Influence of varying oil phase volume fractions on the characteristics of flaxseed-derived diglyceride-based Pickering emulsions stabilized by modified soy protein isolate

This research aimed to create Pickering emulsions using modified soy protein isolate (SPI) as a stabilizer and flaxseed-derived diglyceride (DAG) as an oil phase. The SPI was modified through a process involving both heating and ultrasound treatment. The result indicated that the droplet size of emulsions increased with the increase in oil content (p < 0.05). For instance, the largest droplet size (23 µm) was observed at an oil-to-SPI dispersion ratio of 4:1 ratio (φ = 80), whereas the smallest droplet size (6.39 µm) was noticed at the 1:4 ratio. During the 7-day storage period, the emulsions with a 4:1 ratio (φ = 80) showed the lowest droplet size increase (from 23 µm to 25.58 µm). In contrast, the emulsions with a 1:1 ratio displayed the highest increase (from 19.39 µm to 74.29 µm). Creaming index results revealed that emulsions with a 4:1 ratio (φ = 80) showed no signs of creaming and phase separation than all other treatments (p < 0.05). Backscattering fluctuations (ΔBS) and turbiscan stability index (TSI) showed that emulsions with 4:1, 2:1, and 1:1 oil-to-SPI dispersion ratios had consistent ΔBS curves with higher and TSI curves with lower values. Optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy revealed that emulsions with oil-to-SPI dispersion ratios of 4:1 and 2:1 had well-organized structures with no visible coalescence. Macromorphological and microrheological investigations demonstrated that emulsions with 80% oil content had the highest viscosity, both moduli, elasticity index, macroscopic viscosity index, and the lowest fluidity index and solid-liquid balance values. Moreover, these emulsions were more resistant to centrifugation and storage environments. In conclusion, the study determined that flaxseed-derived DAG-based high internal phase Pickering emulsions (φ = 80) had superior stability, improved viscoelasticity, and better rheological properties.

Nanoscale Pickering emulsion food preservative films/coatings: Compositions, preparations, influencing factors, and applications

Pickering emulsion (PE) technology effectively addresses the issues of poor compatibility and low retention of hydrophobic active ingredients in food packaging. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that each stage of the preparation process for PE films/coatings (PEFCs) can significantly influence their functional properties. With the fundamental considerations of environmental friendliness and human safety, this review extensively explores the potential of raw materials for PEFC and introduces the preparation methods of nanoparticles, emulsification technology, and film-forming techniques. The critical factors that impact the performance of PEFC during the preparation process are analyzed to enhance food preservation effectiveness. Moreover, the latest advancements in PE packaging across diverse food applications are summarized, along with prospects for innovative food packaging materials. Finally, the preservation mechanism and application safety have been systematically elucidated. The study revealed that the PEFCs provide structural flexibility, where designable nanoparticles offer unique functional properties for intelligent control over active ingredient release. The selection of the dispersed and continuous phases, along with component proportions, can be customized for specific food characteristics and storage conditions. By employing suitable preparation and emulsification techniques, the stability of the emulsion can be improved, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the films/coatings in preserving food. Including additional substances broadens the functionality of degradable materials. The PE packaging technology provides a safe and innovative solution for extending the shelf life and enhancing the quality of food products by protecting and releasing active components.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU): Trial Satisfaction and Attitudes towards Future Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Clinical trial satisfaction is increasingly important for future trial designs and is associated with treatment adherence and willingness to enroll in future research studies or to recommend trial participation. In this post-trial survey, we examined participant satisfaction and attitudes toward future clinical trials in the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU).

METHODS

We developed an anonymous, participant satisfaction survey tailored to participants enrolled in the DIAN-TU-001 double-blind clinical trial of solanezumab or gantenerumab and requested that all study sites share the survey with their trial participants. A total of 194 participants enrolled in the trial at 24 study sites. We utilized regression analysis to explore the link between participants' clinical trial experiences, their satisfaction, and their willingness to participate in upcoming trials.

