The relationship of MITF gene expression and promoter methylation with plumage colour in quail

1. This study focused on the relationship between MITF mRNA expression and plumage colour in quail and the effect of promoter methylation on the expression of MITF mRNA.2. The CDS region of MITF mRNA was cloned by RT-PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The RT-qPCR method was used to analyse the expression levels of MITF mRNA in dorsal skin tissue in Korean quail and Beijing white quail. The promoter region of the MITF gene was cloned, and the CpG island was predicted by the CpGplot program. The methylation levels of the CpG island were analysed using BS-PCR technology.3. Quail MITF mRNA contains a 1,476 bp complete ORF, which encodes a 492 amino acid residue protein. The MITF protein has no signal peptide or transmembrane region. The expression of MITF mRNA in dorsal tissue of Korean quail was significantly higher than that in Beijing white quail (p < 0.01). Abundant cis-elements and a 346 bp CpG island were found in the promoter region of the MITF gene. The average methylation level of the CpG island was 22 (22%) in Korean quail, and 46 (30%) in Beijing white quail (p < 0.05).4. The hypermethylation of the MITF gene promoter region in Beijing white quail resulted in a decrease in expression level, which was related to white feather colour.

Phase offset method of ptychographic contrast reversal correction

The contrast transfer function of direct ptychography methods such as the single side band (SSB) method are single signed, yet these methods still sometimes exhibit contrast reversals, most often where the projected potentials are strong. In thicker samples central focusing often provides the best ptychographic contrast as this leads to defocus variations within the sample canceling out. However focusing away from the entrance surface is often undesirable as this degrades the annular dark field (ADF) signal. Here we discuss how phase wrap asymptotes in the frequency response of SSB ptychography give rise to contrast reversals, without the need for dynamical scattering, and how these can be counteracted by manipulating the phases such that the asymptotes are either shifted to higher frequencies or damped via amplitude modulation. This is what enables post collection defocus correction of contrast reversals. However, the phase offset method of counteracting contrast reversals we introduce here is generally found to be superior to post collection application of defocus, with greater reliability and generally stronger contrast. Importantly, the phase offset method also works for thin and thick samples where central focusing does not. Finally, the independence of the method from focus is useful for optical sectioning involving ptychography, improving interpretability by better disentangling the effects of strong potentials and focus.

Recent developments in the fabrication of food microparticles and nanoparticles using microfluidic systems

Microfluidics is revolutionizing the production of microparticles and nanoparticles, offering precise control over dimensions and internal structure. This technology facilitates the creation of colloidal delivery systems capable of encapsulating and releasing nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals, often derived from food-grade ingredients, can be used for developing functional foods. This review focuses on the principles and applications of microfluidic systems in crafting colloidal delivery systems for nutraceuticals. It explores the foundational principles behind the development of microfluidic devices for nutraceutical encapsulation and delivery. Additionally, it examines the prospects and challenges with using microfluidics for functional food development. Microfluidic systems can be employed to form emulsions, liposomes, microgels and microspheres, by manipulating minute volumes of fluids flowing within microchannels. This versatility can enhance the dispersibility, stability, and bioavailability of nutraceuticals. However, challenges as scaling up production, fabrication complexity, and microchannel clogging hinder the widespread application of microfluidic technologies. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential role of microfluidics in design and fabrication of nutraceutical delivery systems. At present, this technology is most suitable for exploring the role of specific delivery system features (such as particle size, composition and morphology) on the stability and bioavailability of nutraceuticals, rather than for large-scale production of nutraceutical delivery systems.

Impact of Whey Protein Corona Formation around TiO2 Nanoparticles on Their Physiochemical Properties and Gastrointestinal Fate

Previously, we found that whey proteins form biomolecular coronas around titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Here, the gastrointestinal fate of whey protein-coated TiO2 nanoparticles and their interactions with gut microbiota were investigated. The antioxidant activity of protein-coated nanoparticles was enhanced after simulated digestion. The structure of the whey proteins was changed after they adsorbed to the surfaces of the TiO2 nanoparticles, which reduced their hydrolysis under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The presence of protein coronas also regulated the impact of the TiO2 nanoparticles on colonic fermentation, including promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. Bare TiO2 nanoparticles significantly increased the proportion of harmful bacteria and decreased the proportion of beneficial bacteria, but the presence of protein coronas alleviated this effect. In particular, the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, was enhanced for the coated nanoparticles. Our results suggest that the formation of a whey protein corona around TiO2 nanoparticles may have beneficial effects on their behavior within the colon. This study provides valuable new insights into the potential impact of protein coronas on the gastrointestinal fate of inorganic nanoparticles.

The impact of SARS-Cov-2 Omicron infection on short-term outcomes after elective surgery in patients with gastrointestinal cancer

With the emergence of novel variants, Omicron variant caused a different clinical picture than the previous variants and little evidence was reported regarding perioperative outcomes after Omicron variants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of gastrointestinal cancer patients following Omicron variants infection and also to determine the timing of surgery after infection recovery. A total of 124 patients who underwent gastrointestinal cancer surgery with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 2022 and February 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. 174 cases underwent the same operation during December 2018 and February 2019 as control group. SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were further categorized into three groups based on infected time (1-3 weeks; 4-6 weeks; and ≥ 7 weeks). 90.3% of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients had mild symptoms. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 71.0%, with a full vaccination rate of 48.4%. There were no significant differences in 30-day morbidity and mortality. There was also no significant difference in pulmonary complications, cardiovascular complications, and surgical complications between the three different diagnosis time groups. In conclusion, reducing waiting time for elective surgery was safe for gastrointestinal cancer patients in the context of an increased transmissibility and milder illness severity with Omicron variant.

