Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents: Current advances and critical evaluation of cyclodextrins from solute to solvent in emerging functional food.

The acceptance of nonconventional solvents as viable substitutes for traditional organic solvents has been widely recognized in order to comply with food-safety and sustainability regulations. Cyclodextrins (CDs), derived from starch, are cyclic oligosaccharides with the ability to form inclusion complexes with a variety of functional substances as the result of their distinctive structure, which enables them to effectively encapsulate bioactive compounds, rendering them highly sought after for use in food applications. In the implementing plan to achieve carbon-neutral emissions by 2050, the novel generation of supramolecular deep eutectic solvents (SUPRADES) has garnered increased attention and interest. The approach of utilizing SUPRADES as emerging solvents was just beginning to be applied to food studies. This review summarizes a revision of the current advances and critical evaluation of cyclodextrin-based SUPRADES (CD-based SUPRADES) as promising solvents for the enhancement of the extraction efficiency, solubilization and stability of bioactive compounds, adsorption and separation of food components, packaging materials, and modification of biopolymers. To meet the sustainable processing needs of the food industry, the emerging categories of CD-based SUPRADES need to be further fabricated. Herein, our review will sort out the potential application of CD-based SUPRADES in the food industry, aiming to provide a better understanding of CD-based SUPRADES within the viewpoint of food science. Formulation intricacies and scalability issues in real functional foods using CD-based SUPRADES as media need more efforts.

Is self-medication with antibiotics among the public a global concern: a mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Irrational use of antibiotics is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) may exacerbate antimicrobial resistance in the community without professional diagnosis by physicians, due to the complexity of the pharmacological mechanisms. There is still a lack of assessment of the global prevalence of SMA. We have evaluated the global prevalence of SMA and its associated factors, which could provide more reliable data to support global action. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. Quantitative studies were combined using meta-analysis with random-effects models, and qualitative synthesis was performed using interpretive meta-ethnographic methods. RESULTS: A total of 242 studies were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of SMA was 27.7% (95%CI: 24.9%-30.5%). Quantitative studies indicate that high income level, having family members working in the healthcare system, storing antibiotics at home, and purchasing antibiotics without prescriptions were associated with a greater likelihood of SMA. Qualitative findings revealed the following four factors: individual characteristics, healthcare, pharmacy, and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of global SMA among the public remains high level. Multisectoral and community-based interventions are needed to reduce SMA, including targeted health education, improved access to healthcare, and regulation of antibiotics sales in pharmacies. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023402206).

Single-cell analysis reveals that TCF7L2 facilitates the progression of ccRCC via tumor-associated macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the recurrence and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the specified mechanism has not been elucidated. METHODS: Single-cell and transcriptome analysis were applied to characterize the heterogeneity of TAMs. SCENIC would infer regulators of different subsets of TAMs. The CellChat algorithm was used to infer macrophage-tumor interaction networks, whereas pseudo-time traces were used to parse cell evolution and dynamics. RESULTS: In this study, single-cell transcriptomic data of ccRCC were analyzed. Notably, the macrophages were clustered to select the cluster with a tendency toward M2-type TAM, which has an impact on the occurrence and metastasis of ccRCC. This macrophage cluster was defined as "TAM2". And this study revealed that TCF7L2 as a potential transcription factor regulating TAM2 transcriptional heterogeneity and differentiation. Pseudotime traces showed TCF7L2 trajectories during TAM2 cell cluster development. In addition, the results of cell interaction showed that TAM2 had the highest number and strength of interactions with cancer cells and endothelial cells. In vitro experiments, this study found that TCF7L2 was highly expressed in TAMs and promoted the polarization of macrophages to M2-type macrophages. And then overexpression of TCF7L2 in macrophages markedly promoted ccRCC invasion and proliferation. CONCLUSION: TCF7L2 could play a key role in the progression of ccRCC via enhancing TAMs recruitment and M2-type polarization.

Identifying the subgroups of depression trajectories among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases: an 8-year follow-up study based on CHARLS.