RESULTS

Survey responses were received over a sixteen-month window during 2020-2021 from 58 participants representing 15 study sites. Notably, 96.5% of the survey respondents expressed high levels of satisfaction with the trial, 91.4% would recommend trial participation, and 96.5% were willing to enroll again. Age, gender, and education did not influence satisfaction levels. Participants reported enhanced medical care (70.7%) and pride in contributing to the DIAN-TU trial (84.5%). Satisfaction with personnel and procedures was high (98.3%). Respondents had a mean age of 48.7 years, with most being from North America and Western Europe, matching the trial's demographic distribution. Participants' decisions to learn their genetic status increased during the trial, and most participants endorsed considering future trial participation regardless of the DIAN-TU-001 trial outcome.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that DIAN-TU-001 participants who responded to the survey exhibited high motivation to participate in research, overall satisfaction with the clinical trial, and willingness to participate in research in the future, despite a long trial duration of 4-7 years with detailed annual clinical, cognitive, PET, MRI, and lumbar puncture assessments. Implementation of features that alleviate barriers and challenges to trial participation is like to have a high impact on trial satisfaction and reduce participant burden.

Lamin A/C mediates microglial activation by modulating cell proliferation and immune response

Lamin A/C is involved in macrophage activation and premature aging, also known as progeria. As the resident macrophage in brain, overactivation of microglia causes brain inflammation, promoting aging and brain disease. In this study, we investigated the role of Lamin A/C in microglial activation and its impact on progeria using Lmna-/- mice, primary microglia, Lmna knockout (Lmna-KO) and Lmna-knockdown (Lmna-KD) BV2 cell lines. We found that the microglial activation signatures, including cell proliferation, morphology changes, and proinflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), were significantly suppressed in all Lamin A/C-deficient models when stimulated with LPS. TMT-based quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analysis were further applied to explore the mechanism of Lamin A/C-regulated microglia activation from the proteome level. The results revealed that immune response and phagocytosis were impaired in Lmna-/- microglia. Stat1 was identified as the hub protein in the mechanism by which Lamin A/C regulates microglial activation. Additionally, DNA replication, chromatin organization, and mRNA processing were also altered by Lamin A/C, with Ki67 fulfilling the main hub function. Lamin A/C is a mechanosensitive protein and, the immune- and proliferation-related biological processes are also regulated by mechanotransduction. We speculate that Lamin A/C-mediated mechanotransduction is required for microglial activation. Our study proposes a novel mechanism for microglial activation mediated by Lamin A/C.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Myokines and Biomarkers of Frailty in Older Inpatients with Undernutrition: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Population aging might increase the prevalence of undernutrition in older people, which increases the risk of frailty. Numerous studies have indicated that myokines are released by skeletal myocytes in response to muscular contractions and might be associated with frailty. This study aimed to evaluate whether myokines are biomarkers of frailty in older inpatients with undernutrition.

METHODS

The frailty biomarkers were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and Genecards datasets. Relevant myokines and health-related variables were assessed in 55 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital prospective longitudinal frailty study. Serum was prepared for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the appropriate kits. Correlations between biomarkers and frailty status were calculated by Spearman's correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate the association between factors and frailty scores.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty was 13.21%. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that leptin, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), irisin, decorin, and myostatin were potential biomarkers of frailty. The frailty group had significantly higher concentrations of leptin, AMPK, and MSTN than the robust group (p < 0.05). AMPK was significantly positively correlated with frailty (p < 0.05). The pre-frailty and frailty groups had significantly lower concentrations of irisin than the robust group (p < 0.05), whereas the DCN concentration did not differ among the groups. Multiple linear regression suggested that the 15 factors influencing the coefficients of association, the top 50% were the ADL score, MNA-SF score, serum albumin concentration, urination function, hearing function, leptin concentration, GDS-15 score, and MSTN concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Proinflammatory myokines, particularly leptin, myostatin, and AMPK, negatively affect muscle mass and strength in older adults. ADL and nutritional status play major roles in the development of frailty. Our results confirm that identification of frailty relies upon clinical variables, myokine concentrations, and functional parameters, which might enable the identification and monitoring of frailty.

Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Ulceration colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorder in the gastro-intestinal tract. The purpose of our study is to explore the potential mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 (GS Rg1) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Acute colitis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice. In vitro model of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells to simulate enteritis model. The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, body weight and histopathological analysis were performed in vivo. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers for oxidative and anti-oxidative stress, MPO level were measured in vivo and in vitro. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NF-?B p65 protein levels were analyzed using western blotting. Our results indicated that the UC models were established successfully by drinking DSS water. GS Rg1 significantly attenuated UC-related symptoms, including preventing weight loss, decreasing DAI scores, and increasing colon length. GS Rg1 ameliorated the DSS-induced oxidative stress. IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased in serum and cell supernatant effectively, while treatment with the GS Rg1 significantly reduced these factors. GS Rg1 reduced MPO content in the colon. GS Rg1 treatment increased SOD and decreased MDA levels in the serum, colon, and cell supernatant. GS Rg1 restored the Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-?B pathway in RAW 264.7 cells and UC mice, and these changes were blocked by Nrf-2 siRNA. Overall, GS Rg1 ameliorated inflammation and oxidative stress in colitis via Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-kappaB pathway. Thus, GS Rg1 could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of UC.

Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Small-Volume-Plasma Artificial Liver Model in the Treatment of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure

To explore the efficacy and safety of a small-volume-plasma artificial liver support system (ALSS) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). A retrospective analysis was performed. All ACLF patients received ALSS of plasma exchange & double plasma molecular absorb system (PE+DPMAS) treatment, and successfully completed this treatment. Patients were divided into small-volume and half-volume plasma groups. We compared the changes of the indicators on liver function, kidney function, blood coagulation function, and blood ammonia level before and after PE+DPMAS treatment; we compared the short-term and long-term curative effects between small-volume and half-volume plasma groups; and the factors influencing Week 4 and Week 12 mortality of ACLF patients were analyzed. The Week 4 improvement rates were 63.96 % and 66.86 % in the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups, respectively. The Week 12 survival rates in the small-volume-plasma and half-volume plasma groups were 66.72 % and 64.61 %, respectively. We found several risk factors affecting Week 4 and Week 12 mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested no significant difference in Week 4 and Week 12 survival rates between the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups (P=0.34). The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment could effectively reduce bilirubin and bile acids, and this was an approach with high safety and few complications, similar to the half-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment. The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS has the advantage of greatly reducing the need for intraoperative plasma, which is especially of importance in times of shortage of plasma.

Mitochondria in Multi-Directional Differentiation of Dental-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The pursuit of tissue regeneration has fueled decades of research in regenerative medicine. Among the numerous types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) have recently emerged as a particularly promising candidate for tissue repair and regeneration. In recent years, evidence has highlighted the pivotal role of mitochondria in directing and orchestrating the differentiation processes of DMSCs. Beyond mitochondrial energy metabolism, the multifaceted functions of mitochondria are governed by the mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system, encompassing biogenesis, autophagy, and dynamics. Notably, mitochondrial energy metabolism not only governs the decision to differentiate but also exerts a substantial influence on the determination of differentiation directions. Furthermore, the MQC system exerts a nuanced impact on the differentiation of DMSCs by finely regulating the quality and mass of mitochondria. The review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms governing the multi-directional differentiation of DMSCs, mediated by both mitochondrial energy metabolism and the MQC system. We also focus on a new idea based on the analysis of data from many research groups never considered before, namely, DMSC-based regenerative medicine applications.

