A novel high-level phenyllactic acid fungal producer, Kodamaea ohmeri w5 screened from fermented broad bean-chili-paste.

Phenyllactic acid (PLA) is a broad-spectrum and efficient antimicrobial phenolic acid with potential applications in the food industry. Previous studies have demonstrated that fungi may be ideal producers of PLA. In this study, 15 fungi screened from Doubanjiang with the ability to produce PLA were first reported, including Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida etchellsii, Candida parasitosis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Pichia membranifaciens and Kodamaea ohmeri. Among them, K. ohmeri w5 had the highest PLA yield, producing up to 7160 mg/L PLA in shake flask fermentation with phenylalanine as substrate, which was more than ten times higher than the PLA produced by wild-type LAB under the similar conditions. In addition, K. ohmeri w5 was able to grow under extreme hypertonic conditions of 20 % NaCl (w/v) and 50 % glucose (w/v) as well as produce 57.12 ± 0.42 and 1609.22 ± 36.26 mg/L of PLA, respectively. Furthermore, the fermentation supernatant of K. ohmeri w5 demonstrated direct inhibitory effects against foodborne pathogenic microorganisms, Aspergillus flavus and Bacillus cereus. However, the inhibitory effect was weaker than that of the PLA standard at the same concentration. Further, 12,497,932 bp of w5 genome-wide information was obtained by sequencing and assembling. And its gene model was predicted based on transcriptomic evidence, which showed that a total of 7 genes related to PLA synthesis were identified in the w5 genome. Based on qRT-PCR, structure prediction, and molecular docking, a potentially key genetic resource from K. ohmeri w5 for PLA production was uncovered. The results will provide novel producers of PLA and its potential genetic resources.

Catalytically active prokaryotic Argonautes employ phospholipase D family proteins to strengthen immunity against different genetic invaders.

Prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) provide bacteria and archaea with immunity against plasmids and viruses. Catalytically active pAgos utilize short oligonucleotides as guides to directly cleave foreign nucleic acids, while inactive pAgos lacking catalytic residues employ auxiliary effectors, such as nonspecific nucleases, to trigger abortive infection upon detection of foreign nucleic acids. Here, we report a unique group of catalytically active pAgo proteins that frequently associate with a phospholipase D (PLD) family protein. We demonstrate that this particular system employs the catalytic center of the associated PLD protein rather than that of pAgo to restrict plasmid DNA, while interestingly, its immunity against a single-stranded DNA virus relies on the pAgo catalytic center and is enhanced by the PLD protein. We also find that this system selectively suppresses viral DNA propagation without inducing noticeable abortive infection outcomes. Moreover, the pAgo protein alone enhances gene editing, which is unexpectedly inhibited by the PLD protein. Our data highlight the ability of catalytically active pAgo proteins to employ auxiliary proteins to strengthen the targeted eradication of different genetic invaders and underline the trend of PLD nucleases to participate in host immunity.

Dietary Fermented Blueberry Pomace Supplementation Improves Small Intestinal Barrier Function and Modulates Cecal Microbiota in Aged Laying Hens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented blueberry pomace (FBP) on the intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiome of aged laying hens. A total of 320 Yukou Jingfen No. 8 laying hens (345-day-old) were randomly divided into a control group, 0.25% FBP group, 0.5% FBP group, or 1.0% FBP group. The results showed that the villus height (VH) in the jejunum of the 0.25-0.5% FBP groups and villus surface area in the jejunum of the 0.25% FBP group were higher (p < 0.05), while 0.25% FBP supplementation displayed a higher (p = 0.070) VH in the ileum compared to the control group. Mucin-2 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the jejunum of the 0.5% FBP group and the ileum of the 0.25-0.5% FBP groups. Compared to the control group, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 expressions were upregulated (p < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group. Microbiota analysis revealed that Prevotella abundance in the cecum of the 0.5-1.0% FBP groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in the 0.25% FBP group. In addition, microbial function prediction analysis showed that cecal microbiota in the 0.25% FBP group were mainly enriched by alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism and methane metabolism. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed the potential correlations between the abundance of the cecal microbiota and intestinal-barrier-function-related gene expressions, as well as the short-chain fatty acid content, of laying hens. In summary, dietary FBP supplementation enhanced intestinal barrier function by improving intestinal morphology, upregulating gene expressions related to barrier function, and altering the cecal microbiota of aged laying hens.

