Quantifying hospital environmental ventilation using carbon dioxide monitoring - a multicentre study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of environmental ventilation in reducing airborne pathogen transmission. Carbon dioxide monitoring is recommended in the community to ensure adequate ventilation. Dynamic measurements of ventilation quantifying human exhaled waste gas accumulation are not conducted routinely in hospitals. Instead, environmental ventilation is allocated using static hourly air change rates. These vary according to the degree of perceived hazard, with the highest change rates reserved for locations where aerosol-generating procedures are performed, where medical/anaesthetic gases are used and where a small number of high-risk infective or immunocompromised patients may be isolated to reduce cross-infection. We aimed to quantify the quality and distribution of ventilation in hospital by measuring carbon dioxide levels in a two-phased prospective observational study. First, under controlled conditions, we validated our method and the relationship between human occupancy, ventilation and carbon dioxide levels using non-dispersive infrared carbon dioxide monitors. We then assessed ventilation quality in patient-occupied (clinical) and staff break and office (non-clinical) areas across two hospitals in Scotland. We selected acute medical and respiratory wards in which patients with COVID-19 are cared for routinely, as well as ICUs and operating theatres where aerosol-generating procedures  are performed routinely. Between November and December 2022, 127,680 carbon dioxide measurements were obtained across 32 areas over 8 weeks. Carbon dioxide levels breached the 800 ppm threshold for 14% of the time in non-clinical areas vs. 7% in clinical areas (p < 0.001). In non-clinical areas, carbon dioxide levels were > 800 ppm for 20% of the time in both ICUs and wards, vs. 1% in operating theatres (p < 0.001). In clinical areas, carbon dioxide was > 800 ppm for 16% of the time in wards, vs. 0% in ICUs and operating theatres (p < 0.001). We conclude that staff break, office and clinical areas on acute medical and respiratory wards frequently had inadequate ventilation, potentially increasing the risks of airborne pathogen transmission to staff and patients. Conversely, ventilation was consistently high in the ICU and operating theatre clinical environments. Carbon dioxide monitoring could be used to measure and guide improvements in hospital ventilation.

[Multimodal imaging features of acute macular retinopathy in patients with COVID-19].

Objective: To investigate the multimodal imaging characteristics of acute macular retinopathy (AMR) and/or parafoveal acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Eight patients (15 eyes) diagnosed with AMN and/or PAMM, who presented for their initial visit at Kaifeng Eye Hospital between December 17 and December 31, 2022 and were also confirmed positive for COVID-19, were enrolled as the observation group. The patients were classified into four types based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) findings. Fifteen healthy volunteers (15 eyes) without ocular or systemic diseases were recruited as the healthy control group, and one eye was randomly selected for analysis. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography (FP), intraocular pressure measurement, fundus infrared imaging, OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA). The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of the macular center was measured. General information and multimodal imaging findings were collected and analyzed. The superficial capillary plexus vessel density (SCP-VD) and deep capillary plexus vessel density (DCP-VD) were measured in circular areas with diameters of 1.0 mm, >1.0 mm and ≤3.0 mm, and>3.0 mm and ≤6.0 mm centered on the foveal center, recorded as SCP-VD1.0, 3.0, 6.0 and DCP-VD1.0, 3.0, 6.0. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests. Results: The observation group consisted of 6 males (11 eyes) and 2 females (4 eyes) with a mean age of (26.87±11.56) years. The healthy control group included 11 males (11 eyes) and 4 females (4 eyes) with a mean age of (28.75±12.30) years. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender distribution between the two groups (all P>0.05). All patients in the observation group experienced high fever (≥39.0 ℃) and developed ocular symptoms during the febrile period or within 24 hours after fever resolution. Among all patients, there were 5 cases (7 eyes) of Type Ⅰ, 1 case (1 eye) of Type Ⅱ, 3 cases (4 eyes) of Type Ⅲ, and 2 cases (3 eyes) of Type Ⅳ. In Type Ⅲ and Ⅳ, 3 cases (4 eyes) exhibited weakly reflective cystic spaces in the outer plexiform or outer nuclear layers, and fundus photography revealed multiple gray or reddish-brown lesions in the macular region. One case (1 eye) showed retinal superficial hemorrhage. Cotton wool spots were observed in 2 cases (4 eyes). Fundus infrared imaging showed that Type Ⅰ manifested as weak reflectivity lesions in the parafoveal central zone, with the tip pointing towards the fovea. Type Ⅱ showed no apparent abnormalities in the macular region, while Type Ⅲ and Ⅳ displayed map-like weak reflective lesions spanning the foveal center. OCTA findings demonstrated that SCP-VD1.0 in the observation group was 6.93% (4.77%, 6.93%), significantly lower than the healthy control group's 10.66% (8.05%, 10.55%) (U=174.00, P=0.016). SCP-VD3.0 in the observation group was 37.14% (32.15%, 43.48%), also lower than the healthy control group's 43.06% (38.95%, 46.55%) (U=174.00, P=0.016). DCP-VD3.0 in the observation group was 48.20% (46.11%, 50.33%), lower than the healthy control group's 51.10% (50.04%, 53.02%) (U=188.00, P=0.009). DCP-VD6.0 in the observation group was 49.27% (47.26%, 51.67%), lower than the healthy control group's 52.43% (50.07%, 53.82%) (U=70.00, P=0.004). There were no significant differences in SCP-VD6.0 and DCP-VD1.0 between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions: Acute macular retinopathy in patients with COVID-19 can involve all retinal layers and present as segmental hyper-reflectivity on SS-OCT. Fundus infrared imaging reveals weak reflectivity in the affected area, fundus photography shows multiple gray or reddish-brown lesions in the macular region, and OCTA demonstrates a decrease in SCP-VD and DCP-VD.

