Palmitic acid-capped MIL-101-Al as a nano-adjuvant to amplify immune responses against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

As a highly contagious opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the main causes of healthcare-associated infections. The drug-resistant nature of P. aeruginosa can render antibiotic treatments ineffective, leading to a high morbidity and mortality. Higher specificity and reduced toxicity are features of immunotherapy, which can generate robust immune responses and preserve long-term immunological memory to completely eradicate infections. In this study, we developed a type of P. aeruginosa vaccine based on a metal-organic framework. Specifically, MIL-101-Al nanoparticles were synthesized to encapsulate antigens derived from the bacterial lysate (BL) of PAO1, a drug-resistant P. aeruginosa, and the adjuvant unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligonucleotide (CpG), which were then modified with palmitic acid (PAA) to obtain MIL-BC@PAA. The stability and biocompatibility were significantly increased by capping with PAA. Moreover, MIL-BC@PAA showed significantly enhanced uptake by antigen presenting cells (APCs), and promoted their maturation. Importantly, immunity studies revealed the greatly elicited antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses, and a protection rate of about 70% was observed in P. aeruginosa-challenged mice. Overall, these results demonstrate the promising potential of MIL-BC@PAA as an ideal nanovaccine for P. aeruginosa vaccination.

KAT8 enhances the resistance of lung cancer cells to cisplatin by acetylation of PKM2.

Cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy resistance is a major challenge for lung cancer treatment. PKM2 is the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis, which is associated with CDDP resistance. KAT8 is an acetyltransferase that regulates lung cancer progression. Thus, we aimed to explore whether KAT8 regulates PKM2 acetylation to participate in CDDP resistance. CDDP resistance was analyzed by CCK-8, flow cytometry and western blotting. To explore the regulation of KAT8 on PKM2, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP), immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation followed by western blotting were performed. Glycolysis was determined using glucose consumption, lactate production, ATP level detection kits and extracellular acidification rate assay. We observed that KAT8 levels were downregulated in CDDP-treated A549 and PC9 cells. Interference with KAT8 inhibited cell viability, promoted apoptosis and upregulated PARP1 and cleaved-PARP1 levels of A549 cells treated with CDDP, suggesting the sensitivity to CDDP was enhanced, while KAT8 overexpression attenuated the CDDP sensitivity. Moreover, KAT8 interacted with PKM2 to promote the PKM2 K433 acetylation. PKM2 K433 mutated plasmids inhibited the si-KAT8-regulated cell viability, apoptosis and glycolysis compared with PKM2-WT. Besides, KAT8 reversed the inhibition of tumor growth caused by CDDP. In conclusion, KAT8-mediated PKM2 K433 acetylation was associated with the resistance of lung cancer cells to CDDP. The findings may provide a new idea for the treatment of CDDP-resistant lung cancer.

Multiarmed DNA jumper and metal-organic frameworks-functionalized paper-based bioplatform for small extracellular vesicle-derived miRNAs assay.

Small extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs (sEV-miRNAs) have emerged as promising noninvasive biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. Herein, we developed a molecular probe based on three-dimensional (3D) multiarmed DNA tetrahedral jumpers (mDNA-Js)-assisted DNAzyme activated by Na+, combined with a disposable paper-based electrode modified with a Zr-MOF-rGO-Au NP nanocomplex (ZrGA) to fabricate a novel biosensor for sEV-miRNAs Assay. Zr-MOF tightly wrapped by rGO was prepared via a one-step method, and it effectively aids electron transfer and maximizes the effective reaction area. In addition, the mechanically rigid, and nanoscale-addressable mDNA-Js assembled from the bottom up ensure the distance and orientation between fixed biological probes as well as avoid probe entanglement, considerably improving the efficiency of molecular hybridization. The fabricated bioplatform achieved the sensitive detection of sEV-miR-21 with a detection limit of 34.6 aM and a dynamic range from100 aM to 0.2 µM. In clinical blood sample tests, the proposed bioplatform showed results highly consistent with those of qRT-PCRs and the signal increased proportionally with the NSCLC staging. The proposed biosensor with a portable wireless USB-type analyzer is promising for the fast, easy, low-cost, and highly sensitive detection of various nucleic acids and their mutation derivatives, making it ideal for POC biosensing.

Single-Round Circular Aptamer Discovery Using Bioinspired Magnetosome-Like Magnetic Chain Cross-Linked Graphene Oxide.