Intramedullary nail fixation of fibular fractures in combination with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO/OTA 43A): a single-center retrospective study

Treatment of fibular fractures associated with extra-articular distal tibia fractures is technically challenging and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of intramedullary nail fixation of fibular fractures when associated with this fracture. Between January 2018 and December 2021, 33 patients presenting extra-articular distal tibia fractures and fibular fractures (AO/OTA 43A) were treated. Clinical and radiological data were collected during routine postoperative follow-ups. Thirty-one patients were monitored for a period of time ranging from 12 to 23 months, with an average follow-up of 17.5 ± 3.3 months. Fibular bone union took an average of 3.6 ± 0.9 months. At the last follow-up, the average fibular alignment and postoperative ankle talocrural angles were 1.8° and 9.1°, respectively. No detectable radiographic rotational malalignment and serious complications related to the fibular incision was observed. The average AOFAS and OMAS scores at the most recent follow-up were 88.3 ± 6.2 and 87.4 ± 6.0, respectively. Intramedullary nail fixation worked well to keep the fibula in place in fibular fractures connected to extra-articular distal tibia fractures.

A novel strategy for improving the stability of myofibrillar protein emulsions at low ionic strength using high-intensity ultrasound combined with non-enzymatic glycation

Poor emulsification of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) limits the production of meat protein emulsion-type products, and it is related to the myosin self-assembles in low-salt settings. The effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) pretreatment combined with non-enzymatic glycation on MP-stabilized emulsions in low-salt settings was investigated in this study, and the potential mechanism was revealed. The results indicated that, compared to using either HIU or glycation treatment alone, HIU pretreatment in combination with glycation significantly improves the physical stability of emulsions while increasing the distribution uniformity and reducing the droplet particle size from 18.05 μm to 2.54 μm (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, the emulsion prepared using this approach exhibited a relatively high absolute zeta potential (-23.58 mV) and a high interfacial protein content (38.78 %) (P < 0.05), promoting molecular rearrangement and forming a continuous and stable interfacial layer. HIU pretreatment combined with glycation could offer reinforced electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance to depolymerize self-assembled filamentous polymers, thus enhancing the stability of droplets. Additionally, the thermal sensitivity of the glycated MPs pretreated by HIU was remarkably reduced, thus improving the thermal stability of the corresponding emulsions.

Effects of lysolecithins on performance, egg quality, blood profiles and liver histopathology in late-phase laying hens

1. This study investigated the effects of lysolecithins (LL) on performance, egg quality, blood profiles, relative organ weight and liver histopathology in laying hens.2. A total of 480 healthy 65-week-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement design with two levels of energy (AMEn, 11.08 MJ/kg and 12.94 MJ/kg) and two levels of LL (0 and 0.05%).3. Birds fed high energy diets had lower (P < 0.05) average daily intake and feed conversion rate during weeks 0-4, 5-8 and 0-8, but higher (P < 0.05) average egg weight (AEW) during trial weeks 0-4. There was an interaction in (P < 0.05) AEW during trial weeks 0-14 and 0-8 for energy and LL. The high energy diets increased yolk colour at the end of weeks 2 and 4, while addition of LL increased albumen height at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in yolk colour between energy and LL at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in serum superoxide dismutase and LDL-C throughout the experiment.4. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) the relative weight of abdominal fat compared with low energy diets. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) liver ether extract content and liver pathological injury score compared with low energy diets at the end of week 8, while the addition of LL decreased (P < 0.05) liver pathological injury score.5. The supplementation of LL in high energy diets could alleviate some negative effects on liver injury in late laying hens.