[Medicinal Characteristics of Shao Jiu in Compendium of Materia Medica]

Modern Bai Jiu(liquor) was called Shao Jiu in ancient times.By consulting ancient books, it was found that there was a distillation and preparation process of Shao Jiu before the Ming Dynasty, but due to its high toxicity, the scope of application was limited, and there were few records of its medicinal use.However many records of its medicinal use was found in the Compendium of Materia Medica(«»).By comparing the medical books that recorded Shao Jiu in previous dynasties, it is found that the Compendium of Materia Medica comprehensively records the relevant cognition and application of the medicinal use of Shao Jiu for the first time. The book lists in detail the causes of the toxicity of Shao Jiu and the methods to avoid it, comprehensively expounds its characteristics, efficacy and indications, lists a variety of ways to use it, skillfully uses Shao Jiu to treat syphilis sores, and proposes that high-concentration Shao Jiu can be used as a solvent for medical liquor.The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica had a profound impact on the medical liquor of later generations.The use of Shao Jiu in the Qing Dynasty continued to expand, and the types of medicinal liquor were also constantly enriched. The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica can also provide a reference for the medicinal use of modern liquor.

New Genetically Engineered Derivatives of Antibacterial Darobactins Underpin Their Potential for Antibiotic Development

Biosynthetic engineering of bicyclic darobactins, selectively sealing the lateral gate of the outer membrane protein BamA, leads to active analogues, which are up to 128-fold more potent against Gram-negative pathogens compared to native counterparts. Because of their excellent antibacterial activity, darobactins represent one of the most promising new antibiotic classes of the past decades. Here, we present a series of structure-driven biosynthetic modifications of our current frontrunner, darobactin 22 (D22), to investigate modifications at the understudied positions 2, 4, and 5 for their impact on bioactivity. Novel darobactins were found to be highly active against critical pathogens from the WHO priority list. Antibacterial activity data were corroborated by dissociation constants with BamA. The most active derivatives D22 and D69 were subjected to ADMET profiling, showing promising features. We further evaluated D22 and D69 for bioactivity against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates and found them to have strong activity.

Structural basis for subversion of host cell actin cytoskeleton during Salmonella infection

Secreted bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) proteins are essential for successful infection by many human pathogens. Both T3SS translocator SipC and effector SipA are critical for Salmonella infection by subversion of the host cell cytoskeleton, but the precise molecular interplay between them remains unknown. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy, we show that SipA binds along the F-actin grooves with a unique binding pattern. SipA stabilizes F-actin through charged interface residues and appears to prevent inorganic phosphate release through closure of the "back door" of adenosine 5'-triphosphate pocket. We also show that SipC enhances the binding of SipA to F-actin, thus demonstrating that a sequential presence of T3SS proteins in host cells is associated with a sequence of infection events-starting with actin nucleation, filament growth, and stabilization. Together, our data explain the coordinated interplay of a precisely tuned and highly effective mechanism during Salmonella infection and provide a blueprint for interfering with Salmonella effectors acting on actin.

Discovery of highly neutralizing human antibodies targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) poses an emerging threat to human health with urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we deciphered the B cell and antibody response to the virulence-associated type III secretion system (T3SS) in a cohort of patients chronically infected with PA. Single-cell analytics revealed a diverse B cell receptor repertoire directed against the T3SS needle-tip protein PcrV, enabling the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) abrogating T3SS-mediated cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies involving cryoelectron microscopy identified a surface-exposed C-terminal PcrV epitope as the target of highly neutralizing mAbs with broad activity against drug-resistant PA isolates. These anti-PcrV mAbs were as effective as treatment with conventional antibiotics in vivo. Our study reveals that chronically infected patients represent a source of neutralizing antibodies, which can be exploited as therapeutics against PA.

The application of policy composite indicators to predicting the health risk and recovery: a global comparative investigation

OBJECTIVES

There emerges increasing doubt regarding whether the policy composite indicators are applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few early studies demonstrate that the association between some composite indicators of policy preparedness and the risk of COVID-19 is statistically insignificant, and the relation between any composite indicators and recovery process (e.g., vaccination coverage) remains unexplored. To examine the relation between composite indicators and pandemic risk (as well as the vaccination coverage) with robustness, this study applies different policy preparedness indicators by using data from multi-sources.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis was performed.

METHOD

Regression analysis is adopted to examine the relation between four policy preparedness indicators (i.e., [1] International Health Regulations core capacity index, [2] Global Health Security Index, [3] epidemic preparedness index, and [4] World Governance Index) and COVID-19-confirmed cases/death/vaccination coverage at different time points. The linear regression is performed, and the spatial distribution of indicators are illustrated.

RESULTS

Countries with higher ranking in policy preparedness indexes can experience less severity of pandemic risk (e.g., confirmed cases and mortality) and faster recovery process (e.g., higher vaccination coverage). However, slight disparity in effectiveness exists across different indicators.

CONCLUSION

Results show that the policy preparedness indicators have predictive value of the confirmed cases, mortality, and vaccination coverage of COVID-19 pandemic, given sufficiently long-time span is observed.

