocarcinoma PC9 cells, CD8+ T cells and DCs (overexpressing CCL19 with or without anti PD-1 antibody treatment), the expressions of granzyme B, perforin, IFN-γ, and Ki-67 in T cells were analyzed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The patients with partial or complete remission following immunotherapy had a significantly higher baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than those with poor responses. CCL19+ DC infiltration had an area under ROC curve of 0.785, a sensitivity of 75.6%, and a specificity of 62.8% for predicting immunotherapy efficacy. The expression of CD8+ T cell surface molecules Granzyme B (P<0.01), Perforin (P<0.01), IFN-γ (P<0.01) and Ki-67 (P<0.001) in patients with high expression of CCL19+ DC were higher than those in patients with low expression of CCL19+ DC. The baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level was positively correlated with immunotherapy efficacy (P=0.003), CTL infiltration of (r=0.6657, P<0.001) and CD8+ T cell infiltration (P=0.007). In the co-cultured cells, CCL19 overexpression combined with anti-PD1 treatment of the DCs more strongly enhanced cytotoxicity and proliferation of CD8+ T lymphocytes than either of the single treatments (P<0.01 or 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The baseline CCL19+ DC infiltration level in lung adenocarcinoma microenvironment is positively correlated with immunotherapy efficacy and CTL infiltration and can thus predict the response to immunotherapy.

[Risk factors of visceral leishmaniasis in the world: a review]

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by viscerotropic Leishmania species and transmitted by bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies, which is predominantly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, eastern Africa and South America. Currently, visceral leishmaniasis is the second most fatal parasitic disease in the world. Because of climate changes, urban development and individual conditions, there are changes in the density of visceral leishmaniasis vector sandflies and the likelihood of contact with humans, resulting in a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. The review summarizes natural, social and biological factors affecting the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis, so as to provide insights into formulation of targeted control measures for visceral leishmaniasis.

[A multicenter study on the effects of congenital cytomegalovirus infection on hearing loss]

Objective: To assess the clinical features and effectiveness of antiviral therapy in newborns with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) caused by congenital congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, and to speculate the risk factors for poor hearing outcomes. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study wasconducted, enrolling 176 newborns diagnosed with cCMV at four research centers in Zhejiang Province from March 1, 2021, to April 30, 2024. Clinical characteristics at birth were recorded and hearing was followed up. The children were divided into groups based on their condition at birth, specifically into asymptomatic, mild symptom, and moderate to severe symptom groups. Additionally, they were divided into SNHL and normal hearing groups based on the results of air conduction brainstem audiometry at birth. And they were also divided into treatment and untreated groups according to antiviral treatment. Mann Whitney U test, and chi square test were used for inter group comparison to analyze the differences in clinical features between different disease groups, and to analyze the effects of clinical features, antiviral therapy, and other factors on hearing improvement. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors influencing hearing outcomes. Results: Among the cohort of 176 children diagnosed infection with cCMV, 90 cases were male and 86 cases were female. Of these, 79 cases were asymptomatic, 12 cases classified as mild cCMV and 85 cases as moderate to severe cCMV. Fifty cases belonged to SNHL group, with different degrees of severity, including 30 cases of mild, 9 cases of moderate, 5 cases of severe, and 6 cases of extremely severe SNHL. Among the 121 cases in the normal hearing group, 2 cases (1.7%) exhibited late-onset hearing loss despite having normal hearing at birth. Among 81 cases (46.0%) who completed the hearing follow-up, 71 cases (87.7%) had good hearing outcomes and 10 cases (12.3%) had poor hearing outcomes. Among the 81 children, 29 cases (35.8%) had SNHL at birth. During follow-up, the hearing threshold improved in 19 cases (65.5%), remained stable in 7 cases (24.1%) and progressed in 3 cases (10.3%). A total of 26 cases in the treatment group and 55 cases in the untreated group completed the hearing follow-up assessment. The rate of hearing improvement in the treatment group was found to be higher compared to the untreated group (13 cases (50.0%) vs. 6 cases (10.9%), χ2=15.00, P<0.01), with individuals in the treatment group having a 4.58 times greater likelihood of experiencing hearing improvement (RR=4.58,95%CI 1.96-10.70, P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in hearing outcomes between the antiviral treatment group and the untreated group (RR=0.90, 95%CI 0.57-1.41, P=0.517). Multivariate analysis further confirmed SNHL (OR=11.58, 95%CI 2.10-63.93, P=0.005) and preterm birth (OR=4.98, 95%CI 1.06-23.41, P=0.042) as independent risk factors for poor hearing outcomes. Conclusions: SNHL resulting from cCMV infection presents symptoms at birth and can be improved by antiviral therapy. Poor hearing outcomes are associated with SNHL and prematurity.

