A moderate dosage of prostaglandin E2-mediated annexin A1 upregulation promotes alkali-burned corneal repair.

Corneal alkali burn remains a clinical challenge in ocular emergency, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic drugs. Here, we observed the arachidonic acid metabolic disorders of corneas induced by alkali burns and aimed to explore the role of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a critical metabolite of arachidonic acid, in the repair of alkali-burned corneas. We found a moderate dosage of PGE2 promoted the alkali-burned corneal epithelial repair, whereas a high dosage of PGE2 exhibited a contrary effect. This divergent effect is attributed to different dosages of PGE2 regulating ANXA1 expression differently. Mechanically, a high dosage of PGE2 induced higher GATA3 expression, followed by enhanced GATA3 binding to the ANXA1 promoter to inhibit ANXA1 expression. In contrast, a moderate dosage of PGE2 increased CREB1 phosphorylation and reduced GATA3 binding to the ANXA1 promoter, promoting ANXA1 expression. We believe PGE2 and its regulatory target ANXA1 could be potential drugs for alkali-burned corneas.

Effects of nanoscale zinc oxide treatment on growth, rhizosphere microbiota, and metabolism of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Trace elements play a crucial role in the growth and bioactive substance content of medicinal plants, but their utilization efficiency in soil is often low. In this study, soil and Aconitum carmichaelii samples were collected and measured from 22 different locations, followed by an analysis of the relationship between trace elements and the yield and alkaloid content of the plants. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between zinc, trace elements in the soil, and the yield and alkaloid content of A. carmichaelii. Subsequent treatment of A. carmichaelii with both bulk zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrated that the use of ZnO NPs significantly enhanced plant growth and monoester-type alkaloid content. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects, metabolomic analysis was performed, resulting in the identification of 38 differentially expressed metabolites in eight metabolic pathways between the two treatments. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the rhizosphere bacterial communities, with Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota identified as valuable biomarkers for ZnO NP treatment. Covariation analysis further revealed significant correlations between specific microbial communities and metabolite expression levels. These findings provide compelling evidence that nanoscale zinc exhibits much higher utilization efficiency compared to traditional zinc fertilizer.

Yeast Extract: Characteristics, Production, Applications and Future Perspectives.

Yeast extract is a product prepared mainly from waste brewer's yeast, which is rich in nucleotides, proteins, amino acids, sugars and a variety of trace elements, and has the advantages of low production cost and abundant supply of raw material. Consequently, yeast extracts are widely used in various fields as animal feed additives, food flavoring agents and additives, cosmetic supplements, and microbial fermentation media; however, their full potential has not yet been realized. To improve understanding of current research knowledge, this review summarizes the ingredients, production technology, and applications of yeast extracts, and discusses the relationship between their properties and applications. Developmental trends and future prospects of yeast extract are also previewed, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development and expansion of future applications.

Application of Nursing Outcome-Oriented Integrated Zero-Defect Nursing Combined with Respiratory Function Training in Long-Term Bedridden Patients Undergoing Stroke.

