Mechanistic insights into temperature-driven retention and speciation changes of heavy metals (HMs) in ash residues from Co-combustion of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and red mud.

Red mud is a promising candidate for promoting the incineration of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and stabilizing the resulting incineration ash. The combustion conditions, notably temperature, significantly steers the migration and transformation of harmful metal components during combustion, and ultimately affect their retention and speciation in the ash residue. The study attempted to investigate the effect of co-combustion temperature on the enrichment and stability of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb within bottom ashes, and to reveal the underlined promotion mechanism of red mud addition. As temperature increased, red mud's active components formed a robust matrix, helping the formation, melting, and vitrification of silicates and aluminosilicates in the bottom ashes. The process significantly contributed to the encapsulation and stabilization of heavy metals such as Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, with their residual fractions ascending to 71.37%, 55.75%, 74.78%, 84.24%, and 93.54%, respectively. Conversely, high temperatures led to an increase in the proportion of Cr in the extremely unstable acid-soluble fraction of the bottom ashes, reaching 31.52%, posing a heightened risk of environmental migration. Considering the stability of heavy metals in the bottom ashes and the combustion characteristics, 800 °C is identified as the optimal temperature for the co-combustion of RDF and red mud, balancing efficiency and environmental safety. The findings will provide valuable insights for the co-utilization strategy of RDF and red mud, contributing to more informed decision-making in waste-to-energy processes.

[Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating autophagy for intervening in diabetic cardiomyopathy].

Diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that leads to cardiac damage in the later stages of the disease, and its pathogenesis is complex, involving metabolic disorders brought about by a variety of aberrant alterations such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, defects in cardiomyocyte Ca~(2+) transporter, and myocardial fibrosis. Currently, there is a lack of specific diagnosis and treatment in the clinic. Autophagy is a highly conserved scavenging mechanism that removes proteins, damaged organelles or foreign contaminants and converts them into energy and amino acids to maintain the stability of the intracellular environment. Inhibition of autophagy can cause harmful metabolites to accumulate in the cell, while over-activation of autophagy can disrupt normal cellular structures and cause cell death. Prolonged high glucose levels disrupt cardiomyocyte autophagy levels and exacerbate the development of DCM. The protective or detrimental effects of autophagy on cells ring true with the traditional Chinese medicine theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi. Autophagy in the physiological state of the removal of intracellular substances and the generation of substances beneficial to the survival of cells is the inhibition of pathogenic Qi to help the performance of healthy Qi, so the organism is healthy. In the early stages of the disease, when autophagy is impaired and incapable of removing waste substances, pathogenic Qi is prevalent; In the later stages of the disease, excessive activation of autophagy can destroy normal cells, leading to a weakening of healthy Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine has the advantage of targeting multiple sites and pathways. Studies in recent years have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine monomers or formulas can target autophagy, promote the restoration of autophagy levels, maintain mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, and reduce oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in order to prevent and control DCM. This study provides a review of the relationship between autophagy and DCM and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in autophagy for the treatment of DCM, with a view to providing new clinical ideas and methods for the treatment of DCM with traditional Chinese medicine.

Assessing the causal relationship between metabolic biomarkers and coronary artery disease by Mendelian randomization studies.