Circular aptamers are promising candidates for analytical and therapeutic applications due to their enhanced biological and structural stability. However, the process of circular aptamer selection remains a great challenge, as it requires multiple rounds of binding-separation-amplification that involves issues with nonspecific binding and amplification bias. Here, we develop a highly practical solution for reliable selection of circular aptamers in a single round based on magnetosome-like magnetic chain cross-linked graphene oxide (separation efficiency ≈ 105). High-affinity aptamer candidates can be rapidly selected from a preenriched circular DNA library, while low-affinity candidates are effectively adsorbed and separated by magnetosome-like magnetic chain cross-linked graphene oxide. With lipopolysaccharide as a representative model, the single-round selected lipopolysaccharide circular aptamer has been identified to have a high binding affinity with a Kd value of low to nanomolar range. Using this method, circular aptamers for protein and small-molecule targets were also successfully generated. We envision that this approach will accelerate the discovery of various new circular aptamers and open up a new avenue for analytical and therapeutic studies.

Discovery of sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Chloranthus henryi Hemsl. var. hupehensis (Pamp.) K. F. Wu and their anti-inflammatory activity by IKBα/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway suppression.

Phytochemical analysis of Chloranthus henryi var. hupehensis roots led to the identification of a new eudesmane sesquiterpenoid dimer, 18 new sesquiterpenoids, and three known sesquiterpenoids. Among the isolates, 1 was a rare sesquiterpenoid dimer that is assembled by a unique oxygen bridge (C11-O-C8') of two highly rearranged eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes with the undescribed C16 carbon framework. (+)-2 and (-)-2 were a pair of new skeleton dinorsesquiterpenoids with a remarkable 6/6/5 tricyclic ring framework including one γ-lactone ring and the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and quantum chemical computations. In the LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cell model, 17 suppressed IL-1ß and TNF-α expression with EC50 values of 6.81 and 2.76 µM, respectively, indicating its excellent efficacy in inhibiting inflammatory factors production in a dose dependent manner and without cytotoxicity. In subsequent mechanism studies, compounds 3, 16, and 17 could reduce IL-1ß and TNF-α production by inhibiting IKBα/p65 pathway activation.

A hydrogel-functionalized silver nanocluster for bacterial-infected wound healing.

The ever-growing challenges of traditional antibiotic therapy and chronic wound healing have created a hot topic for the development and application of new antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) with ultrasmall sizes (<2 nm) and antibacterial effects are promising candidates for next-generation antibiotics, particularly against multi-drug resistant strains. However, the biosafety in the clinical application of Ag NCs remains suboptimal despite some existing studies of Ag NCs for biomedical applications. Considering this, an ultrasmall Ag NC with excellent water solubility was synthesized by a two-phase ligand-exchange method, which exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial performance. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Ag NCs against MRSA, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli were evaluated as 50, 80, 5 and 5 µg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, a carbomer hydrogel was prepared to be incorporated into the Ag NCs for achieving excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the Ag NC-gel exhibits good antibacterial properties with lower cytotoxicity. Finally, in vivo experiments suggest that this ultrasmall Ag NC functionalized with the hydrogel can serve as an effective and safe antimicrobial agent to aid in wound healing.

Endovascular Therapy and Outcomes Among Patients With Very Large Ischemic Core Stroke.

Importance: The association of endovascular therapy (EVT) with outcomes is unclear for patients with very low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) within 24 hours of stroke onset. Objective: To explore the association of EVT with functional and safety outcomes among patients with ASPECTS of 0 to 2 scored with noncontrast computed tomography. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used data from an ongoing, prospective, observational, nationwide registry including all patients treated at 38 stroke centers in China with an occlusion in the internal carotid artery or M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery within 24 hours of witnessed symptom onset. Patients with ASPECTS of 0 to 2 between November 1, 2021, and February 8, 2023, were included in analysis. Data were analyzed October to November 2023. Exposures: EVT vs standard medical treatment (SMT). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 0 to 3, at 90 days. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 hours and mortality at 90 days. Results: A total of 245 patients (median [IQR] age, 71 [63-78] years; 118 [48%] women) with ASPECTS of 0 to 2 were included, of whom 111 patients (45.1%) received SMT and 135 patients (54.9%) received EVT. The EVT group had significantly greater odds of favorable functional outcome at 90 days than the SMT group (30 patients [22.2%] vs 11 patients [9.9%]; P = .01; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.07 [95% CI, 1.29-7.31]; P = .01). Patients in the EVT group, compared with the SMT group, had significantly greater odds of any ICH (56 patients [41.5%] vs 16 patients [11.4%]; P < .001; aOR, 4.27 [95% CI, 2.19-8.35]; P < .001) and sICH (24 patients [17.8%] vs 1 patient [0.9%]; P < .001; aOR, 23.07 [95% CI, 2.99-177.79]; P = .003) within 48 hours. There were no differences between groups for 90-day mortality (80 patients [59.3%] vs 59 patients [53.2%]; P = .34; aOR, 1.38 [95% CI, 0.77-2.47]; P = .28). The results remained robust in the propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with very low ASPECTS based on NCCT within 24 hours of stroke onset, those treated with EVT had higher odds of a favorable functional outcome compared with those who received SMT. Randomized clinical trials are needed to assess these findings.