[Etiological analysis of hydronephrosis in adults: A single-center cross-sectional study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiological distribution of hydronephrosis caused by upper urinary tract obstruction in adult patients and to improve the diagnostic accuracy for this condition. METHODS: The clinical information of adult patients with newly diagnosed hydronephrosis in Upper Urinary Tract Repair Outpatient Clinic of Peking University First Hospital from May 2020 to May 2021 were prospectively and continuously collected. Patients with ureteral calculi or upper urinary tract tumor were excluded. A total of 767 patients were involved. The underlying causes of upper urinary tract obstruction were identified by senior urological surgeons according to symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and a range of diagnostic imaging techniques including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), retrograde pyelography, antegrade pyelography, radionuclide renogram and ureteroscopy. RESULTS: Among the 767 patients, 359(46.8%) were male and 408(53.2%) were female. The median age of these patients was 37 years (range, 14-84 years). Hydronephrosis was observed at left-sided in 357 cases(46.6%), right-sided in 251 cases(32.7%), and bilateral in 159 cases(20.7%). The causes of hydronephrosis were classified as follows: (1) Non-iatrogenic factors were found in 464 cases (60.5%). These included urinary malformations in 355 cases(76.5%), infection in 29 cases(6.3%), pelvic lipomatosis and/or cystitis glandularis in 23 cases(5.0%), ureteral endometriosis in 18 cases(3.9%), retroperitoneal fibrosis in 15 cases(3.2%), trauma in 7 cases(1.5%) and other non-iatrogenic factors in 12 cases(2.6%). Some of these patients had multiple non-iatrogenic causes. Among the 355 cases with urinary system malformations, 252 cases (71.0%) had ureteropelvic junction obstruction. (2) Iatrogenic ureteral injuries accounted for 210 cases (27.4%), including 112 cases(53.3%) of urological surgical injuries, 51 cases(24.3%) of radiotherapy for malignant tumor related injuries, 34 cases(16.2%) of gynecological and obstetrical surgical injuries, and 13 cases(6.2%) of general surgical injuries. (3) The cause of hydronephrosis remained unknown in 93 cases(12.1%). CONCLUSION: Hydronephrosis in adults due to upper urinary tract obstruction has a diverse range of causes, with urinary malformations and iatrogenic ureteral injuries being significant contributors. Urological surgeon involved in upper urinary tract reconstruction should be familiar with these potential causes to facilitate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Current status of research on polysaccharide-based functional gradient gel materials: A review.

Functional gradient materials with material property anisotropy are one of the hotspots of current new material research. The gradient change of material properties comes from the change of the content of one or more components in the material, which is closely related to the preparation process of the material. Meanwhile, polysaccharide materials, as an environmentally friendly and green material, have attracted extensive attention from researchers. This paper focuses on the preparation process of functional gradient gel materials based on polysaccharides, analyzes the laws affecting the distribution of substances during the molding process from the basic principles of material molding, and clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, so as to promote the innovation of the theory of the preparation method of functional gradient gel materials. At the same time, the specific applications that can be realized by the gradient materials are introduced and compared with the traditional homogeneous materials to elucidate the enhancement of the usage properties brought by their unique gradient structure or properties, which will play a certain role as a reference for the direction of the application of the subsequent materials.

Endoscopic Management of Adult Primary Obstructive Megaureter: Techniques and Long-term Outcomes.

Background and objective: Few studies on endoscopic management of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) in adult patients have been reported. Our objective was to describe our technique and long-term outcomes for endoscopic management of adult POM. Methods: We included 76 adult POM patients undergoing endoscopic management between September 2015 and January 2024. Under endoscopic control, the stricture was dilated to 24-30 Fr while maintaining a balloon pressure of 25-35 atm for 3 min. An additional incision of the stenotic ring using either an electrode or holmium laser was performed in 39 patients. Data for patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, surgical complications, and follow-up results were analyzed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Surgical success was defined as no tubes or stents in the body, stable or improved symptoms and renal function, and the absence of reflux or obstruction during the follow-up period. Key findings and limitations: All procedures were completed without conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. The median operative time was 45 min (range 16-165) with median estimated blood loss of 2 ml (range 0-150). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 d (range 1-15). No intraoperative complication occurred. At median postoperative follow-up of 42 mo (range 3-100) the overall success rate was 92.1%. Restenosis of the vesicoureteral junction (Clavien-Dindo grade III) occurred in five patients (6.6%), and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux occurred in one patient (1.3%), all of whom required secondary reconstruction surgery. Conclusions and clinical implications: The results indicate that our endoscopic management for adult POM is safe and effective, with favorable long-term outcomes. This approach could potentially serve as a first-line treatment option for adult POM. Patient summary: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) occurs when the flow of urine is blocked because of a narrow segment in the tube between the kidney and bladder (ureter), which causes widening of the ureter further up. For our minimally invasive technique, a telescope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the ureter for surgical treatment. Our results show that this is a safe procedure for POM in adults.

