Associated Factors of Trauma Severity and Mortality in Pediatric Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit; a 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Trauma is a significant global public health concern and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. This study aimed to assess the independent predictors of trauma severity as well as mortality in pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, following the STROBE checklist, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and baseline characteristics of pediatric patients with trauma injuries admitted to the ICU of Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China, over a decade. Results: 951 pediatric patients with a mean age of 4.79 ± 3.24 years (60.78% Boys) were studied (mortality rate 8.41%). Significant associations were observed between ISS and place of residence (p = 0.021), location of the injury (p = 0.010), year of injury (p <0.001), and injury mechanism (p <0.001). The two independent factors of trauma severity were the year of injury (ß = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.28 - 0.65) and injury mechanism (ß = -0.60; 95%CI: -0.88 - -0.31). Significant differences were observed between survived and non-survived regarding age (p <0.001), ISS score (p <0.001), time elapsed from injury to ICU (p <0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (p <0.001), GCS score (p <0.001), and the proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (p <0.001 ). The results of multivariate analysis indicated that age (OR = 0.805; 95%CI: 0.70 - 0.914; p = 0.001) and GCS score at ICU admission (OR = 0.629; 95%CI: 0.53 - 0.735; p < 0.001) acted as protective factors, whereas mechanical ventilation in the ICU (OR = 7.834; 95%CI: 1.766 - 34.757; p = 0.007) and ISS score at ICU admission (OR = 1.088; 95%CI: 1.047 - 1.130; p < 0.001) served as risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: Automobile-related injuries represent the leading cause of trauma in children, with escalating severity scores year over year among pediatric patients admitted to the ICU with trauma injuries. Based on the findings the independent predictors of mortality of pediatric trauma patients admitted to the ICU were age, GCS score at ICU admission; mechanical ventilation in the ICU, and ISS score at ICU admission. Also, the year of injury and injury mechanism were independent predictors of trauma severity.

Advances in mesenchymal stem cell-centered stem cell therapy in the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic injury.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a leading cause of neonatal death and neurological dysfunction for which no particularly effective treatment is available. Stem cells possess multi-directional differentiation potential and can secrete a variety of cytokines. They not only have the ability to replace tissue and repair lesions but also improve neurological damage caused by HIBD through paracrine mechanisms, including anti-apoptosis, reduction of inflammation, and promotion of endogenous repair. Recently, as research on stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, has deepened, the application of stem cells in treating HIBD has become a prominent research topic, yielding fruitful results, particularly regarding the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of the stem cell paracrine pathway. With advances in stem cell injection, distribution, and biomaterial incorporation, applications of stem cells have become more widespread and comprehensive. This review summarizes and discusses the research progress on stem cells in HIBD treatment to provide theoretical support for HIBD treatment and enhance the feasibility of clinical translation.

Chemotherapy combined with regorafenib and immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer: a single arm phase II trial.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy, long-term prognosis and safety of combining chemotherapy with regorafenib and immune checkpoint inhibitors as first-line treatment for patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Methods: In this single arm phase II trial, twenty-nine patients with advanced BTC were included, all of whom received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy combined with regorafenib and immune checkpoint inhibitors as the first-line treatment. And the study analyzed anti-tumor efficacy, long-term prognosis, and adverse reactions. Results: Among the patients, 0 patient achieved complete response, 18 patients (62.1%) achieved partial response, 8 patients (27.6%) had stable disease, and 3 patients (10.3%) experienced progressive disease. The corresponding objective response rate (ORR) was 18/29 (62.1%), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 26/29 (89.7%). The median overall survival (OS) was 16.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.0 -21.8) and the median progress free survival (PFS) was 10.2 months (95% CI: 7.8- 12.6). The 1-year OS and PFS were 65% (95% CI: 0.479-0.864) and 41% (95% CI: 0.234-0.656), respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions was 27/29 (93.1%), and the incidence of grade III/IV adverse reactions was 5/29 (17.2%). Conclusion: The combination of chemotherapy, regorafenib, and immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced BTC may has good anti-tumor efficacy without causing serious adverse reactions, and can significantly improve the long-term prognosis.