Two-Dimensional Halide Pb-Perovskite-Double Perovskite Epitaxial Heterostructures

Epitaxial heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites offer a new platform for studying intriguing structural, optical, and electronic properties. However, difficulties with the stability of Pb- and Sn-based heterostructures have repeatedly slowed the progress. Recently, Pb-free halide double perovskites are gaining a lot of attention due to their superior stability and greater chemical diversity, but they have not been successfully incorporated into epitaxial heterostructures for further investigation. Here, we report epitaxial core-shell heterostructures via growing Pb-free double perovskites (involving combinations of Ag(I)-Bi(III), Ag-Sb, Ag-In, Na-Bi, Na-Sb, and Na-In) around Pb perovskite 2D crystals. Distinct from Pb-Pb and Pb-Sn perovskite heterostructures, growths of the Pb-free shell at 45° on the (100) surface of the lead perovskite core are observed in all Pb-free cases. The in-depth structural analysis carried out with electron diffraction unequivocally demonstrates the growth of the Pb-free shell along the [110] direction of the Pb perovskite, which is likely due to the relatively lower surface energy of the (110) surface. Furthermore, an investigation of anionic interdiffusion across heterostructure interfaces under the influence of heat was carried out. Interestingly, halide anion diffusion in the Pb-free 2D perovskites is found to be significantly suppressed as compared to Pb-based 2D perovskites. The great structural tunability and excellent stability of Pb-free perovskite heterostructures may find uses in electronic and optoelectronic devices in the near future.

The interaction of different chlorine-based additives with swine manure during pyrolysis: Effects on biochar properties and heavy metal volatilization

Poor properties and high concentrations of heavy metals are still major concerns of successful application of animal manure-derived biochar into the environment. This work thus proposed to add chlorine-based additives (Cl-additives, i.e., CaCl2, MgCl2, KCl, NaCl, and PVC, 50 g Cl/ kg) to improve biochar properties and enhance heavy metal volatilization during swine manure pyrolysis. The results showed that the addition of CaCl2 could improve the retention of carbon (C) by up to 13.1% during pyrolysis, whereas other Cl-additives had little effect on it. Moreover, CaCl2 could enhance the aromaticity of biochar, as indicated by lower H/C ratio than raw biochar. Pretreatment with CaCl2, MgCl2 and PVC reduced phosphorus (P) solubility but increased its bioavailability via the formation of chlorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3Cl). The CaCl2 was more effective for enhancing the volatilization efficiency of heavy metals than other Cl-additives, except for Pb that tended to react with the generated Ca5(PO4)3Cl to form more stable and less volatile Pb5(PO4)3Cl. However, high pyrolysis temperature (900℃) was essential for CaCl2 to simultaneously decrease the bioavailability of heavy metals. Our results indicated that co-pyrolysis of swine manure with CaCl2 is a promising strategy to increase C retention, P bioavailability, and volatilization of heavy metals, and, at higher temperature, reduce the bioavailability of biochar-born heavy metals.

Application of a New Retraction Method in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Better exposition is important for lymph node dissection in the suprapancreatic region and lesser curvature region of the stomach, and digestive tract reconstruction, especially without excellent assistants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We developed a new laparoscopic retraction method with the use of two internal retractors (TIRs) punctured along with suture. Clinicopathological data, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 143 patients included, 51 underwent surgery with the double-sling suture method and 92 underwent surgery with the TIRs method. Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was successfully performed in all patients. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or preoperative data in the 2 groups. The operative time was significantly shorter in the TIR group, but the amount of bleeding did not differ. No retraction-related complications both in clipped tissue and liver occurred in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new retraction technique provided an optimal surgical field and make surgery lower requirements for assistants.

Vishniacozyma victoriae: An endophytic antagonist yeast of kiwifruit with biocontrol effect to Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea is a pathogenic fungus to fruit, biocontrol is a promising approach to relieve this issue. In this study, Vishniacozyma victoriae is an endophytic yeast extracted from kiwifruit, was used to enhance the resistance of host to B. cinerea. The results showed that lesion diameter of the kiwifruit inoculated with B. cinerea was 55.16 %, 50.57 %, and 48.07 % lower than that of inoculated with V. victoriae + B. cinerea on 4th, 8th, and 12th day, respectively. On 12th day, the total organic acid content and energy charge of kiwifruit inoculated with B. cinerea were 19.25 % and 7.95 % lower than those inoculated with V. victoriae + B. cinerea. These indicated that V. victoriae used the organic acids and energy of host to colonize in the wound, which prevented B. cinerea from contacting the host. Accordingly, V. victoriae is a promising biocontrol yeast to inhibit the infection of B. cinerea on kiwifruit.

Impact of pH on the Formation and Properties of Whey Protein Coronas around TiO2 Nanoparticles

In aqueous media, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles can interact with proteins in their environment and form a protein corona. The pH of the aqueous media affects the structure and properties of the protein corona, and currently there is a lack of understanding of the effects of pH on the characteristics of protein coronas. In this study, we examined the impact of pH (2-11) on the structural and physicochemical properties of whey protein coronas formed around TiO₂ nanoparticles. The pH of the solution influenced the structure of whey protein molecules, especially around their isoelectric point. Thermogravimetric and quartz crystal microbalance analyses showed that the adsorption capacity of the whey proteins was the largest at their isoelectric points and the lowest under highly acidic or alkaline conditions. The majority of the proteins were tightly bound to the nanoparticle surfaces, forming a hard corona. The influence of solution pH on protein corona properties was mainly attributed to its impact on the electrostatic forces in the system, which impacted the protein conformation and interactions. This study provides useful insights into the influence of pH on the formation and properties of protein coronas around inorganic nanoparticles, which may be important for understanding the gastrointestinal and environmental fates.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in the identification of prostatic arterial anatomy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: prospective comparison with digital subtraction angiography

