Impact of dietary components on enteric infectious disease.

Diets impact host health in multiple ways and an unbalanced diet could contribute to the initiation or progression of a variety of diseases. Although a wealth of information exists on the connections between diet and chronic metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, etc., how diet influences enteric infectious disease still remain underexplored. The review summarizes the current findings on the link between various dietary components and diverse enteric infectious diseases. Dietary ingredients discussed include macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and other dietary ingredients (phytonutrients and probiotic supplements). We first describe the importance of enteric infectious diseases and the direct and indirect relationship between diet and enteric infectious diseases. Then we discuss the effects of different dietary components on the susceptibility to or progression of enteric infectious disease. Finally, we delineate current knowledge gap and highlighted future research directions. The literature review revealed that different dietary components affect host resistance to enteric infections through a variety of mechanisms. Dietary components may directly inhibit or bind to enteric pathogens, or indirectly influence enteric infections through modulating immune function and gut microbiota. Elucidating the unique repercussions of different diets on enteric infections in this review may help provide dietary guidelines or design dietary interventions to prevent or alleviate enteric infectious diseases.

Right displacement of trachea to reduce right bronchial misplacement of left double lumen tube: a prospective, double-blind, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Misplacement of double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) during bronchial intubation, especially when bronchoscopy guidance is not applicable, threatens effective lung isolation and brings about airway injury during reposition. We aimed to examine whether a novel maneuver called right tracheal displacement (RTD) can reduce left-sided DLT misplacement during first-attempt intubation without bronchoscopy guidance. METHODS: Patients that underwent thoracic surgeries requiring one-lung ventilation during November 2020 to January 2021 were recruited and randomized into control and RTD group, with 54 cases in each group. The primary outcomes included the incidence of DLT misplacement and the time to complete desired bronchial intubation. The secondary outcomes included mucosal injury, sore throat and hoarseness upon emergence and at 24 h post-operatively. RESULT: The incidence of DLT misplacement in RTD group was significantly lower compared to control group (0% vs. 16.7%) The time to complete bronchial intubation was also significantly shortened in RTD group compared to control (52.88 ± 9.36 s vs. 63.04 ± 20.02 s). The incidence of mucosal injury, sore throat and hoarseness were comparable between two groups. CONCLUSION: RTD maneuver can effectively improve the success rate of first-attempt proper DLT positioning and shorten the time required by bronchial intubation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This prospective, double-blind, randomized study has completed the registration of the Chinese Clinical Trial Center at 2/11/2020 with the registration number ChiCTR2000040212. It was conducted from 26/11/2020 to 31/7/2021 in third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university.

Catalytic ozonation of chloramphenicol with manganese-copper oxides/maghemite in solution: Empirical kinetics model, degradation pathway, catalytic mechanism, and antibacterial activity.

The composite material of manganese-copper oxide/maghemite (MnxCuyOz/γ-Fe2O3) was synthesized by the co-precipitation-calcination method. With the initial concentration of 0.2 g/L MnxCuyOz/γ-Fe2O3 and 10 mg/L O3, the chloramphenicol (CAP, 10 mg/L) could be completely degraded, which was about 2.22 times of that treated with ozonation alone. The contribution of O3 and hydroxyl radical (•OH) for CAP degradation in the catalytic process was 6.9% and 93.1%, respectively. According to the effects of catalyst dosage, ozone dosage, and pH on the catalytic performance of MnxCuyOz/γ-Fe2O3, a predictive empirical model was developed for the ozonation with the MnxCuyOz/γ-Fe2O3 system. The HCO3-/CO32- and phosphates in solution could inhibit the degradation of CAP with the inhibition ratios 8.45% and 13.8%, respectively. The HCO3-/CO32- could compete with CAP and react with •OH, and the phosphates were considered as poisons for catalysts by blocking the surface active sites to inhibit ozone decomposition. The intermediates and possible degradation pathways were detected and proposed. The catalytic ozonation could effectively control the toxicity of the treated solution, but the toxicity was still not negligible. Furthermore, MnxCuyOz/γ-Fe2O3 could be easily and efficiently separated from the reaction system with an external magnet, and it possessed excellent reusability and stability.

Prediction of pharmaceutical and personal care products elimination during heterogeneous catalytic ozonation via chemical kinetic model.