Engineered pre-dentin with well-aligned hierarchical mineralized collagen fibril bundles promote bio-root regeneration.

Stem cell-mediated bio-root regeneration is an alternative tooth replacement strategy; however, physiologically functional bio-root regeneration with distinctive dentin structure remains challenging. In this study, the distinct arrangements of collagen fibril bundles were identified that account for hierarchical structural differences between dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone. Thus, an "engineered pre-dentin" was fabricated, which was a dentin hierarchical structure mimicking collagen (MC) scaffold, with well-aligned hierarchical mineralized collagen fibril bundles. The results revealed that it has a stronger effect on promoting biological root regeneration in nude mice and miniature pigs with dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) and periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) sheets compared to hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP). The success rate in the MC group was also higher than that in the HA/TCP group (67% and 33%, respectively). In conclusion, the hierarchical dentin-mimicking scaffold can enhance the regeneration of bio-roots, which provides a promising strategy for tooth regeneration.

On-Surface Synthesis of Two-dimensional Carbon-based Networks via Hierarchical Ullmann Coupling Reactions.

The recent developed bottom-up on-surface synthesis offers unprecedent opportunities for the fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) carbon-based networks with atomic precision. Hierarchical coupling approach has been proposed as an efficient strategy for improving the corresponding reaction selectivity and quality of target structures. Herein, we report the synthesis of a nitrogen-doped carbon-based network on Ag(100) utilizing a hierarchical Ullmann coupling strategy. The accurate identification of reaction intermediates and products by scanning tunneling microscopy allows us to unravel the reaction mechanism. The synthetic process of 2D carbon-based networks is kinetics-driven, relying on the competition between dechlorination and C-C coupling. We expect that our discussion on the mechanism of hierarchical coupling may shed light on the rational design and precise synthesis of 2D carbon-based networks on surfaces.

Run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force of Chinese female gymnasts.

The run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force directly influence gymnasts' ability to perform more difficult manoeuvres and win competitions on vault. However, the variables influencing them among elite female gymnasts remain inadequately understood and warrant detailed investigation. This study aimed to analyse critical variables including run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force, and to compare these factors across different vault types while further exploring the correlations among them. The study hypothesized that there are significant differences in run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force across vaulting types, and that these differences will affect athletes' performance. To test this hypothesis, the study analyzed data from performance tests on 16 elite Chinese female gymnasts, focusing on vaulting run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationships between the variables. The study found significant differences in interval run-up velocities between the Front handspring vaults and the Tsukahara vaults, particularly before the last 10 m (p = 0.04) and the last 5 m (p = 0.03). Specifically, the Front handspring vaults had higher velocities before the last 10 m, while the Tsukahara vaults had higher velocities within the last 5 m. Differences were also noted in the lengths of the penultimate (p = 0.03), last (p = 0.01), and hurdle steps (p = 0.04). The jumping ground reaction force showed a strong negative correlation with run-up velocity before the last 10 m (ρ = -0.469, p < 0.01) and the last 5 m (ρ = - 0.604, p < 0.01). However, no significant associations were found with the 25 m run-up velocity (p = 0.346). Significant differences were observed in the hip joint angle (p = 0.001) and the trunk-to-ground angle (p = 0.001), but not in the landing angle (p = 0.435) and take-off angle (p = 0.594) during the take-off phase. These findings suggest that revising the run-up rhythm and improving pedaling techniques could contribute to the successful performance of more difficult vaulting maneuvers for female elite gymnasts in China.

