Chlorophyll fluorescence, physiology, and yield of winter wheat under different irrigation and shade durations during the grain-filling stage.

The uneven spatial and temporal distribution of light resources and water scarcity during the grain-filling stage pose significant challenges for sustainable crop production, particularly in the arid areas of the Loess Plateau in Northwest China. This study aims to investigate the combined effects of drought and shading stress on winter wheat growth and its physio-biochemical and antioxidative responses. Wheat plants were subjected to different drought levels- full irrigation (I100), 75% of full irrigation (I75), 50% of full irrigation (I50), and 25% of full irrigation (I25), and shading treatments - 12, 9, 6, 3 and 0 days (SD12, SD9, SD6, SD3, and CK, respectively) during the grain-filling stage. The effects of drought and shading treatments reduced yield in descending order, with the most significant reductions observed in the SD12 and I25 treatments. These treatments decreased grain yield, spikes per plant, 1000-grain weight, and spikelets per spike by 160.67%, 248.13%, 28.22%, and 179.55%, respectively, compared to the CK. Furthermore, MDA content and antioxidant enzyme activities exhibited an ascending trend with reduced irrigation and longer shading durations. The highest values were recorded in the I75 and SD12 treatments, which increased MDA, SOD, POD, and CAT activities by 65.22, 66.79, 65.07 and 58.38%, respectively, compared to the CK. The Pn, E, Gs, and iCO2 exhibited a decreasing trend (318.14, 521.09, 908.77, and 90.85%) with increasing shading duration and decreasing irrigation amount. Drought and shading treatments damage leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, decreasing yield and related physiological and biochemical attributes.

A broadband active sound absorber with adjustable absorption coefficient and bandwidth.

Broadband adjustable sound absorbers are desired for controlling the acoustic conditions within enclosed spaces. Existing studies on acoustic absorbers, either passive or active, aim to maximize the sound absorption coefficients over an extended frequency band. By contrast, this paper introduces a tunable acoustic absorber, whose working frequency band and sound absorption characteristics can be defined by users for different applications. The approach leverages an error signal that can be synthesized using a standing wave separation technique. The error signal encodes different target reflection coefficients, leading to arbitrary absorption coefficients between 0 and 1. Experimental validation is conducted in a one-dimensional standing wave tube, demonstrating that the proposed active absorber achieves near-perfect absorption within the 150-1600 Hz frequency range, boasting an average absorption coefficient of 0.98. Adjustable absorption is demonstrated across three octave bands, aligning closely with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, when coupled with a shaping filter, the absorber exhibits spectrally tunable broadband absorption capabilities, selectively reflecting specific frequency bands while effectively absorbing others. These outcomes underscore the versatile tunability of the proposed active acoustic absorber, which is expected to pave the way for personalized regulating of the indoor acoustic environment.

Diterpenoids target SARS-CoV-2 RdRp from the roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud.

Introduction: Currently, the development of new antiviral drugs against COVID-19 remains of significant importance. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb Euphorbia fischeriana Steud is often used for antiviral treatment, yet its therapeutic effect against the COVID-19 has been scarcely studied. Therefore, this study focuses on the roots of E. fischeriana Steud, exploring its chemical composition, antiviral activity against COVID-19, and the underlying basis of its antiviral activity. Methods: Isolation and purification of phytochemicals from E. fischeriana Steud. The elucidation of their configurations was achieved through a comprehensive suite of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses as well as X-ray diffraction. Performed cytopathic effect assays of SARS-CoV-2 using Vero E6 cells. Used molecular docking to screen for small molecule ligands with binding to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) was used to determine the dissociation constant Kd. Results: Ultimately, nine new ent-atisane-type diterpenoid compounds were isolated from E. fischeriana Steud, named Eupfisenoids A-I (compounds 1-9). The compound of 1 was established as a C-19-degraded ent-atisane-type diterpenoid. During the evaluation of these compounds for their antiviral activity against COVID-19, compound 1 exhibited significant antiviral activity. Furthermore, with the aid of computer virtual screening and microscale thermophoresis (MST) technology, it was found that this compound could directly bind to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, NSP12) of the COVID-19, a key enzyme in virus replication. This suggests that the compound inhibits virus replication by targeting RdRp. Discussion: Through this research, not only has our understanding of the antiviral components and material basis of E. fischeriana Steud been enriched, but also the potential of atisane-type diterpenoid compounds as antiviral agents against COVID-19 has been discovered. The findings mentioned above will provide valuable insights for the development of drugs against COVID-19.

