S100A8/A9-activated IFNγ+ NK cells trigger ß-cell necroptosis in hepatitis B virus-associated liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cirrhosis (LC), a common condition with high incidence and mortality rates, is often associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying impaired glucose regulation during HBV-associated LC remain unclear. METHODS: Data from 63 patients with LC and 62 patients with LC-associated DM were analysed. Co-culture of NK cells and islet ß cell lines were used to study the glucose regulation mechanism. A mouse model of LC was used to verify the effect of S100A8/A9 on the glucose regulation. RESULTS: Higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ derived from natural killer (NK) cells and lower levels of insulin emerged in the peripheral blood of patients with both LC and DM compared with those from patients with LC only. IFN-γ derived from NK cells facilitated ß cell necroptosis and impaired insulin production. Furthermore, S100A8/A9 elevation in patients with both LC and DM was found to upregulate IFN-γ production in NK cells. Consistently, in the mouse model for LC, mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) and S100A8/A9 exhibited increased blood glucose, impaired insulin production, increased IFN-γ, and increased ß cells necroptosis compared with those treated with CCL4. Mechanistically, S100A8/A9 activated the p38 MAPK pathway to increase IFN-γ production in NK cells. These effects were diminished after blocking RAGE. CONCLUSION: Together, the data indicate that IFN-γ produced by NK cells induces ß cell necroptosis via the S100A8/A9-RAGE-p38 MAPK axis in patients with LC and DM. Reduced levels of S100A8/A9, NK cells, and IFN-γ could be valuable for the treatment of LC with DM. Accumulation of S100A8/A9 in patients with LC may indicate the emergence of DM.

Rapid and specific differentiation of Salmonella enterica serotypes typhi and Paratyphi by multicolor melting curve analysis.

Rapid and accurate identification of Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi (A, B and C), the causal agents of enteric fever, is critical for timely treatment, case management and evaluation of health policies in low and middle-income countries where the disease still remains a serious public health problem. The present study describes the development of a multiplex assay (EFMAtyping) for simultaneous identification of pathogens causing typhoid and paratyphoid fever in a single reaction by the MeltArray approach, which could be finished within 2.5 h. Seven specific genes were chosen for differentiation of typhoidal and nontyphoidal Salmonella. All gene targets were able to be detected by the EFMAtyping assay, with expected Tm values and without cross-reactivity to other relevant Salmonella serovars. The limit of detection (LOD) for all gene targets was 50 copies per reaction. The LOD reached 102-103 CFU/ml for each pathogen in simulated clinical samples. The largest standard deviation value for mean Tm was below 0.5 °C. This newly developed EFMAtyping assay was further evaluated by testing 551 clinical Salmonella isolates, corroborated in parallel by the traditional Salmonella identification workflow, and serotype prediction was enabled by whole-genome sequencing. Compared to the traditional method, our results exhibited 100% of specificity and greater than 96% of sensitivity with a kappa correlation ranging from 0.96 to 1.00. Thus, the EFMAtyping assay provides a rapid, high throughput, and promising tool for public health laboratories to monitor typhoid and paratyphoid fever.

Protein Corona-Directed Cellular Recognition and Uptake of Polyethylene Nanoplastics by Macrophages.

The widespread use of plastic products in daily life has raised concerns about the health hazards associated with nanoplastics (NPs). When exposed, NPs are likely to infiltrate the bloodstream, interact with plasma proteins, and trigger macrophage recognition and clearance. In this study, we focused on establishing a correlation between the unique protein coronal signatures of high-density (HDPE) and low-density (LDPE) polyethylene (PE) NPs with their ultimate impact on macrophage recognition and cytotoxicity. We observed that low-density and high-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR and SR-B1), facilitated by apolipoproteins, played an essential role in PE-NP recognition. Consequently, PE-NPs activated the caspase-3/GSDME pathway and ultimately led to pyroptosis. Advanced imaging techniques, including label-free scattered light confocal imaging and cryo-soft X-ray transmission microscopy with 3D-tomographic reconstruction (nano-CT), provided powerful insights into visualizing NPs-cell interactions. These findings underscore the potential risks of NPs to macrophages and introduce analytical methods for studying the behavior of NPs in biological systems.

Bismuth Iron Oxide Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to Formate.