Effect of Miscellaneous Meals Replacing Soybean Meal in Feed on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Microbiota Composition of 25-50 kg Growing Pigs.

The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content in growing pigs (25-50 kg). A total of 72 (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with initial weights of 25.79 ± 0.23 kg were randomly divided into three treatments. The pigs were fed corn-soybean meal (CON), corn-soybean-miscellaneous meals (CSM), and corn-miscellaneous meals (CMM). Each treatment included six replicates with four pigs per pen (n = 24, 12 barrows and 12 gilts). Soybean meal accounted for 22.10% of the basal diet in the CON group. In the CSM group, miscellaneous meals partially replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 4.50% rapeseed meal, 3.98% cottonseed meal, and 4.50% sunflower meal. In the CMM group, miscellaneous meals entirely replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 8.50% rapeseed meal, 8.62% cottonseed meal, and 8.5% sunflower. The results showed that compared with the CON, the CSM and CMM groups significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage (p < 0.05) but had no effects on average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily feed intake/average daily gain (F/G) (p > 0.05). Moreover, the CMM group significantly reduced nutrient apparent digestibility of gross energy compared with the CON group. The serum biochemical parameters results showed that the CSM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP) compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The CMM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). In comparison with the CON group, the CMM group also significantly improved lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), and citrulline (Cit) levels in serum (p < 0.05). However, the CMM group significantly decreased non-essential amino acid content glycine (Gly) in serum compared with CON (p < 0.05), while compared with the CON group, the CSM and CMM groups had no significant effects on the relative abundance, the alpha-diversity, or the beta-diversity of fecal microbiota. Moreover, compared with the CON group, the CSM group significantly increased butyric acid and valeric acid contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces (p < 0.05). In contrast to the CON group, the CMM group significantly reduced the contents of SCFAs in feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) can partially replace the soybean meal and significantly improve the growth performance of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage. Thus, miscellaneous meals are a suitable protein source as basal diets to replace soybean meals for 25-50 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal.

Synergistic effect of Ti3C2Tx MXene/PAN nanofiber and LLZTO particles on high-performance PEO-based solid electrolyte for lithium metal battery.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been considered the most promising separators for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) due to their ease of processing and low cost. However, the practical applications of SPEs in ASSLMBs are limited by their low ionic conductivities and mechanical strength. Herein, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected MXene (Ti3C2Tx) network and Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) particles synergistically reinforced polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based SPE, where the association of Li+ with ether-oxygen in PEO could be significantly weakened through the Lewis acid-base interactions between the electron-absorbing group (Ti-F, -O-) of Ti3C2Tx and Li+. Besides, the TFSI- in lithium salts could be immobilized by hydrogen bonds from the Ti-OH of Ti3C2Tx. The 3D interconnected Ti3C2Tx network not only alleviated the agglomeration of inorganic fillers (LLZTO), but also improved the mechanical strength of composite solid electrolyte (CSE). Consequently, the assembled Li||CSE||Li symmetric battery showed excellent cycling stability at 35 ℃ (stable cycling over 3000 h at 0.1 mA cm-2, 0.1 mAh cm-2) and -2 ℃ (stable cycling over 2500 h at 0.05 mA cm-2, 0.05 mAh cm-2). Impressively, the LiFePO4||CSE||Li battery showed a high discharge capacity of 145.3 mAh/g at 0.3 C after 300 cycles at 35 ℃. This rational structural design provided a new strategy for the preparation of high-performance solid-state electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.

Experimental study on the effect of adjacent near-wall heat sources on the particle deposition.