The ideal path to a good death: An international meta-synthesis of rural residents' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Rural areas frequently encounter restricted access to healthcare and end-of-life services. Given current pressing realities, understanding their unique perspectives on what constitutes a good death is essential. Existing research has largely overlooked the voices of rural residents. AIM: To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of rural residents' expectations regarding a good death. DESIGN: A meta-synthesis. By exploring the logic within relevant content, the stages of the life course serve as the framework for integration. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) were systematically searched from their inception to May 2023. RESULT: Of the 1100 articles retrieved, 8 studies were included. This paper outlines "the path to a rural good death": (1) When death is perceived as distant: acknowledge its inevitability while striving to achieve a successful and complete life journey. (2) As death approaches: maintain composure and have the capacity and support to face it. (3) When death truly arrives: depart in an envisioned scenario. (4) What's left behind: be properly arranged. CONCLUSION: The essential characteristics of a rural good death align with previous interpretations. However, distinct aspects emerge: communities play a significant role, characterized by reciprocal relationships; the role of medicine is less emphasized; and "rurality" deeply shapes residents' expectations of a good death. The pathway to a good death presented in this article is aspirational, requiring collaborative efforts to make it a tangible reality.

Shenqi Sanjie Granules induce Hmox1-mediated ferroptosis to inhibit colorectal cancer.

Background: Because adverse reactions or drug resistance are often found after current chemotherapies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), new treatments are still in demand. Shenqi Sanjie Granules (SSG), an antitumor compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, has been recognized for its ability in clinical practice of oncotherapy. Nevertheless, the precise effects of SSG in colorectal cancer (CRC) and underlying mechanisms through which SSG inhibits CRC remain uncertain. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-CRC activity of the Chinese herbal compound preparation SSG and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. Materials and methods: Initially, nine distinct cancer cell lines, including five CRC cell lines, one breast cancer cell line, two lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and one cervical cancer cell line, were used to evaluate the antitumor activity of SSG, and the mouse CRC cell line CT26 were used for further research. In vitro experiments utilizing diverse assays were conducted to assess the inhibitory effects of the SSG on CT26. Furthermore, subcutaneous syngeneic mouse model and AOM (azoxymethane)/DSS (dextran sodium sulfate) induced in-situ colitis-related mouse CRC model were used to evaluate the antitumor potential and biotoxicity of SSG in vivo. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing and network pharmacology analysis were performed. Meanwhile, verification is carried out with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. Results: Our in vitro inhibition study showed that SSG could effectively inhibit CRC cell line CT26 growth and metastasis, and induce cell death. Neither of apoptosis inhibitor, necroptosis inhibitor, ferroptosis inhibitor, but the combination of the three diminished SSG-induced cell death, suggesting that multiple cell death pathways were involved. Both the syngeneic CRC model and the in-situ CRC model indicated SSG inhibited CRC in vivo with few toxic side effects. Further mechanistic study suggested SSG treatment activated the ferroptosis pathway, particularly mediated by Hmox1, which was upregulated scores of times. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the active ingredients of SSG, including Quercetin, Luteolin and Kaempferol were potential components directly upregulated Hmox1 expression. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings indicate that the administration of SSG has the potential to inhibit CRC both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism by which this compound preparation exerts its action is, at least partly, the induction of ferroptosis through upregulating Hmox-1 by its three active ingredients Quercetin, Luteolin and Kaempferol.

Hive-shaped carbon nanotubes coated with MoSe2as an electrochemical sensor for cholesterol.

The study utilized transition metal chalcogenide, molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), for application in the field of bioelectrochemical sensing. The MoSe2was combined with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by chemical vapor deposition to enhance the specific surface area and improve the detection sensitivity. To further increase the contact area between the electrolyte and the electrode, photolithography techniques were employed to fabricate hive-shaped CNTs, thereby enhancing the specific surface area. Next, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was coated onto the electrode material, creating a cholesterol biosensor. Cyclic voltammetry was utilized to detect the concentration of cholesterol. The experiment involved segmented testing for cholesterol concentrations ranging from 0µM to 10 mM. Excellent sensitivity, low detection limits, and high accuracy were achieved. In the cholesterol concentration range of 0µM-100µM, the experiment achieved the highest sensitivity of 4.44µAµM⋅cm-2. Consequently, all data indicated that ChOx/MoSe2/CNTs functioned as an excellent cholesterol sensor in the study.

