Intestinal Targeted Nanogel with Broad-Spectrum Autonomous ROS Scavenging Performance for Enhancing the Bioactivity of trans-Resveratrol.

Introduction: To improve the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol (trans-Res), it is commonly co-delivered with antioxidant bioactives using a complex synthetic intestinal targeted carrier, however, which makes practical application challenging. Methods: A nanogel (Ngel), as broad-spectrum autonomous ROS scavenger, was prepared using selenized thiolated sodium alginate (TSA-Se) and crosslinked with calcium lactate (CL) for loading trans-Res to obtain Ngel@Res, which maintained spherical morphology in the upper digestive tract but broke down in the lower digestive tract, resulting in trans-Res release. Results: Under protection of Ngel, trans-Res showed enhanced stability and broad-spectrum ROS scavenging activity. The synergistic mucoadhesion of Ngel prolonged the retention time of trans-Res in the intestine. Ngel and Ngel@Res increased the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans to 26.00 ± 2.17 and 26.00 ± 4.27 days by enhancing the activity of antioxidases, upregulating the expression of daf-16, sod-5 and skn-1, while downregulating the expression of daf-2 and age-1. Conclusion: This readily available, intestinal targeted selenized alginate-based nanogel effectively improves the bioactivity of trans-Res.

Correction: Liu et al. Emergent Peptides of the Antifibrotic Arsenal: Taking Aim at Myofibroblast Promoting Pathways. Biomolecules 2023, 13, 1179.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Soft and flexible polyvinyl alcohol/pullulan aerogels with fast and high water absorption capacity for facial mask substrates.

Facial mask substrates commonly used in skincare are often considered unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly due to their composition of premoistened nonwovens containing various preservatives. This study aims to address this issue by developing a preservative-free degradable aerogel made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/pullulan (PUL) using a unidirectional freeze-drying method. The aerogels had ordered three-dimensional porous structures and exhibited desirable mechanical properties. They were soft and flexible in both dry and wet states, and their Young's moduli were comparable to that of human skin. The aerogels had high porosity, ranging from 93.0 % to 95.1 %, and exhibited a high water absorption rate and water absorption capacity (ranging from 7.5 g/g to 10.1 g/g). After 30 min of water evaporation, the aerogels showed excellent moisture retention, ranging from 88 % to 93 %. Additionally, the PVA/PUL aerogel efficiently loaded and released active ingredients, such as rapidly releasing ascorbic acid (> 90 % within 30 min). These findings suggest that the PVA/PUL aerogel has potential as a material for facial mask substrates.

Construction, characterization and bioactivity evaluation of curcumin nanocrystals with extremely high solubility and dispersion prepared by ultrasound-assisted method.

Curcumin (Cur) as a natural pigment and biological component, can be widely used in food and beverages. However, the water insolubility of Cur significantly limits its applications. In this study, we prepared a series of nanocrystals via ultrasound-assisted method to improve the solubility and availability of Cur. The results showed artemisia sphaerocephala krasch polysaccharide (ASKP), gum arabic (GA) and wheat protein (WP) were outstanding stabilizers for nanocryatals except traditional agent, poloxamer 188 (F68). The obtained curcumin nanocrystals (Cur-NC) displayed a rod-shaped, crystal- and nanosized structure, and extremely high loading capacity (more over 80 %, w/w). Compared with raw powder, Cur-NC greatly improved the water solubility and dispersibility, and the slow and complete release of Cur of Cur-NC also endowed them excellent antioxidant capacities even at 10 µg/mL. Importantly, as functional factor additive in beverages (e.g. water and emulsion), Cur-NC could increase the content of Cur to at least 600 µg/mL and retain a good stability. Overall, we provided an effective improvement method for the liposoluble active molecules (e.g. Cur) based on the nanocrystals, which not only tremendously enhanced its water solubility, but also strengthened its bioactivity. Notably, our findings broadened the application of water-insoluble compounds.

Deciphering PDH1's role in mung bean domestication: a genomic perspective on pod dehiscence.