Prediction of the removal of pollutants is important for the process design and optimization of wastewater treatment. In this study, the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation chemical kinetic model based on reaction kinetic constants between O3 (and •OH) and pollutants, and pseudo-first order rate constants for pollutant adsorption was established. The model parameters were obtained via O3 and p-chlorobenzonic acid decay curves, and adsorption kinetic experiments, respectively. Higher •OH exposures were obtained at the expense of lower O3 exposures during catalytic ozonation compared to simple ozonation. Importantly, the experimentally measured and model-predicted removal ratios correlated well in all reaction systems, with correlation coefficients above 0.950 in synthetic solution and 0.893-0.979 in secondary effluent. Furthermore, the model revealed that pollutants were degraded mainly by O3 and/or •OH oxidation during catalytic ozonation, while adsorption of pollutants on catalysts contributed negligibly. Hence, the degradation ratios of pollutants could be satisfactorily predicted using the simplified model based only on the O3 and •OH exposures in the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation systems with low adsorption capacity catalysts.

Insights into the regulatory role of Plexin D1 signalling in cardiovascular development and diseases.

Plexin D1 (PLXND1), which was previously thought to mediate semaphorin signalling, belongs to the Plexin family of transmembrane proteins. PLXND1 cooperates mostly with the coreceptor neuropilin and participates in many aspects of axonal guidance. PLXND1 can also act as both a tumour promoter and a tumour suppressor. Emerging evidence suggests that mutations in PLXND1 or Semaphorin 3E, the canonical ligand of PLXND1, can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, such as congenital heart defects, CHARGE syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Upon ligand binding, PLXND1 can act as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) and modulate integrin-mediated cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. These effects may play regulatory roles in the development of the cardiovascular system and disease. The cardiovascular effects of PLXND1 signalling have gradually been elucidated. PLXND1 was recently shown to detect physical forces and translate them into intracellular biochemical signals in the context of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the role of PLXND1 in cardiovascular development and diseases is gaining research interest because of its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. In this review, we describe the cardiac effects, vascular effects and possible molecular mechanisms of PLXND1 signalling.

The effect of nanoparticles of cobalt-chromium on human aortic endothelial cells in vitro.

Despite advances in stent technology for vascular interventions, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a main complication. The corrosion of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy coronary stents has been identified to be associated with ISR, whereas its role in ISR has not been elucidated. In the current work, CoCr nanoparticles, simulated corrosion products of CoCr alloy, were used to investigate their effect on the endothelial cells. It has been demonstrated that the cell viability declines and the cell membrane is damaged, indicating the cytotoxicity of CoCr nanoparticles. The expression of GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved-caspase12 proteins has increased when exposed to CoCr nanoparticles, suggesting that CoCr nanoparticles induced cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptotic pathway. An increased release of adhesion and inflammatory mediators was also induced by CoCr nanoparticles, including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. Our results demonstrated that CoCr nanoparticles could trigger apoptosis, adhesion, and inflammation. These findings indicated potential damaging effects of CoCr nanoparticles on the vascular endothelium, which suggested corrosion of CoCr alloy may promote the progression and development of ISR.

Association between cytokines and exosomes in synovial fluid of individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Cytokines in synovial fluid (SF) play a crucial role in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Exosomes are nanovesicles that are abundant in SF and carry a large quantity of signaling molecules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profiles of SF-derived exosomes and try to explore its biological function.Methods: Twenty-four KOA patients who were scheduled for their first intra-articular injection or knee replacement surgery were enrolled and divided into the KL1-2 group and the KL3-4 group according to the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) classification. SF was collected from the patient's knee for the isolation of exosomes. A multiplex cytokine assay was performed to detect the 21 cytokines in the exosomes. The SF derived-exosomes were exposed to PBMCs and chondrocytes to assess their immunomodulatory potential.Results: Exosomes were successfully extracted from the SF, with an average diameter of 92 nm. Most cytokines were detectable in the SF-derived exosomes. Twelve inflammatory cytokines and eight chemokines were elevated in the exosomes of the KL3-4 group compared to that of the KL1-2 group (p < .05). A higher number of PBMCs were chemo attracted and the proliferation of chondrocytes was restrained by the SF-derived exosomes from the KL3-4 group in comparison with the KL1-2 group (p < .05).Conclusion: Our data indicated that most cytokines in SF are not only in a free form but also associated with and enriched in exosomes. Exosomes from end-stage KOA patients have a higher level of cytokines, especially chemokines, in comparison with the cytokine profiles of the soluble SF. SF-derived exosomes recruit inflammatory cells and inhibit cartilage proliferation, thus promoting joint degeneration. These data provide a new perspective for understanding the changes in the inner environment of KOA.