Study on the molecular mechanism of gold nanorods interacting with fibrinogen and transferrin to form protein corona.

The molecular mechanism of the formation of protein corona by the interaction of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with fibrinogen and transferrin was studied by spectroscopic methods and molecular docking. Studies have shown that AuNRs can be used as quencher to quench the fluorescence of fibrinogen/transferrin. The quenching mechanism mainly comes from static quenching. Fibrinogen has two different binding sites on the longitudinal and the transverse plane of AuNRs respectively, while transferrin has only one binding site on the surface of AuNRs. The adsorption process conforms to Freundlich adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order reaction. The chemisorption is the rate-limiting step. Fibrinogen/transferrin may be a component of the "hard corona" because they bind AuNRs with high binding affinity. The formation of protein corona leads to a decrease in the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment around transferrin tryptophan (Trp) residues and an increase in the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment around fibrinogen/transferrin tyrosine (Tyr) residues, affecting the tertiary and secondary structure of fibrinogen/transferrin. Molecular docking can clearly see the specific amino acid residues of fibrinogen and transferrin adsorbed on AuNRs, and verify the experimental results.

Mesoporous polydopamine/copper sulfide hybrid nanocomposite for highly efficient NIR-triggered bacterial inactivation.

Polydopamine has gained considerable attention in the biomaterial domain owing to its excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, photothermal effect and adhesion property. Herein, copper sulfide (Cu2-xS) wrapped in mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) was synthesized through in-situ polymerization, followed by the surface modification with cationic polyethyleneimine (PEI). The mussel-inspired MPDA matrix successfully prevented the oxidation and agglomeration of Cu2-xS nanoparticles, and regulated the release of copper ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Surface-modified PEI endow MPDA@Cu2-xS with positive charges, facilitating their rapid contact with negatively charged bacteria through electrostatic interactions. The pH-dependent Cu+/Cu2+ release and NIR-responsive ROS generation were confirmed using molecular probes and electron spin resonance (ESR). The MPDA@Cu2-xS/PEI showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activity and reduced cytotoxicity for NIH3T3 cells. Under NIR irradiation (1.0 W/cm2, 10 min), germicidal efficiency against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphyloccocus aureus (S. aureus) could reach 100 % and 99.94 %, respectively. The exceptional antibacterial activities of MPDA@Cu2-xS/PEI was mainly attributed to the synergistic photothermal effect, controlled release of copper ions and ROS generation, as well as electrostatic interaction. More importantly, the MPDA@Cu2-xS/PEI composite exhibited excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. Overall, this organic/inorganic hybrid holds great potential as a promising candidate for wound treatment.

Potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro steroid inhibitors from Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R. N. Parker.

Herein, six previously undescribed steroids (1-6), were isolated from leaves and twigs of Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R. N. Parker (Meliaceae). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, UV, and IR. Antiviral activity of these compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1-6 showed varying degrees of inhibitory activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) at 200 µM.

Study on hormone induction of the male parent and embryonic development, gonad differentiation, and growth of "All-female No.1" Culter alburnus.

Female Culter alburnus was faster in growth rate than males. In this study, the gynogenetic G2 and the pseudo-male G2' were used as the female and male parents, respectively, to breed a new national variety "All-female No.1" C. alburnus (AFC). Hormone induction, embryonic development, gonadal differentiation, and growth of AFC were studied. The results showed induction with low concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in a indoor-net cage culture was not effective. Under the stimulation of 17α-methyltestosterone, some gonads had a tendency to transform into testis, but not completely. There were three types of gonads in 5-month-old and four types of gonads in 12-month-old fishes, however, they all differentiated into ovaries in 15-month-old fishes. Testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction had a good effect resulting in ①a functional pseudo-male with normal testis development that could successfully extrude semen during the breeding period, ②a pseudo-male with normal testis development, but could not extrude semen, and ③the appearance of intersexual glands. The second experiment revealed that with common fish, all-female fish embryo had normal embryonic development. The development time and morphological characteristics of each stage were similar, but the development of the all-female embryo was slightly slower than the common embryos. The gonad differentiation of the all-female embryo were normal and none differentiated into testis, which indicated that all-female could ensure the female sex without affecting the normal gonad differentiation. The correlation between body weight, length, and month-age of all-female and common fish was strong. The all-female had faster growth rate and more uniform growth specification than the common fish. Therefore, the use of testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction could avoid complete degeneration of gonads into ovaries. The all-female embryo had the advantages of normal embryonic development and gonadal differentiation, faster growth, and uniform growth specification.