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) stands as a crucial legume crop in Asia, contributing to food security. However, our understanding of the underlying genetic foundation governing domesticated agronomic traits, especially those linked to pod architecture, remains largely unexplored. In this study, we delved into the genomic divergence between wild and domesticated mung bean varieties, leveraging germplasm obtained from diverse sources. Our findings unveiled pronounced variation in promoter regions (35%) between the two mung bean subpopulations, suggesting substantial changes in gene expression patterns during domestication. Leveraging transcriptome analysis using distinct reproductive stage pods and subpopulations, we identified candidate genes responsible for pod and seed architecture development, along with Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis. Notably, our research conclusively confirmed PDH1 as a parallel domesticated gene governing pod dehiscence in legumes. This study imparts valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of domesticated agronomic traits in mung bean, and simultaneously highlighting the parallel domestication of pivotal traits within the realm of legume crops.

Protein Coronas Derived from Mucus Act as Both Spear and Shield to Regulate Transferrin Functionalized Nanoparticle Transcellular Transport in Enterocytes.

The epithelial mucosa is a key biological barrier faced by gastrointestinal, intraoral, intranasal, ocular, and vaginal drug delivery. Ligand-modified nanoparticles demonstrate excellent ability on this process, but their efficacy is diminished by the formation of protein coronas (PCs) when they interact with biological matrices. PCs are broadly implicated in affecting the fate of NPs in vivo and in vitro, yet few studies have investigated PCs formed during interactions of NPs with the epithelial mucosa, especially mucus. In this study, we constructed transferrin modified NPs (Tf-NPs) as a model and explored the mechanisms and effects that epithelial mucosa had on PCs formation and the subsequent impact on the transcellular transport of Tf-NPs. In mucus-secreting cells, Tf-NPs adsorbed more proteins from the mucus layers, which masked, displaced, and dampened the active targeting effects of Tf-NPs, thereby weakening endocytosis and transcellular transport efficiencies. In mucus-free cells, Tf-NPs adsorbed more proteins during intracellular trafficking, which enhanced transcytosis related functions. Inspired by soft coronas and artificial biomimetic membranes, we used mucin as an "active PC" to precoat Tf-NPs (M@Tf-NPs), which limited the negative impacts of "passive PCs" formed during interface with the epithelial mucosa and improved favorable routes of endocytosis. M@Tf-NPs adsorbed more proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi functions, prompting enhanced intracellular transport and exocytosis. In summary, mucus shielded against the absorption of Tf-NPs, but also could be employed as a spear to break through the epithelial mucosa barrier. These findings offer a theoretical foundation and design platform to enhance the efficiency of oral-administered nanomedicines.

Konjac glucomannan promoted fabrication of diacylglycerol oil-based oleogels through emulsion-templated approach: Comparison with triacylglycerol oleogels.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) combined with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was used to fabricate diacylglycerol oleogels (DGOs) through the emulsion-templated method, and compared with triacylglycerol oleogels (TGOs). The appearance and microstructure results showed that stable emulsions and oleogels could be formed in the presence of 0.2-0.6 wt% KGM. Higher KGM concentrations resulted in a stronger gel structure in oleogels, whose thixotropic recovery percentages were 50.45-75.20 %. From LF-NMR determination, the higher concentration of KGM presented earlier transverse relaxation (T2) time, and the T2 parameters of DGOs were higher than that of TGOs. Texture and oil loss analysis indicated that the mechanical strength and oil holding ability of DGOs were slightly lower than those of TGOs. This study demonstrated the advantages of biopolymers as thickening agents for obtaining stable emulsion and oleogels. The specific characteristics of DGOs distinguished from TGOs should be attributed to their different properties (unsaturation, viscosity, polarity, etc.) between the liquid oils.

Single-Port Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy with the Novel Shurui Single-Port Robotic Surgical System.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of radical prostatectomy with a novel Shurui single-port (SR-SP) robotic surgical system. Methods: A total of 11 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in this study. Extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy was performed using the SR-SP robotic surgical system for all patients. Clinicopathologic data, perioperative data, and short-term surgical outcomes were prospectively collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 11 patients, the median age was 65 years (range 52-73), and the median body mass index was 22.6 kg/m2 (range 20.2-26.7). The median operative time was 229 minutes (range 194-317), and the median console time was 167 minutes (range 141-265). The median blood loss was 40 mL (range 10-120), and none of the patients required intraoperative transfusion. There was no conversion to open surgery during the operation, and no assistant ports were added. The surgeons reported a good task load rating with a National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score of 25.1 ± 3.3 points. The median postoperative hospital stay time was 7 days (range 4-15). There were no severe intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien grade ≥3). Postoperative positive surgical margin occurred in 4 (36.4%) patients. No biochemical recurrence occurred within 1 month of surgery. The continence rate was 72.7% (8/11) 1 month after surgery. Conclusions: The new SR-SP robotic surgical system is safe, effective, flexible, and stable for application in radical prostatectomy.