AIM

To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) for identifying prostatic artery (PA) anatomy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) before PA embolisation (PAE), using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 176 patients underwent pelvic CE-MRA at 3 T. DSA was performed within the following 7 days. Two interventional radiologists compared the CE-MRA findings with DSA findings to assess the anatomy of the PAs. The rates of correct identification of the origins and collaterals of the PAs by CE-MRA were calculated. The utility for predicting the optimal X-ray tube angle obliquity for visualising the origins of the PAs by CE-MRA was evaluated. An exact McNemar's test was used to compare the detection rates of the PAs and the collaterals with DSA versus CE-MRA. A two-sided p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 376 PAs identified by DSA, CE-MRA correctly identified the origins of 369 vessels (98.1%), with a 1.9% false-negative rate and no false-positive results. Of the 57 total collaterals identified by DSA, CE-MRA identified 50 vessels correctly (87.7%), with a 12.3% false-negative rate and no false-positive results. No significant differences were observed between CE-MRA and DSA in the identification of the PA origins (p=0.824) and the collaterals (p=0.327). The optimal degree for an oblique projection to visualise the origins of the PAs could be predicted accurately (100%) by pre-procedural CE-MRA.

CONCLUSION

CE-MRA before PAE can reliably predict the PA anatomy and facilitate procedural planning.

Investigation of the relationships among respiratory syncytial virus infection, T cell immune response and intestinal flora

The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationships among respiratory syncytial virus infection, T cell immune response and intestinal flora. Peer-reviewed papers published in English were collected through extensive searches performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The articles were reviewed to extract relevant information on the immune responses of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 to respiratory syncytial virus infection in the body. RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV) infection leads to imbalance between Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 immune cells, resulting in Th2 or Th17 dominant immune responses, which can generate immune disorder and aggravate clinical symptoms. Intestinal micro-organisms play very important roles in maintaining stable immune environment, stimulating immune system maturation and balancing Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 immune systems in children. In our review of various papers from around the world, we speculated that the steady state of intestinal bacteria was disturbed after children got infected with RSV, resulting in intestinal flora disorder. Then, the imbalance between Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 immune cells was increased. Both intestinal flora disorder and RSV infection could cause cellular immunity imbalance of Th1/Th2 or Treg/Th17, eventually leading to disease deterioration and even a vicious cycle. Normal intestinal flora can maintain immune system stability, regulate the dynamic balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 and prevent or mitigate adverse consequences of RSV infection. Because probiotics can improve intestinal barrier function and regulate immune response, they can effectively be used to treat children with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Using conventional antiviral therapy strategy supplemented with probiotics in the treatment of clinical RSV infection may be better for the body.

Fabrication, Facilitating Gas Permeability, and Molecular Simulations of Porous Hypercrosslinked Polymers Embedding 6FDA-Based Polyimide Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Novel polymers applied in economic membrane technologies are a perennial hot topic in the fields of natural gas purification and O₂ enrichment. Herein, novel hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) incorporating 6FDA-based polyimide (PI) MMMs were prepared via a casting method for enhancing transport of different gases (CO₂, CH₄, O₂, and N₂). Intact HCPs/PI MMMs could be obtained due to good compatibility between the HCPs and PI. Pure gas permeation experiments showed that compared with pure PI film, the addition of HCPs effectively promotes gas transport, increases gas permeability, and maintains ideal selectivity. The permeabilities of HCPs/PI MMMs toward CO₂ and O₂ were as high as 105.85 Barrer and 24.03 Barrer, respectively, and the ideal selectivities of CO₂/CH₄ and O₂/N₂ were 15.67 and 3.00, respectively. Molecular simulations further verified that adding HCPs was beneficial to gas transport. Thus, HCPs have potential utility in fabrication of MMMs for facilitating gas transport in the fields of natural gas purification and O₂ enrichment.

Microstructure of the Li-Al-O Second Phases in Garnet Solid Electrolytes

The microstructure of the Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) garnet solid electrolyte is critical for its performance in all-solid-state lithium-ion battery. During conventional high-temperature sintering, second phases are generated at the grain boundaries due to the reaction between sintering aids and LLZO, which have an enormous effect on the performances of LLZO. However, a detailed structure study of the second phases and their impact on physical properties is lacking. Here, crystal structures of the second phases in LLZO pellets are studied in detail by transmission electron microscopy. Three different crystal structures of Li-Al-O second phases, γ-LiAlO₂, α-Li₅AlO₄, and β-Li₅AlO₄ were identified, and atomic-scale lattice information was obtained by applying low-dose high-resolution imaging for these electron-beam-sensitive second phases. On this basis, the structure-property relationship of these structures was explored. It was found that sintering aids with a higher Li/Al ratio are beneficial to form Li-rich second phases, which result in more highly ionic conductive LLZO.