Rapid Detection of Pesticide Residues in Paddy Water Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Pesticide residue in paddy water is one of the main factors affecting the quality and safety of rice, however, the negative effect of this residue can be effectively prevented and reduced through early detection. This study developed a rapid detection method for fonofos, phosmet, and sulfoxaflor in paddy water through chemometric methods and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Residue from paddy water samples was directly used for SERS measurement. The obtained spectra from the SERS can detect 0.5 mg/L fonofos, 0.25 mg/L phosmet, and 1 mg/L sulfoxaflor through the appearance of major characteristic peaks. Then, we used chemometric methods to develop models for the intelligent analysis of pesticides, alongside the SERS spectra. The classification models developed by K-nearest neighbor identified all of the samples, with an accuracy of 100%. For the quantitative analysis, the partial least squares regression models obtained the best predicted performance for fonofos and sulfoxaflor, and the support vector machine model provided optimal results, with a root-mean-square error of validation of 0.207 and a coefficient of determination of validation of 0.99952, for phosmet. Experiments for actual contaminated samples also showed that the above models predicted the pesticide residue values with high accuracy. Overall, using SERS with chemometric methods provided a simple and convenient approach for the detection of pesticide residues in paddy water.

A randomized comparison of pediatric-sized Streamlined Liner of Pharyngeal Airway and Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique in paralyzed children.

BACKGROUND: The pediatric-sized Streamlined Liner of Pharyngeal Airway (SLIPA) is a new supraglottic airway device for children. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of the pediatric-sized SLIPA with the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique in paralyzed children under positive pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). METHODS: One hundred children, aged 2 months to 12 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II were enrolled and randomly allocated to the SLIPA group or the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique group (50 patients in each group). The primary outcome variable was oropharyngeal leak pressure. Other outcome variables were first insertion success rate, insertion time, minor airway interventions required for successful insertion, intraoperative dislodgement, ventilatory data, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: The insertion characteristics, ventilation data, and perioperative complications were comparable between the two groups. The leak pressure of the SLIPA was significantly higher than that of the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique [median (IQR): 25 (22-30) cm H2O vs. 21 (19-26) cm H2O, respectively; mean ± sd: 25.3 ± 4.6 cm H2O vs. 22.6 ± 4.8 cm H2O, respectively; P = 0.006]. The incidence of intraoperative dislodgment was significantly lower in the SLIPA group than in the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique group (0 vs. 6 patients, respectively; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, both the SLIPA and the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique can be used effectively without severe complications in paralyzed children. Additionally, the SLIPA provides a better airway seal and better intraoperative position stability than the Laryngeal Mask Airway-Unique.

Associations of cognitive impairment and functional limitation with all-cause mortality risk in older adults: A population-based study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Cognitive impairment and functional limitation are commonly observed in older adults. They have a complex correlation, and both are risk factors for mortality. This prospective cohort study aimed to explore the independent and joint impact of cognitive impairment and functional limitations on all-cause mortality in older adults. A total of 3,759 participants aged ≥ 60 years who had available information on mortality data, cognitive function, physical function, and covariates were enrolled. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to assess the independent and joint impacts of cognitive impairment and functional limitation on all-cause mortality. Smoothing curve fitting was used to show the nonlinear relationship between the Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) score and all-cause mortality. An interaction between cognitive impairment and functional limitation was identified when examining their associations with all-cause mortality. Cognitive impairment and functional limitation independently correlated with all-cause mortality risk even after adjusting for covariates and performing mutual adjustments (HR for cognitive impairment: 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.56; HR for functional limitation: 1.50, 95% CI 1.32-1.70). When the DSC score was > 18, as the score increased, the risk of death significantly decreased (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99). Participants with both cognitive impairment and functional limitation had the highest hazard ratio for all-cause mortality (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.63-2.40). In summary, cognitive impairment and functional limitation independently correlated with increased all-cause mortality risk. A higher DSC score was a protective factor reducing the premature mortality risk. Older adults with cognitive impairment and functional limitation demonstrated the highest all-cause mortality risk.