Integration of texture analysis based on DCE-MRI Ktrans map and metabolomics of early bone marrow microvascular changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early bone marrow microvascular changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits using IDEAL-IQ fat quantification, texture analysis based on DCE-MRI Ktrans map, and metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 male Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into diabetic (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. All rabbits underwent sagittal MRI of the lumbar vertebrae at the 0th,4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th week, respectively. The fat fraction (FF) ratio and quantitative permeability of the lumbar bone marrow was measured. Texture parameters were extracted from DCE-MRI Ktrans map. At 16th week, lumbar vertebrae 5 and 6 were used for histological analysis. Lumbar vertebra 7 was crushed to obtain bone marrow for metabolomics research. RESULTS: The FF ratio and Ktrans of the lumbar bone marrow in diabetic group were increased significantly at 16th week (t = 2.226, P = 0.02; Z = -2.721, P < 0.01). Nine texture feature parameters based on DCE-MRI Ktrans map were significantly different between the groups at the 16th week (all P < 0.05). Pathway analysis showed that diabetic bone marrow microvascular changes were mainly related to linoleic acid metabolism. Differential metabolites were correlated with the number of adipocytes, FF ratio, and permeability parameters. CONCLUSION: The integration of metabolomics with texture analysis based on DCE-MRI Ktrans map may be used to evaluate diabetic bone marrow microvascular changes at an early stage. It remains to be validated in clinical studies whether the integration of metabolomics with texture analysis based on the DCE-MRI Ktrans map can effectively evaluate diabetic bone marrow.

Comprehensive geophysical, geotechnical, and geochemical assessments of an offshore landfill in Singapore.

Comprehensive site investigation techniques, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Induced Polarization (IP), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Microtremor Array Method (MAM), were integrated with geotechnical and geochemical tests of retrieved waste samples from Singapore's operational offshore landfill. The properties of landfill wastes vary widely, including shear-wave velocities 127-248 m/s, densities 1.2-2.1 Mg/m3, resistivity 3.0-25.3 Ω∙m, and chargeability 48-82 mV/V. The natural clay layer underneath was clearly delineated and effectively mitigated leachate leakage. K-means clustering of the geophysical data facilitates precise mapping of waste distribution and quantities of recoverable metals based on quantitative criteria. This study illustrates a thorough case study adopting the new site investigation and characterization paradigm for an offshore landfill, which provides insights into leachate leakage detection and evaluations of landfill mining and resource recovery.

Elevated total bile acid levels as an independent predictor of mortality in pediatric sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The close relationship between bile acid (BA) metabolism and sepsis has been investigated in recent years, as knowledge of the role of the gut microbiome and metabolomics in sepsis has grown and become more comprehensive. METHODS: Patients with sepsis who were admitted to the PICU of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study. Preoperative non-infectious pediatric patients undergoing elective surgeries in our hospital's department of surgery were recruited as controls during the same period. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 702 children were enrolled, comprising 538 sepsis survivors, 164 sepsis fatalities, and 269 non-infected controls. Statistical analysis revealed that total BA (TBA) increased in both the early and severe stages of pediatric sepsis. In the severe stage, TBA (OR = 2.898, 95% CI 1.946-4.315, p < 0.05) was identified as a risk factor for sepsis. A clinical model identified TBA (the cut-off value is >17.95 µmol/L) as an independent predictor of sepsis mortality with an AUC of 0.842 (95% CI 0.800-0.883), sensitivity of 54.9%, specificity of 96.6%, and HR = 7.658 (95% CI 5.575-10.520). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that elevated TBA was associated with a heightened risk of mortality in pediatric sepsis. IMPACT: Many clinical indicators show differences between children with sepsis and the control group, among which the difference in serum total bile acid levels is the most significant. During the hospitalization of the patients, the overall bile acid levels in the sepsis death group were higher and exhibited greater fluctuations compared to the survival group, with significant differences. Serum total bile acid levels can serve as effective biomarker for predicting the prognosis of children with sepsis.

Epidemiological analysis of a 10-year retrospective study of pediatric trauma in intensive care.

