CRISPR-/Cas12a-Mediated Liposome-Amplified Strategy for the Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering and Naked-Eye Detection of Nucleic Acid and Application to Food Authenticity Screening.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been recognized as a powerful tool for biosensors due to the ultrahigh sensitivity and unique fingerprint information. However, there are some limitations in trace target nucleic acid detection for the restricted signal-transducing and amplification strategies. Inspired by CRISPR/Cas12a with specific target DNA-activated collateral single-strand DNA (ssDNA) cleavage activity and liposome with signal molecule-loading properties, we first proposed a sensitive SERS-based on-site nucleic acid detection strategy mediated by CRISPR/Cas12a with trans-cleavage activity on ssDNA linkers utilized to capture liposomes. Liposomes loading two kinds of signal molecules, 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) and cysteine, could achieve the dual-mode detection of target DNA with SERS and naked eye, respectively. The promptly amplified signals were initiated by the triggered breakdown of signal molecule-loaded liposomes. Emancipated 4-NTP, a biological-silent Raman reporter, would achieve highly selective and sensitive SERS measurement. Released cysteine induced the aggregation of plasmonic gold nanoparticles, leading to an obvious red to blue colorimetric shift to realize portable naked-eye detection. With this strategy, target nucleic acid concentration was dexterously converted into SERS and visualization signals and could be detected as low as 100 aM and 10 pM, respectively. The approach was also successfully applied to determine meat adulteration, achieving the detection of a low adulteration ratio in the complicated food matrix. We anticipate that this strategy will not only be regarded as a universal platform for the on-site detection of food authenticity but also broaden SERS application for the accurate determination of diverse biomarkers.

Risk assessment and integrated surveillance of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Russia based on Monte Carlo simulation.

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of livestock worldwide. Russia is a big agricultural country with a wide geographical area where FMD outbreaks have become an obstacle for the development of the animal and animal products trade. In this study, we aimed to assess the export risk of FMD from Russia. RESULTS: After simulation by Monte Carlo, the results showed that the probability of cattle infected with FMD in the surveillance zone (Surrounding the areas where no epidemic disease has occurred within the prescribed time limit, the construction of buffer areas is called surveillance zone.) of Russia was 1.29 × 10- 6. The probability that at least one FMD positive case was exported from Russia per year in the surveillance zone was 6 %. The predicted number of positive cattle of the 39,530 - 50,576 exported from Russia per year was 0.06. A key node in the impact model was the probability of occurrence of FMD outbreaks in the Russian surveillance zone. By semi-quantitative model calculation, the risk probability of FMD defense system defects was 1.84 × 10- 5, indicating that there was a potential risk in the prevention and control measures of FMD in Russia. The spatial time scan model found that the most likely FMD cluster (P < 0.01) was in the Eastern and Siberian Central regions. CONCLUSIONS: There was a risk of FMDV among cattle exported from Russia, and the infection rate of cattle in the monitored area was the key factor. Understanding the export risk of FMD in Russia and relevant epidemic prevention measures will help policymakers to develop targeted surveillance plans.

Development of edible films by incorporating nanocrystalline cellulose and anthocyanins into modified myofibrillar proteins.

In this study, a myofibrillar protein (MP) system was used to investigate the film properties changes by adjusting the intensity of the interaction of proteins with other food components. The structure and rheological properties of several film-forming solutions were then determined. Furthermore, the structure of these composite films was examined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The smooth and uniform surface acquired by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) substantiated the increased compatibility and continuity observed for films with greater food component interaction. In addition, the MP-based edible films with stronger food component interactions (the MP-Myr/ANT/NCC group) displayed superior mechanical (tensile strength: 6.68 MPa, elongation at break: 94.43%), water vapor barrier (10.01 × 10-9 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1), and ammonia sensitivity (total color difference: 17.00) capabilities compared to those of the other groups (the MP/ANT/NCC, MP-Lut/ANT/NCC, and MP-Que/ANT/NCC groups).