Influence of LVAD Cannula Outflow Graft Flow Rate and Location on Fluid-Particle Interactions and Thrombi Distribution: A Primary Numerical Study.

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) supports hemodynamics in heart failure patients. To deepen the understanding of hemodynamic changes and the movement of thrombi in the aorta, we examined three distinct LVAD blood flow rates across two implantation sites using the theory of computational fluid dynamics. Our findings revealed the complex dynamics of blood flow during cardiac systole under various scenarios. We also analyzed thrombi residence time and flow probabilities into aortic branches. Simulation results indicate that thrombi distribution in the aorta is significantly influenced by the location of the LVAD outflow graft and the flow rate. When the LVAD outflow graft is implanted into the ascending aorta, higher flow rates may reduce the risk of cerebral thrombosis. However, lower flow rates may reduce the risk of cerebral thrombosis while it is implanted into the descending aorta. The study may offer valuable insights into the LVAD implantation about the risk of cerebrovascular embolism.

Potential roles of UCH family deubiquitinases in tumorigenesis and chemical inhibitors developed against them.

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are a large group of proteases that reverse ubiquitination process and maintain protein homeostasis. The DUBs have been classified into seven subfamilies according to their primary sequence and structural similarity. As a small subfamily of DUBs, the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs) subfamily only contains four members including UCHL1, UCHL3, UCHL5, and BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1). Despite sharing the deubiquitinase activity with a similar catalysis mechanism, the UCHs exhibit distinctive biological functions which are mainly determined by their specific subcellular localization and partner substrates. Besides, growing evidence indicates that the UCH enzymes are involved in human malignancies. In this review, the structural information and biological functions of the UCHs are briefly described. Meanwhile, the roles of these enzymes in tumorigenesis and the discovered inhibitors against them are also summarized to give an insight into the cancer therapy with the potential alternative strategy.

Effectiveness of intra-arterial manometry in guiding femoral popliteal stent implantation: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Femoropopliteal artery occlusion is a prevalent peripheral arterial disease, and endovascular therapy has become the preferred treatment. Accurate assessment of balloon dilation efficacy is crucial for determining the necessity for subsequent stent implantation. This study aims to investigate the use of interlesion arterial pressure gradients as a novel approach to assess balloon dilation efficacy and guide stent implantation decisions. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 100 patients with femoropopliteal artery occlusion. Patients were randomized into a control group (n=50) and an experimental group (n=50). Stent implantation was performed in the control group according to standard indications, while the experimental group underwent stent implantation only if the mean arterial pressure gradient exceeded 10 mmHg or fractional flow reserve (FFR) fell below 0.85. Post-intervention, pressure measurements and angiography were used to evaluate residual stenosis, dissection, and pressure gradients. RESULTS: Lesions were categorized into stent-indicated and non-indicated groups. In the non-stent-indicated lesions, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher patency rates for lesions with pFFR < 0.85 or ΔP > 10 mmHg compared to the control group (92.9% vs. 50.0%, P=0.039). There was no significant difference in patency rates between the experimental and control groups for stent-indicated lesions. CONCLUSION: Combining pressure measurement with angiography provides a more precise evaluation of balloon dilation efficacy and stent implantation indicators in femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease. Further research is needed to establish optimal pressure threshold values and refine treatment guidelines.

Olig2-enriched exosomes: A novel therapeutic approach for cuprizone-induced demyelination.