Fish freshness monitoring based on bilayer cellulose acetate/polyvinylidene fluoride membranes containing ZIF-8 loaded curcumin.

This study presented a dual-layer freshness indicator film produced through electrospinning, combining cellulose acetate and polyvinylidene fluoride with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with curcumin as the indicator. Our findings demonstrated that ZIF-8 effectively preserved its metal-organic framework structure during curcumin loading, ensuring the inherent color-changing ability of curcumin. The resulting colorimetric film exhibited altered tensile properties and increased water vapor permeability. Improved light stability and storage performance were observed. Compared to single-layer films, the dual-layer structure improved the hydrophilicity and stability of the indicator film. Importantly, the introduced indicator label efficiently captured the dynamic changes of TVB-N during freshness monitoring, providing comprehensive visual information for assessing fish freshness. The synergistic properties of ZIF-8, curcumin, and the dual-layer film structure contributed to an advanced freshness indicator system, providing a multifunctional and effective approach for real-time freshness assessment of fish freshness.

miR-155 induces sepsis-associated damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier via sirtuin 1/nuclear factor-κB-mediated intestinal pyroptosis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening state of organ dysfunction caused by systemic inflammation and a dysfunctional response to host infections that can induce severe intestinal mucosal damage. Pyroptosis is mediated by the activated NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome after stimulation by various inflammatory factors during sepsis. The inflammatory response is a major driver of intestinal damage during sepsis. Intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in sepsis is associated with pyroptosis, a type of programmed inflammatory cell death. Several studies have confirmed the role of miR-155 in sepsis and other diseases. However, the effect of miR-155 on intestinal pyroptosis in the context of intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction during sepsis remains unclear. Thus, a model of sepsis in Sprague-Dawley rats is established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and a series of molecular biological methods are used in this study. The results show that the expression of miR-155 is increased and that of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is decreased in the intestinal tissues of patients with sepsis. miR-155 expression is negatively correlated with SIRT1 expression. Increased miR-155 expression significantly inhibits SIRT1 activity and upregulates the expressions of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) to promote pyroptosis. The inhibition of miR-155 expression is associated with increased SIRT1 expression, promotes the deacetylation of p65, and significantly downregulates p65 acetylation. Herein, we propose that miR-155 induces pyroptosis in the intestine partly by regulating SIRT1, thereby reducing the deacetylation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunit p65 and increasing NF-κB signaling activity in sepsis, leading to intestinal barrier damage.

A ratiometric fluorescent electrospun film with high amine sensitivity and stability for visual monitoring of livestock meat freshness.

Ratiometric fluorescent films with high amine sensitivity and stability were developed to monitor the freshness of beef and pork. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and red carbon quantum dots (R-CQD) were used as the amine-responsive indicator and internal reference, respectively. The electrospun films prepared by immobilizing FITC and R-CQD complex (F-R) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) under 35 %, 55 % and 75 % of relative humidity (RH) were named F-R@PVDF-1, F-R@PVDF-2 and F-R@PVDF-3, respectively. In comparison, the F-R@PVDF-2 film exhibited the highest sensitivity to trimethylamine (TMA), demonstrating a limit of detection (LOD) value of 1.59 µM, and meanwhile high stability during storage with ΔE value of 1.99 after 14 days of storage at 4 °C. The F-R@PVDF-2 film also showed a significant fluorescent red-to-brown color change during meat freshness monitoring at 4 °C. Conclusively, this study reported a new ratiometric fluorescent film that can be used to track the freshness of meats in food packaging.

Enhanced nitrogen removal for low C/N wastewater via preventing futile carbon oxidation and augmenting anammox.