Objective: To explore the application effect of nursing outcome-oriented integrated zero-defect nursing combined with respiratory function training in long-term bedridden patients with stroke. Methods: A total of 120 long-term bedridden patients with stroke were randomly divided into three groups: groups A, B, and C. Group A was given nursing outcome-oriented integrated zero-defect nursing combined with respiratory function training, group B was given nursing outcome-oriented integrated zero-defect nursing, and group C was given routine nursing. Rosenbek aspiration degree classification criteria were used to evaluate the incidence of aspiration; blood oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and respiratory pressure were compared before and after the intervention. The swallowing function was evaluated by a water swallowing test (WST). The quality of life was assessed using the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74). Results: After treatment, the Rosenbek aspiration degree of groups A and B were better than those of group C (P < 0.05); the improvement degree of respiratory function indexes in group A was better than those in B and C, and the blood oxygen saturation and arterial blood oxygen partial pressure in group B were better than those in C (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in groups A and B was lower than that in C, and complications in group A were lower than that in B (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of psychological function, social function, and material life status of the three groups were increased, and each score of groups A and B was higher than that of C, and each score of group A was higher than that of B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing outcome-oriented integrated zero-defect nursing combined with respiratory function training can effectively improve aspiration, respiratory function, swallowing function, complication rate, and quality of life in long-term bedridden patients with stroke.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Th17/Treg Balance in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), also known as chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, is primarily characterized by mucopurulent bloody stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. Its cause is uncertain. IBD patients frequently experience a high rate of recurrence, a protracted treatment course, and a high risk of carcinogenesis. Additionally, the difficulty of treatment is significantly increased by these illness characteristics. Currently, the normal treatment for this illness can lessen symptoms to some amount and even meet clinical treatment requirements, but due to serious side effects, unfavorable reactions, and high costs, we need to develop better complementary and alternative medicines. A number of studies have found that the imbalance of T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes significantly to the occurrence and progression of IBD and that Th17/Treg balance restoration is frequently useful in the management of IBD. As a result, regulating the Th17/Treg balance has also emerged as a novel approach to treating IBD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained popularity in recent years due to its advantages of low side effects, a variety of targets, and multiple regulatory mechanisms. A number of studies have shown that TCM can successfully intervene in the Th17/Treg imbalance and restore it, and research on the prevention and treatment of IBD by TCM by restoring Th17/Treg has also shown promising results. The characteristics of the Th17/Treg balance and its role in the pathogenesis of IBD, as well as the role of TCM in regulating the Th17/Treg imbalance, are analyzed. The research results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and pathology mechanism research of IBD.

Efficacy of keverprazan for duodenal ulcer: A phase II randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Considering the limitation of varying acid suppression of proton pump inhibitors, this study was aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and dose-effect relationship of keverprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, in the treatment of duodenal ulcer (DU) compared with lansoprazole. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, low-dose, high-dose, and positive-drug parallel-controlled study was conducted to verify the non-inferiority of keverprazan (20 or 30 mg) to lansoprazole of 30 mg once daily for 4 to 6 weeks and dose-effect relationship of keverprazan in the treatment of patients with active DU confirmed by endoscopy. RESULTS: Of the 180 subjects randomized, including 55 cases in the keverprazan_20 mg group, 61 cases in the keverprazan_30 mg group, and 64 cases in the lansoprazole_30 mg group, 168 subjects (93.33%) completed the study. The proportions of healed DU subjects in the keverprazan_20 mg, keverprazan_30 mg, and lansoprazole_30 mg groups were respectively 87.27%, 90.16%, and 79.69% at week 4 (P = 0.4595) and were respectively 96.36%, 98.36%, and 92.19% at week 6 (P = 0.2577). The incidence of adverse events in the keverprazan_20 mg group was lower than that in the lansoprazole_30 mg (P = 0.0285) and keverprazan_30 mg groups (P = 0.0398). CONCLUSIONS: Keverprazan was effective and non-inferior to lansoprazole in healing DU. Based on the comparable efficacy and safety data, keverprazan of 20 mg once daily is recommended for the follow-up study of acid-related disorders. (Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100043455.).

Application of surfactants in papermaking industry and future development trend of green surfactants.

In this work, the application of chemical surfactants, including cooking aids, detergents, surface sizing agents, and deinking agents as core components, is introduced in the wet end of pulping and papermaking. This method for the combined application of enzymes and surfactants has expanded, promoting technological updates and improving the effect of surfactants in practical applications. Finally, the potential substitution of green surfactants for chemical surfactants is discussed. The source, classification, and natural functions of green surfactants are introduced, including plant extracts, biobased surfactants, fermentation products, and woody biomass. These green surfactants have advantages over their chemically synthesized counterparts, such as their low toxicity and biodegradability. This article reviews the latest developments in the application of surfactants in different paper industry processes and extends the methods of use. Additionally, the application potential of green surfactants in the field of papermaking is discussed. KEY POINTS: • Surfactants as important chemical additives in papermaking process are reviewed. • Deinking technologies by combined of surfactants and enzymes are reviewed. • Applications of green surfactant in papermaking industry are prospected.