Emergent Peptides of the Antifibrotic Arsenal: Taking Aim at Myofibroblast Promoting Pathways.

Myofibroblasts are the principal effector cells driving fibrosis, and their accumulation in tissues is a fundamental feature of fibrosis. Essential pathways have been identified as being central to promoting myofibroblast differentiation, revealing multiple targets for intervention. Compared with large proteins and antibodies, peptide-based therapies have transpired to serve as biocompatible and cost-effective solutions to exert biomimicry, agonistic, and antagonistic activities with a high degree of targeting specificity and selectivity. In this review, we summarize emergent antifibrotic peptides and their utilization for the targeted prevention of myofibroblasts. We then highlight recent studies on peptide inhibitors of upstream pathogenic processes that drive the formation of profibrotic cell phenotypes. We also briefly discuss peptides from non-mammalian origins that show promise as antifibrotic therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of peptide design and development in targeting myofibroblasts to mitigate fibrosis.

Retroperitoneal Nephrometry Scoring System (RETRO) for Minimal-Invasive Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To propose a standardized scoring system of renal tumors suitable for partial nephrectomy based on mini-invasiveness and retroperitoneal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and five patients in retroperitoneal group were prospectively enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. Perioperative characteristics of all patients were collected: age, gender, BMI, preoperative blood test and imaging results, operation time (the time period starts from the skin incision to the final skin closure), estimated blood lost, clamping time, complications within 30 days, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, pathology. An algorithm was extracted, and it was used to predict the risk of complications. RESULTS: Symptoms, ASA score and RETRO score were significantly correlated to postoperative complications, excluding tumor size, ischemia time and operation time. Adjusted RETRO points were an independent factor to predict complication rate (p = 0.006). Limitation was that it did not analyze the relationship between the RETRO score and the long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: The RETRO score simplifies the risk evaluation of partial nephrectomy for patients with renal tumor, especially benefits those surgeries performed under robot-assisted laparoscope via retroperitoneal approach. The new RETRO score system that we developed is a selection criterion to perform surgery via different approaches, and an accurate system to evaluate the complexity during partial nephrectomy.

Antibiotic-enzyme-inorganic nanoflowers based immunoassay for the ultrasensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

In this work, we constructed a moderate and convenient approach for the determination of staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using organic-inorganic flower-like hybrid nanoflowers and Pig IgG together in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. To ensure efficient capture, the hybrid nanoflowers were prepared by encapsulating horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and vancomycin (VAN) in the inorganic nanocrystal composites (calcium ion solution), just like the mimic biomineralization process. Owing to the self-assembly technique, the synthesized VAN-HRP-CaHPO4 nanoflowers (NFs) can not only retain the ability to particularly capture the gram-positive bacteria but also enhance the stability and enzymatic activity to achieve the signal output amplification. Then, taking advantage of the integration of signal amplification elements (HRP) and biorecognition unit (VAN), the VAN-HRP-CaHPO4 NFs were utilized as a new kind of capture & signal regent in the procedure of S. aureus detection. Based on this ELISA system, S. aureus could be clearly detected within the concentration ranging from 1.0 × 102 to 1.0 × 107 CFU mL-1. The detection limit was defined as 4.3 CFU mL-1, which performance is superior to some commercial ELISA kits. Additionally, this system detected the S. aureus in food samples and showed an acceptable recovery. As a cost-effective and sensitive platform, this proposed assay was enable to fulfill the requirement of a quick and effective detection of S. aureus.

The Complete Genome Sequence Resource of Rhizospheric Soil-Derived Bacillus velezensis Yao, with Biocontrol Potential Against Fusarium solani-Induced Pepper Root Rot.