The research aims to study the therapeutic impact of HEK293-XPack-Olig2 cell-derived exosomes on remyelination of the corpus callosum in a cuprizone-induced demyelinating disease model. A lentiviral vector expressing Olig2 was constructed using XPack technology. The highly abundant Olig2 exosomes (ExoOs) were isolated by centrifugation for subsequent experiments. Western blot, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and electron microscopy showed no significant difference in particle size and morphology between Exos and ExoOs, and a high level of Olig2 expression could be detected in ExoOs, indicating that exosome modification by XPack technology was successful. The Black Gold/Fluromyelin staining analysis showed that the ExoOs group significantly reduced the demyelination area in the corpus callosum compared to the PBS and Exos groups. Additionally, the PDGFRα/APC staining of the demyelinating region revealed an increase in APC+ oligodendrocytes and a decrease in PDGFRα+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the ExoOs group. Furthermore, there was evident myelin regeneration in the demyelinated areas after ExoOs treatment, with better g-ratio and a higher number of intact myelin compared to the other treatment groups. The level of Sox10 expression in the brain tissue of the ExoOs group were higher compared to those of the PBS and Exos groups. The demyelination process can be significantly slowed down by the XPack-modified exosomes, the differentiation of OPCs promoted, and myelin regeneration accelerated under pathological conditions. This process is presumed to be achieved by changing the expression level of intracellular differentiation-related genes after exosomes transport Olig2 enriched into oligodendrocyte progenitors.

The Main Failure Modes of Hot-Work Die Steel and the Development Status of Traditional Strengthening Methods and Nano-Strengthening Technology.

As an important part of die steels, hot-work die steels are mainly used to manufacture molds made of solid metal or high-temperature liquid metal from heating to recrystallization temperature. In view of the requirements for mechanical properties and service life for hot-work die steel, it is conducive to improve the thermal fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance of hot work die steel. In this review, the main failure modes of hot-work die steel were analyzed. Four traditional methods of strengthening and toughening die steel were summarized, including optimizing alloying elements, electroslag remelting, increasing the forging ratio, and heat treatment process enhancement. A new nano-strengthening method was introduced that aimed to refine the microstructure of hot-work abrasive steel and improve its service performance by adding nanoparticles into molten steel to achieve uniform dispersion. This review provides an overview to improve the service performance and service life of hot work die steel.

A retrospective analysis of the influencing factors of nucleic acid CT value fluctuation in COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron variant virus in Changchun city.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values in patients infected with the Omicron variant during an outbreak at a hospital in Changchun city. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on general information, medical history, vaccination history, and laboratory test data of COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant and admitted to the hospital in Changchun from March 2022 to April 2022. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant in Changchun city. Results: Fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values were significantly correlated with occupation composition (p = 0.030), hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), heart rate (p = 0.026), creatinine (p = 0.011), platelet count (p = 0.000), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (p = 0.045), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (p = 0.017). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), platelet count (p = 0.019), heart rate (p = 0.036), and nucleic acid CT value fluctuations (p < 0.05), indicating that they were independent risk factors. Red blood cell count was identified as a factor influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group A patients. Occupation composition, direct bilirubin, and platelet count were identified as factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients. Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that occupational composition and direct bilirubin are significant independent factors for nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients, positively correlated with occupational risk and negatively correlated with direct bilirubin. Conclusion: Therefore, enhancing patients' immunity, increasing physical exercise to improve myocardial oxygen consumption, reducing the length of hospital stays, and closely monitoring liver function at the onset of hospitalization to prevent liver function abnormalities are effective measures to control fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values.

Application of HFO and scaling analysis of neuronal oscillations in the presurgical evaluation of focal epilepsy.

PURPOSE: To explore the utility of high frequency oscillations (HFO) and long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) in preoperative assessment of epilepsy. METHODS: MEG ripples were detected in 59 drug-resistant epilepsy patients, comprising 5 with parietal lobe epilepsy (PLE), 21 with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), 14 with lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE), and 19 with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) to identify the epileptogenic zone (EZ). The results were compared with clinical MEG reports and resection area. Subsequently, LRTCs were quantified at the source-level by detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and life/waiting -time at 5 bands for 90 cerebral cortex regions. The brain regions with larger DFA exponents and standardized life-waiting biomarkers were compared with the resection results. RESULTS: Compared to MEG sensor-level data, ripple sources were more frequently localized within the resection area. Moreover, source-level analysis revealed a higher proportion of DFA exponents and life-waiting biomarkers with relatively higher rankings, primarily distributed within the resection area (p<0.01). Moreover, these two LRCT indices across five distinct frequency bands correlated with EZ. CONCLUSION: HFO and source-level LRTCs are correlated with EZ. Integrating HFO and LRTCs may be an effective approach for presurgical evaluation of epilepsy.