Adjacent near-wall heat sources are widely used in indoor environments. It is important to investigate the particle deposition under the influence of coupled thermal plumes arising from adjacent near-wall heat sources to improve indoor air quality and control harmful particle deposition. Thus, this study scrutinizes the behavior of thermal plumes emanating from adjacent near-wall heat sources, focusing on the deposition of particles with diameters of 0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1.0 µm and 3.0 µm on the wall behind the heat sources. These findings are juxtaposed with the pattern of particles with varying sizes situated above the single near-wall heat source and away from the heat sources. The study delves into the impact of varying surface temperatures and the distance from the wall behind the heat sources, as well as the top surface of the heat source, on particle deposition in 29 distinct cases. The results indicate that the deposition velocity of particles with the same size is highest above the adjacent near-wall heat sources, followed by that of a single near-wall heat source, and finally, locations away from the near-wall heat source. Also, the decay rate loss coefficient of particles with the same size above the adjacent near-wall heat sources increases with a decrease in the distance of the heat sources from the wall behind them, an increase in the temperature of the heat sources, and a reduction in distance from the top surface of heat sources.

Atmospheric Light Estimation Using Polarization Degree Gradient for Image Dehazing.

A number of image dehazing techniques depend on the estimation of atmospheric light intensity. The majority of dehazing algorithms do not incorporate a physical model to estimate atmospheric light, leading to reduced accuracy and significantly impacting the effectiveness of dehazing. This article presents a novel approach for estimating atmospheric light using the polarization state and polarization degree gradient of the sky. We utilize this approach to enhance the outcomes of image dehazing by applying it to pre-existing dehazing algorithms. Our study and development of a real-time dehazing system has shown that the approach we propose has a clear advantage over previous methods for estimating ambient light. After incorporating the proposed approach into existing defogging methods, a significant improvement in the effectiveness of defogging was noted through the assessment of various criteria such as contrast, PSNR, and SSIM.

Polyurethane-Encapsulated Biomass Films Based on MXene@Loofah Sponge for Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Applications.

Multifunctional wearable electronic sensors exhibit significant potential for applications in health management, motion tracking, intelligent healthcare, etc. In this study, we developed a novel assembly method for a polymeric silver nanowire (Ag NW)/transition metal carbide/nitride (MXene) @Loofah device using a facile solution dip-coating technique. During the pretreatment phase, the loofah was conditioned with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC), promoting the self-assembly of MXene layers and bolstering device stability. Then, the Ag NWs/MXene@Loofah was packaged with polyurethane to form a piezoresistive pressure sensor, which demonstrated superior pressure-sensing capabilities and was adept at registering movements of human joints and even subtle pulses. The design strategy presents a novel and rational approach to developing efficient pressure sensors.

Urea-formaldehyde resin room temperature phosphorescent material with ultra-long afterglow and adjustable phosphorescence performance.

Organic room-temperature phosphorescence materials have attracted extensive attention, but their development is limited by the stability and processibility. Herein, based on the on-line derivatization strategy, we report the urea-formaldehyde room-temperature phosphorescence materials which are constructed by polycondensation of aromatic diamines with urea and formaldehyde. Excitingly, urea-formaldehyde room-temperature phosphorescence materials achieve phosphor lifetime up to 3326 ms. There may be two ways to enhance phosphorescence performance, one is that the polycondensation of aromatic diamine with urea and formaldehyde promotes spin-orbit coupling, and another is that the imidazole derivatives derived from the condensation of aromatic o-diamine with formaldehyde maintains low levels of energy level difference and spin-orbit coupling, thus achieving ultra-long afterglow. Surprisingly, urea-formaldehyde room-temperature phosphorescence materials exhibit tunable phosphorescence emission in electrostatic field. Accordingly, 1,4-phenylenediamine, urea, and formaldehyde are copolymerized and self-assembled into phosphorescence microspheres with different electrostatic potential strengths. By mixing 1 wt% 1,4-phenylenediamine polycondensation microspheres with 1,4-phenylenediamine free microspheres, phosphor lifetime of the composite could be regulated from 27 ms to 123 ms. Moreover, vulcanization process enables precise shaping of urea-formaldehyde room-temperature phosphorescence materials. This work not only demonstrates that urea-formaldehyde room-temperature phosphorescence materials are promising candidates for organic phosphors, but also exhibits the phenomenon of electrostatically regulated phosphorescence.

Phylogenetic placement of the monotypic Baolia (Amaranthaceae s.l.) based on morphological and molecular evidence.