Clinical characteristics and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) disease model of Fabry disease caused by a novel GLA mutation

BACKGROUND

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked inherited disease caused by mutations in the galactosidase alpha (GLA) gene. We established a cohort of FD patients and performed whole-exome sequencing to identify some novel mutations.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the etiology of the novel mutation (c.72G > A, p. Trp24*)in the GLA gene in affected patients by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a valuable tool.

METHODS

We explored the clinical implications of this proband and examined the deleteriousness and conservation of the mutation site through bioinformatics analysis. Simultaneously, we collected the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the affected patient, then reprogrammed them into iPSCs and assessed their enzymatic activity to confirm the function of lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A).

RESULTS

Clinical examination of the patient demonstrated a classical FD, such as neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, deficiency of α-Gal A activity and accumulation of Lyso-Gb-3. The novel mutation located on the N-terminal region, leading to a truncation of the protein and remaining only 24 amino acids. The α-Gal A activity of the patient-specific iPSC (iPS-FD) was significantly lower (60%) than that of normal iPSCs derived from healthy donors (iPS-B1).

CONCLUSION

This work not only elucidated the etiology of novel mutations in affected patients but also highlighted the utility of iPSCs as a valuable tool for clarifying the molecular mechanisms and providing new insights into the therapy of FD.

MicroRNA 29 modulates β-cell mitochondrial metabolism and insulin secretion via underlying miR-29-OXPHOS complex pathways

AIM

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate β-cell function, and β-cell mitochondria and insulin secretion are perturbed in diabetes. We aimed to identify key miRNAs regulating β-cell mitochondrial metabolism and novel β-cell miRNA-mitochondrial pathways.

METHODS

TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org/) was used to predict if 16 miRNAs implicated in β-cell function target 27 cis-eGenes implicated in mitochondrial activity. The expression of candidate miRNAs and insulin secretion after 24 and 1 h pre-incubation in 2.8, 11.1- and 16.7-mM glucose was measured in clonal INS-1 832/13 β-cells. MiR-29 silenced INS-1 832/13 cells were assessed for insulin secretion (glucose, pyruvate, and K+), target cis-eGene expression (Ndufv3 and Ndufa10 components of mitochondrial complex I (CI)), OXPHOS (CI-V) protein expression, and mitochondrial OXPHOS respiration/activity. The expression of differentially expressed miR-29 miRNAs was evaluated in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, db/db mouse and type 2 diabetic (T2D) human islets, as well as NMRI mouse islets cultured under glucolipotoxic conditions.

RESULTS

MiR-29, miR-15 and miR-124 were predicted to regulate ~20 cis-eGenes, while miR-29 alone was predicted to regulate ≥12 of these in rat and human species. MiR-29 expression and insulin secretion were reduced in INS-1 832/13 cells after 24 h in elevated glucose. MiR-29 knockdown increased all tested insulin secretory responses, Nudfv3, Ndufa10, complex I and II expression, and cellular mitochondrial OXPHOS. MiR-29 expression was reduced in db/db islets but increased in GK rat and T2D human islets.

CONCLUSION

We conclude miR-29 is a key miRNA in regulating β-cell mitochondrial metabolism and insulin secretion via underlying miR-29-OXPHOS complex pathways. Furthermore, we infer reduced miR-29 expression compensatorily enhances insulin secretion under glucotoxicity.