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated a prevalent occurrence of depression among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases. Nevertheless, there is limited research on the specific subgroups of depression trajectories within this population and the factors influencing these subgroups. Objective: To explore the changing trajectory and influencing factors of depression in the middle-aged and older individuals with chronic disease in China, and provide the data reference for the health management of the older adult population in China. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. A total of 2,178 participants with complete data were included. The level of depression was evaluated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). The Latent Class Mixed Models (LCMM) were employed to estimate trajectories of depressive symptoms. The Kruskal-Wallis H test and the Pearson χ 2 test were used to determine the significant factors affecting trajectory grouping. Subsequently, the multinomial logistic regression model was utilized to perform a multifactorial analysis of the variables impacting the trajectory subgroup of change in depressive symptoms. Results: The LCMM-analysis revealed three distinct subgroups of depression trajectories: the "Low stable group" comprising 36.7% of the sample, the "Medium growth group" comprising 34.4% of the sample, and the "High growth group" comprising 28.9% of the sample. Among the baseline characteristics of different depression trajectory subgroups, there were significant differences in gender, residence, education, marital status, social activity participation, number of chronic diseases, smoking status, BMI, midday napping (minutes) and nighttime sleep duration (hours). Through multiple logistic regression analysis, our findings demonstrate that among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases, the following individuals should be the key groups for the prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms: Those who are young, female, residing in rural areas, having primary school education and below, being single, not participating in social activities, suffering from multiple chronic diseases, and having shorter naps and sleeping at night. Conclusion: There is heterogeneity in the subgroups of depression trajectories among the Chinese middle-aged and older individuals with chronic diseases. The focus should be on the distinct characteristics of various trajectories of depression within the realm of health management.

Blockade of CCR5+ T Cell Accumulation in the Tumor Microenvironment Optimizes Anti-TGF-ß/PD-L1 Bispecific Antibody.

In the previous studies, anti-TGF-ß/PD-L1 bispecific antibody YM101 is demonstrated, with superior efficacy to anti-PD-L1 monotherapy in multiple tumor models. However, YM101 therapy can not achieve complete regression in most tumor-bearing mice, suggesting the presence of other immunosuppressive elements in the tumor microenvironment (TME) beyond TGF-ß and PD-L1. Thoroughly exploring the TME is imperative to pave the way for the successful translation of anti-TGF-ß/PD-L1 BsAb into clinical practice. In this work, scRNA-seq is employed to comprehensively profile the TME changes induced by YM101. The scRNA-seq analysis reveals an increase in immune cell populations associated with antitumor immunity and enhances cell-killing pathways. However, the analysis also uncovers the presence of immunosuppressive CCR5+ T cells in the TME after YM101 treatment. To overcome this hurdle, YM101 is combined with Maraviroc, a widely used CCR5 antagonist for treating HIV infection, suppressing CCR5+ T cell accumulation, and optimizing the immune response. Mechanistically, YM101-induced neutrophil activation recruits immunosuppressive CCR5+ T cells via CCR5 ligand secretion, creating a feedback loop that diminishes the antitumor response. Maraviroc then cleared these infiltrating cells and offset YM101-mediated immunosuppressive effects, further unleashing the antitumor immunity. These findings suggest selectively targeting CCR5 signaling with Maraviroc represents a promising and strategic approach to enhance YM101 efficacy.

Enhanced O/W emulsifying properties of pea proteins via deamidation: Insights into interfacial behavior.

This study examines the effects of protein glutaminase modification on the interfacial properties and emulsion stability of pea protein isolates (PPI). Emulsions were prepared using native (NPPI) and deamidated PPI (DPPI) at concentrations from 0.5 wt% to 3.6 wt%. The stability of these emulsions was evaluated by examining droplet size distribution, flocculation index, ζ-potential, and CLSM. DPPI demonstrated superior emulsifying ability and stability, requiring only 2.0 wt% to prevent flocculation compared to NPPI's 3.6 wt%. Interfacial properties, such as protein coverage, composition, thickness, tension, and rheology, were characterized. Large Amplitude Oscillatory Dilatation analysis showed minimal differences between NPPI and DPPI-stabilized interfaces at 1 wt%. However, at 3.6 wt%, NPPI interfaces demonstrated abrupt intra-cycle yielding and viscous behavior, whereas DPPI interfaces exhibited gradual softening and a higher maximum linear strain. Additionally, DPPI showed higher interfacial protein coverage and lower interfacial tension. NPPI formed dense, brittle films prone to rupture under dynamic deformation, leading to poor stability. Deamidation of PPI unfolded the protein structure, exposing hydrophobic groups and increasing carboxyl groups, which reduced aggregation. This resulted in a uniform, extensible, and elastic interfacial film resistant to large deformations. Thus, DPPI-stabilized emulsions demonstrated superior stability, showcasing their potential for industrial applications.