Darobactins Exhibiting Superior Antibiotic Activity by Cryo-EM Structure Guided Biosynthetic Engineering

Over recent decades, the pipeline of antibiotics acting against Gram-negative bacteria is running dry, as most discovered candidate antibiotics suffer from insufficient potency, pharmacokinetic properties, or toxicity. The darobactins, a promising new small peptide class of drug candidates, bind to novel antibiotic target BamA, an outer membrane protein. Previously, we reported that biosynthetic engineering in a heterologous host generated novel darobactins with enhanced antibacterial activity. Here we utilize an optimized purification method and present cryo-EM structures of the Bam complex with darobactin 9 (D9), which served as a blueprint for the biotechnological generation of twenty new darobactins including halogenated analogs. The newly engineered darobactin 22 binds more tightly to BamA and outperforms the favorable activity profile of D9 against clinically relevant pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii up to 32-fold, without observing toxic effects.

[The textbooks in the North China Medical College]

The North China Medical College typically represented medical colleges for traditional Chinese medicine in the 1930s when many of them were set up. It was based on the principles of centring on traditional Chinese medicine, following western medicine and integrated medicine in teaching. This led to the emergence of a great number of people with a high level of traditional Chinese medicine and strong belief in it. In terms of the textbooks and handouts for western medicine, compared to similar textbooks in other medical colleges, such as the Medical College of Xie He, at that time, the textbooks in the North China Medical College covered a variety of perspectives and categories. It was found that 20 textbooks for western medicine in the North China Medical College were designed reasonably in content and were simple and applicable in teaching. More importantly, it contained some traditional Chinese medicine in different degrees, with its typical characteristics. The course design and textbook compilation provided references for the teaching in contemporary medical universities.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic insights into the role of the flgK gene in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida to orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida is the pathogen responsible for visceral white spot disease in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Previously, RNA sequencing showed that P. plecoglossicida flgK gene expression was significantly up-regulated in orange-spotted grouper spleens during infection. To explore the role of flgK in P. plecoglossicida pathogenicity, RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to silence the P. plecoglossicida flgK gene, and the mutant (flgK-RNAi strain) with the best silencing efficiency (89.40%) was chosen for further study. Results showed that flgK gene silencing significantly attenuated P. plecoglossicida motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation. Compared to those fish infected with the wild-type strain of P. plecoglossicida, orange-spotted grouper infected with the flgK-RNAi strain showed a 55% increase in the survival rate and a one-day delay in time of first death, with fewer pathogens in the spleen and fewer white spots on the spleen surface. RNAi of flgK significantly affected the transcriptome and metabolome of the spleen in infected orange-spotted grouper. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway was the most significantly changed immune-related pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was related to multiple immune-related pathways. Furthermore, arginine biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the most significantly changed metabolism-related pathways. These findings suggest that flgK is a virulence gene of P. plecoglossicida. Furthermore, flgK appears to be involved in the regulation of motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation in P. plecoglossicida, as well as in the regulation of inflammatory and immune responses of orange-spotted grouper to P. plecoglossicida infection.

Quality and accuracy of gastric cancer related videos in social media videos platforms

Background

Gastric cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. Social media has affected public’s daily lives in ways no one ever thought possible. Both TikoTok and its Chinese version Douyin are the most popular short video posting platform. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and completeness of videos for gastric cancer on TikTok and Douyin.

Methods

The terms “gastric cancer” was searched on TikTok in both English and Japanese, and on Douyin in Chinese. The first 100 videos in three languages (website’s default setting) were checked. QUality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST) and DISCERN as the instrument for assessing the quality of the information in each video. Content was analysed under six categories (aetiology, anatomy, symptoms, preventions, treatments, and prognosis). The educational value and completeness were evaluated with a checklist developed by the researchers.

Results

A total of 78 videos in English, 63 in Japanese, and 99 in Chinese were analyzed. The types of sources were as follows: 6.4% in English, 4.8% in Japanese, and 57.6% in Chinese for health professionals; 93.6% in English, 95.2% in Japanese, and 3.0% in Chinese for private users; none in English and Japanese, but 39.4% in Chinese for other sources. In all, 20.5% in English, 17.5% in Japanese, and 93.9% in Chinese of videos had useful information about gastric cancer. Among the useful videos, the videos published in Chinese had the highest QUEST(p < 0.05) and DISCERN scores(p < 0.05), followed by those published in Japanese. Among the educational videos, prognosis in English (37.5%), symptoms in Japanese (54.5%), and prevention in Chinese (47.3%) were the most frequently covered topic.

Conclusions

TikTok in English and Japanese might not fully meet the gastric cancer information needs of public, but Douyin in Chinese was the opposite.

Graphene protection improves the stability of two-dimensional halide perovskites under the electron irradiation

The crystal structure of two-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic halide perovskites undergoes fast structural collapse under the electron beam irradiation, hindering high-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging. Graphene protection is an effective solution to mitigate the damage of electron-beam irradiation and has been applied in 2D materials such as MoS₂ . However, the effectivity of graphene protection has not been demonstrated in 2D halide perovskites yet, as traditional wet-transfer of graphene with aqueous solution would cause serious degradation for moisture-sensitive halide perovskites. Here, we verified that graphene protection plays a protection role and developed a method using nonpolar solvent to transfer the graphene layer atop the perovskite nanosheets. With this method, the perovskite nanosheets might be well protected by graphene encapsulation. HIGHLIGHTS: Transfer method of graphene on moisture-sensitive 2D halide perovskites using nonpolar solvents was developed. Graphene substrate is proven to be able to mitigate electron-beam damage to 2D halide perovskites. Encapsulation structure of graphene/halide perovskite/graphene was demonstrated.