The development of coronary artery disease (CAD) is significantly affected by impaired endocrine and metabolic status. Under this circumstance, improved prevention and treatment of CAD may result from knowing the connection between metabolites and CAD. This study aims to delve into the causal relationship between human metabolic biomarkers and CAD by using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Utilizing two-sample bidirectional MR analysis, we assessed the correlation between 1400 blood metabolites and CAD, and the metabolites data from the CLSA, encompassing 8299 participants. Metabolite analysis identified 1091 plasma metabolites and 309 ratios as instrumental variables. To evaluate the causal link between metabolites and CAD, we analyzed three datasets: ebi-a-GCST005195 (547,261 European & East Asian samples), bbj-a-159 (29,319 East Asian CAD cases & 183,134 East Asian controls), and ebi-a-GCST005194 (296,525 European & East Asian samples). To estimate causal links, we utilized the IVW method. To conduct sensitivity analysis, we used MR-Egger, Weighted Median, and MR-PRESSO. Additionally, we employed MR-Egger interception and Cochran's Q statistic to assess potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy. What's more, replication and reverse analyses were performed to verify the reliability of the results and the causal order between metabolites and disease. Furthermore, we conducted a pathway analysis to identify potential metabolic pathways. 59 blood metabolites and 27 metabolite ratios nominally associated with CAD (P < 0.05) were identified by IVW analysis method. A total of four known blood metabolites, namely beta-hydroxyisovaleroylcarnitine (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.027-1.094, FDR 0.07), 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.029-1.110, FDR 0.09), 1-stearoyl-2- docosahexaenoyl (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.034-1.113, FDR 0.07) and Linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol, (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.036-1.105, FDR 0.05), and two metabolite ratios, namely spermidine to N-acetylputrescine ratio (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.903-0.972, FDR 0.09) and benzoate to linoleoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol ratio (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.879-0.962, FDR 0.07), were confirmed as having a significant causal relationship with CAD, after correcting for the FDR method (p < 0. 1). A causal relationship was found to be established between beta -hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine and CAD with the validation in other two datasets. Moreover, multiple metabolic pathways were discovered to be associated with CAD. Our study supports the hypothesis that metabolites have an impact on CAD by demonstrating a causal relationship between human metabolites and CAD. This study is important for new strategies for the prevention and treatment of CAD.

[Research progress of traditional Chinese medicines and active ingredients targeting M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance in intervening obese with type 2 diabetes].

Type 2 diabetes(T2DM) is a metabolic disorder marked by glucose toxicity, lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and other pathological manifestations, representing a pressing global health concern. Obesity stands out as a pivotal risk factor for T2DM development. When combined with T2DM, obesity exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. The disturbance in the inflammatory microenvironmental balance between adipose and pancreatic islet tissue emerges as a significant contributor to obese with T2DM development. Macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis and responding to inflammation in adipose and pancreatic islet tissue. Individuals with obese with T2DM exhibit an imbalanced M1/M2 macrophage polarization, contributing to the progression of glycolipid metabolism abnormalities. Hence, restoring the equilibrium of macrophage polarization becomes imperative for obese with T2DM treatment. Scientific researchers have demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) therapies can effectively modulate macrophage polarization, offering a viable approach for treating obese with T2DM. In light of the existing evidence, this study systematically reviewed the research progress of TCM targeting the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization to ameliorate obese with T2DM, so as to furnish evidence supporting the clinical diagnosis and treatment of obese with T2DM with TCM while also contributing to the exploration of the biological basis of obese with T2DM.