Genome-wide association analysis of neck ring traits in NongHua ma male ducks

1. Male NongHua ma ducks have more colourful feathers than females, especially considering that the former have a distinctive neck ring that is different from that of females. This ring development might be influenced by sex selection, the environment, genetics and other elements.2. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to locate candidate genes that affect the neck ring formation of male ducks to investigate the genetic basis of this phenomenon.3. In this study, the neck ring area and width of 180 male ducks were assessed at ages 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 d. GWAS was used to identify associated genes. There were 0, 7, 14, 48 and 21 possible candidate genes annotated around the 0, 12, 25, 76 and 40 SNP loci n corresponding regions. A total of 13 candidate genes were identified around 21 SNP sites at the neck ring width of 120 d.4. These significant genes were annotated and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. All SNPs that exceeded the significance threshold were annotated and preliminarily screened as candidate genes affecting neck ring formation. From analysis of gene function and enriched KEGG pathways, genes such as THSD1, SLC6A4, DGAT2, PRKDC, B3GAT2, ROR1, GRK7, EXTL3, TXNDC12, COL4A2, PRKG1, ACTR3, were considered important candidate marker sites related to the neck ring. This provided a reference starting point for the genetic mechanism underlying duck feather colour.

Association between high galectin expression and poor prognosis in hematologic cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Galectin (Gal) is considered a promising immune checkpoint molecule. More and more studies have shown that high expression levels of galectins in hematologic cancer are positively correlated with poor clinical prognosis. However, the exact prognostic significance of galectins remains unclear.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies addressing the correlation of galectin expression levels with prognosis of hematologic cancers. Stata software was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULT

Hematologic cancer patients with high galectin expression levels showed poor overall survival (OS, HR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.95, 3.04), disease-free survival (DFS, HR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.61, 6.71), and event-free survival (EFS, HR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.47, 3.29) outcomes. Subgroup analysis revealed that high expression levels of galectins pointed to relatively poor OS in MDS (HR = 5.44, 95% CI: 2.09, 14.18), as compared to AML, CHL and CLL. No correlation was found between galectins and OS in NHL and MM. Among the three galectins, Gal-9 (HR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.03, 6.38) showed higher correlation with poor prognosis than Gal-1 and Gal-3. In addition, use of peripheral blood (HR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.07, 4.22) samples and qRT-PCR (HR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.01) method for galectin detection were shown to improve its prognostic correlation in hematologic cancers.

CONCLUSION

Meta-analysis revealed high expression of galectins was associated with poor prognosis in hematologic cancer patients and galectins can be considered a promising prognostic predictive marker.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Machine Learning Model of ResNet50-Ensemble Voting for Malignant-Benign Small Pulmonary Nodule Classification on Computed Tomography Images

BACKGROUND

The early detection of benign and malignant lung tumors enabled patients to diagnose lesions and implement appropriate health measures earlier, dramatically improving lung cancer patients' quality of living. Machine learning methods performed admirably when recognizing small benign and malignant lung nodules. However, exploration and investigation are required to fully leverage the potential of machine learning in distinguishing between benign and malignant small lung nodules.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the ResNet50-Ensemble Voting model for detecting the benign and malignant nature of small pulmonary nodules (<20 mm) based on CT images.

METHODS

In this study, 834 CT imaging data from 396 patients with small pulmonary nodules were gathered and randomly assigned to the training and validation sets in an 8:2 ratio. ResNet50 and VGG16 algorithms were utilized to extract CT image features, followed by XGBoost, SVM, and Ensemble Voting techniques for classification, for a total of ten different classes of machine learning combinatorial classifiers. Indicators such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to assess the models. The collected features are also shown to investigate the contrasts between them.

RESULTS

The algorithm we presented, ResNet50-Ensemble Voting, performed best in the test set, with an accuracy of 0.943 (0.938, 0.948) and sensitivity and specificity of 0.964 and 0.911, respectively. VGG16-Ensemble Voting had an accuracy of 0.887 (0.880, 0.894), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.952 and 0.784, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning models that were implemented and integrated ResNet50-Ensemble Voting performed exceptionally well in identifying benign and malignant small pulmonary nodules (<20 mm) from various sites, which might help doctors in accurately diagnosing the nature of early-stage lung nodules in clinical practice.