Association between periodontal disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between periodontitis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: This research was carried out according to the principles laid down by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline statement. We searched the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang databases from inception to July 1, 2023 to collect all relevant publications, with no restrictions on publication date or Languages. Cochrane's tool for assessing RoB was used to evaluate the RoB for RCTs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the RoB for cohort studies and case-control studies. Mean differences (MD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were used for analysis of continuous data. Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistic. Revman 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. Results: 28 observational studies with 19611 patients, including 5813 cases in the postmenopausal osteoporosis group and 13798 cases in the non-osteoporosis group. The studies showed that the degrees of clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) in the postmenopausal osteoporosis group were higher than those in the non-osteoporosis group[CAL(MD = 0.89(mm), 95 % CI [0.48,1.30], p < 0.00001), PD (MD = 0.27(mm), 95 % CI [0.13, 0.41], p = 0.0001), GR (MD = 0.28(mm), 95 % CI [0.20, 0.35], p < 0.00001), OHIS (MD = 1.32,95 % CI [1.12,1.51], p < 0.00001), BOP(MD = 12.71(%), 95 % CI [3.24,22.18], p = 0.009)]. Eleven studies found that bone mineral density (BMD) in the postmenopausal osteoporosis group was lower than that in non-osteoporosis group (MD = -0.41(U/cm2), 95 % CI [-0.77,-0.05], p = 0.03). The combined analysis results of the studies in the two groups showed that there were no significant differences in the loss of alveolar crestal height (ACH)[(MD = -1.76(%),95%CI [-3.64,0.12], p = 0.07)]. Conclusion: Postmenopausal osteoporosis patients are more likely to suffer from periodontitis, and the condition is easily aggravated.

Microplastic exposure induces muscle growth but reduces meat quality and muscle physiological function in chickens.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become one of the global environmental concerns, but the contamination and effect of MP on chicken skeletal muscle are scarcely researched. Here, we found MP contamination in the chicken skeletal muscles, which were directly collected from a large-scale chicken farm. Using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Agilent 8700 laser direct infrared imaging spectrometer, we found that polystyrene (PS) and polyamide are the significant type of MPs detected in chicken skeletal muscle. Constant PS-MP oral feeding for >21 days increases the content of MP deposited in chicken breast muscle, but the MP content in the leg muscle was gradually decreased. Surprisingly, the chicken's body and skeletal muscle weight was increased after constant PS-MP feeding. Physiological results showed that PS-MP exposure inhibited energy and lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and potential for neurotoxicity in the skeletal muscle. Metabolomic analysis of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometer results showed that PS-MP exposure changed the metabolomic profile and reduced meat quality. In vitro, experimental results showed that PS-MP exposure induced chicken primary myoblasts proliferation and apoptosis but decreased myoblasts differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of the skeletal muscle indicates that PS-MP exposure affects skeletal muscle function by regulating genes involved in neural function and muscle development. Considering that chicken is one of the most important meat foods in the world, this study will provide an essential reference for protecting meat food safety.

Interactions between the protein-epigallocatechin gallate complex and nanocrystalline cellulose: A systematic study.

In this work, the noncovalent interactions between the protein-epigallocatechin gallate (protein-EGCG) complex and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) were systematically investigated. Rheological properties, including large amplitude oscillation shear (LAOS), transient rheology, and conventional rheology of the mixture were also evaluated. As obtained, flexible myofibrillar protein-epigallocatechin gallate (MP-EGCG) and rigid ovalbumin-epigallocatechin gallate (Ova-EGCG) follow different rules in the stability of the regulatory system because of the difference in noncovalent interactions, triggering different rheological responses of the complexes. Additionally, MP-EGCG/NCC showed an obvious strain overshoot during LAOS flow, which could not be obtained in Ova-EGCG/NCC. Notably, the fibrous MP-EGCG network was the factor that dominated the formation of a more stable suspension system with strong hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions and/or van der Waals forces. This study can provide some ideas for the future study of the interaction between protein-polyphenol complexes and polysaccharides.