Genetically predicted 1091 blood metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Metabolic dysregulation represents a defining characteristic of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Nevertheless, there remains an absence of substantial evidence establishing a direct causal link between circulating blood metabolites and the promotion or prevention of T2DM. In addressing this gap, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal association between 1,091 blood metabolites, 309 metabolite ratios, and the occurrence of T2DM. Methods: Data encompassing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 1,091 blood metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios were extracted from a Canadian Genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 8,299 participants. To evaluate the causal link between these metabolites and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), multiple methods including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR Egger, Weighted Mode, and Simple Mode were employed. p-values underwent correction utilizing False Discovery Rates (FDR). Sensitivity analyses incorporated Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, Steiger test, leave-one-out analysis, and single SNP analysis. The causal effects were visualized via Circos plot, forest plot, and scatter plot. Furthermore, for noteworthy, an independent T2DM GWAS dataset (GCST006867) was utilized for replication analysis. Metabolic pathway analysis of closely correlated metabolites was conducted using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Results: The IVW analysis method utilized in this study revealed 88 blood metabolites and 37 metabolite ratios demonstrating a significant causal relationship with T2DM (p < 0.05). Notably, strong causal associations with T2DM were observed for specific metabolites: 1-linoleoyl-GPE (18:2) (IVW: OR:0.930, 95% CI: 0.899-0.962, p = 2.16 × 10-5), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-GPE (18:2/18:2) (IVW: OR:0.942, 95% CI: 0.917-0.968, p = 1.64 × 10-5), Mannose (IVW: OR:1.133, 95% CI: 1.072-1.197, p = 1.02 × 10-5), X-21829 (IVW: OR:1.036, 95% CI: 1.036-1.122, p = 9.44 × 10-5), and Phosphate to mannose ratio (IVW: OR:0.870, 95% CI: 0.818-0.926, p = 1.29 × 10-5, FDR = 0.008). Additionally, metabolic pathway analysis highlighted six significant pathways associated with T2DM development: Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, Phenylalanine metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, Sphingolipid metabolism, and Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Conclusion: This study identifies both protective and risk-associated metabolites that play a causal role in the development of T2DM. By integrating genomics and metabolomics, it presents novel insights into the pathogenesis of T2DM. These findings hold potential implications for early screening, preventive measures, and treatment strategies for T2DM.

Association of systemic immune inflammatory index with obesity and abdominal obesity: A cross-sectional study from NHANES.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Our aim was to explore the potential relationship between SII and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We utilized a weighted multivariable logistic regression model to investigate the relationship between SII and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity. Generalized additive models were employed to test for non-linear associations. Subsequently, we constructed a two-piecewise linear regression model and conducted a recursive algorithm to calculate inflection points. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed. A total of 7,880 U.S. adult participants from NHANES 2011-2018 were recruited for this study. In the regression model adjusted for all confounding variables, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association between SII/100 and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity, were 1.03 (1.01, 1.06) and 1.04 (1.01, 1.08) respectively. There was a non-linear and reverse U-shaped association between SII/100 and obesity, as well as abdominal obesity, with inflection points at 7.32 and 9.98 respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed before the inflection points, while significant negative correlations were found after the inflection points. There was a statistically significant interaction in the analysis of age, hypertension, and diabetes. Moreover, a notable interaction is observed between SII/100 and abdominal obesity within non-Hispanic Asian populations. CONCLUSIONS: In adults from the United States, there is a positive correlation between SII and the high risk of obesity, as well as abdominal obesity. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to analyze the role of SII in obesity and abdominal obesity.

Associations of muscle mass and strength with depression among US adults: A cross-sectional NHANES study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the association between muscle mass and strength and depression through a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014. METHODS: Muscle mass was calculated by summing the lean body mass of the limbs and muscle strength was assessed by grip strength. Depression was determined by The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We used weighted multivariate logistic regression models to explore the relationship between muscle mass and strength and depression. Generalized additive models were used to test for the presence of nonlinear associations. We then constructed a two-piece-wise linear regression model and performed a recursive algorithm to calculate inflection points. In addition, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed. RESULTS: The study recruited 4871 adults from the United States. In regression models adjusted for all confounding variables, the OR (95 % CI) for the association between grip strength and appendicular lean mass (ALM) and depression were 0.943 (0.903, 0.985), 0.945 (0.908, 0.983), respectively. There was a non-linear association between grip strength and depression with a turning point of 46.3. The OR (95 % CI) before the turning point was 0.920 (0.872, 0.972). The interaction was statistically significant only in the age analysis. There was also a nonlinear association between ALM and depression, but no significant turning point was found. The interaction was statistically significant in the gender and BMI analyses. CONCLUSION: Grip strength and ALM are negatively associated with an increased likelihood of depression in US adults. Exercises for muscle mass and strength may help prevent depression.