Antimicrobial Activity and Mechanisms of Punicalagin against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

This study sought to explore the antimicrobial activity of punicalagin against V. parahaemolyticus and its potential modes of action. V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 and RIMD 2210633Sm were exposed to punicalagin, and the energy production, membrane potential, and envelope permeability, as well as the interaction with cell biomolecules, were measured using a variety of fluorescent probes combined with electrophoresis and Raman spectroscopy. Punicalagin treatment disrupted the envelope integrity and induced a decrease in intracellular ATP and pH. The uptake of 1-N-phenyl-naphtylamine (NPN) demonstrated that punicalagin weakened the outer membrane. Punicalagin damaged the cytoplasmic membrane, as indicated by the membrane depolarization and the leakage of intracellular potassium ions, proteins, and nucleic acids. Electronic microscopy observation visualized the cell damage caused by punicalagin. Further, gel electrophoresis coupled with the Raman spectrum assay revealed that punicalagin affected the protein expression of V. parahaemolyticus, and there was no effect on the integrity of genomic DNA. Therefore, the cell envelope and proteins of V. parahaemolyticus were the assailable targets of punicalagin treatment. These findings suggested that punicalagin may be promising as a natural bacteriostatic agent to control the growth of V. parahaemolyticus.

Genetic Analysis of a Mosaic Fra(16)(q22)/Del(16)(q22) Karyotype in a Primary Infertile Woman.

Purpose: Fragile sites are specific chromosomal regions showing gaps, poor staining, contractions, or even breaks in the chromosomes. These spontaneous and heritable fragile sites are prone to structural variations which can lead to adverse reproductive outcomes. This paper aims to present a specific case study of a female patient, with a mosaic karyotype involving chromosome 16q22 fragile site which is very rare in clinic and her experience of infertility. Case Presentation: A 37-year-old woman is diagnosed with ten-year primary infertility. She worked in a factory, and she was occasionally exposed to paint. She underwent two cycles of follicular monitoring with intrauterine insemination (IUI) using her husband's sperm six years ago but failed. Most of her prepregnancy tests were normal, except a not smooth right fallopian tube. Her G-band karyotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes was mos 46, XX, del(16)(q22)[40]/46, XX, fra(16)(q22)[29]/46, XX, fra(16)tr(16)(q22)[3]/46, XX[28] which inherited from her mother. The SCE assay detected a significantly higher frequency of SCEs in the 16q region of the patient's chromosomes compared to her mother and a healthy control. However, the average SCEs per chromosome were quite close. Moreover, copy number variation (CNV) sequencing showed no deletion nor duplication at 16q22. Conclusion: Infertility cannot be completely attributed to the fragile site on chromosome 16q22. Assisted reproductive technology combined with preimplantation genetic testing may help in achieving a healthy live birth.

Correlation of serum and local CXCL13 levels with disease severity in patients with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the present study was to explore the potential correlation of serum / local CXCL13 expressions and disease severity in non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NT-ONFH). METHODS: In total, NT-ONFH patients (n = 130) together with healthy controls (HCs, n = 130) were included in this investigation. Radiographic progression was evaluated based on the imaging criteria outlined in the ARCO classification system. To assess the diagnostic value of serum CXCL13 in relation to radiographic progression, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted. Serum CXCL13 levels were quantified utilizing ELISA in all participants. Furthermore, local protein/mRNA expressions of CXCL13 were examined employing immunohistochemistry, western blot, as well as RT-PCR techniques. Clinical severity was appraised using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Western Ontario as well as McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant reduction in serum CXCL13 levels among NT-ONFH patients in contrast with HCs. Moreover, both mRNA and protein expressions of CXCL13 were markedly decreased in the necrotic area (NA) than the non-necrotic area (NNA) as well as the healthy femoral head tissues. Additionally, serum CXCL13 levels were substantially lower among patients classified as ARCO stage 4 than those at ARCO stage 3. The concentrations of CXCL13 in stage 3 patients were notably diminished relative to those at ARCO stage 2. Notably, serum CXCL13 levels demonstrated a negative association with ARCO grade. Furthermore, these levels were also inversely linked to VAS scores as well as WOMAC scores while displaying a positive association with HHS scores. The findings of ROC curve suggested that reduced serum CXCL13 levels could be an underlying indicator for ARCO stage. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced levels of either serum CXCL13 or local CXCL13 were intricately linked to disease severity for patients with NT-ONFH.