Dissecting causal relationships between immune cells, plasma metabolites, and COPD: a mediating Mendelian randomization study.

Objective: This study employed Mendelian Randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationships among immune cells, COPD, and potential metabolic mediators. Methods: Utilizing summary data from genome-wide association studies, we analyzed 731 immune cell phenotypes, 1,400 plasma metabolites, and COPD. Bidirectional MR analysis was conducted to explore the causal links between immune cells and COPD, complemented by two-step mediation analysis and multivariable MR to identify potential mediating metabolites. Results: Causal relationships were identified between 41 immune cell phenotypes and COPD, with 6 exhibiting reverse causality. Additionally, 21 metabolites were causally related to COPD. Through two-step MR and multivariable MR analyses, 8 cell phenotypes were found to have causal relationships with COPD mediated by 8 plasma metabolites (including one unidentified), with 1-methylnicotinamide levels showing the highest mediation proportion at 26.4%. Conclusion: We have identified causal relationships between 8 immune cell phenotypes and COPD, mediated by 8 metabolites. These findings contribute to the screening of individuals at high risk for COPD and offer insights into early prevention and the precocious diagnosis of Pre-COPD.

Analysis of the therapeutic effect of synchronous integrated intensity modulated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in stage IIIc of cervical cancer.

Objective: To explore the Therapeutic effect of synchronous Integrated intensity modulated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in stage IIIc of Cervical Cancer. Methods: A total of 58 patients with stage IIIC cervical cancer (KPS ≥ 80) were analyzed in this study. They were admitted to our hospital between August 2017 and August 2022. Synchronous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) and sequential boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (LCB-IMRT) were used to treat pelvic and/or para-aortic metastatic lymph nodes, with 30 cases in the SIB group and 28 cases in the LCB group. Comparison of short-term and long-term efficacy. Comparison of recurrence and metastasis rates, radiation dose to organs at risk and incidence of adverse drug reactions. Result: 30 patients were treated with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT), and 28 patients were treated with sequential boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (LCB-IMRT). At the completion of radiotherapy and 3 months after radiotherapy, there was no significant difference in clinical efficacy observed between the two treatment groups. The median overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DMR) in the SIB-IMRT group were significantly higher compared to the LCB-IMRT group. The SIB-IMRT group demonstrated significantly lower rates compared to the LCB-IMRT group. Furthermore, within 3 years and 5 years, the rates of lymph node recurrence, cervical and vaginal local recurrence, and distant metastasis within the radiotherapy field were significantly lower in the SIB-IMRT group compared to the LCB-IMRT group. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of the maximum dose to the small intestine (Dmax), dose received by 2cc of the small intestine (D2cc), maximum dose to the rectum (Dmax), and dose received by 1cc of the bladder (D1cc). The incidence of bone marrow toxicity in the SIB-IMRT group was significantly lower compared to the LCB-IMRT group. Moreover, the occurrence of grade III and IV bone marrow toxicity was also significantly lower in the SIB-IMRT group compared to the LCB-IMRT group. Conclusion: The study has concluded that there is no significant differences in in terms of bladder associated adverse events and gastrointestinal toxicity in both Simultaneous Integrated Boost Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Layered Conical Beam Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy.

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain infection in China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID-19 in China. Methods: This study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade-A hospitals in China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID-19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders. Results: Complete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms. Conclusions: The incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is high in China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, history of head-facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Crafting Docetaxel-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Through a Novel Thermal-Driven Self-Assembly/Microfluidic Combination Technology: Formulation, Process Optimization, Stability, and Bioavailability.