Efficient carbon use is crucial for biological nitrogen removal. Traditional aerobic processes can waste carbon sources, exacerbating carbon deficiency. This study explores an anaerobic/oxic/anoxic system with sludge double recirculation to improve nitrogen removal in low C/N wastewater. This system integrated aerobic nitrification after the carbon intracellular storage, separating carbon and nitrogen by denitrifying glycogen-accumulating organisms (DGAOs) with endogenous partial denitrification and Anammox within the anoxic units. A significant efficiency of 91.02±7.01% chemical oxygen demand (COD) was converted into intracellular carbon in anaerobic units, significantly reducing carbon futile oxidation in the aerobic units by effectively separating COD from ammonia. Intracellular storage of carbon sources and microbial adaptation to carbon scarcity prevent futile oxidation of COD in the aerobic units even with short-term high dissolved oxygen (DO), thereby enhancing nitrogen removal under anoxic conditions with sufficient intracellular carbon source. The microbial analysis identified Candidatus Brocadia as the dominant anammox bacteria, in combination with the activity of DGAOs and other related microbial communities, accounting for 37.0% of the TN removal. Consequently, the system demonstrated remarkable nitrogen removal efficiencies, achieving 81.3±3.3% for total nitrogen (TN) and 98.5±0.9% for ammonia nitrogen while maintaining an effluent COD concentration of 17.2±9.1 mg/L, treating the low C/N of 4.18 in the influent wastewater. The findings in this study provide a sustainable and energy-saving technique for conventional WWTPs to meet strict discharge standards by avoiding futile oxidation of COD and encouraging anammox contributions.

The modified Whitaker test in evaluating the surgical effect after ileal ureter replacement.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel adaptation of the Whitaker test for assessing the surgical effects of ileal ureter replacement (IUR), and to evaluate its feasibility and effect in the postoperative evaluation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2021 to September 2023, patients undergoing the modified Whitaker test following IUR were prospectively enrolled. The relative pressure was defined as the pelvis pressure minus the bladder pressure. Successful nephrostomy removal was defined as absence of symptoms and improved or stable hydronephrosis. RESULTS: The 51 ureters from 39 patients underwent the modified Whitaker test after IUR. The modified Whitaker test was performed successfully on all patients without any reported discomfort. The relative pressure of 47 ureters kept steady (< 15 cmH2O) throughout the examination with well ileal ureter peristalsis and was classified into type I. The relative pressure of 2 ureters increased with perfusion reaching a range of 15-22 cmH2O, with well ileal ureteral peristalsis observed (type II). The relative pressure of 2 ureters increased along with perfusion, with weakening of ileal ureter peristalsis or a leakage of contrast medium, and the relative pressure surpassed 22 cmH2O (type III). Nephrostomy tubes were promptly removed for type I and type II ureters, while removal for type III ureters occurred after a 2-month period. None of the 39 patients required additional interventions for recurrent obstruction. CONCLUSION: The modified Whitaker test was a safe and effective approach for the evaluation of surgical effects of IUR, offering additional evidence to assess the safety of nephrostomy tube removal.

Irinotecan hydrochloride liposome HR070803 in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma following prior gemcitabine-based therapy (PAN-HEROIC-1): a phase 3 trial.

Liposomal irinotecan has shown promising antitumor activity in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who have undergone prior gemcitabine-based therapies. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter phase 3 study (NCT05074589) assessed the efficacy and safety of liposomal irinotecan HR070803 combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) in this patient population. Patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic PDAC who had previously received gemcitabine-based therapies were randomized 1:1 to receive either HR070803 (60 mg/m2 anhydrous irinotecan hydrochloride, equal to 56.5 mg/m2 free base) or placebo, both in combination with 5-FU (2000 mg/m2) and LV (200 mg/m2), all given intravenously every two weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). A total of 298 patients were enrolled and received HR070803 plus 5-FU/LV (HR070803 group, n = 149) or placebo plus 5-FU/LV (placebo group, n = 149). Median OS was significantly improved in the HR070803 group compared to the placebo group (7.4 months [95% CI 6.1-8.4] versus 5.0 months [95% CI 4.3-6.0]; HR 0.63 [95% CI 0.48-0.84]; two-sided p = 0.0019). The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events in the HR070803 group were increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (19.0% versus 11.6% in placebo group) and decreased neutrophil count (12.9% versus 0 in placebo group). No treatment-related deaths occurred in the HR070803 group, while the placebo group reported one treatment-related death (abdominal infection). HR070803 in combination with 5-FU/LV has shown promising efficacy and manageable safety in advanced or metastatic PDAC in the second-line setting, representing a potential option in this patient population.