Renewable energy-driven electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) over bismuth-based catalysts shows great promise for converting CO2 into formic acid and formate while closing the carbon cycle. Herein, we report a high-performance BiFeO3/Bi25FeO40 precatalyst, which delivers a formate partial current density of 359.8 mA cm-2 and a formate formation rate of 6.71 mmol h-1 cm-2 in a flow cell at -0.75 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE). Furthermore, it shows stable formate production for 88 h at -0.64 V vs RHE with a total current density of 160 mA cm-2. The impressive electrocatalytic performance toward CO2RR to formate is likely ascribed to the synergistic effect of single Bi atoms and bimetallic BiFe nanoparticles present in close proximity after in situ electrochemical reconstruction of the BiFeO3/Bi25FeO40 precatalyst. This work presents new insights into the development of highly efficient Bi-based catalysts for the CO2RR.

Large-Area Perovskite Solar Modules Based on Uniformity Engineering of Perovskite Films: The Critical Role of Methyldiphenylphosphine Oxide Additive.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have led to distinguished achievements and become one of the state-of-the-art photovoltaic technologies. Undoubtedly, reliable preparation of large area high-quality perovskite (PVK) films with uniform optoelectronic properties has become a critical and challenging task to transition PSCs from lab to market. Here, methyldiphenylphosphine oxide (MDPPO) is employed as an additive in a PVK precursor solution to promote uniform conductivity and carrier transport of PVK films. More important, to check its compatibility with the upscaling process, the MDPPO additive strategy was further applied to doctor-blade large-area PVK films. As a result, benefit from the favorable role of MDPPO additive, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of small-area PSCs reach 23.85% with superb open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.15 V and fill factor of 81.21%, while an impressive PCE of 19.22% was achieved for the large-area PSC minimodules with active area of 61.48 cm2. Remarkably, the MDPPO modified device exhibits significantly improved operational stability, maintaining an initial efficiency of 68% even after 750 h under continuous 1-sun illumination. Our achievements will provide profound insight and further guidance for the scale-up process of PSCs from lab to large-scale modules.

Carboxyfullerene C60 preserves porcine sperm by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting apoptosis and harmful bacteria.

This study used a porcine model to systematically investigate whether carboxyfullerene C60  (CF-C60) can be used for the sperm preservation. The results indicated that CF-C60 supplementation can preserve porcine sperm quality during storage at 17 °C. This effect was attributable to improvement in the antioxidant capacity of sperm through a decrease in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Additionally, CF-C60 can maintain mitochondrial function, inhibit sperm apoptosis through the ROS/Cytochrome C (Cyt C)/Caspase 3 signaling pathway, and mediate suppression of bacterial growth through the effects of ROS. Finally, the results of artificial insemination (AI) experiments indicated that insemination with CF-C60-treated sperm can increase the total number of offspring born and reduce the number of deformed piglets. Thus, CF-C60 is safe for use as a component of semen diluent for sperm storage.

Inactivated cGAS-STING Signaling Facilitates Endocrine Resistance by Forming a Positive Feedback Loop with AKT Kinase in ER+HER2- Breast Cancer.

Endocrine-resistant ER+HER2- breast cancer (BC) is particularly aggressive and leads to poor clinical outcomes. Effective therapeutic strategies against endocrine-resistant BC remain elusive. Here, analysis of the RNA-sequencing data from ER+HER2- BC patients receiving neoadjuvant endocrine therapy and spatial transcriptomics analysis both show the downregulation of innate immune signaling sensing cytosolic DNA, which primarily occurs in endocrine-resistant BC cells, not immune cells. Indeed, compared with endocrine-sensitive BC cells, the activity of sensing cytosolic DNA through the cGAS-STING pathway is attenuated in endocrine-resistant BC cells. Screening of kinase inhibitor library show that this effect is mainly mediated by hyperactivation of AKT1 kinase, which binds to kinase domain of TBK1, preventing the formation of a trimeric complex TBK1/STING/IRF3. Notably, inactivation of cGAS-STING signaling forms a positive feedback loop with hyperactivated AKT1 to promote endocrine resistance, which is physiologically important and clinically relevant in patients with ER+HER2- BC. Blocking the positive feedback loop using the combination of an AKT1 inhibitor with a STING agonist results in the engagement of innate and adaptive immune signaling and impairs the growth of endocrine-resistant tumors in humanized mice models, providing a potential strategy for treating patients with endocrine-resistant BC.