Genome-Wide Identification of CsATGs in Tea Plant and the Involvement of CsATG8e in Nitrogen Utilization.

Nitrogen (N) is a macroelement with an indispensable role in the growth and development of plants, and tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an evergreen perennial woody species with young shoots for harvest. During senescence or upon N stress, autophagy has been shown to be induced in leaves, involving a variety of autophagy-related genes (ATGs), which have not been characterized in tea plant yet. In this study, a genome-wide survey in tea plant genome identified a total of 80 Camellia Sinensis autophagy-related genes, CsATGs. The expression of CsATG8s in the tea plant showed an obvious increase from S1 (stage 1) to S4 (stage 4), especially for CsATG8e. The expression levels of AtATGs (Arabidopsis thaliana) and genes involved in N transport and assimilation were greatly improved in CsATG8e-overexpressed Arabidopsis. Compared with wild type, the overexpression plants showed earlier bolting, an increase in amino N content, as well as a decrease in biomass and the levels of N, phosphorus and potassium. However, the N level was found significantly higher in APER (aerial part excluding rosette) in the overexpression plants relative to wild type. All these results demonstrated a convincing function of CsATG8e in N remobilization and plant development, indicating CsATG8e as a potential gene for modifying plant nutrient utilization.

Effect of Water-Cooled Nd:YAG Laser on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion In Vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a new water-cooled Nd:YAG laser on dentinal tubule occlusion. BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of water-cooled Nd:YAG laser on dentinal tubule occlusion has not been reported. METHODS: Acid-etched dentin samples were randomly divided into three groups: (1) dentin control, (2) dentin treated by Nd:YAG laser, (3) dentin treated by water-cooled Nd:YAG laser. After laser irradiation, half of the samples were immersed in a 6 wt% citric acid (pH 1.5) solution for 1 min to evaluate the acid resistance. The morphologies of dentin surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The number and diameters of the open dentinal tubules were analyzed by one-way and two-way analyses of variance. RESULTS: Both the Nd:YAG laser and water-cooled Nd:YAG laser melted the superficial layer of dentin, which caused dentinal tubule occlusion in most areas and diameter reduction of the rest open tubules. Microcracks on the dentin surface were only observed in the Nd:YAG laser group. The tubule occlusion induced by the two lasers showed a good acid resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of water-cooled Nd:YAG laser on dentinal tubule occlusion is similar to that of the Nd:YAG laser. The dentinal tubule occlusion induced by the two lasers could resist acid challenge to some extent.

Changes in composition and enamel demineralization inhibition activities of gallic acid at different pH values.

BACKGROUND: Gallic acid (GA) has been shown to inhibit demineralization and enhance remineralization of enamel; however, GA solution is highly acidic. This study was to investigate the stability of GA solutions at various pH and to examine the resultant effects on enamel demineralization. METHODS: The stability of GA in H2O or in phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 was evaluated qualitatively by ultraviolet absorption spectra and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Then, bovine enamel blocks were subjected to a pH-cycling regime of 12 cycles. Each cycle included 5 min applications with one of the following treatments: 1 g/L NaF (positive control), 4 g/L GA in H2O or buffered at pH 5.5, pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 and buffers without GA at the same pH (negative control), followed by a 60 min application with pH 5.0 acidic buffers and a 5 min application with neutral buffers. The acidic buffers were analysed for dissolved calcium. RESULTS: GA was stable in pure water and acidic condition, but was unstable in neutral and alkaline conditions, in which ultraviolet spectra changed and HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that most of the GA was degraded. All the GA groups significantly inhibited demineralization (p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference of the inhibition efficacy among different GA groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GA could inhibit enamel demineralization and the inhibition effect is not influenced by pH. GA could be a useful source as an anti-cariogenic agent for broad practical application.

Cold storage of rat hepatocyte spheroids.