[Progress of interruption of schistosomiasis transmission and prospects in Yunnan Province]

Schistosomiasis was once hyper-endemic in Yunnan Province. Following concerted efforts for over 70 years, remarkable achievements have been made for schistosomiasis control in the province. In 2004, the Mid- and Long-term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in Yunnan Province was initiated in Yunnan Province, and the target for transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in the province in 2009. Following the subsequent implementation of the Outline for Key Projects in Integrated Schistosomiasis Control Program (2009-2015) and the 13th Five - year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control in Yunnan Province, no acute schistosomiasis had been identified in Yunnan Province for successive 12 years, and no local Schistosoma japonicum infections had been detected in humans, animals or Oncomelania hupensis snails for successive 6 years in the province by the end of 2020. The transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted in Yunnan Province in 2020. This review summarizes the history of schistosomiasis, changes in schistosomiasis prevalence and progress of schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province, and proposes the future priorities for schistosomiasis control in the province.

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Self-Assembled siRNA Nanoparticles Targeting Multiple Highly Conserved Viral Sequences

Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global public health crisis. As an RNA virus, the high gene mutability of SARS-CoV-2 poses significant challenges to the development of broad-spectrum vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. There remains a lack of specific therapeutics directly targeting SARS-CoV-2. With the ability to efficiently inhibit the expression of target genes in a sequence-specific way, small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy has exhibited significant potential in antiviral and other disease treatments. In this work, we presented a highly effective self-assembled siRNA nanoparticle targeting multiple highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2. The siRNA sequences targeting viral conserved regions were first screened and evaluated by their thermodynamic features, off-target effects, and secondary structure toxicities. RNA motifs including siRNA sequences were then designed and self-assembled into siRNA nanoparticles. These siRNA nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable uniformity and stability and efficiently entered cells directly through cellular endocytic pathways. Moreover, these nanoparticles effectively inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2, exhibiting a superior inhibitory effect compared to free siRNA. These results demonstrated that these self-assembled siRNA nanoparticles targeting highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 represent highly effective antiviral candidates for the treatment of infections, and are promisingly effective against current and future viral variants.

Application of tensor fascia lata perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction

The aim of this study was to describe the authors' experience in head and neck reconstruction with the tensor fascia lata perforator flap (TFLPF). Between April 2009 and August 2020, 16 patients underwent head and neck reconstruction with a TFLPF. The flaps were designed in a vertical or transverse fashion based on perforators traveling along the medial or lateral aspect of the posterior edge of the tensor fascia lata muscle. Clinical details and postoperative results were recorded and analyzed. The size of the flap ranged from 7 × 5 cm2 to 25 × 9 cm2. The perforators were mostly septocutaneous (11 patients), allowing a simple and straightforward dissection of the perforator and TFLPF in most patients. There were either one or two perforators in all cases. The overall flap survival rate was 100%. All of the flaps healed uneventfully with no delayed wound healing or donor site dysfunction. Follow-up ranged from 18 to 120 months, during which all patients experienced satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, without serious complications at either the recipient or donor site. The TFLPF is a pliable and reliable flap that could be a first choice in selected head and neck reconstruction cases.

Modification of χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) Production in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The LHCb Collaboration measures production of the exotic hadron χ_{c1}(3872) in proton-nucleus collisions for the first time. Comparison with the charmonium state ψ(2S) suggests that the exotic χ_{c1}(3872) experiences different dynamics in the nuclear medium than conventional hadrons, and comparison with data from proton-proton collisions indicates that the presence of the nucleus may modify χ_{c1}(3872) production rates. This is the first measurement of the nuclear modification factor of an exotic hadron.

Ligand-mediate exciton allocation enables efficient cluster-based white light-emitting diodes via single and heavy doping

Despite potential in high-resolution and low-cost displays and lighting, multi-doping structures and low concentrations (<1%) limit repeatability and stability of single-emissive-layer white light-emitting devices. Herein, we report a singly doped white-emitting system of blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence host matrix (CzAcSF) doped by yellow Cu4I4 cluster ([tBCzDppy]2Cu4I4). CzAcSF:x% [tBCzDppy]2Cu4I4 films realize photo- and electro-luminescence colors from cool white to warm white at x = 20-40. The external quantum efficiency of 23.5% was achieved at x = 30, indicating the record-high efficiency among solution-processed analogs and the largest doping concentration among efficient white light-emitting devices. It shows that di(tert-butyl)carbazole moieties in [tBCzDppy]2Cu4I4 provide high-lying excited energy levels at~2.6 eV to mediate energy transfer from CzAcSF (2.9 eV) to coordinated Cu4I4 (2.2 eV). Our results demonstrate the antenna effect of ligands on optimizing charge and energy transfer in organic-cluster systems and superiority of white cluster light-emitting diodes in practical applications.