A phosphatase-like nanomaterial promotes autophagy and reprograms macrophages for cancer immunotherapy.

Macrophages are plastic and play a key role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In cancer progression, macrophages also take part in all processes, from initiation to progression, to final tumor metastasis. Although energy deprivation and autophagy are widely used for cancer therapy, most of these strategies do not target macrophages, resulting in undesired effects and unsatisfactory outcomes for cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we developed a lanthanum nickel oxide (LNO) nanozyme with phosphatase-like activity for ATP hydrolysis. Meanwhile, the autophagy of macrophages induced by LNO promotes the polarization of macrophages from M2-like macrophages (M2) to M1-like macrophages (M1) and reduces tumor-associated macrophages in tumor-bearing mice, exhibiting the capability of killing tumor-associated macrophages and antitumor effects in vivo. Furthermore, pre-coating the surface of LNO with a myeloid cell membrane significantly enhanced antitumor immunity. Our findings demonstrate that phosphatase-like nanozyme LNO can specifically induce macrophage autophagy, which improves therapeutic efficacy and offers valuable strategies for cancer immunotherapy.

Transcriptomic analysis of the antibacterial mechanism of ε-polylysine-functionalized magnetic composites against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and its application in apple juice.

BACKGROUND: Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a common microorganism in fruit juice. It can produce off-odor metabolites and has been considered to be an important factor in juice contamination. Thus, the development of new strategy for the control of A. acidoterrestris has important practical significance. The primary objective of this work was to assess the antibacterial performance of ε-polylysine-functionalized magnetic composites (Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL) in apple juice and its effect on juice quality. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL against A. acidoterrestris was explored by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). RESULTS: Experimental results indicated that the synthesized composites possessed the ability to inhibit the viability of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells and spores. Besides, investigation on the quality of apple juice incubated with Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL implied that the fabricated composites displayed negligible adverse effects on juice quality. In addition, the results of RNA-Seq demonstrated that 833 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL-treated A. acidoterrestris, which were associated with translation, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, membrane transport and cell integrity. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the treatment of Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA-EPL disrupted energy metabolism, repressed cell wall synthesis and caused membrane transport disorder of bacterial cells. This work provides novel insights into the molecular antibacterial mechanism for ε-polylysine-functionalized magnetic composites against A. acidoterrestris. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antibiotic resistance characterization, virulence factors and molecular characteristics of Bacillus species isolated from probiotic preparations in China.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of antibiotic-resistant Bacillus spp. isolated from probiotic preparations in China. METHODS: Bacillus strains were isolated from probiotic preparations and then identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Drug sensitivity tests were conducted to determine their susceptibility to seven antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the most resistant strains, followed by analysis of their molecular characteristics, resistance genes, and virulence factors. RESULTS: In total, we isolated 21 suspected Bacillus species from seven compound probiotics, which were identified by 16S rDNA as 12 Bacillus licheniformis, six Bacillus subtilis and three Bacillus cereus. The determination of antimicrobial susceptibility showed widespread resistance to chloramphenicol (95.2%), erythromycin (85.7%) and gentamicin (42.9%). Whole genome sequencing of seven resistant strains revealed that J-6-A (Bacillus subtilis) and J-7-A (Bacillus cereus) contained a plasmid. The resistance gene analysis revealed that each strain contained more than ten resistance genes, among which J-7-A was the most. The streptomycin resistance gene strA was detected in all strains. The chloramphenicol resistance genes ykkC and ykkD were found in J-1-A to J-5-A and were first reported in Bacillus subtilis. The erythrocin resistance gene ermD was detected in strains J-1-A to J-4-A. There were also more than 15 virulence factors and gene islands (GIs) involved in each strain. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the potential safety risks of probiotics and remind us to carefully select probiotic preparations containing strains of Bacillus species, especially Bacillus cereus, to avoid the potential spread of resistance and pathogenicity.

Current insights on gut microbiome and chronic urticaria: progress in the pathogenesis and opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches.

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a prevalent skin disorder greatly impacting the patients' life quality, in which immune dysregulation mediated by gut microbiome plays a significant role. Several studies have found the gut dysbiosis exists in patients with CU. In addition, infection may also be one of the causes of CU. The primary treatment currently used for CU is the second-generation non-sedating H1-antihistamines (nsAH). However, there are some limitations in current therapies. Based on the latest evidence, this review provides an updated overview of how the gut dysbiosis influences CU development, explores potential therapeutic approaches based on the gut microbiota and summarizes the interaction between gut microbiota and current treatment.