The pepper rhizospheric soil-derived Bacillus velezensis Yao from the Shangqiu region of the Henan province in China possesses antagonistic activity against Fusarium solani, which causes pepper root rot. In this report, we introduced the entire genomic sequence of B. velezensis Yao, which is 3,951,864 bp long, with 46.61% G+C content, and 4,097 genes. Using antiSMASH analysis, we predicted 12 gene clusters that encode for secondary antimicrobial metabolites and multiple genes that regulate plant bacterial interactions. The B. velezensis Yao genome data may be a valuable resource as this strain may serve as an effective biocontrol agent against pepper root rot.

Preliminary Experience of Partial Nephrectomy Through a New Single-Port Surgical Robot System.

Purpose: To explore the preliminary safety and efficacy of the Shurui single-port (SP) surgical robot in partial nephrectomy (PN). Methods: This study prospectively enrolled patients with T1a renal tumors who met the inclusion criteria from February to July 2022 in The First Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University. The operative outcomes and perioperative data, including clinical and histological data, were prospectively collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 13 patients were included in this study, including 7 males and 6 females. The median age was 53 (33-74) years, and the average body mass index was 24.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2. There were 6 cases of left kidney tumors and 7 cases of right kidney tumors in the 13 patients. The average tumor diameter was 1.9 ± 0.9 cm. In all operations, the diseased tissue was removed according to the established surgical plan. The average warm ischemia time was 26.2 ± 9.7 minutes; the average device docking time was 3.6 ± 1.8 minutes; and the average robotic arm operation time was 124.7 ± 40.4 minutes. All operations were successfully completed; there was no conversion to open surgery during the operation; and no operation holes were added. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score was 26.3 ± 2.6 points, and no device-related adverse events occurred during the operation. The median time to discharge was 6 days (range, 4-11 days). Postoperative pathological examination showed that all tumor margins were negative. There were no Clavien grade ≥3 surgical complications in any of the patients during the perioperative period or at the 1-month postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: The new SP surgical robot system is safe, effective, flexible, and stable for application in PN.

In vitro oxidation and digestibility profiles of iron-loaded whey protein isolate/gum Arabic complexes with different morphologies.

This study was designed to investigate the promotion of oxidation of lipids in oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions and digestive properties of the bionic dynamic gastrointestinal system of whey protein isolate (WPI) and gum arabic (GA) complexes loaded with iron ions, which were fabricated previously and shown as WPI/GAFe3+ nanoparticles (WGS) and WPI/GAFe3+ fibers (WGF). Compared with emulsions containing Fe3+ and GA-loaded complex (GAFe3+), WGS and WGF greatly improved the oxidative stability of lipids along with the reduced lipid oxidation products and volatile compounds, attributed to the encapsulation of iron ions. During the bionic dynamic gastrointestinal digestion, the iron ion release of WGF was significantly higher than that of WGS, probably due to different assembled internal structures. Accordingly, two proposed WPI/GAFe3+ complexes with different morphologies are expected to be developed as novel stable iron fortifiers with delayed lipid oxidation and controlled iron-ion release in food emulsions.

Recent advances in bioactive nanocrystal-stabilized Pickering emulsions: Fabrication, characterization, and biological assessment.

Numerous literatures have shown the advantages of Pickering emulsion (PE) for the delivery of bioactive ingredients in the fields of food, medicine, and cosmetics, among others. On this basis, the multi-loading mode of bioactives (internal phase encapsulation and/or loading at the interface) in small molecular bioactives nanocrystal-stabilized PE (BNC-PE) enables them higher loading efficiencies, controlled release, and synergistic or superimposed effects. Therefore, BNC-PE offers an efficacious delivery system. In this review, we briefly summarize BNC-PE fabrication and characterization, with a focus on the processes of possible evolution and absorption of differentially applied BNC-PE when interacting with the body. In addition, methods of monitoring changes and absorption of BNC-PE in vivo, from the nanomaterial perspective, are also introduced. The purpose of this review is to provide an accessible and comprehensive methodology for the characterization and evaluation of BNC-PE after formulation and preparation, especially in relation to biological assessment and detailed mechanisms throughout the absorption process of BNC-PE in vivo.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide ameliorated diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction in rats by regulating fibrosis and the NOS/ERK/JNK pathway.