Synergistic cobalt­copper metal-organic framework anchored amino-functionalized cellulose for antibiotic degradation: Interfacial engineering and mechanism insight.

Improving electron transfer rate of Co species and inhibiting aggregation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) particles are essential prerequisites for activating advanced oxidation process in wastewater treatment field. Here, we exploit Cu species with variable valence states to accelerate electron transfer of Co species and then to boost the unsatisfactory degradation efficiency for refractory pharmaceuticals via in-situ growth of copper and cobalt species on l-lysine functionalized carboxylated cellulose nanofibers. Utilizing the synergistic interplay of Co sites and deliberately exposed Cu0/Cu1+ atoms, the subtly designed catalyst exhibited a surprising degradation efficiency (~100 %) toward tetracycline hydrochloride within 10 min (corresponding to a catalytic capacity of 267.71 mg/g) without adjusting temperature and pH. Meanwhile, the catalyst displays good recyclability, well tolerance for coexisting ions and excellent antibacterial performance derived from the intrinsic antibacterial property of Cu-MOF. This research provided a novel strategy to construct MOFs-cellulose materials toward degrading various stubborn antibiotic pollutants.

The role of rcpA gene in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common seafood-borne pathogen that can colonize the intestine of host and cause gastroenteritis. Biofilm formation by V. parahaemolyticus enhances its persistence in various environments, which poses a series of threats to food safety. This work aims to investigate the function of rcpA gene in biofilm formation and virulence of V. parahaemolyticus. Deletion of rcpA significantly reduced motility, biofilm biomass, and extracellular polymeric substances, and inhibited biofilm formation on a variety of food and food contact surfaces. In mice infection model, mice infected with ∆rcpA strain exhibited a decreased rate of pathogen colonization, a lower level of inflammatory cytokines, and less tissue damage when compared to mice infected with wild type strain. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 374 genes were differentially expressed in the rcpA deletion mutant, which include genes related to quorum sensing, flagellar system, ribosome, type VI secretion system, biotin metabolism and transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, rcpA plays a role in determining biofilm formation and virulence of V. parahaemolyticus and further research is necessitated to fully understand its function in V. parahaemolyticus.

Validation of the Mindray VS9 Vital Signs Monitor in a combined adult and pediatric population according to ISO Standard 81060-2:2018.

We aimed to validate the accuracy of the Mindray VS9 Vital Signs Monitor, which features the Mindray TrueBP inflation algorithm for oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement, to check if it complies with the International Organization for Standardization Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018) in a combined adult and pediatric population. A total of 86 participants, including both adult and pediatric subjects, were recruited. The distribution of their ages, gender, BPs and limb sizes all complied with the requirement of the ISO standard. The inflation and deflation algorithms were validated independently using the same-arm sequential BP measurement method. For each subject, the BP was first determined by two independent observers using a mercury sphygmomanometer (R1). The BP of the subject was then determined by the third observer using the test equipment (T1). Then, using a mercury sphygmomanometer, two independent observers were asked to determine the subject's BP (R2) again. R1-T1-R2 were considered a valid pair of data. This cycle continued until 3 pairs of valid data were achieved. We collected 258 pairs of valid BP data for the validation of the inflation and deflation algorithms respectively. For validation Criterion 1, the mean ± SD of the differences between the readings obtained from the test device and reference BP was 0.0 ±â€…6.6/-1.8 ±â€…7.1 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) when the deflation algorithm was used, and 2.4 ±â€…6.3/ 0.3 ±â€…6.9 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) when the inflation algorithm was used. For validation Criterion 2, the SD of the averaged BP differences between the test device and the reference BP per subject was 5.35/6.33 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) when the deflation algorithm was used, and 5.17/5.75 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) when the inflation algorithm was used. The VS9 Vital Signs Monitor fulfilled all the criteria in the ISO Standard. Moreover, the inflation algorithm had a shorter Measure Time (by 7-21 s) and lower maximum inflation pressure (by 9.7-22 mmHg). The VS9 Vital Signs Monitor fulfilled all the requirements of the ISO Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018) in a combined adult and pediatric population and is recommended for clinical use.