Predictive value analysis of albumin-related inflammatory markers for short-term outcomes in patients with In-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the predictive value of albumin-related inflammatory markers for short-term outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients. METHODS: A linear mixed model investigated the dynamic changes of markers within 72 hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Time-Dependent COX regression explored the predictive value. Mediation analysis quantified the association of markers with organ dysfunctions and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and RDW-Albumin Ratio (RAR) slightly changed (p > 0.05). Procalcitonin-Albumin Ratio (PAR1) initially increased and then slowly decreased. Neutrophil-Albumin Ratio (NAR) and Platelet-Albumin Ratio (PAR2) decreased slightly during 24-48 hours (all p<0.05). PNI (HR = 1.646, 95%CI (1.033,2.623)), PAR1 (HR = 1.69, 95%CI (1.057,2.701)), RAR (HR = 1.752,95%CI (1.103,2.783)) and NAR (HR = 1.724,95%CI (1.078,2.759)) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. PNI (PM = 45.64%, 95%CI (17.05%,87.02%)), RAR (PM = 45.07%,95%CI (14.59%,93.70%)) and NAR (PM = 46.23%,95%CI (14.59%,93.70%)) indirectly influenced in-hospital mortality by increasing SOFA (central) scores. PNI (PM = 21.75%, 95%CI(0.67%,67.75%)) may also indirectly influenced outcome by increasing SOFA (renal) scores (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within 72 hours after ROSC, albumin-related inflammatory markers (PNI, PAR1, RAR, and NAR) were identified as potential predictors of short-term prognosis in IHCA patients. They may mediate the adverse outcomes of patients by causing damages to the central nervous system and renal function.

Influence of autonomic nervous dysfunction on eating during hemodialysis sessions: An observational study.

Although some studies have indicated that eating during hemodialysis may induce hypotension and cardiovascular events, some patients still consume food during their treatment. This prospective study was conducted to determine whether the need to eat during hemodialysis treatment was related to abnormal glucose metabolism and autonomic nerve dysfunction. Seventy patients were enrolled in this study, and their demographic features and various laboratory parameters were analyzed. At each routine hemodialysis visit, predialysis, intradialysis, and postdialysis blood pressure measurements were systematically conducted. A 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed during the hemodialysis interval, and heart rate variability (HRV) values were calculated. Additionally, whether the patients ate during the hemodialysis treatments was recorded. Another 20 people who underwent physical examinations during the same period and were matched for sex and age were included in the control group. The HRV values of the hemodialysis patients were generally lower than those of the control group. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in sex, age, calcium antagonist use, blood calcium levels, insulin levels, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements, and HRV indices between hemodialysis patients who ate and those who did not eat during hemodialysis (P < .05), whereas there were no significant differences in diabetes status or in the hemoglobin, albumin, blood glucose and C-peptide levels (P > .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that low values for very low frequency (VLF) and postdialysis DBP were risk factors for fasting intolerance during hemodialysis treatments. Autonomic dysfunction may affect whether hemodialysis patients tolerate fasting during dialysis. VLF evaluation may provide information that can be used to develop a more reasonable intradialytic nutritional supplementation method.

Rh-Catalyzed C-H Alkynylation of Indole Derivatives with Silver(I)-Controlled Regiodivergence.

We have disclosed silver(I)-induced switching of regioselectivity in rhodium-catalyzed C-H alkynylation of indole derivatives with the help of a pivaloyl directing group by tuning C-H metalation modes. The judicious choice of AgOAc, Ag2O, and Ag2CO3 affords an array of C2-alkynylated indoles, C4-alkynylated indoles, and C2,C4-dialkynylated indoles, respectively. The synthetic utility of the alkyne fragment is demonstrated by derivatization into valuable indole-based compounds.

Heterobimetallic Zinc/Strontium Catalysis: Z/E-Selective Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of 3-Acetoxy-2-oxindoles to Alkynones.

A chiral Zn-Sr heterobimetallic catalyst system generated in situ has been developed for the first highly Z/E-selective asymmetric conjugate addition of 3-acetoxy-2-oxindoles to alkynones. Both terminal alkynones and nonterminal alkynones could be applied to the heterobimetallic catalytic system. The corresponding 3-alkenyl-3-acyloxy-2-oxindoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (55-99%) with high E:Z ratios (8:1-30:1) and high enantioselectivities (86-99% ee).

Dispersion of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Aromatic Cyclic Schiff Bases via Non-Covalent Interactions.