Multifunctional Microneedle Patch Based on Metal-Phenolic Network with Photothermal Antimicrobial, ROS Scavenging, Immunomodulatory, and Angiogenesis for Programmed Treatment of Diabetic Wound Healing.

In diabetic patients with skin injuries, bacterial proliferation, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tissues, and impaired angiogenesis make wound healing difficult. Therefore, eliminating bacteria, removing ROS, and promoting angiogenesis are necessary for treating acute diabetic wounds. In this study, benefiting from the ability of polyphenols to form a metal-phenolic network (MPN) with metal ions, TA-Eu MPN nanoparticles (TM NPs) were synthesized. The prepared photothermal agent CuS NPs and TM NPs were then loaded onto the supporting base and needle tips of PVA/HA (PH) microneedles, respectively, to obtain PH/CuS/TM microneedles. Antibacterial experiments showed that microneedles loaded with CuS NPs could remove bacteria by the photothermal effect. In vitro experiments showed that the microneedles could effectively scavenge ROS, inhibit macrophage polarization to the M1 type, and induce polarization to the M2 type as well as have the ability to promote vascular endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that PH/CuS/TM microneedles accelerated wound healing by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting angiogenesis in a diabetic rat wound model. Therefore, PH/CuS/TM microneedles have efficient antibacterial, ROS scavenging, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic abilities and hold promise as wound dressings for treating acute diabetic wounds.

A versatile bilayer smart packaging based on konjac glucomannan/alginate for maintaining and monitoring seafood freshness.

This study introduces a novel multi-functional double-layer intelligent packaging. It focuses on developing a dual-function system capable of real-time monitoring and freshness preservation. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) was obtained through acid hydrolysis, and then CNC/soybean protein isolate (CNC/SPI) complex colloid particles were prepared via antisolvent method. These particles served as stabilizers to prepare oil-in-water (O/W) cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion (CSCEO). The CSCEO was then integrated into the emulsified hydrophobic layer of a konjac glucomannan (Kgm) matrix through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Finally, alginate (Alg) matrix containing alizarin (Al) as an indicator was added to construct the bilayer structure using a layer-by-layer casting strategy. The inner layer Alg/Al was the pH/NH3-responsive indicator layer, while the outer layer Kgm/CSCEO acted as the high-barrier bacteriostatic layer. The obtained dual-function, double-layer film (Alg/Al-Kgm/CSCEO), which possesses a sensitive, reversible and rapid response towards pH/NH3, shows exceptional antibacterial and antioxidant properties, as well as excellent mechanical property, light-blocking capability and hydrophobicity. For monitoring and maintaining the actual freshness of shrimp, such a bilayer packaging displays smallest change of ∆E and TVB-N (18.65 mg/100 g) even after 72 h, which further highlighting its potential in enhancing food safety and extending shelf life.

Association between psoriasis and asthma: a systematic review and bidirectional meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis has been identified in previous studies, but the bidirectional association between the two has not been fully explored. METHODS: We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to find relevant observational studies published from the inception of these databases to October 2023. All the risk and bias assessments were analyzed by STATA 16.0. Where the heterogeneity was less than 50%, the fixed effect model was utilized. While where the level of heterogeneity was more than 50%, the random effect model was applied. Moreover, to identify publication bias, a visual funnel chart, and Egger's test were applied. RESULTS: A total of 12,396,911 participants from 16 studies, published between 2011 and 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. We found that psoriasis patients had a higher risk of developing asthma (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.28-1.68). Meanwhile, asthma patients also had a higher overall risk of developing psoriasis (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.23-1.44). In the subgroup analysis, we found that the type of study, age, and severity of the psoriasis were significant factors in the survey of asthma risk in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a bidirectional association between psoriasis and asthma with significantly increased risk. As a result, clinicians should make patients aware of the connection between the two, particularly adolescents or patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who need to be informed about the rising likelihood of developing asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number CRD42023390111 .