W-Shaped π-Extended Double Undecabenzo[7]helicene.

A chiral W-shaped fully π-extended double [7]helicene (ED7H) has been synthesized and fully characterized. It displays fluorescence emission (λem = 636 nm) with a quantum yield (Φf) of 0.10. In comparison to its X-shaped and monomict π-extended [7]helicene analogues, enantiopure W-shaped ED7H exhibited superior chiral optical characteristics, including distinct circular dichroism signals from 400 to 650 nm, a good dissymmetric emission factor |glum| of 4 × 10-3, and a circularly polarized luminescence brightness value BCPL of 42 M-1 cm-1.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrimidine, 3-cyanopyridine and m-amino-N-phenylbenzamide based monocyclic EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

36 new compounds with the typical skeleton of 4-anilino-5-vinyl/ethynyl pyrimidine, 4-anilino-3-cyano-5-vinyl/ethynyl/phenyl pyridine, and m-amino-N-phenylbenzamide, are designed, synthesized and selectively tested on EGFR, ErbB-2 kinases, and A-549, HL60 cells growth inhibition. Results from the bioactivity and chemical structures yield preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs). The most potent 5-ethynylpyrimidine derivative 20a has an IC50 value of 45 nM to EGFR kinase. Several compounds of other series also show IC50 values <1 µM for EGFR and <5 µM for A-549 and HL60 cells growth inhibition.

Anti-Biofilm Activity of Laurel Essential Oil against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a primary seafood-associated pathogen that could cause gastroenteritis. It can attach to various surfaces and form a biofilm, which poses serious threats to food safety. Hence, an effective strategy is urgently needed to control the biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus. Laurel essential oil (LEO) is used in food, pharmaceutical and other industries, and is commonly used as a flavoring agent and valuable spice in food industries. The potential antibiofilm effects of LEO against V. parahaemolyticus were examined in this study. LEO obviously reduced biofilm biomass at subinhibitory concentrations (SICs). It decreased the metabolic activity and viability of biofilm cells. Microscopic images and Raman spectrum indicted that LEO interfered with the structure and biochemical compositions of biofilms. Moreover, it also impaired swimming motility, decreased hydrophobicity, inhibited auto-aggregation and reduced attachment to different food-contact surfaces. RT-qPCR revealed that LEO significantly downregulated transcription levels of biofilm-associated genes of V. parahaemolyticus. These findings demonstrate that LEO could be potentially developed as an antibiofilm strategy to control V. parahaemolyticus biofilms in food industries.

Safety and effectiveness for oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drink at preoperative 2 hours before painless colonoscopy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and optimal dose of oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks 2 hours before painless colonoscopy. All patients receiving painless colonoscopy were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (no carbohydrate-rich drink, n = 33), low-dose group (5 mL/kg carbohydrate-rich drink, n = 30), and high-dose group (8 mL/kg carbohydrate-rich drink, n = 30). Use of vasoactive drugs, the visual analog scale including thirst and hunger, degree of satisfaction, the time required for Modified Post Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System scale, first urination time, electrolyte level (sodium, potassium, and calcium), and blood glucose level were also determined. A total of 93 patients were recruited in this study. No significant difference was observed in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric antrum area at T0 between low- and high-dose groups (P = .912). There was a significant difference in CSA of gastric antrum at 120 minutes after oral intake between the low- and high-dose groups (P = .015). No significant difference was observed in the CSA of gastric antrum at 0 minutes and 120 minutes in the low-dose group (P = .177). In the high-dose group, the CSA of gastric antrum significantly differed at 0 minutes and 120 minutes (P < .001). There was a significant difference in the visual analog scale scores of thirst and hunger at 4 and 5 hours after bowel preparation among 3 groups (P = .001, P = .029, P < .001, P = .001). The degree of satisfaction in low- and high-dose groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (both P < .001). In conclusion, it is feasible and safe to deliver an oral intake of 5 mL/kg carbohydrate-rich drink 2 hours before painless colonoscopy. The comfort level and degree of satisfaction of patients can be further improved.