In Situ Growth of Strained Matrix on CsPbI3 Perovskite Quantum Dots for Balanced Conductivity and Stability

Their nanoscale size endows perovskite quantum dots (QDs) with processing flexibility and high tunability of optoelectronic properties. The vast surface area also provides an opportunity for ligand engineering to offer QDs extra protection, which however, will impede charge transport in the QD array. Currently, the surface treatments that can balance both stability and conductivity of the perovskite QD array remain a huge challenge. Here, we report in situ growth of an atomic guanidinium lead iodide perovskite matrix on CsPbI₃ QDs. In addition to the effect of trap passivation, the matrix can also provide substantial surface strain to improve the QD phase stability. Meanwhile, the ultrathin matrix allows efficient coupling and charge transport in the QD solids. As a result, the CsPbI₃ QD solar cells can achieve both superior device stability and performance. We believe the development of a multifunctional surface matrix will become one of the future research focuses in perovskite QD-based devices.

Impact of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Properties of the Plant Protein Corona Formed around TiO2 Nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are utilized within the food industry as an additive to alter food brightness and whiteness. Amphiphilic food ingredients, like proteins, can adsorb on to the surfaces of TiO₂ nanoparticles and form protein coronas that could alter their gastrointestinal fate. At present, our understanding of the factors influencing the formation and properties of protein coronas was limited. In this study, we explored the influence of thermal treatments of proteins on the physicochemical properties of protein coronas formed on TiO₂ nanoparticles. Four plant proteins (glutenin, soy protein isolate, gliadin, and zein) were heat-treated at different temperatures for 30 min. Heat treatment (100 °C) disrupted the structure of the original proteins and changed the structure properties of the protein and formed coronas. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation results showed that for the heat-sensitive proteins, such as glutenin, a high temperature treatment (100 °C) weakened the binding affinity between the protein and the nanoparticle surfaces. In contrast, for more heat-resistant proteins, such as gliadin, a high-temperature treatment had much less effect. In summary, this study showed that the structural properties of plant proteins affected by heat were an important factor affecting the formation of protein coronas on food nanoparticles.

Amyloid Protein-Biofunctionalized Polydopamine Nanoparticles Demonstrate Minimal Plasma Protein Fouling and Efficient Photothermal Therapy

Polydopamine (PDA) shows great application potential in photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors due to its excellent photothermal performance. However, PDA rich in a large number of catechin structures, with strong adhesion, can readily attach to plasma proteins in blood to form protein corona, which greatly hinders the transfer efficiency to tumors and reduces the bioavailability. In this paper, a simple, rapid phase-transitioned albumin biomimetic nanocorona (TBSA) is used for the surface camouflage of PDA nanoparticles for minimal plasma protein fouling and efficient PTT. TBSA coating is formed by the BSA-derived amyloid through the hydrophobic aggregation near the isoelectric point and the rupture of disulfide bonds by tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. The stable PDA@TBSA complexes are formed by camouflaging TBSA onto the surface of PDA through hydrophobic, electrostatic, and covalent binding between TBSA and PDA, which showed excellent anti-plasma protein adsorption properties profited from the surface charge of PDA@TBSA approaching equilibrium and the surface passivation of BSA. The plasma protein thickness of the PDA@TBSA surface is 6 times lower than that of PDA at adsorption saturation. In vitro and in vivo experiments have revealed that PDA@TBSA has an excellent photothermal antitumor effect compared to PDA. Both PDA and PDA@TBSA treatment plus 808 nm laser irradiation result in more than 70% inhibition on tumor cell proliferation. In addition, PDA@TBSA does not cause a significant inflammatory response and tissue damage. Taken together, the TBSA coating endows PDA with low-fouling functions in blood and improves the residence time of PDA in blood and enrichment in the tumor tissue. This work offers a novel and efficient strategy for the design of functional nanosystems exploiting the speciality of the biomolecular corona formation around nanomaterials.

Microstructure of Lithium Dendrites Revealed by Room-Temperature Electron Microscopy

The uncontrolled deposition/dissolution process of lithium dendrites during electrochemical cycling in batteries limits the large-scale application of Li metal anodes. Investigating the microstructure of Li dendrites is a focal point. Currently, the only way to protect and observe sensitive Li dendrites is through low-temperature transmission electron microscopy (LT-TEM), whereas room-temperature characterization is still lacking. In this work, the room-temperature microstructure of Li dendrites was obtained by TEM using both vacuum- and inert-gas-transfer methods. Detailed comparison between LT- and room-temperature (RT-)TEM characterizations was provided to show the pros and cons of each method. Especially, RT-TEM shows the advantage of flexible incorporation with multifunctional characterizations, such as 3D tomography. By using RT-TEM, microstructural evolution of Li dendrites during the electrodeposition/dissolution process, including increase of the quantity of inorganic Li₂O compounds in the solid electrolyte interphase, lateral growth behavior, and two types of inactive Li, has been revealed, enriching the understanding of the structure-property relationship of Li dendrites.