One of the challenging issues that hinders the application of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the poor solubility and the inevitable formation of bundles. Efforts still need to be made towards solving the problem. Herein, we report a non-covalent strategy to disperse aggregated SWCNTs by aromatic cyclic Schiff bases assisted by ultrasonic techniques. The aromatic cyclic Schiff base (OMM) was synthesized via Schiff base reactions, and the molecular structure was determined by ATR-FT-IR, solid-state 13C-NMR, and HRMS. Although the yielded product showed poor solubility in aqueous solution and organic solvents, it could interact with and disperse the aggregated SWCNTs in dimethyl formamide (DMF) under the condition of ultrasound. UV-vis-NIR, FL, Raman spectra, AFM, and TEM, along with computer simulations, provide evidence for the interactions between OMM molecules and SWCNTs and the dispersion thereof. The semiconductive (7,5), (8,6), (12,1), and (9,7)-SWCNTs expressed a preference for dissolution. The capability of dispersion is contributed by π-π, C-H·π, and lone pair (lp)·π interactions between OMM and SWCNTs based on the simulated results. The present non-covalent strategy could provide inspiration for preparing organic cyclic compounds as dispersants for SWCNTs and then facilitate their further utilization.

Copper-Catalyzed Diastereo-, Enantio-, and (Z)-Selective Aminoallylation of Ketones through Reductive Couplings of Azatrienes for the Synthesis of Allylic 1,2-Amino Tertiary Alcohols.

We introduce a method for the (Z)-selective aminoallylation of a range of ketones to prepare allylic 1,2-amino tertiary alcohols with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Copper-catalyzed reductive couplings of 2-azatrienes with aryl/alkyl and dialkyl ketones proceed with Ph-BPE as the supporting ligand, generating anti-amino alcohols with >98% (Z)-selectivity under mild conditions. The utility of the products is highlighted through several transformations, including those that leverage the (Z)-allylic amine moiety for diastereoselective reactions of the alkene. Calculations illustrate Curtin-Hammett control in the product formation over other possible isomers and the origin of (Z)-selectivity.

Andrographolide ameliorates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by promoting autophagy in alveolar macrophages via the RAGE/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Autophagy in alveolar macrophages (AMs) is an important mechanism for maintaining immune homeostasis and normal lung tissue function, and insufficient autophagy in AMs may mediate the development of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI). Insufficient autophagy in AMs and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome were observed in a mouse model with SALI induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), resulting in the release of a substantial quantity of proinflammatory factors and the formation of SALI. However, after andrographolide (AG) intervention, autophagy in AMs was significantly promoted, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was inhibited, the release of proinflammatory factors and pyroptosis were suppressed, and SALI was then ameliorated. In the MH-S cell model stimulated with LPS, insufficient autophagy was discovered to promote the overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. AG was found to significantly promote autophagy, inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and attenuate the release of proinflammatory factors. The primary mechanism of AG promoting autophagy was to inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by binding RAGE to the membrane. In addition, it inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome to ameliorate SALI. Our findings suggest that AG promotes autophagy in AMs through the RAGE/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, remodel the functional homeostasis of AMs in SALI, and exert anti-inflammatory and lung-protective effects. It has also been the first to suggest that RAGE is likely a direct target through which AG regulates autophagy, providing theoretical support for a novel therapeutic strategy in sepsis.

Regiodivergent Metal-Catalyzed Oxidative Alkynylation of 2-Arylthiazoles with Terminal Alkynes under Air Conditions.

Regiodivergent transition-metal-catalyzed oxidative C5- and ortho-alkynylation of 2-arylthiazoles have been demonstrated. Namely, Pd(II)-catalysis selectively generated C5-alkynylated products from the reaction of 2-arylthiazoles and terminal alkynes. In contrast, Ru(II)-catalysis exclusively provided ortho-alkynylated products from the same substrates. This protocol features a wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, high atom-economy, and exclusive regioselectivity. The alkynylated products can be readily converted into highly valuable synthons, which hold potential for applications in the fields of medicinal chemistry and materials science.

A novel highly dispersed calcium silicate hydrate nanosheets for efficient high-concentration Cu2+ adsorption.

Currently, the low cost and effective purification toward heavy metal ions in wastewater has garnered global attention. Herein, we used hydrothermal method to prepare highly dispersed calcium silicate hydrate in fluorite tailings. And the stacking thickness of calcium silicate hydrate layered morphology was less than 5 nm. For high concentration Cu2+ purification investigation in wastewater, we found that the equilibrium adsorption capacity reached 797.92 mg/g via the CSH with 3:2 Ca/Si molar ratio, be 1.43-21.8 times than that of reported data. Therein, the metal-metal exchange and deposition are the primary pathways for Cu2+ adsorption, and electrostatic attraction is the secondary pathway. And the relative ∼100 % removal rate of high-concentration Ni2+ and Cr3+ ions were confirmed via CSH prepared from different tailings. This method offers a cost-effective way to utilize tailings for preparing highly efficient adsorbents toward HMIs removal in wastewater.

Regiodivergent C-H alkynylation of 2-arylthiazoles switched by RuII and PdII catalysis.