Effects of Kinesio tape on pain and edema following surgical extraction of the third molar: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Kinesio tape (KT) has been in extensive use for the rehabilitation of injuries related to sports, however, only a handful of studies have focused on the efficacy of KT following extraction of a third molar tooth. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess whether pain and edema following surgical extraction of the third molar can be reduced by KT. METHOD: This research was carried out following the principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang Data databases were searched for trials published from their inception to eighth October 2021. They included published randomized controlled trials in Chinese or English languages. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for the analysis of continuous data. The heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistics. Then, Revman 5.4 software was employed for performing the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight studies comprising 453 participants in total were included. In comparison to the no kinesio tape group, KT did not furnish improved results on mouth opening ([MD = 0.36, 95% CI (-0.67, 1.40), p= 0.49]), and swelling ([MD =-1.24, 95% CI (-3.43, 0.95), p= 0.79]). However, KT manifested a reduction in operation time ([MD =-1.00, 95% CI (-1.93, -0.07), P= 0.04]), edema ([MD =-0.53, 95% CI (-0.88, -0.19), P= 0.003]), and pain intensity ([MD =-1.29, 95% CI (-1.86, -0.73), P< 0.00001]), favouring the kinesio tape group. Overall, the size of the effect was found in the small to moderate range. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that KT can reduce pain and has been shown to have positive effects in several studies, there is no convincing evidence that it can reduce the swelling after surgical extraction of the third molar.

Recyclable, malleable and intrinsically flame-retardant epoxy resin with catalytic transesterification.

Flame retardancy and recyclability are two important issues in the research field of thermosets, particularly for epoxy resin (EP) with the biggest market share. It is of great importance, but rarely achievable, to integrate these properties simultaneously into EP. Herein, we report a facile way to prepare intrinsically flame-retardant epoxy vitrimers combining rapid recycling and multiple shape memory effects by introducing dynamic ester-linkages with catalytic transesterification activity into the crosslinking networks of EP. The flame-retardant epoxy vitrimers exhibited high Tg (∼110.7 °C), desirable thermal stability and excellent flame retardancy with UL-94 V-0 rating, and high LOI of ∼34%. Also, the value of the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and the total heat release (THR) showed 63% and 32% reduction, respectively. Meanwhile, flame-retardant epoxy vitrimers showed high malleability that could be reprocessed in 15 min at 200 °C without sacrificing the mechanical properties and flame retardancy. Moreover, the dynamic transesterification network allowed flame-retardant EP to access multiple shape memory effect. The design of flame-retardant epoxy vitrimers provide a prime example to foster the cyclic utilization of flame-retardant thermosetting polymers.

Inflammasome-Induced Osmotic Pressure and the Mechanical Mechanisms Underlying Astrocytic Swelling and Membrane Blebbing in Pyroptosis.

Cell swelling and membrane blebbing are characteristic of pyroptosis. In the present study, we explored the role of intracellular tension activity in the deformation of pyroptotic astrocytes. Protein nanoparticle-induced osmotic pressure (PN-OP) was found to be involved in cell swelling and membrane blebbing in pyroptotic astrocytes, and was associated closely with inflammasome production and cytoskeleton depolymerization. However, accumulation of protein nanoparticles seemed not to be absolutely required for pyroptotic permeabilization in response to cytoskeleton depolymerization. Gasdermin D activation was observed to be involved in modification of typical pyroptotic features through inflammasome-induced OP upregulation and calcium increment. Blockage of nonselective ion pores can inhibit permeabilization, but not inflammasome production and ion influx in pyroptotic astrocytes. The results suggested that the inflammasomes, as protein nanoparticles, are involved in PN-OP upregulation and control the typical features of pyroptotic astrocytes.

Twelve-month angiographic and clinical outcomes of the XINSORB bioresorbable sirolimus-eluting scaffold and a metallic stent in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies showed bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) increased risks of late target lesion failure (TLF) and thrombosis. XINSORB scaffold is a poly-L-lactic acid based BRS. METHODS: The study included randomization and registry parts. Eligible patients with one or two de novo lesions were randomly 1:1 assigned to XINSORB scaffold and sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in randomization part. These patients were clinically and angiographically assessed. In registry part, patients were treated with XINSORB scaffold only and were clinically assessed. The primary endpoint was in-segment late luminal loss (LLL) at 12-month in randomization part. The secondary endpoint was 12-month TLF in all XINSORB-treated patients. RESULTS: Total 395 and 798 patients were enrolled in randomization and registry part, respectively. Device success was 98.0% (1069/1091) in all XINSORB-treated and 100% (221/221) in SES-treated lesions. The primary endpoint of in-segment LLL at 12-month was 0.19 ±â€¯0.32 mm in XINSORB and 0.31 ±â€¯0.41 mm in SES (P = 0.003), which met the noninferior margin of 0.195 mm (95% CI: -0.20, -0.04, P ≪ 0.0001). No difference was found in TLF between two devices. In all XINSORB-treated patients, 12-month TLF was 0.8% (8/998), which also met the noninferior margin of 9.0% (95% CI: 0.3%, 1.4%, P ≪ 0.0001). Only one device thrombosis was recorded in all XINSORB-treated patients while none in SES. CONCLUSIONS: In the multicenter clinical trial, XINSORB BRS was noninferior to sirolimus-eluting stent for the primary endpoint of in-segment LLL at 12-month in patients with simple and moderate complex de novo coronary lesions. TLF at 12-month was low and comparable.