Background: Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), with limited therapy at present. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) on DMED. Methods: DMED was induced in the experimental rats [male 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats] by treatment with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and apomorphine (APO). Next, rats in the GLP low dose (GLP-L)/GLP high dose (GLP-H) groups were treated with GLP (100 or 400 mg/kg/d, respectively) for 8 weeks. Subsequently, erectile function was assessed by APO and electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve (CN). Serum or penile testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) contents were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of oxidative stress indicators in the corpus cavernosum (CC) were measured by corresponding kits, and histological changes in the CC were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Additionally, the apoptosis index, caspase-3, caspase-9, and eNOS expression, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were also detected. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot assays were conducted to determine the NOS, TGF-ß1 mRNA expression, ERK1/2, eNOS, JNK phosphorylation, and arginase II protein expression. Results: The erectile function test revealed that erectile dysfunction (ED) was alleviated in the DMED rats following treatment with GLP. Moreover, GLP upregulated the T and cGMP content, improved the oxidative stress and histological injuries of CC, and also inhibited the apoptosis and MMP loss of penile tissues in DMED rats. Furthermore, GLP treatment enhanced the mRNA expression of NOS and TGF-ß1 and suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, eNOS, and JNK, as well as the protein expression of arginase II in DMED rats. Conclusions: GLP ameliorated DMED by repairing the CC pathological damage and upregulating NOS expression and ERK/JNK phosphorylation, indicating that GLP may be a candidate drug for DMED therapy.

In vitro digestibility and fermentability profiles of wheat starch modified by chlorogenic acid.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) on starch digestibility and fermentability in vitro. Compared with wheat starch (WS), WS-CA complexes exhibited a looser porous gel matrix, and higher solubility and swelling power with the addition of different proportion of CA. The WS-CA complexes significantly reduced the digestive rate of the gelatinized WS, and increased the proportion of resistant starch (RS) ranging from 31.70 % to 69.63 % much higher than that in the gelatinized WS (26.34 %). The residual WS-CA complexes after 24 h of fermentation with human feces induced the production of short-chain fatty acid, as well as the proliferation of gut microbiota such as genera Megamonas and Parabacteroides positively associated with the improvement of human health. The results suggest that complex of starch and CA could be a promising method for developing starchy foods with lower starch hydrolysis and promoting the growth of probiotics.

Advances in Bioactivity of MicroRNAs of Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles and Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small noncoding RNA involved in physiological and pathological processes via the regulation of gene expression. Naked miRNAs are unstable and liable to degradation by RNases. Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) secreted by plants and extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in milk are abundant in miRNAs, which can be carried by ELNs and EVs to target cells to exert their bioactivities. In this review, we describe the current understanding of miRNAs in plant ELNs and milk EVs, summarize their important roles in regulation of inflammation, intestinal barrier, tumors, and infantile immunological functions, and also discuss the adverse effect of EV miRNAs on human health. Additionally, we prospect recent challenges centered around ELN and EV miRNAs for interventional applications and provide insights of grain-derived ELNs and miRNAs interventional use in human health. Overall, plant ELNs and milk EVs can transfer miRNAs to mitigate the pathological status of recipient cells by mediating the expression of target genes but may also exert some side effects. More studies are required to elucidate the in-depth understanding of potential interventional effects of ELN and EV miRNAs on human health.

Stability improvement of emulsion gel fabricated by Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. polysaccharide fractions.

Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. polysaccharide (ASKP) contained two fractions of 60P and 60S with different molecular weight. It was found the potential performance of interface adsorption and gelation activities for the high molecular weight of 60P in comparison with low molecular weight of 60S. The emulsion stability and droplets filling in gel network was highly dependent on the medium chain triglyceride (MCT) concentrations. The emulsion gels fabricated through a complexation of 60P and gelatin or collagen peptides exhibited significantly improved emulsifying activity and gel strength at higher concentration of MCT. Gelatin or collagen peptide could be adsorbed on the droplets interface and interact with 60P in gel matrix, thus presenting an active filling. However, 60P based emulsion gel complexed with pullulan contributed to a lower strength than hydrogel, which was probably due to the existence of spaces between droplets and gel matrix, weakening the stability of gel network, considered as an inactive filling.