BACKGROUND: Baolia H.W.Kung & G.L.Chu is a monotypic genus only known in Diebu County, Gansu Province, China. Its systematic position is contradictory, and its morphoanatomical characters deviate from all other Chenopodiaceae. Recent study has regarded Baolia as a sister group to Corispermoideae. We therefore sequenced and compared the chloroplast genomes of this species, and resolved its phylogenetic position based on both chloroplast genomes and marker sequences. RESULTS: We sequenced 18 chloroplast genomes of 16 samples from two populations of Baolia bracteata and two Corispermum species. These genomes of Baolia ranged in size from 152,499 to 152,508 bp. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were primarily located in the LSC region of Baolia chloroplast genomes, and most of them consisted of single nucleotide A/T repeat sequences. Notably, there were differences in the types and numbers of SSRs between the two populations of B. bracteata. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on both complete chloroplast genomes from 33 species and a combination of three markers (ITS, rbcL, and matK) from 91 species, revealed that Baolia and Corispermoideae (Agriophyllum, Anthochlamys, and Corispermum) form a well-supported clade and sister to Acroglochin. According to our molecular dating results, a major divergence event between Acroglochin, Baolia, and Corispermeae occurred during the Middle Eocene, approximately 44.49 mya. Ancestral state reconstruction analysis showed that Baolia exhibited symplesiomorphies with those found in core Corispermoideae characteristics including pericarp and seed coat. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the chloroplast genomes of B. bracteata with those of eleven typical Chenopodioideae and Corispermoideae species, we observed a high overall similarity and a one notable noteworthy case of inversion of approximately 3,100 bp. of DNA segments only in two Atriplex and four Chenopodium species. We suggest that Corispermoideae should be considered in a broader sense, it includes Corispermeae (core Corispermoideae: Agriophyllum, Anthochlamys, and Corispermum), as well as two new monotypic tribes, Acroglochineae (Acroglochin) and Baolieae (Baolia).

Hierarchical porous amorphous metal-organic frameworks constructed from ZnO/MOF glass composites.

For the first time, hierarchical porous amorphous metal-organic frameworks (HP-aMOFs) containing ultramicropores, micropores, and mesopores were synthesized by etching a composite of MOF glass (agZIF-76) and ZnO using ammonia. These materials show potential applications in the adsorption of C2 hydrocarbons.

The effect of preoperative use of anticoagulants on the hemostatic effect of intravenous application of tranexamic acid in PLIF: a case control study.

Intravenous application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) can effectively reduce blood loss without affecting coagulation function. However, it has not been reported whether preoperative use of anticoagulants may affect the efficacy of TXA in PLIF. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of preoperative use of anticoagulants on coagulation indicators and blood loss after PLIF receiving intravenous unit dose TXA. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 53 patients with PLIF between 2020.11 and 2022.9, who received intravenous application of a unit dose of TXA (1 g/100 mL) 15 min before the skin incision after general anesthesia. Those who used anticoagulants within one week before surgery were recorded as the observation group, while those who did not use anticoagulants were recorded as the control group. The main observation indicators include surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, blood transfusion, and red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HCT) measured on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and last-test postoperative days. Secondary observation indicators included postoperative incision healing, deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs, postoperative hospital stay, and activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), and platelets (PLT) on the 1st and 4th days after surgery. The operation was successfully completed in both groups, the incision healed well after operation, and no lower limb deep vein thrombosis occurred. There was no significant difference in surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and blood transfusion between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the RBC, HB, and HCT measured on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and last-test postoperative days between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in APTT, PT, TT, FIB and PLT between the two groups on the 1st and 4th postoperative days (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05). The use of anticoagulants within one week before surgery does not affect the hemostatic effect of intravenous unit dose TXA in PLIF.

Cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio in patients with Lewy body disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratio (Qalb) levels have been observed in patients with cognitive impairment. Few studies have specifically focused on Lewy Body Disease (LBD), and the results were controversial. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate Qalb levels in patients with LBD by including data from different studies. Method: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for a collection of studies containing studies comparing Qalb levels in patients with LBD and healthy controls (including healthy controls and other dementia subtypes). In the initial search, 86 relevant papers were retrieved. Standardized mean differences (SMD) in Qalb levels were calculated using a random effects model. Results: A total of 13 eligible studies were included. Mean Qalb levels were significantly higher in patients with LBD compared to healthy older adults [standardized mean difference (SMD): 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-5.00, Z = 2.81, p = 0.005]; and were significantly higher in patients with LBD than in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.42-1.83, Z = 3.15, p = 0.002);whereas mean Qalb levels were significantly higher in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) compared to those with AD (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI,0.14-2.13, Z = 2.24, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Qalb levels were significantly elevated in LBD patients compared with normal older adults and were higher than those in AD patients and FTLD patients, which helped in the differential diagnosis of LBD from other neurodegenerative diseases. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024496616.