Muscle-inspired MXene/PVA hydrogel with high toughness and photothermal therapy for promoting bacteria-infected wound healing

The process of wound healing is often accompanied by bacterial infection, which is a serious threat to human health. The abuse of antibiotics in traditional therapy aggravates the resistance of bacteria and gradually reduces the therapeutic effect. Therefore, it is important to develop effective antibacterial dressings to promote wound healing and prevent infection. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is considered a quick and reliable method of suppressing bacterial infections without developing drug resistance. The unique network structure and high water retention of hydrogel help wound healing. Inspired by the hierarchical assembly of anisotropic structures across multiple length scales of muscles, herein a directional freezing-assisted salting-out method was used to prepare anisotropic MXene@PVA hydrogels. The hydrogel not only had excellent mechanical properties (stress up to 0.5 MPa and strain up to 800%), but could also be used for local hyperthermia of infected sites using an NIR laser (808 nm). Owing to the excellent photothermal properties of MXene, its main antibacterial mechanism is hyperthermia and the hydrogel showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (inhibition rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 98.3 and 95.5% respectively). In addition, it could effectively promote the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells. In mouse wound models, the hydrogel was effective in inhibiting wound infection and promoting skin wound healing (the rate of wound closure was 98%). These results indicated that the MXene@PVA hydrogel, with high toughness and anisotropy properties, has the potential to be an excellent antibacterial wound healing dressing.

Outcomes Following the Endovascular Treatment of Renal Artery Stenosis Caused by Fibromuscular Dysplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Renal artery revascularization has been performed to improve blood pressure control and to cure hypertension in patients with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia (RAFMD). We herein conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing outcomes associated with the treatment of hypertensive RAFMD patients via endovascular angioplasty in order to offer an up-to-date overview of the relative costs and benefits of this approach to revascularization in RAFMD patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials to identify relevant studies published as of January 15, 2020. Key outcomes of interest in these studies included technical success, the incidence of perioperative complications, cure rates, and overall improvement rates.

RESULTS

In total, we identified 36 relevant studies of 1916 total repairs conducted in 1191 patients. Of these included studies, 33 were retrospective, while 3 were prospective. The overall technical success rate across these studies was 94.3%. Rates of total, major, and minor complications in these pooled studies were 12.9%, 4.6%, and 7.4%, respectively. Pooled rates of cured hypertension and improved hypertension following angioplasty, defined according to study-specific criteria, were 37.0% [95% CI: 27.0%-47.0%] and 80.0% [95% CI: 75.0% to 84.0%], respectively, although these rates varied highly among studies. Cure rates for studies used current clinical definitions for substantial variations across studies. Cure rates in studies using current definitions of cured hypertension (blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg without treatment) were just 18.1% following angioplasty. Cure rates fell markedly with increasing mean patient age (OR associated with an increase in mean age of 10 years: -0.24 [95% CI: -0.44 to -0.04, P = 0.019] and with mean known duration of hypertension (OR associated with an increase in mean hypertension duration of 5 years: -0.09 [95% CI: -0.12 to -0.05, P = 0.001]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that endovascular treatment yielded moderate benefits to RAFMD patients, with substantial variation across studies. The blood pressure outcome was strongly influenced by patient age.

TRIM22 inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through the Smad2 protein

TRIM22 is involved in tumorigenesis and development, but its mechanism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the expression and biological role of TRIM22 in gastric cancer. We found that TRIM22 mRNA and protein expression was abnormally low in gastric cancer tissues and cells and correlated with tumor size and depth of invasion. Overexpression of TRIM22 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of gastric cancer cells and downregulated the expression of HSPA6. However, the HSPA6-siRNA complementation test showed that TRIM22 did not regulate cell proliferation through HSPA6. Furthermore, overexpression of TRIM22 downregulated the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. In addition, TRIM22 directly binds to Smad2, and overexpression of Smad2 can reverse the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration induced by TRIM22. In vivo, overexpression of TRIM22 significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. Our study indicates that TRIM22 has an important role in the development of gastric cancer and may inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through Smad2.

Preparation of porous fluorinated polyimide separator for lithium-ion batteries by non-solvent induced phase separation process

A series of novel porous fluorinated polyimide (FPI) separators containing trifluoromethyl group (–CF3) were prepared by the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) strategy. The prepared FPI separator with 60% molar content (fluorinated dianhydride: non-fluorinated dianhydride: diamine = 60: 40: 100) of fluorinated groups (FPI-60%) could stably exist in the electrolyte as a LIBs separator. The resultant FPI-60% separator possesses high thermal stability with the Tg of 289.4°C and exhibits no shrinkage even at 200°C. The morphologies of the FPI-60% separators were adjusted by introducing small molecular non-solvent additives-ethanol, and the FPI-60% separators present the spongy-like and interconnected structure with different porosity as the amount of ethanol changed from 1 wt% to 10 wt%. The FPI-60% separators display excellent electrolyte uptake with 170%–200% and the ionic conductive could reach 1.17 mS/cm which is four times approximately than that of the PP separator. The lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using FPI-60% separators with 10 wt% ethanol added show better rate capacities (102.8 mAh/g, 70.8 mAh/g of PI-10 and PP separator at 2 C, respectively) and the capacity retention rate is 93.2% after 50 cycles. The results prove that the porous FPI separator is a promising candidate for high-performance LIBs.

The safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolisation with bleomycin for hepatocellular carcinoma unresponsive to doxorubicin: a prospective single-centre study

AIM

To investigate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) with bleomycin for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) unresponsive to doxorubicin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken of HCC patients resistant to TACE with doxorubicin to assess the survival benefits of the experimental group (TACE with bleomycin) compared with the control group (TACE with doxorubicin). One hundred and seventy patients were allocated randomly between December 2015 and December 2017, and 80 patients of each group were analysed. The modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (mRECIST) was used to evaluated the tumour response every 4-6 weeks. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS). Safety was assessed by post-procedure complications.