LncRNA XIST regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion of glioblastoma via regulating miR-448 and ROCK1.

Long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have been recognized as markers in several cancers and play important roles in glioblastoma (GBM). But the role of lncRNA X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) in GBM and its possible mechanisms are rarely studied in depth. This study was conducted to explore the detailed roles of XIST in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM. Expressions of XIST, miR-448, and ρ associated coiled coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot in A172 and U251 cells. The interactions among XIST, miR-448 and ROCK1 were verified through luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Transwell assay were introduced to detect how XIST knockdown, miR-448 overexpression, or along with ROCK1 overexpression affect cellular malignancy of GBM cells. XIST and ROCK1 were up-regulated while miR-448 expression was decreased in GBM cells. XIST knockdown or miR-448 overexpression could dramatically inhibit GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, XIST negatively regulated miR-448 expression through the function as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), thus leading to the up-regulation of ROCK1, one miR-448 target gene. Moreover, ROCK1 overexpression could reverse the suppression of XIST knockdown or miR-448 upregulation on cellular malignancy. In brief, the effects of XIST may promote cellular malignancy of GBM through miR-448/ROCK1 axis, which will provide new understanding of GBM pathogenesis and progression.

The Analysis of Drug-Resistant Gene Mutations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneChip in Lianyungang, China.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) has raised major global health concerns, especially for that caused by drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The control of TB was hampered by time-consuming and insensitive diagnostic methods. GeneChip analysis is a rapid method for screening and identifying the gene mutations of M. tuberculosis. However, there was little relevant information about GeneChip analysis of M. tuberculosis in China. METHODS: To compare the performance of GeneChip analysis in the diagnosis of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis with traditional drug susceptibility testing (DST), 1,747 sputum specimens from 2014 to 2016 in Lianyungang of China were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: GeneChip analysis showed that the gene mutation site of M. tuberculosis to RFP resistance was 46.37% in rpoB 531 (TCG→TTG), and INH resistance was 69.89% in katG 315 (AGC→ACC). There was not significant different between GeneChip analysis and DST in detecting the resistance of M. tuberculosis to RPF or INH. CONCLUSIONS: GeneChip analysis could be regarded as a rapid and recommended method for early screening and identifying the drug resistance of M. tuberculosis.

Preliminary evaluation of GLP-1R PET in the diagnosis and risk stratification of pheochromocytomas.

Noninvasive imaging methods for the diagnosis and risk stratification of pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) remain a great clinical challenge. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) has been validated to be overexpressed in PHEOs and therefore may be a reliable target for PHEOs. In this study, we firstly synthesized a novel radiotracer 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-Cys39-exendin-4 that specifically targets GLP-1R and evaluated the performance of GLP-1R PET for the diagnosis and risk stratification of PHEOs. Cys39-exendin-4 was conjugated to NOTA-MAL and then radiolabeled with 68Ga. The reaction was completed within 20 min with a yield of 91.6 ± 2.8%. In vitro cell uptake studies validated its high specificity. PET images showed promising tumor visualization with high uptake (1.88 ± 0.10 %ID/g for PC-12 poorly differentiated tumors and 1.09 ± 0.003 %ID/g for PC-12 highly differentiated tumors at 30min after injection). There was a significant difference in the uptake of 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-Cys39-exendin-4 between PC-12 poorly and highly differentiated tumors (p < 0.001), but no significant difference could be observed by 18F-FDG PET. Biodistribution results confirmed the findings of GLP-1R PET and demonstrated that 131I-MIBG couldn't be used for the risk stratification of PHEOs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining revealed differences in GLP-1R expression between PC-12 poorly and highly differentiated tumor tissues. These results demonstrated that 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-Cys39-exendin-4 can specifically target GLP-1R with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. GLP-1R PET can be used for PHEOs detection and has potential for the risk stratification of PHEOs.