Cell-based therapies for liver disease rely on a high-quality supply of hepatocytes and a means for storage during transportation from site of isolation to site of usage. Unfortunately, frozen cryopreservation is associated with unacceptable loss of hepatocyte viability after thawing. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions for cold storage of rat hepatocyte spheroids without freezing. Rat hepatocytes were isolated by a two-step perfusion method; hepatocyte spheroids were formed during 48 h of rocked culture in serum-free medium (SFM). Spheroids were then maintained in rocked culture at 37 °C (control condition) or cold stored at 4 °C for 24 or 48 h in six different cold storage solutions: SFM alone; SFM + 1 mM deferoxamine (Def); SFM + 1 µM cyclosporin A (CsA); SFM + 1 mM Def + 1 µM CsA, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution alone, UW + 1 mM Def. Performance metrics after cold storage included viability, gene expression, albumin production, and functional activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes and urea cycle proteins. We observed that cold-induced injury was reduced significantly by the addition of the iron chelator (Def) to both SFM and UW solution. Performance metrics (ammonia detoxification, albumin production) of rat hepatocyte spheroids stored in SFM + Def for 24 h were significantly increased from SFM alone and approached those in control conditions, while performance metrics after cold storage in SFM alone or cold storage for 48 h were both significantly reduced. A serum-free medium supplemented with Def allowed hepatocyte spheroids to tolerate 24 h of cold storage with less than 10% loss in viability and functionality. Further research is warranted to optimize a solution for extended cold storage of hepatocyte spheroids.

Accumulation and biotransformation of BDE-47 by zebrafish larvae and teratogenicity and expression of genes along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Accumulation and effects of BDE-47 and two analogues, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47, on ontogeny and profiles of transcription of genes along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed from 4 h post fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf were investigated. The 96 h-LC(50) of the most toxic compound, based on teratogenicity, was 330 µg of 6-OH-BDE-47/L. 6-OH-BDE-47 significantly down-regulated expression of mRNA of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), thyroid hormone receptors (TRs, including TRα and TRß), sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), and transthyretin (TTR) while up-regulating expression of thyroglobulin (TG) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Spontaneous movement was affected by 1 mg of 6-OH-BDE-47/L or 5 mg of 6-MeO-BDE-47/L. BDE-47 did not alter activity of larvae at any concentration tested. 6-MeO-BDE-47 significantly up-regulated expression of mRNA of TRH, TRα, TRß and NIS. Both 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 affected the thyroid hormone pathway. BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 were accumulated more than 6-OH-BDE-47. 6-MeO-BDE-47 was transformed into 6-OH-BDE-47, but BDE-47 was not transformed into it. In summary, the synthetic brominated flame retardant, BDE-47, did not elicit the adverse effects caused by the other two analogues and appeared to have less toxicological relevance than the two natural product analogues 6-OH- and 6-MeO-BDE-47.

[Application of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system in children].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reaction of children receiving computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system (CCLADS) and a conventional syringe, and evaluate the efficacy of anesthesia and the reaction after treatment. METHODS: 30 children aged 4 to 9 years old, whose bilateral primary molars in the same jaw present similar lesions with similar treatment were included in the study. These bilateral primary molars were treated under local anesthesia in 2 separate visits with random use of either the CCLADS or conventional syringe. For the first visit, the first group received CCLADS anesthesia, in which buccal infiltration anesthesia was performed for maxillary primary molars, and periodontal ligament anesthesia was performed for mandibular primary molars. The second group received conventional anesthesia, in which buccal infiltration anesthesia was performed for both maxillary and mandibular primary molars. For the second visit, two groups used alternative anesthestic method. Pain behavior was observed and scored by modified-children's hospital of eastern ontario pain scale (MCHEOPS). Pain perception was rated using facial image scale (FIS). RESULTS: The MCHEOPS and FIS scores in 1 min injection of children with CCLADS were lower than children with conventional syringe (P<0.05). No difference was found in the FIS score in treatment between two injectors (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In local anesthesia, CCLADS can reduce the injection pain caused by conventional syringe to a certain extent.

Reproductive toxicity of organic extracts from petrochemical plant effluents discharged to the Yangtze River, China.