The developmental trajectory of prosocial behavior in economically disadvantaged children: General tendencies and heterogeneity.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored the general tendencies and heterogeneous developmental trajectory of prosocial behavior and predictors. METHOD: The present study conducted latent growth model and growth mixture model analyses in a sample of 814 students (Mage = 13.79 years old at baseline; 57% girls) from economically disadvantaged families, classified as being below the local income threshold in China, with four follow-up surveys administered during the following 2 years. RESULTS: The general tendency in the developmental trajectory of prosocial behavior showed a linear decrease. A gender difference in initial levels was observed, with girls showing a higher initial level of prosocial behavior than boys. Family functioning, subjective support, and support utilization significantly affected the intercept, but objective support significantly negatively affected the slope. Heterogeneity in the development of prosocial behavior was best classified with a 3-class solution, including C1 (Rapid-decrease, 10.6%), C2 (Medium-stable, 42.5%), and C3 (High-increase, 46.9%). The patterns of prosocial behavior development in economically disadvantaged children with higher family functioning were more likely to be in the High-increase Class than in the Rapid-decrease Class. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed an average decline in the trajectories of prosocial behavior development in economically disadvantaged children. However, it also captured heterogeneous developmental trajectories. Furthermore, the study revealed that family functioning, subjective support, and support utilization all served as protective factors for prosocial behavior among economically disadvantaged children.

In-host intra- and inter-species transfer of blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 in Serratia marcescens and its local and global epidemiology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate interspecies transfer of resistance gene blaNDM-1 and intraspecies transfer of resistance gene blaKPC-2 in Serratia marcescens, and explore the epidemical and evolutionary characteristics of carbapenemase-producing S. marcescens (CPSM) regionally and globally. METHODS: Interspecies and intraspecies transfer of blaKPC-2- or blaNDM-1 were identified by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, plasmid conjugation and curing, discovery of transposable units (TUs), outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), qPCR, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatic analysis. The genomic evolution of CPSM strains was explored by cgSNP and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree. RESULTS: CPSM S50079 strain, co-carrying blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 on one plasmid, was isolated from the blood of a patient with acute pancreatitis and could generate TUs carrying either blaKPC-2 or blaNDM-1. The interspecies transfer of blaNDM-1-carrying plasmid from Providencia rettgeri P50213, producing the identical blaNDM-1-carrying TUs, to S. marcescens S50079K, an S50079 variant via plasmid curing, was identified through blaNDM-1-harbouring plasmid conjugation and OMVs transfer. Moreover, the intraspecies transfer of blaKPC-2, mediated by IS26 from plasmid to chromosome in S50079, was also identified. In another patient, who underwent lung transplantation, interspecies transfer of blaNDM-1 carried by IncX3 plasmid was identified among S. marcescens and Citrobacter freundii as well as Enterobacter hormaechei via plasmid transfer. Furthermore, 11 CPSM from 349 non-repetitive S. marcescens strains were identified in the same hospital, and clonal dissemination, with carbapenemase evolution from blaKPC-2 to both blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1, was found in the 8 CPSM across 4 years. Finally, the analysis of 236 global CPSM from 835 non-repetitive S. marcescens genomes, retrieved from the NCBI database, revealed long-term spread and evolution worldwide, and would cause the convergence of more carbapenemase genes. CONCLUSIONS: Interspecies transfer of resistance gene blaNDM-1 and intraspecies transfer of resistance gene blaKPC-2 in CPSM were identified. Nosocomial and global dissemination of CPSM were revealed and more urgent surveillance was acquired.

Rapid and Facile Synthesis of Homoporous Colorimetric Films Using Leaf Vein-Mediated Emulsion Evaporation Method for Visual Monitoring of Food Freshness.

A new method for rapid and facile fabrication of homoporous films with high volatile amine sensitivity was developed. First, red cabbage anthocyanin was encapsulated in ethyl cellulose to form water-in-organic (W/O) emulsion. Afterward, the W/O emulsion was rapidly dried using the supporting matrix Magnolia Grandiflora Linn leaf vein at 60% relative humidity and 50 °C to form a colorimetric film with regular hexagonal pores with an average side length of about 23 µm. The films exhibited good sensitivity to ammonia (NH3), dimethylamine, and trimethylamine, with limit of detection of 0.26, 0.24, and 0.38 µM, respectively, and high stability when stored in high humid environments. An obvious color change of the films from pink to green was clearly observed during the freshness monitoring of pork, chicken, salmon, and shrimp. Thus, this work offered a novel and reliable method for the development of porous films for food freshness monitoring.