The diagnostic performance of 18F-fluoride PET/CT in bone metastases detection: a meta-analysis.

AIM: To assess the diagnostic performance of combined 18F-fluoride positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in bone metastases (BM) and explore whether there is an added value when compared with 99mTc- methylene diphosphonate (MDP) planar bone scintigraphy (BS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to December 2017. Studies evaluating the performance of 18F-fluoride PET/CT in BM detection and using histopathology or clinical/imaging follow-up for ≥6 months as the reference standard were included. All analyses were performed on Stata/SE 12.0 and MetaDisc 1.4. RESULTS: Twenty articles comprising 1,349 patients were included. On the patient basis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of 18F-fluoride PET/CT were 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91-96%) and 95% (95% CI, 93-96%) when equivocal results were considered as negative for BM; and 96% (95% CI, 93-97%) and 93% (95% CI, 91-95%) when equivocal results were considered as positive. On the lesion basis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 93% (95% CI, 92-94%) and 96% (95% CI, 95-97%) when equivocal results were considered as negative; and 94% (95% CI, 92-95%) and 95% (95% CI, 94-96%) when equivocal results were considered as positive. Seven articles reported the comparison between 18F-fluoride PET/CT and 99mTc-MDP BS. 18F-fluoride PET/CT showed both higher sensitivity (p<0.005) and specificity (p<0.05) when equivocal results were considered as positive. When the equivocal results were considered as negative, 18F-fluoride PET/CT showed higher sensitivity (p<0.005), but no significant difference in specificity (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: 18F-fluoride PET/CT showed superior diagnostic performance in BM detection and had higher accuracy when compared with 99mTc-MDP BS.

[Effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from different sources on glucolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia].

Objective: To determine the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from different sources on glucolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. Methods: We recruited participants from the diabetes specialist clinic at the Guanlin hospital in Yixing city, Jiangsu Province from February 2017 to March 2017. A total of 180 subjects were randomly assigned to 3 g/day fish oil (FO), perilla oil (PO), or fish oil mixed with linseed oil (FLO) for 6 months. The basic conditions and fasting venous blood sample were obtained from each study subject at baseline, after 6 months of intervention. Serum glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated. Results: A total of 156 subjects aged (62.6±8.6) years completed the final follow-up after 6 months (FO,54 subjects; PO,52 subjects; FLO,50 subjects). Among them,59 patients (37.8%) were male. Serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, C peptide, insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were not significantly different among the three groups after 6 months. Serum triglyceride decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in FO [1.33 (1.05,1.93) mmol/L, (1.36±0.29) mmol/L, respectively] compared with PO [1.71 (1.23, 2.17) mmol/L, (1.23±0.22) mmol/L, respectively] and FLO [1.51 (1.12, 2.22) mmol/L, (1.29±0.30) mmol/L, respectively] (P<0.05). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B decreased in PO [(2.60±0.57) mmol/L,(0.96±0.23) g/L, respectively] compared with FO [(2.89±0.76) mmol/L, (1.07±0.30) g/L, respectively] (P<0.05). Serum lipoprotein(a) decreased in FLO [130.7 (63.3,270.6) mg/L] compared with FO [137.4 (58.7,333.2) mg/L] (P<0.05). Serum free fatty acid decreased in FLO [(0.43±0.15) mmol/L] compared with PO [(0.53±0.22) mmol/L] (P<0.05). Conclusion: The effects of ω-3 PUFA from different sources on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia are similar. Each of them has a good application prospect in improving lipid metabolism.

Detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in human saliva using an ultra-sensitive nanocomposite of graphene nanoplatelets with diblock-co-polymers and Au electrodes.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a commonly used biomarker for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and there are numerous data available for its invasive detection in the serum and whole blood. In this work, an electrochemical sensing method was devised to detect traces of PSA in human saliva using a hybrid nanocomposite of graphene nanoplatelets with diblock co-polymers and Au electrodes (GRP-PS67-b-PAA27-Au). The pure graphitic composition on filter paper provides significantly high electrical and thermal conductivity while PS67-b-PAA27 makes an amphiphilic bridge between GRP units. The sensor utilizes the binding of an anti-PSA antibody with an antigen-PSA to act as a resistor in a circuit providing an impedance change that in turn allows for the detection and quantification of PSA in saliva samples. A miniaturized electrical impedance analyzer was interfaced with a sensor chip and the data were recorded in real-time using a Bluetooth-enabled module. This fully integrated and optimized sensing device exhibited a wide PSA range of detection from 0.1 pg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.963) with a lower limit of detection of 40 fg mL-1. The performance of the biosensor chip was validated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique with a regression coefficient as high as 0.940. The advantages of the newly developed saliva-PSA electrical biosensor over previously reported serum-PSA electrochemical biosensors include a faster response time (3-5 min) to achieve a stable electrical signal for PSA detection, high selectivity, improved sensitivity, no additional requirement of a redox electrolyte for electron exchange and excellent shelf life. The presented sensor is aimed for clinical commercialization to detect PSA in human saliva.