Efficacy of telemedicine intervention in the self-management of patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We aimed to report the latest and largest pooled analyses and evidence updates to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for self-management (DSM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science in December 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adults (≥18 years of age) diagnosed with T2DM where the intervention was the application of telemedicine. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment was used to evaluate quality. The study's main outcome indicators were glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes self-management (DSM) capacity. Results: A total of 17 eligible articles, comprising 20 studies and 1,456 patients (734 in the intervention group and 722 in the control group), were included in the evidence synthesis. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar in all outcomes. Comprehensive analyses showed post-intervention decreases in HbA1c, 2-h postprandial glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increases in Diabetes Self- Care activities, DSM competencies based on dietary and medication adherence, and improvements in overall DSM scores, all of which were statistically significant. While no statistically significant differences were observed in body mass index, lipids, and other DSM dimensions. Based on subgroup analyses, app-based experimental interventions targeting under 60 years old populations in Asia and North America were found to be more effective and less heterogeneity in the short term (<6 months of intervention). Conclusion: Telemedicine interventions may assist patients with T2DM in enhancing their DSM and improving their HbA1c levels. Clinician can use various telemedicine interventions to enhance DSM in T2DM patients, considering local circumstances. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024508522.

Nonlinear association of triglyceride-glucose index with hyperuricemia in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite abundant evidence on the epidemiological risk factors of metabolic diseases related to hyperuricemia, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the nonlinear relationship between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and hyperuricemia. Thus, the purpose of this research is to clarify the nonlinear connection between TyG and hyperuricemia. METHODS: From 2011 to 2018, a cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This study had 8572 participants in all. TyG was computed as Ln [triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The outcome variable was hyperuricemia. The association between TyG and hyperuricemia was examined using weighted multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive models, smooth fitting curves, and two-piecewise linear regression models. RESULTS: In the regression model adjusting for all confounding variables, the OR (95% CI) for the association between TyG and hyperuricemia was 2.34 (1.70, 3.21). There is a nonlinear and reverse U-shaped association between TyG and hyperuricemia, with a inflection point of 9.69. The OR (95% CI) before the inflection point was 2.64 (2.12, 3.28), and after the inflection point was 0.32 (0.11, 0.98). The interaction in gender, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes analysis was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Additional prospective studies are required to corroborate the current findings, which indicate a strong positive connection between TyG and hyperuricemia among adults in the United States.

The correlation of obesity status with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in US Asian adults: NHANES 2011-2018.

BACKGROUND: There is a correlation between obesity and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) that tends to be negative. However, this relationship varies among different races. In this study, Asian adults with and without obesity were compared in terms of their levels of 25OHD. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis on 2664 non-Hispanic Asian adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018. To examine the connection between obese status, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and weight, and 25OHD, we ran multivariate linear regression models and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: After adjusting for all confounding factors, obesity status shows a significant positive correlation with vitamin D deficiency (model 3: OR = 2.318, 95% CI:1.317, 4.082). This positive correlation remains significant in males (males: OR = 2.713, 95% CI: -13.398, 5.217). In all three models, a negative association was observed between obesity status and 25OHD (model 1: ß = -4.535, 95% CI: -6.987, -2.083; model 2 ß = -4.249, 95% CI: -6.549, -2.039; model 3 ß = -1.734, 95% CI: -7.285, 3.816). After controlling for covariates, there was a significant negative correlation between WC and 25OHD when stratified by gender and obesity status in both males with and without obesity (males with obesity: ß = -1.461, 95% CI: -2.485, -0.436; males without obesity: ß = -0.855. 95% CI: -1.499, -0.210). In males with obesity, there was a very strong positive connection between body weight and 25OHD (ß = 0.912, 95% CI: 0.227, 1.597). In addition, neither gender's obese individuals showed a significant link between BMI and 25OHD. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a positive correlation between obesity and vitamin D deficiency and a negative correlation between obesity and 25OHD in Asian American adults. Additionally, among male obese individuals, there was a significant negative correlation between WC and 25OHD, an observation that needs to be validated in further prospective studies.