Fermented blueberry pomace supplementation improves egg quality, liver synthesis, and ovary antioxidant capacity of laying hens.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fermented blueberry pomace (FBP) supplementation on production performance, egg quality and nutritional value, plasma biochemical parameters, follicle number, reproductive hormones, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of laying hens during the late laying period. A total of 320 (345-d-old) Yukou Jingfen No. 8 laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups, with eight replicates per group and 10 hens per replicate. The birds were fed a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% FBP. The trial lasted 56 d. The results showed that FBP (0.25-1.0%) supplementation increased the egg albumen height and Haugh unit compared with the control group on d 14, while 0.5 to 1.0% FBP increased the eggshell thickness compared with the 0.25% FBP group on d 28 of the trial (P < 0.05). The methionine content in egg white was higher (P < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group compared with the 0.25% FBP group. The CAT activity in the ovary was increased (P < 0.05) in the FBP groups compared with the control group, while plasma GSH-PX activity was higher (P < 0.05) in the 1.0% FBP group compared with the 0.25% FBP and 0.5% FBP groups. Dietary FBP supplementation up-regulated (P < 0.05) gene expressions related to lipid metabolism in the liver (ACC, FAS, SCD1, and SREBP1) and yolk precursor synthesis (ESR2 and VTG II). Moreover, CYP11A1 expression in the ovary was up-regulated (P < 0.05) in the FBP groups compared with the control group, as well as in the 0.25% FBP group compared with the 1.0% FBP group. In summary, dietary FBP supplementation improved egg quality and nutritional value, ovarian antioxidant capacity, and yolk precursor synthesis, while 1.0% FBP had better effects than 0.25 and 0.5% doses.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with COVID-19 pandemic: A real-world observation study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and retinal imaging features of Chinese patients with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with COVID-19. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. METHODS: Retinal imaging, including color fundus photography, near-infrared imaging (NIR), swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and Humphrey perimetry, were conducted for each case. RESULTS: All cases were included within the first three months following the pandemic outbreak. A total of 12 male patients (36.36 %) and 21 female patients (63.64 %) were prospectively recruited, and 29 cases (87.88 %) were bilaterally affected. The median interval between the onset of fever and the appearance of ocular symptoms was two days (range, 0.5-5.0 days). Apart from the outer retinal changes typical of AMN, changes in the inner retinal layers were observed, including intraretinal hemorrhage (8.06 %), cotton wool spots (9.68 %), and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) (8.06 %). Smaller retinal inner nuclear layer hyperreflective speckles (RIHS) (41.94 %) were identified as a distinguishing feature from typical PAMM. Voids of vessel signals were found in the superficial (11.54 %), intermediate (82.69 %), and deep capillary plexus (98.08 %), and in the choriocapillaris (19.23 %) on OCTA. Humphrey perimetry illustrated central, paracentral, and peripheral scotomas. The occult lesions associated with AMN, PAMM, and some of the RIHS illustrated by OCT were visualized topographically and further confirmed by OCTA as perfusion defects. CONCLUSION: An increase in AMN cases correlated with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Additional features, including widespread inner retinal perfusion deficits, were observed and may serve as potential biomarkers for systemic microcirculation dysregulation in COVID-19.

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-Assisted Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treat-ment of Ureteral Strictures using Kangduo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus.

PURPOSE: Ureteroplasty using buccal or lingual mucosa graft Is feasible for complex proximal ureteral stricture (1, 2). Ileal ureter replacement is considered as the last resort for ureteral reconstruction. Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement can be performed safely and effectively (3). In China, the KangDuo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus (KD-SR-2000 Plus) has been developed featuring two surgeon consoles and five robotic arms. This study aims to share our experience with totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement using KD-SR-2000 Plus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 59-year-old female patient underwent a complete intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. The surgical procedure involved dissecting the proximal ends of the bilateral ureteral strictures, harvesting the ileal ureter, restoring intestinal continuity, and performing an anastomosis between the ileum and the ureteral end as well as the bladder. The data were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The surgery was successfully completed with single docking without open conversion. The length of the harvested ileal ureter was 25 cm. The docking time, operation time and console time were 3.4 min., 271 min and 231 min respectively. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The postoperative hospitalization was 6 days. No perioperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: It is technically feasible to perform totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A longer follow-up and a larger sample size are required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.