Retrospect and Risk Analysis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in China Based on Integrated Surveillance and Spatial Analysis Tools.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of livestock and seriously affects the development of animal husbandry. It is necessary to defend the spread of FMD. To explore the distribution characteristics and transmission of FMD between 2010 and 2017 in China, Global Moran's I test and Getis-Ord Gi index were used to analyze the spatial cluster. A space-time permutation scan statistic was applied to analyze the spatio-temporal pattern. GIS-based method was employed to create a map representing the distribution pattern, directional trend, and hotspots for each outbreak. The number of cases was defined as the number of animals with FMD for the above analysis. We also constructed a phylogenetic tree to compare the homology and variation of FMD virus (FMDV) to provide a clue for the potential development of an effective vaccine. The results indicated that the FMD outbreaks in China had obvious time patterns and clusters in space and space-time, with the outbreaks concentrated in the first half of each year. The outbreaks of FMD decreased each year from 2010 with an obvious downward trend of hotspots. Spatial analysis revealed that the distribution of FMD outbreaks in 2010, 2015, and 2017 exhibited a clustered pattern. Space-time scanning revealed that the spatio-temporal clusters were centered in Guangdong, Tibet and the junction of Wuhan, Jiangxi, Anhui. Comparison of the spatial analysis and space-time analysis of FMD outbreaks revealed that Guangdong was the same cluster of the two in 2010. In addition, the directional trend analysis indicated that the FMD transmission was oriented northwest-southeast. The findings demonstrated that FMDV in China can be divided into three pedigrees and the homology of these strains is very high while comparing the first FMDV strain with the others. The data provide a basis for the effective monitoring and prevention of FMD, and for the development of an FMD vaccine in China.

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of a biodegradable magnesium vascular stent designed by shape optimization strategy.

The performance of biodegradable magnesium alloy stents (BMgS) requires special attention to non-uniform residual stress distribution and stress concentration, which can accelerate localized degradation after implantation. We now report on a novel concept in stent shape optimization using a finite element method (FEM) toolkit. A Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy with uniform degradation behavior served as the basis of our BMgS. Comprehensive in vitro evaluations drove stent optimization, based on observed crimping and balloon inflation performance, measurement of radial strength, and stress condition validation via microarea-XRD. Moreover, a Rapamycin-eluting polymer coating was sprayed on the prototypical BMgS to improve the corrosion resistance and release anti-hyperplasia drugs. In vivo evaluation of the optimized coated BMgS was conducted in the iliac artery of New Zealand white rabbit with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and micro-CT observation at 1, 3, 5-month follow-ups. Neither thrombus or early restenosis was observed, and the coated BMgS supported the vessel effectively prior to degradation and allowed for arterial healing thereafter. The proposed shape optimization framework based on FEM provides an novel concept in stent design and in-depth understanding of how deformation history affects the biomechanical performance of BMgS. Computational analysis tools can indeed promote the development of biodegradable magnesium stents.

Biocompatibility of Bespoke 3D-Printed Titanium Alloy Plates for Treating Acetabular Fractures.