RESULTS

The study was completed in October 2018. Objective response rate (ORR) of the experimental group was 27.5% (22/80), mPFS and mOS was 5.8 and 8.1 months. ORR of the control group was 7.5% (6/80), mPFS and mOS was 2.9 and 4 months. The ORR were significantly different between two groups (χ² = 0.348, p<0.05). The differences of mPFS and mOS between the two groups were statistically significant (χ² = 2.865, p<0.05 and χ² = 0.926, p<0.05, respectively). There were no significant difference in post-procedure complications (p>0.05) and no major complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that TACE with bleomycin is a safe and effective method for HCC and bleomycin can be a second-line chemotherapeutic agent for the HCC patients unresponsive to TACE with doxorubicin.

Fecal Bacteria as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) ranks one of the five most lethal malignant tumors both in China and worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of CRC could substantially increase the survival rate. Emerging evidence has revealed the importance of gut microbiome on CRC, thus fecal microbial community could be termed as a potential screen for non-invasive diagnosis. Importantly, few numbers of bacteria genus as non-invasive biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity causing less cost would be benefitted more in clinical compared with the whole microbial community analysis. Here we analyzed the gut microbiome between CRC patients and healthy people using 16s rRNA sequencing showing the divergence of microbial composition between case and control. Furthermore, ExtraTrees classifier was performed for the classification of CRC gut microbiome and heathy control, and 13 bacteria were screened as biomarkers for CRC. In addition, 13 biomarkers including 12 bacteria genera and FOBT showed an outstanding sensitivity and specificity for discrimination of CRC patients from healthy controls. This method could be used as a non-invasive method for CRC early diagnosis.

Synthesis and enhanced CO2/CH4 selectivity of hyperbranched copolyimide membranes

A series of hyperbranched copolyimides (co-HBPIs), as the completely symmetrical tetraamine monomer successfully incorporated into the linear polyimide 6FDA-ODA, were synthesized under the chemical imidization after the gel formation was avoided, as to more effectively separate CO2/CH4. CO2/CH4 selectivity (74%) was observed to be improved significantly under 7‰ tetraamine contents at 2 bar and 35°C; thus, the acceptable CO2 permeability was maintained compared with the pure membrane, exceeding the 1991 upper bound. Moreover, the as-prepared membrane with 6FDA-ODA-7‰ was reported to exhibit higher CO2/CH4 selectivity (109.14) at 10 bar and 35°C. Accordingly, the hyperbranched copolyimides will be promising candidates as membrane materials for the further separation of CO2/CH4 gas pair.

Layer-by-layer anionic diffusion in two-dimensional halide perovskite vertical heterostructures

Anionic diffusion in a soft crystal lattice of hybrid halide perovskites affects their stability, optoelectronic properties and the resulting device performance. The use of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites improves the chemical stability of perovskites and suppresses the intrinsic anionic diffusion in solid-state devices. Based on this strategy, devices with an enhanced stability and reduced hysteresis have been achieved. However, a fundamental understanding of the role of organic cations in inhibiting anionic diffusion across the perovskite-ligand interface is missing. Here we demonstrate the first quantitative investigation of the anionic interdiffusion across atomically flat 2D vertical heterojunctions. Interestingly, the halide diffusion does not follow the classical diffusion process. Instead, a 'quantized' layer-by-layer diffusion model is proposed to describe the behaviour of the anionic migration in 2D halide perovskites. Our results provide important insights into the mechanism of anionic diffusion in 2D perovskites and provide a new materials platform with an enhanced stability for heterostructure integration.

[Application effect of sustainable skin-stretching device in scalp and soft tissue defect]

Objective: To explore the application effect of sustainable skin-stretching device in scalp and soft tissue defect. Methods: From June 2017 to January 2020, 5 patients (3 males and 2 females, aged 31-57 (38.0±2.1) years) with large area of scalp and soft tissue defect and skull exposure were admitted to Department of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery of the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University. The wound area ranged from 16.0 cm×8.0 cm to 18.0 cm×12.0 cm. The sustainable skin-stretching device was installed after debridement operation for scalp wound. The wound was stretched from the 3rd day after installation of the device, at a basic speed of 1 mm/d and finished for 3 times on average. During stretching, close attention was paid to the changes in blood flow of the wound margin and the subjective feeling of the patients. When the result was negative in the squeezing and pinching test for wound margin after stretching, the further stretching was stopped, the final stretching state was maintained for 3 days, and the wounds were sutured directly. The wound healing during stretching of sustainable skin-stretching device and the occurrence of complications were observed. The rest wound areas after stretching for 5, 10, 15, and 20 days were measured. The wound healing and hair growth were observed during follow-up. Results: All the wounds of 5 patients was sutured directly after stretching for 19-23 d. There was no tension blister on the margin of wounds during stretching, and the margin of wounds healed well after being sutured without skin necrosis. After stretching treatment for 5-20 d, the wound areas were gradually decreased. During follow-up of 2-11 (4.5±1.5) months, the elasticity, color, feeling, and regenerated hair growth of the stretched scalp tissue were close to those of the surrounding normal skin tissue. The linear scar formed on the margin of wounds, but no scar formed on the wounds. Conclusions: The application of sustainable skin-stretching device can reduce the difficulty in repairing scalp and soft tissue defect, with the regenerated hair growing well after treatment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.