Profiling of m6A methylation in porcine intramuscular adipocytes and unravelling PHKG1 represses porcine intramuscular lipid deposition in an m6A-dependent manner.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is mainly determined by intramuscular preadipocyte adipogenesis. Epigenetic modifications are known to have a regulatory effect on IMF. As N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotic RNAs. In the present study, we used m6A methylation and RNA sequencing (seq) to identify the m6A-modified RNAs associated with the adipogenic differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Among them, the expression and m6A level of phosphorylase kinase subunit G1 (PHKG1) were found to be significantly changed during adipogenesis. Further studies revealed that knockdown of the methylase METTL3 decreased the m6A methylation of PHKG1 and led to a reduction in PHKG1. Moreover, knockdown of PHKG1 promoted adipogenic differentiation by upregulating the expression of adipogenic genes. In addition, we found that the IMF content in the longissimus thoracis (LT) of Bamei (BM) pigs was greater than that in Large White (LW) pigs, whereas the m6A and PHKG1 expression levels were lower in BM pigs. These findings indicate that the m6A level and expression of PHKG1 were significantly correlated with IMF content and meat quality. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the mechanism by which m6A modification regulates IMF deposition.

NIR-responsive CN-Pt-GEM hydrogel induces necroptosis and immunotherapeutic responses prevent postoperative recurrence and wound infection in lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cancer recurrence following surgical resection is a major cause of treatment failure. Finding effective methods to prevent postoperative recurrence and wound infection is an important component of successful surgery. With the development of new nanotechnology, more treatment options have been provided for postoperative adjuvant therapy. This study presents an innovative hydrogel system that stimulates tumoricidal immunity after surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and prevents cancer relapse. RESULTS: The hydrogel system is based on the excellent photothermal conversion performance of single-atom platinum (CN-Pt) along with the delivery and release of the chemotherapy drug, gemcitabine (GEM). The system is coated onto the wound surface after tumor removal with subsequent near-infrared (NIR) photothermal therapy, which efficiently induces necroptosis of residual cancer cells, amplifies the levels of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and increases the number of M1 macrophages. The significantly higher levels of phagocytic macrophages enhance tumor immunogenicity and sensitize cancer cells to CD8 + T-cell immunity to control postoperative recurrence, which has been verified using an animal model of postoperative lung cancer recurrence. The CN-Pt-GEM-hydrogel with NIR can also inhibit postoperative wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: These findings introduce an alternative strategy for supplementing antitumor immunity in patients undergoing resection of NSCLC tumors. The CN-Pt-GEM-hydrogel with the NIR system also exhibits good biosafety and may be adaptable for clinical application in relation to tumor resection surgery, wound tissue filling, infection prevention, and recurrence prevention.

Correlation between diameter of esophageal varices and early rebleeding following endoscopic variceal ligation: a multicenter retrospective study based on artificial intelligence-based endoscopic virtual rule.

Background and objective: Bleeding following endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) may occur as a result of numerous factors, including a diameter of esophageal varices (EV) that is too large to be completely ligated. The present study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-based endoscopic virtual ruler (EVR) to measure the diameter of EV with a view to finding more suitable cases for EVL. Methods: The present study was a multicenter retrospective study that included a total of 1,062 EVLs in 727 patients with liver cirrhosis with EV, who underwent EVL from April 2016 to March 2023. Patients were divided into early rebleeding (n = 80) and non-rebleeding groups (n = 982) according to whether postoperative bleeding occurred at 6 weeks. The characteristics of patient baseline data, the status of rebleeding at 6 weeks after surgery and the survival status at 6 weeks after rebleeding were analyzed. Results: The early rebleeding rate following 1,062 EVL procedures was 7.5%, and the mortality rate at 6 weeks after bleeding was 16.5%. Results of the one-way binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for early rebleeding following EVL included: high TB (P = 0.009), low Alb (P = 0.001), high PT (P = 0.004), PVT (P = 0.026), HCC (P = 0.018), high Child-Pugh score (P < 0.001), Child-Pugh grade C(P < 0.001), high MELD score(P = 0.004), Japanese variceal grade F3 (P < 0.001), diameter of EV (P < 0.001), and number of ligature rings (P = 0.029). Results of the multifactorial binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Child-Pugh grade C (P = 0.007), Japanese variceal grade F3 (P = 0.009), and diameter of EV (P < 0.001) may exhibit potential in predicting early rebleeding following EVL. ROC analysis demonstrated that the area under curve (AUC) for EV diameter was 0.848, and the AUC for Japanese variceal grade was 0.635, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Thus, results of the present study demonstrated that EV diameter was more optimal in predicting early rebleeding following EVL than Japanese variceal grade criteria. The cut-off value of EV diameter was calculated to be 1.35 cm (sensitivity, 70.0%; specificity, 89.2%). Conclusion: If the diameter of EV is ≥1.4 cm, there may be a high risk of early rebleeding following EVL surgery; thus, we recommend caution with EVL.