Two complementary regiodivergent C-H alkynylations of 2-arylthiazoles are reported. When RuII catalysis is employed, an aryl ortho-alkynylation process is favored. The alkynylated products are gained in good yields. With the use of PdII catalysis, a thiazole C5-alkynylation process is developed, allowing for the construction of C5-alkynylated products. This strategy not only expands the methods for the functionalization of 2-arylthiazoles, but also provides new opportunities for the rapid assembly of complex molecular structures, which may have great potential in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.

Effects of wall materials on the physicochemical properties of spray-dried bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) powders.

Bitter gourd has numerous health-promoting effects on the human body. However, its use has been greatly limited due to its poor acceptance by consumers, resulting from its strong bitterness. This study investigated the effects of five wall materials, namely, soybean protein isolate, gum arabic, maltodextrin, resistant starch, and a soybean lecithin calcium caseinate mixture, on the physicochemical properties of spray-dried bitter gourd powders. The results showed that all five wall materials reduced the moisture content, water activity, browning degree, agglomeration, and bitterness of the spray-dried bitter gourd powder. Maltodextrin was found to be the most effective at reducing water activity, while soybean protein isolate was best at protecting the colour, and the soybean lecithin calcium caseinate mixture was best at reducing hygroscopicity and masking bitterness. Additionally, all five wall materials improved the preservation of flavonoids, saponins, and vitamin C, with soybean protein isolate being the most effective in improving the total flavonoid retention ratio and the soybean lecithin calcium caseinate mixture being the best in improving the retention ratios of total saponins and vitamin C. The spray-dried bitter gourd powder prepared with soybean protein isolate had the highest antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These results are significant for understanding the relationship between wall materials and the physicochemical properties of spray-dried powder. Additionally, these materials provide bitter gourd product manufacturers with useful guidance for producing high-quality products. Furthermore, the results could provide useful insights for processing fruits with similar product characteristics, thus contributing to the enrichment of food processing knowledge.

Polypyrrole-coated sodium manganate microspheres cathode for superior performance Sodium-ion batteries.

P2-Na0.67Mn0.67Ni0.33O2 is a promising cathode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost, high theoretical capacity, and non-toxicity. However, it still suffers from unsatisfactory cycling stability mainly incurred by the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+ and electrolyte decomposition on the electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, the P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2@PPy (NNMO@PPy) composite applied as cathode materials for SIBs is obtained by introducing conductive polypyrrole (PPy) as coating layer on the P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) microspheres. Numerous physical characterization methods indicate that the PPy layer was uniformly coated on the surface of NNMO microspheres without change in phase structure and morphology. The PPy coating layer can alleviate Mn dissolution and effectively suppress the side reactions between the electrolyte and electrode during cycling. The optimal NNMO@PPy-9 with 9 wt% PPy delivers a high capacity of 127.4 mAh/g at the current density at 150 mA g-1, an excellent cyclic stability with high capacity retention of 80.5 % after 300 cycles, and enhanced rate performance (169.3 mAh/g at 15 mA g-1 while 89.8 mAh/g at 600 mA g-1). Furthermore, hard carbon (-)//NNMO@PPy-9 (+) full cell delivers a high energy density of 305.1 Wh kg-1 and superior cycling stability with 88.2 % capacity retention after 150 cycles. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiment and electrochemical characterization verify the highly reversible structure evolution and robust P2-type phase structure of NNMO@PPy-9 for fast and stable Na+ diffusion. This effective strategy of using conductive PPy as a coating layer may provide a new insight to modify NNMO surface, improving the cycling stability and rate capability.

Investigating the thermal stability and calcium resistance of O/W emulsions prepared with glycosylated whey protein hydrolysates modified by different saccharides.

The poor thermal stability and ion tolerance of whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) restrict its application in emulsions, while glycosylation shows potential benefits in improving WPH stability. However, the relationship between saccharides with different Mw and the glycosylation behavior of WPH rich in short peptides is unclear. In response, the effect of different saccharides on glycosylated WPH rich in short peptides and its emulsion stability were investigated. Grafted small Mw saccharides were more beneficial to the emulsion stability of WPH. Specifically, grafting xylose effectively inhibited 121 °C sterilization and 5 mM CaCl2-induced coalescence of WPH emulsion (687.50 nm) by comprehensively enhancing steric hindrance, conformational flexibility and electrostatic repulsion, and dissociating large aggregates into small aggregates. Conversely, grafting maltodextrin (30,590 Da) reduced thermal stability of WPH emulsion (4791.80 nm) by steric shielding and bridging flocculation. These findings provide new sights into glycosylation mechanism for WPH and achieving its application in nutritional emulsions.