Pediatric trauma plays a crucial role in pediatric mortality, with traffic injuries and falls frequently cited as leading causes of significant injuries among children. A comprehensive investigation, including geographical factors, is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent injuries and alleviate the burden of pediatric trauma. This study involved a retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric patients admitted to our hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) due to trauma over a 10-year period. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to elucidate trends, demographics, injury patterns, and risk factors associated with these admissions. This retrospective study included 951 pediatric patients (mean age: 4.79 ± 3.24 years; mean weight: 18.45 ± 9.02 kg; median time to ICU admission post-injury: 10.86 ± 14.95 h). Among these patients, 422 (44.4%) underwent emergency surgery, and 466 (49%) required mechanical ventilation support, with a mean duration of 70.19 ± 146.62 h. The mean duration of ICU stay was 6.24 ± 8.01 days, and the overall mean hospitalization duration was 16.08 ± 15.56 days. The predominant cause of unintentional injury was traffic accidents (47.9%), followed by falls (42.5%) and burns/scalds (5.3%). Most incidents involved children aged 0-6 years (70.7%), with males comprising 60.0% of patients. Injury incidents predominantly occurred between 12 and 6 PM (44.5%) and on non-workdays (37.6%). The most common locations where injuries occurred were roadsides (49%) and rural areas (64.35%). Single-site injuries (58.78%) were more prevalent than multiple-site injuries (41.22%), and head injuries were the most common among single-site injuries (81.57%). At ICU admission, the mean injury severity score was 18.49 ± 8.86. Following active intervention, 871 patients (91.59%) showed improvement, while 80 (8.41%) succumbed to their injuries. Traffic injuries remain the primary cause of pediatric trauma leading to ICU admission, underscoring the importance of using appropriate child restraint systems and protective gear as fundamental preventive measures. The increased incidence of injuries among children aged < 6 years and those residing in rural areas highlights the need for targeted preventive strategies, necessitating tailored interventions and public policy formulations that address these high-risk populations.

Seasonal changes in invertebrate diet of breeding black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis).

Invertebrates greatly support the growth, development, and reproduction of insectivorous birds. However, the influence of human activity (e.g., pesticide use, deforestation, and urbanization) inevitably leads to a decrease in global arthropods. The diversity and variation in invertebrate diet influence the food composition of birds, especially species living in rapidly changing environments, such as the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known of the seasonal variation in invertebrate diet in response to environmental changes. Here, we characterized the invertebrate diet composition in pre- and post-breeding black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) using fecal metabarcoding. We identified 38 invertebrate genera; the top three were Tipula (82.1% of relative abundance), Ceramica (3.0%), and unclassified_Hymenoptera (2.5%), with Tipula predominated the diet in both seasons. We also observed 20 and 16 unique genera in the pre- and post-breeding periods, and the genera composition was distinct between seasons (R = .036, p = .024). In pre-breeding, black-necked cranes tended to consume more diverse foods, and individual cranes exhibited greater heterogeneity at the genus level. At the genera and species level, pre-breeding black-necked cranes showed a wider dietary niche than post-breeding cranes. We observed season-specific features, with Tipula (common crane fly) and Stethophyma (grasshoppers) being enriched in the post-breeding period and Ceramica (moth) being more abundant in the pre-breeding period. Three Tipula species had the greatest importance in discriminating between seasonal diets. This study demonstrated a seasonal pattern of invertebrate diet in the black-necked crane, suggesting diet composition in response to resource and species availability. These results elaborate on the foraging ecology of highland birds and can inform the management of black-necked crane conservation.

Prevalence and impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease in non-metastatic breast cancer women at initial diagnosis: a cross-sectional study in China.

PURPOSE: The epidemiologic data of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in breast cancer (BC) patients remains limited. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of hepatic steatosis (HS) and MAFLD in Chinese BC women at initial diagnosis. METHODS: 3217 non-metastatic primary BC women with MAFLD evaluation indexes at initial diagnosis and 32,170 age-matched (in a 1:10 ratio) contemporaneous health check-up women were enrolled. RESULTS: The prevalence of HS (21.5% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.013) and MAFLD (20.8% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in BC women than in health check-ups, respectively. Meanwhile, the prevalence of HS/MAFLD among elderly BC women (≥ 60 years) was significantly higher than the health check-ups (38.7%/37.6% vs 31.9%/30.8%), respectively. In BC women with HS/MAFLD, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was up to 85.7%/88.6%, dyslipidemia and elevated blood pressure were 63.2%/63.7% and 59.7%/61.7%, respectively. No statistical significance of the expressions of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) and Ki67 were found between BC women with HS/MAFLD and BC women without HS/MAFLD. After adjustment, BC women with HS showed significantly higher risk of lymph node metastasis than BC women without HS. Subjects with HS/MAFLD had higher risks of overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, hyperuricemia, and elevated enzymes than those without HS/MAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with health check-ups, BC patients have higher prevalence of HS/MAFLD. HS/MAFLD coexist with high prevalence of metabolic complications, and the risk of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in BC women with HS than in BC women without HS.