Test of CP Symmetry in Hyperon to Neutron Decays

The quantum entangled J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} pairs from (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events taken by the BESIII detector are used to study the nonleptonic two-body weak decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-}. The CP-odd weak decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} (α_{+}) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-} (α[over ¯]_{-}) are determined to be 0.0481±0.0031_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} and -0.0565±0.0047_{stat}±0.0022_{syst}, respectively. The decay parameter α[over ¯]_{-} is measured for the first time, and the accuracy of α_{+} is improved by a factor of 4 compared to the previous results. The simultaneously determined decay parameters allow the first precision CP symmetry test for any hyperon decay with a neutron in the final state with the measurement of A_{CP}=(α_{+}+α[over ¯]_{-})/(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})=-0.080±0.052_{stat}±0.028_{syst}. Assuming CP conservation, the average decay parameter is determined as ⟨α_{+}⟩=(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})/2=-0.0506±0.0026_{stat}±0.0019_{syst}, while the ratios α_{+}/α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{-}/α[over ¯]_{0} are -0.0490±0.0032_{stat}±0.0021_{syst} and -0.0571±0.0053_{stat}±0.0032_{syst}, where α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{0} are the decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→pπ^{0} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}, respectively.

Measurement of Energy-Dependent Pair-Production Cross Section and Electromagnetic Form Factors of a Charmed Baryon

We study the process e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} at twelve center-of-mass energies from 4.6119 to 4.9509 GeV using data samples collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections and effective form factors (|G_{eff}|) are determined with unprecedented precision after combining the single and double-tag methods based on the decay process Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. Flat cross sections around 4.63 GeV are obtained and no indication of the resonant structure Y(4630), as reported by Belle, is found. In addition, no oscillatory behavior is discerned in the |G_{eff}| energy dependence of Λ_{c}^{+}, in contrast to what is seen for the proton and neutron cases. Analyzing the cross section together with the polar-angle distribution of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at each energy point, the moduli of electric and magnetic form factors (|G_{E}| and |G_{M}|) are extracted and separated. For the first time, the energy dependence of the form factor ratio |G_{E}/G_{M}| is observed, which can be well described by an oscillatory function.

Effects of heat stress abatement on systemic and mammary inflammation in lactating dairy cows

To examine the effects of evaporative cooling on systemic and mammary inflammation of lactating dairy cows, 30 multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 2.4, 156 d in milk) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: cooling (CL) with fans and misters or not (NC). The experiment was divided into a 10-d baseline when all cows were cooled, followed by a 36-d environmental challenge when cooling was terminated for NC cows. The onset of environmental challenge was considered as d 1. Temperature-humidity index averaged 78.4 during the environmental challenge. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily. Blood and milk samples were collected from a subset of cows (n = 9/treatment) on d -3, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 of the experiment to measure cortisol, interleukin 10 (IL10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), haptoglobin, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). Mammary biopsies were collected from a second subset of cows (n = 6/treatment) on d -9, 2, 10, and 36 to analyze gene expression of cytokines and haptoglobin. A subset of cows (n = 7/treatment) who were not subjected to mammary biopsy collection received a bolus of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the left rear quarter on d 30 of the experiment. Blood was sampled from cows and milk samples from the LPS-infused quarter were collected at -4, 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h relative to infusion, for analyses of inflammatory products. Deprivation of cooling decreased milk yield and DMI. Compared with CL cows, plasma cortisol concentration of NC cows was higher on d 1 but lower on d 28 of the experiment (cooling × time). Deprivation of cooling did not affect circulating TNF-α, IL10, haptoglobin, or LBP. Compared with CL cows, NC cows tended to have higher milk IL10 concentrations but did not show effects in TNF-α, haptoglobin, or LBP. No differences were observed in mammary tissue gene expression of TNF-α, IL10, and haptoglobin. Milk yield declined after LPS infusion but was not affected by treatment. Compared with CL cows, NC cows had greater milk somatic cell count following intramammary LPS infusion. Non-cooled cows had lower circulating TNF-α and IL10 concentrations and tended to have lower circulating haptoglobin concentrations than CL cows. Milk IL10 and TNF-⍺ concentrations were higher 3 h after LPS infusion for NC cows compared with CL cows. Additionally, NC cows tended to have higher milk haptoglobin concentration after LPS infusion than CL cows. In conclusion, deprivation of evaporative cooling had minimal effects on lactating cows' basal inflammatory status, but upregulated mammary inflammatory responses after intramammary LPS infusion.