A hydrogel-functionalized silver nanocluster for bacterial-infected wound healing

The ever-growing challenges of traditional antibiotic therapy and chronic wound healing have created a hot topic for the development and application of new antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) with ultrasmall sizes (<2 nm) and antibacterial effects are promising candidates for next-generation antibiotics, particularly against multi-drug resistant strains. However, the biosafety in the clinical application of Ag NCs remains suboptimal despite some existing studies of Ag NCs for biomedical applications. Considering this, an ultrasmall Ag NC with excellent water solubility was synthesized by a two-phase ligand-exchange method, which exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial performance. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Ag NCs against MRSA, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli were evaluated as 50, 80, 5 and 5 μg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, a carbomer hydrogel was prepared to be incorporated into the Ag NCs for achieving excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the Ag NC-gel exhibits good antibacterial properties with lower cytotoxicity. Finally, in vivo experiments suggest that this ultrasmall Ag NC functionalized with the hydrogel can serve as an effective and safe antimicrobial agent to aid in wound healing.

Author Correction: Phase I study of the pharmacokinetics and safety of single and multiple doses of intravenous N-acetylcysteine in healthy Chinese subjects

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (24): 12103-12111-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34808-PMID: 38164872, published online on December 22, 2023. After publication, the authors found that Table III's legend was the same as that of Table II. Therefore, Table III's legend has been corrected as follows: Table III. Plasma PK parameters following repeat doses of IV NAC 600 mg (n = 24). There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/34808.

Supportive Care Needs of Patients With Temporary Ostomy in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), a global surgical quality improvement initiative, reduces the length of stay in the hospital. Temporary stoma care for rectal cancer is complex, and patients require prolonged care services to adjust to the stoma. The shorter stay durations in the new model challenge the conventional care pathways and create new patient needs.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to explore the supportive care needs of patients under the new surgical model to provide a reference for the design of ERAS nursing care plans.

METHODS

A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used in this study. Patients with temporary stomas for rectal cancer were recruited using a convenience sampling method in gastrointestinal surgery wards and wound & stoma clinics in two public tertiary care hospitals in China. Standardized questionnaires were administered to 140 patients to collect quantitative data, and semistructured interviews were conducted individually with 13 patients to collect qualitative data. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

"Health system and information needs" and "care and support needs" were identified in both the qualitative and quantitative analyses as the most significant unmet needs of the participants. In addition, the qualitative analysis identified receiving focused stoma care instructions and easily understandable information as essential to fulfilling health system and information needs. Care and support needs included access to continued postdischarge services and attention from medical professionals.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The participants in this study experienced a variety of unmet supportive care needs under the ERAS protocol, with gaps particularly notable in two categories: "health system and information needs" and "care and support needs." Increased perioperative care and shorter hospital stays under the ERAS protocol reduce opportunities for patients to receive targeted instruction and shift much of the ostomy education and care workload out of the hospital, requiring greater attention from clinical nurses to ensure quality of care.

Molecular modelling studies reveal cryoprotective mechanism of L-Proline during the frozen storage of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to investigate the cryoprotective properties of proline (1% and 3% (w/v)) on shrimp. The cryoprotective mechanism was studied using physico-chemical experiments and molecular simulations. Proline had a notable positive impact on the thawing loss and texture of shrimp in comparison to the control. The denaturation of myosin in frozen shrimp was delayed by proline. Microscopy analysis demonstrated that proline effectively lowered the harm caused by ice crystals to shrimp muscle. Molecular simulations indicated that proline potentially exerted a cryoprotective effect primarily through the "water substitution" and "glassy state" hypotheses. Proline formed hydrogen bonds with myosin to replace the water molecules around myosin. Additionally, proline interacted with water molecules to form a glassy state, impeding the growth of ice crystals. Consequently, the stability of shrimp myosin was enhanced during freezing. In conclusion, proline demonstrated promise as an efficacious cryoprotectant for aquatic products.