Targeting autophagy with natural products as a potential therapeutic approach for diabetic microangiopathy.

As the quality of life improves, the incidence of diabetes mellitus and its microvascular complications (DMC) continues to increase, posing a threat to people's health and wellbeing. Given the limitations of existing treatment, there is an urgent need for novel approaches to prevent and treat DMC. Autophagy, a pivotal mechanism governing metabolic regulation in organisms, facilitates the removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles, thereby sustaining cellular homeostasis and energy generation. Anomalous states in pancreatic ß-cells, podocytes, Müller cells, cardiomyocytes, and Schwann cells in DMC are closely linked to autophagic dysregulation. Natural products have the property of being multi-targeted and can affect autophagy and hence DMC progression in terms of nutrient perception, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This review consolidates recent advancements in understanding DMC pathogenesis via autophagy and proposes novel perspectives on treating DMC by either stimulating or inhibiting autophagy using natural products.

Application of benzothiadiazole to Cabernet Gernischt grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) for quality improvement: Effects on aroma metabolism precursors and related genes expression.

Pre-harvest spraying of benzothiadiazole (BTH) can improve the winemaking properties of grapes, especially their aroma compounds and phenolics. Limited research has explored the molecular mechanisms by which BTH influences the accumulation of grape aroma precursors during early grape development. This study investigated the effects and putative molecular mechanisms of applying 0.37 mM BTH through whole-plant spraying on the accumulation of aroma metabolism precursors and gene expression in Cabernet Gernischt grapes during ripening. The results showed that BTH treatment increased the levels of fructose, alanine, aspartate, threonine, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, ß-cryptoxanthin, norisoprenoids and methoxypyrazines. Contrarily, it decreased the levels of glucose, sucrose, phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, valine, glycine, arginine, histidine, total unsaturated fatty acids (particularly linoleic acid), zeaxanthin, lutein, and organic acids. Additionally, BTH upregulated the expression of genes associated with the production and degradation of amino acids, fatty acids, and carotenoids while decreasing the expression of genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of soluble sugars and organic acids. Ten different metabolites, including fumaric acid, were identified as potential biological markers for distinguishing BTH-treated grapes from control grapes. The study demonstrates that BTH treatment had a substantial impact on the concentration and developmental patterns of aroma metabolism precursors. Furthermore, it altered the winemaking characteristics of Cabernet Gernischt grapes by modulating genes associated with the production and breakdown of metabolites.

Causal association of obesity with epigenetic aging and telomere length: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: In observational studies, there exists an association between obesity and epigenetic age as well as telomere length. However, varying and partially conflicting outcomes have notably arisen from distinct studies on this topic. In the present study, two-way Mendelian randomization was used to identify potential causal associations between obesity and epigenetic age and telomeres. METHODS: A genome-wide association study was conducted using data from individuals of European ancestry to investigate bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) regarding the causal relationships between obesity, as indicated by three obesity indicators (body mass index or BMI, waist circumference adjusted for BMI or WCadjBMI, and waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI or WHRadjBMI), and four epigenetic age measures (HannumAge, HorvathAge, GrimAge, PhenoAge), as well as telomere length. To assess these causal associations, various statistical methods were employed, including Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR Egger, Weighted Mode, and Simple Mode. To address the issue of multiple testing, we applied the Bonferroni correction. These methods were used to determine whether there is a causal link between obesity and epigenetic age, as well as telomere length, and to explore potential bidirectional relationships. Forest plots and scatter plots were generated to show causal associations between exposures and outcomes. For a comprehensive visualization of the results, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis plots, individual SNP-based forest plots for MR analysis, and funnel plots were included in the presentation of the results. RESULTS: A strong causal association was identified between obesity and accelerated HannumAge, GrimAge, PhenoAge and telomere length shrinkage. The causal relationship between WCadjBMI and PhenoAge acceleration (OR: 2.099, 95%CI: 1.248-3.531, p = 0.005) was the strongest among them. However, only the p-values for the causal associations of obesity with GrimAge, PhenoAge, and telomere length met the criteria after correction using the Bonferroni multiple test. In the reverse MR analysis, there were statistically significant causal associations between HorvathAge, PhenoAge and GrimAge and BMI, but these associations exhibited lower effect sizes, as indicated by their Odds Ratios (ORs). Notably, sensitivity analysis revealed the robustness of the study results. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings reveal a causal relationship between obesity and the acceleration of epigenetic aging as well as the reduction of telomere length, offering valuable insights for further scientific investigations aimed at developing strategies to mitigate the aging process in humans.