High-intensity ultrasound combined with glycation enhances the thermal stability and in vitro digestion behaviors of myofibrillar protein aqueous solution

The low thermal stability of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) is a technological barrier to them being applied in beverage formulas. In this study, we investigated the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) pretreatment combined with glycation on the thermal stability, structural characteristics, and in vitro digestion behavior of MPs in water. The results indicated that HIU pretreatment combined with glycation significantly inhibited thermal aggregation and reduced the particle size of MPs compared to using either HIU or glycation treatments individually. The grafting of dextran (DX) shielded the sulfhydryl (-SH) and hydrophobic groups and inhibited disulfide bond cross-linking and hydrophobic association. Moreover, HIU pretreatment facilitated the shielding effect of glycation by destroying the filamentous myosin structure and exposing the internal -SH and hydrophobic groups as well as the grafting sites, maximally inhibiting thermal aggregation. In addition, the smaller protein particles and more flexible structure caused by HIU pretreatment combined with glycation increased their binding affinity toward protease. Overall, these findings can promote the technological development of modulating the MP structure-digestion for formulating novel meat protein-based products.

Osteoprotective Role of the Mir338 Cluster Ablation during Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that compromises the integrity of the supporting tissues of the teeth and leads to the loss of the alveolar bone. The Mir338 cluster has been proven to be a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis and is also enriched in gingival tissues with periodontitis; however, its role in periodontitis remains unknown. Here, we aimed to use periodontitis as a model to expand our understanding of the Mir338 cluster in osteoimmunology and propose a new target to protect against bone loss during periodontitis progression. Significant enrichment of the Mir338 cluster was validated in gingival tissues from patients with chronic periodontitis and a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. In vivo, attenuation of alveolar bone loss after 7 d of ligature was observed in the Mir338 cluster knockout (KO) mice. Interestingly, immunofluorescence and RNA sequencing showed that ablation of the Mir338 cluster reduced osteoclast formation and elevated the inflammatory response, with enrichment of IFN-γ and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Ablation of the Mir338 cluster also skewed macrophages toward the M1 phenotype and inhibited osteoclastogenesis via Stat1 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the local administration of miR-338-3p antagomir prevented alveolar bone loss from periodontitis. In conclusion, the Mir338 cluster balanced M1 macrophage polarization and osteoclastogenesis and could serve as a novel therapeutic target against periodontitis-related alveolar bone loss.

Exploring potential correlations between bacterial communities, organic acids, and volatile metabolites of traditional fermented sauerkraut collected from different regions of Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China

In this study, the bacterial communities and flavor metabolites of 27 traditional naturally fermented sauerkraut samples collected from nine regions of Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China were investigated. The dominant genera were Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Arcobacter, Pseudarcobacter, Lactococcus, Comamonas, Pediococcus, Prevotella, and Insolitispirillum. A total of 148 volatile compounds were detected in seven categories; esters and acids were the most abundant volatiles. Additionally, the highest content (15.96 mg/g) of lactic acid was detected in YC1. Acetic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, elaidic acid, and dehydroacetic acid were the key differential volatile compounds, which may be related to the bacterial communities. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that Lactococcus and Lactobacillus were significantly positively correlated with flavor metabolites, suggesting that they may play a more significant role in flavor formation. The results of this study can help in the development of better quality of fermented vegetables.