Establishing a nausea-free ward model to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A retrospective study.

The objective of this study was to establish a nausea-free ward model and evaluate the effect of an intervention procedure guided by this model on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients. A total of 105 chemotherapy patients from March to September 2022 before the establishment of nausea-free ward in the Chongqing Jiulongpo District People's Hospital were selected as the control group as well as 105 chemotherapy patients from March to September 2023 after the establishment of nausea-free ward as the intervention group. The intervention group was managed by comprehensive standardized CINV management on the basis of the control group. Finally, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology grading tool for nausea and vomiting and the Functional Living Index-Emesis were used to evaluate the effect. Under the intervention of the nausea-free ward model, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower ratings of nausea and vomiting compared to the control group (all P-value <.05). The nausea score, vomiting score, and total score of the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group (all P-value <.05). Our study found CINV symptoms and quality of life can be significantly improved by the application of the nausea-free ward model. The nausea-free ward model is instructive in clinical practice and can guide clinical work as well as bring management experience to clinical workers.

Dietary nitrate maintains intestinal epithelia homeostasis in aged mice.

The intestinal tract, which is the primary site of digestion and absorption of nutrients, is one of the most vulnerable organs during aging. Dietary nitrate, which is mainly derived from the diet and absorbed in the intestinal tract, is a key messenger that connecting oral and general health. However, whether dietary nitrate regulates intestinal tract homeostasis remains unclear. Our data revealed that the serum and salivary nitrate levels decreased during mice aging. The functional proteins of the epithelial barrier (E-cadherin, Claudin-1 and Zonula Occludens-1) in the colon tissues decreased during the aging process. Long-term nitrate supplement in drinking water restored the serum and salivary nitrate levels and increased the functional proteins expression of the colon epithelial barrier. Dietary nitrates increase the relative abundance of some intestinal probiotics, particularly those associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as Blautia, Alloprevotella, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcaceae, while promoting the butyric acid production in the colon. Moreover, the expression of Sialin (encoded by Slc17a5), which is a nitrate transporter, increased in the colon epithelial cells by nitrate supplementation. The epithelial cell-conditional Slc17a5-knockout mutant mice (K14-cre; Slc17a5fl/fl) revealed that the functional proteins expression of the colon epithelial barrier and the proliferation of PCNA-positive intestinal epithelial cells in the colon crypts was significantly decreased compared with those of the K14-cre; Slc17a5fl/+ mice. Taken together, our findings suggested that nitrate supplementations were associated with the increased expression of colonic epithelial barriers-related proteins and the increased Sialin expression. Nitrate may serve as a potential therapeutic approach in maintaining aged colonic homeostasis.

From non-coding RNAs to histone modification: The epigenetic mechanisms in tomato fruit ripening and quality regulation.

Ripening is one of the most important stages of fruit development and determines the fruit quality. Various factors play a role in this process, with epigenetic mechanisms emerging as important players. Epigenetic regulation encompasses DNA methylation, histone modifications and variants, chromatin remodeling, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Over the past decade, studies using tomato as a model have made considerable progress in understanding the impact of epigenetic regulation on fleshy fruit ripening and quality. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent advancements in the epigenetic regulation of tomato fruit ripening and quality regulation, focusing on three main mechanisms: DNA/RNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, and histone modifications. Furthermore, we highlight the unresolved issues and challenges within this research field, offering perspectives for future investigations to drive agricultural innovation.