[Role of macrophage polarization in hypertension and traditional Chinese medicine intervention: a review].

Hypertension is known to be a chronic inflammatory state and a key risk factor for heart failure, coronary heart disease, and atherosclerosis. Macrophages in the circulatory system are the main cell group that constitutes the immune system and participates in the inflammatory response. Depending on the local microenvironment, macrophages can be polarized into pro-inflammatory(M1) and anti-inflammatory(M2) phenotypes. When blood pressure is elevated, M1 macrophages can release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to generate an immune response. However, an excessive immune response can lead to tissue damage, and M2 macrophages release anti-inflammatory cytokines to promote the repair of wounds and tissue damage. It is clear that the dynamic balance between M1 and M2 macrophages resembles the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of Yin and Yang. That is, when Yin and Yang are imbalanced, the human body will exhibit pathological states, e.g., altered blood pressure rhythms. Studies have confirmed that TCM can produce positive therapeutic effects on hypertension by regulating macrophage polarization. Therefore, this study reviews the studies about the TCM regulation of macrophage polarization and summarized the mechanisms of TCM intervention in hypertension, with the aim of providing evidence for clinical treatment and ideas for scientific research design.

Topological corner states in a silicon nitride photonic crystal membrane with a large bandgap.

The theory of band topology has inspired the discovery of various topologically protected states in the regime of photonics. It has led to the development of topological photonic devices with robust property and versatile functionalities, like unidirectional waveguides, compact power splitters, high-Q resonators, and robust lasers. These devices mainly rely on the on-chip photonic crystal (PhC) in Si or III-V compound materials with a fairly large bandgap. However, the topological designs have rarely been applied to the ultra-low-loss silicon nitride (SiN) platform which is widely used in silicon photonics for important devices and integrated photonic circuits. It is mainly hindered by the relatively low refractive index. In this work, we revealed that a rhombic PhC can open a large bandgap in the SiN slab, and thus support robust topological corner states stemming from the quantization of the dipole moments. Meanwhile, we propose the inclination angle of rhombic lattice, as a new degree of freedom, to manipulate the characteristics of topological states. Our work shows a possibility to further expand the topological protection and design flexibility to SiN photonic devices.

A novel pyrosequencing strategy for RHD zygosity for predicting risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the development of an accurate and quantitative pyrosequence (PSQ) method for paternal RHD zygosity detection to help risk management of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). METHODS: Blood samples from 96 individuals were genotyped for RHD zygosity using pyrosequencing assay. To validate the accuracy of pyrosequencing results, all the samples were then detected by the mismatch polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method and Sanger DNA sequencing. Serological tests were performed to assess RhD phenotypes. RESULTS: Serological results revealed that 36 cases were RhD-positive and 60 cases were RhD-negative. The concordance rate between pyrosequencing assay and mismatch PCR-SSP assay was 94.8% (91/96). There were 5 discordant results between pyrosequencing and the mismatch PCR-SSP assay. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the pyrosequencing assay correctly assigned zygosity for the 5 samples. CONCLUSION: This DNA pyrosequencing method accurately detect RHD zygosity and will help risk management of pregnancies that are at risk of HDFN.

Efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of coronary heart disease combined with hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 78 trials.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of commonly used oral Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of coronary heart disease combined with hyperlipidemia in clinical practice through a network meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, and CNKI databases were searched for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of coronary heart disease combined with hyperlipidemia using Chinese patent medicines. NoteExpress software was used to screen the literature obtained from the databases according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. A network meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.1. Subgroup analyses of outcome indicators were made based on conventional treatment (CT) methods. The incidence of adverse events in the included RCTs was statistically analyzed. A funnel plot was drawn using RevMan 5.4.1 software for the assessment of bias in the total clinical effectiveness rate. Finally, the quality of evidence for interventions with statistically significant differences was evaluated using the GRADE system. RESULTS: A total of 78 RCTs were included, involving 7,955 cases and 8 types of Chinese patent medicines, which were Tongxinluo Capsule, Naoxintong Capsule, Compound Danshen Dripping Pill, Shexiangbaoxin Pill, Songling Xuemaikang Capsule, Xuezhikang Capsule, Yindan Xinnaotong Capsule, and Zhibitai Capsule. A total of 24 RCTs reported the incidence of adverse events, but no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events was found between the experimental and control groups in each study (P > 0.05). There was no obvious publication bias in all studies, but the overall quality of evidence in the included RCTs was low. Comparison of different intervention measures showed that Naoxintong Capsule + CT improved the cardiac index and cardiac output, and lowered the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Tongxinluo Capsule + CT raised high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced triglyceride levels. Xuezhikang Capsule + CT improved the total clinical effectiveness rate. Subgroup analyses showed that differences in CT did not cause heterogeneity in the results. CONCLUSION: Compared with the use of CT alone, the combined use of Chinese patent medicines with CT can effectively improve the symptoms in patients with both coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia.

Silk Fibroin Improves the Biological Properties of Egg White-Based Bioink for the Bioprinting of Tissue Engineering Materials.

Egg white (EW) is a common nutritious food with excellent heat gelation and biocompatibility, but its application in biomaterials is considerably limited. Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein-based fiber with both excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, and its application in biomaterials has attracted much attention. Here, the EW/SF composite scaffold was first synthesized with GMA-modified EW/SF composite bioink (G-EW/SF). When homogenized EW and SF were individually grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), the grafted EW (G-EW) and SF (G-SF) were mixed in different proportions and then added to I2959. The resulting G-EW/SF composite bioink could be bioprinted into various EW/SF composite scaffolds. Among them, the compressive modulus of EW/SF (50%) composite scaffolds incorporating 50% G-SF was significantly improved. It had a three-dimensional (3D) polypore structure with an average pore size of 61 µm and was mainly composed of ß-sheet structures. Compared with the EW scaffold alone, the thermal decomposition temperature of the EW/SF scaffold was 10 °C higher, and the residual rate after 9 days of enzymatic hydrolysis had increased by about 18%. The scaffold prolonged the sustained release of insulin and promoted the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of the L-929 cells. Therefore, the EW/SF composite scaffolds with good cell proliferation ability and certain mechanical properties can be used in different applications including cells, drugs, and tissues. These results provide new prospects for the application of the EW protein to medical tissue engineering materials.

[Potential targets for traditional Chinese medicine treatment of chronic inflammation in obesity: macrophage polarization].

Obesity has been identified as a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and a key risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and malignancies, and has become an urgent global health burden. Adipose tissue macrophages play a significant role in adipose immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Under different conditions, they can be polarized into pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In obese individuals, there is abnormal polarization of macrophages in adipose tissue, leading to an imbalance in the M1/M2 phenotype dynamic equilibrium and the development of pathological inflammation. Therefore, restoring the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization is an important potential target for the treatment of chronic inflammation in obesity. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can positively modulate macrophage polarization and produce beneficial effects on obesity. Based on existing evidence, this paper systematically reviewed the potential mechanisms of TCM in improving chronic inflammation in obesity from the perspective of macrophage polarization, in order to provide evidence for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammation in obesity with TCM and offer new insights for related research design and the development of new TCM.