Water pollution of the Yangtze River in China became one of challenges that the government is facing today. Increasing numbers of petrochemical plants were built along the river in past decades, and numbers of organic chemicals were discharged into the river. Our goal was to establish in vitro system on rat sertoli cells, spermatogenic cells and leydig cells to investigate the reproductive toxicity potential induced by organic extracts from petrochemical effluents. Our results showed that the organic extract depressed the viability (p < 0.01) and destroyed the plasma membrane integrity of sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells to a certain degree. Accordingly, proportion of early apoptotic sertoli cells and late apoptotic spermatogenic cells increased significantly. Although significant morphological changes were not detected for leydig cells, the extract was observed to inhibit their testosterone production (p < 0.01). Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells appeared to be more sensitive and maybe the main targets of the key toxins. Theseresults suggested that the in vitro system on rat testicular cells may be useful to predicate reproductive toxicity potential of organic extracts from petrochemical effluents. More attention should be paid to the petrochemical effluents, because long-term accumulation of these organic compounds in organisms may cause spermatogenesis malfunction and testosterone reduction.

Down-regulation of inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) by intravitreal injection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid suppresses ongoing experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is now being exploited as a powerful tool for gene knockdown. Recently, we had shown that inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) was up-regulated in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). The aim of this study was to investigate whether intravitreal injection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid, targeting ICOS, suppresses the ongoing experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) in rats. METHODS: Oligonucleotide targeting ICOS was cloned into linearized pRNAT-U6.1/Neo eukaryotic expression vector to construct the recombinant plasmid (pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-ICOS). After transfecting activated rat T cells with the recombinant plasmid, ICOS mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. Rats were immunized with IRBP R16 peptide emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and given an intravitreal injection of pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-ICOS on day 6 after immunization. After 13days of immunization, the ICOS protein expression and CD4(+) ICOS (+) T cells were identified in retinae through Western blot analysis and flow cytometry respectively. Intraocular inflammation was assessed by the scores of the clinical and histological appearances. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and lymphocyte proliferation were detected to evaluate the systemic effect of intravitreal injection of pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-ICOS. RESULT: The recombinant plasmid (pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-ICOS) for the ICOS siRNA was successfully constructed. In vitro studies using the recombinant plasmid has showed the down-regulation of ICOS gene expression both at the mRNA and protein levels. Clinical and pathological scores showed that ocular inflammation of pRNAT-U6.1/Neo-ICOS-treated eyes was markedly less than that of vehicle-treated eyes. The expression of ICOS protein and the amount of CD4(+) ICOS(+) T cells in retinae significantly decreased by intravitreal injection of the recombinant plasmid, whereas delayed-type hypersensitivity response and lymphocyte proliferation were not impaired in rats treated with the recombinant plasmid. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of siRNA plasmid targeting ICOS effectively down-regulated the expression of ICOS, and was highly effective in suppressing the ongoing process of EAU without any side-effects on systemic cellular immunity.

[Experimental study of the permeability of Fel Ursi's in eye].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can penetrate the blood-ocular barrier after orally administration of Fel Ursi. METHODS: 56 rabbits were divided into two groups, 48 rabbits were used in experimental group, and other 8 rabbits were served as control. 100 mg/ml Fel Ursi were a fused into rabbits stomach. 2 ml blood from vein of auris-edge, aqueous humor from left eye and vitreous sample from right eye were obtained at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 h after Fel Ursi administration. Concentration of TUDCA from all of samples was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: TUDCA Concentrations were (999.1 +/- 17.2) - (1300.6 +/- 78.2) microg/ml, (12.7 +/- 1.4) - (47.8 +/- 4.7) microg/ml, and (10.8 +/- 2.9) - (57.9 +/- 7.9) microg/ml in blood, aqueous humor and vitreous respectively. There was no significant differences in the concentration of TUDCA in samples of aqueous humor and vitreous (P > 0.05). However the concentration of TUDCA in rabbit blood was much higher compared with that in aqueous humor and vitreous (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fel Ursi can reach intraocular tissue through penetrating blood-aqueous barrier and blood-vitreous barrier after orally application.