Exploring the Biogenic Transformation Mechanism of Polyphenols by Lactobacillus plantarum NCU137 Fermentation and Its Enhancement of Antioxidant Properties in Wolfberry Juice.

This study investigated the transformation of polyphenols, including free and bound polyphenols during the fermentation of wolfberry juice by Lactobacillus plantarum NCU137. Results indicated that fermentation significantly increased the free polyphenols content and released bound polyphenols, enhancing the antioxidant activity. Analysis showed that there were 19 free polyphenols, mainly scopoletin, pyrogallol, and dihydroferulic acid, and 16 bound polyphenols, especially p-coumaric acid, feruloyl hexoside, and caffeic acid. A significant correlation was observed between the generation and degradation of polyphenols, and specific bound polyphenols peaked during the 24-48 h fermentation. Furthermore, reduced surface roughness and galacturonic acid content in wolfberry residue, along with increased pectinase activity, suggested substantial pectin degradation in the cell wall, which may be associated with the release of polyphenols, due to pectin serving as carriers for bound polyphenols. The fermentation also increased polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity, contributing to polyphenol breakdown. These findings provide insights for improving wolfberry juice production.

A Bioinspired Single-Atom Fe Nanozyme with Excellent Laccase-Like Activity for Efficient Aflatoxin B1 Removal.

The applications of natural laccases are greatly restricted because of their drawbacks like poor biostability, high costs, and low recovery efficiency. M/NC single atom nanozymes (M/NC SAzymes) are presenting as great substitutes due to their superior enzyme-like activity, excellent selectivity and high stability. In this work, inspired by the catalytic active center of natural enzyme, a biomimetic Fe/NC SAzyme (Fe-SAzyme) with O2-Fe-N4 coordination is successfully developed, exhibiting excellent laccase-like activity. Compared with their natural counterpart, Fe-SAzyme has shown superior catalytic efficiency and excellent stability under a wide range of pH (3.0-9.0), temperature (4-80 °C) and NaCl strength (0-300 mm). Interestingly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the high catalytic performance is attributed to the activation of O2 by O2-Fe-N4 sites, which weakened the O─O bonds in the oxygen-to-water oxidation pathway. Furthermore, Fe-SAzyme is successfully applied for efficient aflatoxin B1 removal based on its robust laccase-like catalytic activity. This work provides a strategy for the rational design of laccase-like SAzymes, and the proposed catalytic mechanism will help to understand the coordination environment effect of SAzymes on laccase-like catalytic processes.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances induce lipid metabolic impairment in fish: Integration on field investigation and laboratory study.

The biotoxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to aquatic organisms has been widely concerned. However, studies on toxic effects of PFASs are usually evaluated directly by using laboratory exposure rather than laboratory validation based on data obtained in the field. In this study, wild catfish (Silurus meridinalis) was explored on the relationship between PFASs bioaccumulation and lipid disorders. Nine and thirteen lipid metabolites were significantly associated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 6:2/8:2Cl-PFESA (trade name F-53B) exposures, respectively; and the correlated lipid metabolites were the fatty acid (FA) and conjugates, FA esters, steroids, and glycerophosphate subclasses. The effects of PFASs on lipid metabolism of fish and its mechanism were further analyzed through exposure experiments. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) of different sexes underwent PFOS and F-53B exposures for 21 days at 100 ng/L and 100 µg/L. By determining gene expression levels, hepatic lipid contents, and histopathological change, the adverse effects order on lipid metabolism in male or female was 100 µg/L F-53B > 100 µg/L PFOS > 100 ng/L F-53B > 100 ng/L PFOS; the stress response in male was more intensive than that in female. PFOS and F-53B activated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway, promoting the processes of FA and total cholesterol (T-CHO) transport, FA ß-oxidation, FA synthesis, and finally induced FA and T-CHO transportation from blood into liver, then accelerated FA to FA ester transformation, and CHO into steroids. Laboratory experiments confirmed the field analysis. This study innovatively explored the adverse effects of PFOS and F-53B on lipid metabolism and their mechanisms at field and laboratory levels, highlighting concerns regarding PFASs health risks.