Identification of porcine fast/slow myogenic exosomes and their regulatory effects on lipid accumulation in intramuscular adipocytes.

BACKGROUND: Pork quality is affected by the type of muscle fibers, which is closely related to meat color, tenderness and juiciness. Exosomes are tiny vesicles with a diameter of approximately 30-150 nm that are secreted by cells and taken up by recipient cells to mediate communication. Exosome-mediated muscle-fat tissue crosstalk is a newly discovered mechanism that may have an important effect on intramuscular fat deposition and with that on meat quality. Various of adipose tissue-derived exosomes have been discovered and identified, but the identification and function of muscle exosomes, especially porcine fast/slow myotube exosomes, remain unclear. Here, we first isolated and identified exosomes secreted from porcine extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL), which represent fast and slow muscle, respectively, and further explored their effects on lipid accumulation in longissimus dorsi adipocytes. RESULTS: Porcine SOL-derived exosomes (SOL-EXO) and EDL-derived exosomes (EDL-EXO) were first identified and their average particle sizes were approximately 84 nm with double-membrane disc- shapes as observed via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the intramuscular fat content of the SOL was greater than that of the EDL at 180 days of age, because SOL intramuscular adipocytes had a stronger lipid-accumulating capacity than those of the EDL. Raman spectral analysis revealed that SOL-EXO protein content was much greater than that of EDL-EXO. Proteomic sequencing identified 72 proteins that were significantly differentially expressed between SOL-EXO and EDL-EXO, 31 of which were downregulated and 41 of which were upregulated in SOL-EXO. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that muscle-fat tissue interactions occur partly via SOL-EXO promoting adipogenic activity of intramuscular adipocytes.

Effects of Phloroglucinol on Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Phloroglucinol may be able to improve embryo transfer outcomes. We aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of phloroglucinol on embryo transfer outcomes. METHODS: The databases searched were PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wanfang, CQVIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The last search was on February 7, 2023. The included studies were written in English or Chinese. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies aiming to assess the effect of phloroglucinol on embryo transfer outcomes were included. The studies reported at least one of the primary outcomes (biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A random-effects or fixed model was used where applicable to estimate the results. RESULTS: Seventeen articles reporting 5,953 cycles were included. Biochemical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.20-2.08, I2 = 71%), clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.35-2.10, I2 = 64%), and live birth rate (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.23-1.71, I2 = 36%) were improved by phloroglucinol. Less miscarriage (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.35-0.60, I2 = 0%), less ectopic pregnancy (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.28-0.72, I2 = 0%), higher implantation rate (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.24-1.71, I2 = 62%) but more multiple pregnancy rate (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.13-1.94, I2 = 0%) were induced by phloroglucinol. Endometrial peristaltic waves were improved by phloroglucinol (OR = 22.87, 95% CI = 5.52-94.74, I2 = 72%). CONCLUSION: Phloroglucinol may improve the outcomes of embryo transfer, including biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Further studies are warranted.

Immobilization of pancreatin based on ultrasound-assisted polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan for the detoxification of ochratoxin A in wine.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that globally contaminates fruits and their products. Since OTA have a huge negative impact on health hazards and economic losses, it is imperative to establish an effective and safe strategy for detoxification. Here, pancreatin was immobilized on the surface of polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan (MPCTS@ PDA) for the degradation of OTA. Compared with free pancreatin, MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin displayed excellent thermal stability, acid resistance, storage stability and OTA detoxification in wine (>58%). Moreover, the MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin retained 43% initial activity after 8 reuse cycles. There was no significant change in the quality of wine after MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin treatment. Moreover, it did not exhibit cytotoxicity which facilitated its application in wine. These results demonstrated that MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin can be used as a highly effective biocatalysate for OTA detoxification in wine.