Treatment of acetabular fractures is challenging, not only because of its complicated anatomy but also because of the lack of fitting plates. Personalized titanium alloy plates can be fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) but the biocompatibility of these three-dimensional printing (3D-printed) plates remains unknown. Plates were manufactured by SLM and their cytocompatibility was assessed by observing the metabolism of L929 fibroblasts incubated with culture medium extracts using a CCK-8 assay and their morphology by light microscopy. Allergenicity was tested using a guinea pig maximization test. In addition, acute systemic toxicity of the 3D-printed plates was determined by injecting extracts from the implants into the tail veins of mice. Finally, the histocompatibility of the plates was investigated by implanting them into the dorsal muscles of rabbits. The in vitro results suggested that cytocompatibility of the 3D-printed plates was similar to that of conventional plates. The in vivo data also demonstrated histocompatibility that was comparable between the two manufacturing techniques. In conclusion, both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested favorable biocompatibility of 3D-printed titanium alloy plates, indicating that it is a promising option for treatment of acetabular fractures.

A promising biodegradable magnesium alloy suitable for clinical vascular stent application.

We report a Mg alloy Mg-2.2Nd-0.1Zn-0.4Zr (wt.%, denoted as JDBM-2) showing great potential in clinical vascular stent application by integrating the advantages of traditional medical stainless steel and polymer. This alloy exhibits high yield strength and elongation of 276 ± 6 MPa and 34.3 ± 3.4% respectively. The JDBM-2 with a stable degradation surface results in a highly homogeneous degradation mechanism and long-term structural and mechanical durability. In vitro cytotoxicity test of the Mg extract via human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) indicates that the corrosion products are well tolerated by the tested cells and potentially negligible toxic effect on arterial vessel walls. This alloy also exhibits compromised foreign body response (FBR) determined by human peripheral blood derived macrophage adhesion, foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion. Finally, vascular stents manufactured from the JDBM-2 were implanted into rabbits for long-term evaluation. The results confirm excellent tissue compatibility and up to 6-month structural and mechanical integrity of the stent in vivo. Thus, the JDBM-2 stent with up to 6-month structural and mechanical integrity and excellent tissue compatibility represents a major breakthrough in this field and a promising alternative to traditional medical stainless steel and polymer for the clinical application.

In vitro and in vivo degradation of rapamycin-eluting Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy stents in porcine coronary arteries.

In this work, rapamycin-eluting poly (d, l-lactic acid) coating (PDLLA/RAPA) was prepared on biodegradable Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy (JDBM) for both in vitro and in vivo investigation of the degradation behaviors of the magnesium alloy stent platform. Electrochemical tests and hydrogen evolution test demonstrated significant in vitro protection of the polymeric coating against magnesium degradation both in short and long term. The 3-month in vivo study on the RAPA-eluting JDBM stent implanted into porcine coronary arteries confirmed its favorable safety, and in the meanwhile revealed similar neointima proliferation compared to the second generation DES Firebird 2 with no occurrence of adverse complications. Moreover, Micro-CT examination combined with IVUS and OCT detection indicated a remarkably lower degradation rate and prolonged radial supporting duration of the drug-eluting JDBM stent as compared to the bare, attributable to the protection of the coating in vivo. Hence, rapamycin-eluting JDBM stents exhibit great potential for clinical application.

Enhanced bioactivity of Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy achieved with nanoscale MgF2 surface for vascular stent application.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have revolutionized the application of temporary load-bearing implants as they meet both engineering and medical requirements. However, rapid degradation of Mg alloys under physiological conditions remains the major obstacle hindering the wider use of Mg-based implants. Here we developed a simple method of preparing a nanoscale MgF2 film on Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr (denoted as JDBM) alloy, aiming to reduce the corrosion rate as well as improve the biological response. The corrosion rate of JDBM alloy exposed to artificial plasma is reduced by ∼20% from 0.337 ± 0.021 to 0.269 ± 0.043 mm·y(-1) due to the protective effect of the MgF2 film with a uniform and dense physical structure. The in vitro cytocompatibility test of MgF2-coated JDBM using human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicates enhanced viability, growth, and proliferation as compared to the naked substrate, and the MgF2 film with a nanoscale flakelike feature of ∼200-300 nm presents a much more favorable environment for endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation, and alignment. Furthermore, the animal experiment via implantation of MgF2-coated JDBM stent to rabbit abdominal aorta confirms excellent tissue compatibility of the well re-endothelialized stent with no sign of thrombogenesis and restenosis in the stented vessel.