Background: The commercial docetaxel (DTX) formulation causes severe side effects due to polysorbate 80 and ethanol. Novel surfactant-free nanoparticle (NP) systems are needed to improve bioavailability and reduce side effects. However, controlling the particle size and stability of NPs and improving the batch-to-batch variation are the major challenges. Methods: DTX-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (DTX-BSA-NPs) were prepared by a novel thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic technology. Single-factor analysis and orthogonal test were conducted to obtain the optimal formulation of DTX-BSA-NPs in terms of particle size, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL). The effects of oil/water flow rate and pump pressure on the particle size, EE, and DL were investigated to optimize the preparation process of DTX-BSA-NPs. The drug release, physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacokinetics of NPs were evaluated. Results: The optimized DTX-BSA-NPs were uniform, with a particle size of 118.30 nm, EE of 89.04%, and DL of 8.27%. They showed a sustained release of 70% over 96 hours and an increased stability. There were some interactions between the drug and excipients in DTX-BSA-NPs. The half-life, mean residence time, and area under the curve (AUC) of DTX-BSA-NPs increased, but plasma clearance decreased when compared with DTX. Conclusion: The thermal-driven self-assembly/microfluidic combination method effectively produces BSA-based NPs that improve the bioavailability and stability of DTX, offering a promising alternative to traditional formulations.

Formulation and Characterization of Triamcinolone Acetonide Acetate-Loaded Microspheres Prepared by a Static Mixing Technique.

PURPOSE: Reproducibility and scale-up production of microspheres through spray drying present significant challenges. In this study, biodegradable microspheres of Triamcinolone Acetonide Acetate (TAA) were prepared using a novel static mixing method by employing poly( lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as the sustained-release carrier. METHODS: TAA-loaded microspheres (TAA-MSs) were prepared using a static mixing technique. The PLGA concentration, polyvinyl alcohol concentration (PVA), phase ratio of oil/water, and phase ratio of water/solidification were optimized in terms of the particle size, drug loading (DL), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TAA-MSs. The morphology of TAA-MSs was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the physicochemical properties were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro release of TAA-MSs was compared to that of the pure drug (TAA) using a water-bath vibration method in the medium of pH 7.4 at 37°C. RESULTS: The formulation composition and preparation condition for the preparation of TAA-MSs were optimized as follows: the PLGA concentration was 1%, the phase ratio of oil(dichloromethane) /water (PVA solution) was 1:3, the phase ratio of water (PVA solution)/solidification was 1:2. The optimized TAA-MSs displayed spherical particles with a size range of 30-70 µm, and DL and EE values of 27.09% and 98.67%, respectively. Moreover, the drug-loaded microspheres exhibited a significant, sustained release, with 20% of the drug released over a period of 28 days. The XRD result indicated that the crystalline form of TAA in microspheres had been partly converted into the amorphous form. DSC and FT-IR results revealed that some interactions between TAA and PLGA occurred, indicating that the drug was effectively encapsulated into PLGA microspheres. CONCLUSION: TAA-loaded PLGA microspheres have been successfully prepared via the static mixing technique with enhanced EE and sustained-release manner.

Exogenous Glycinebetaine Regulates the Contrasting Responses in Leaf Physiochemical Attributes and Growth of Maize under Drought and Flooding Stresses.

Flooding and drought are the two most devastating natural hazards limiting maize production. Exogenous glycinebetaine (GB), an osmotic adjustment agent, has been extensively used but there is limited research on its role in mitigating the negative effects of different abiotic stresses. This study aims to identify the different roles of GB in regulating the diverse defense regulation of maize against drought and flooding. Hybrids of Yindieyu 9 and Heyu 397 grown in pots in a ventilated greenhouse were subjected to flooding (2-3 cm standing layer) and drought (40-45% field capacity) at the three-leaf stage for 8 d. The effects of different concentrations of foliar GB (0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mM) on the physiochemical attributes and growth of maize were tested. Greater drought than flooding tolerance in both varieties to combat oxidative stress was associated with higher antioxidant activities and proline content. While flooding decreased superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activities and proline content compared to normal water, they all declined with stress duration, leading to a larger reactive oxygen species compared to drought. It was POD under drought stress and ascorbate peroxidase under flooding stress that played crucial roles in tolerating water stress. Foliar GB further enhanced antioxidant ability and contributed more effects to POD to eliminate more hydrogen peroxide than the superoxide anion, promoting growth, especially for leaves under water stress. Furthermore, exogenous GB made a greater increment in Heyu 397 than Yindieyu 9, as well as flooding compared to drought. Overall, a GB concentration of 5.0 mM, with a non-toxic effect on well-watered maize, was determined to be optimal for the effective mitigation of water-stress damage to the physiochemical characteristics and growth of maize.