Engineered nanoparticle exposure and cardiovascular effects: the role of a neuronal-regulated pathway.

Human and animal studies have confirmed that inhalation of particles from ambient air or occupational settings not only causes pathophysiological changes in the respiratory system, but causes cardiovascular effects as well. At an equal mass lung burden, nanoparticles are more potent in causing systemic microvascular dysfunction than fine particles of similar composition. Thus, accumulated evidence from animal studies has led to heightened concerns about the potential short- and long-term deleterious effects of inhalation of engineered nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system. This review highlights the new observations from animal studies, which document the adverse effects of pulmonary exposure to engineered nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system and elucidate the potential mechanisms involved in regulation of cardiovascular function, in particular, how the neuronal system plays a role and reacts to pulmonary nanoparticle exposure based on both in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, this review also discusses the possible influence of altered autonomic nervous activity on preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Whether engineered nanoparticle exposure serves as a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases warrants further investigation.

[Effect of Kruppel-like factor 2 on the migration of human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells].

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) on the migration of human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). Methods: Cultured human LSEC were infected with different lenti-viruses to overexpress or suppress KLF2 expression (LV5-KLF2 and LV3-shKLF2, respectively), the infection efficacies were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis.Transwell migration assay was used to investigate the role of KLF2 on the migration of LSEC.The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.The expression and phosphorylation of Src, P38 MAPK, and P44/42 MAPK were detected by Western blot. Results: The up-regulation of KLF2 expression dramatically inhibited migration of treated LSEC, compared with LV5-NC and WT control cells, fewer LV5-KLF2 cells migrated to the lower side of the filter after 12 h [ (35.6±1.4), (71.3±2.4) and (69.3±1.6), P<0.001 for all comparisons]. In contrast, the down-regulation of KLF2 expression promoted the migration of LSEC, more LV3-KLF2 cells migrated to the lower side of the filter compared with the LV3-NC and WT control cells [(189.5±5.4), (83.4±2.5) and (82.2±3.4), P<0.001 for all comparisons]. Furthermore, up-regulation of KLF2 reduced the mRNA and protein expression level of VEGFR2, while down-regulation of KLF2 significantly increased its expression in LSEC.Additionally, up-regulation of KLF2 inhibited the phosphorylation of Src, P38 MAPK, and P44/42 MAPK pathway in LSEC, whereas down-regulation of KLF2 promoted the phosphorylation of those signaling pathway proteins. Conclusions: KLF2 may inhibit the migration of human LSEC through the Src/ MAPK signaling pathway.

Free-Standing Two-Dimensional Single-Crystalline InSb Nanosheets.

Growth of high-quality single-crystalline InSb layers remains challenging in material science. Such layered InSb materials are highly desired for searching for and manipulation of Majorana Fermions in solid state, a fundamental research task in physics today, and for development of novel high-speed nanoelectronic and infrared optoelectronic devices. Here, we report on a new route toward growth of single-crystalline, layered InSb materials. We demonstrate the successful growth of free-standing, two-dimensional InSb nanosheets on one-dimensional InAs nanowires by molecular-beam epitaxy. The grown InSb nanosheets are pure zinc-blende single crystals. The length and width of the InSb nanosheets are up to several micrometers and the thickness is down to ∼10 nm. The InSb nanosheets show a clear ambipolar behavior and a high electron mobility. Our work will open up new technology routes toward the development of InSb-based devices for applications in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and quantum electronics and for the study of fundamental physical phenomena.

Association of NT-proBNP and interleukin-17 levels with heart failure in elderly patients.

Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are involved in the pathophysiological processes of heart failure; however, the exact role of IL-17 is not clear. We explored the relationship between IL-17 and NT-proBNP, as a clinical parameter, in heart failure. The whole blood IL-17 and NT-proBNP levels and the readmission rates in 70 patients with chronic heart failure class III or IV according to the New York Heart Association and 35 patients with normal heart function (control group) were measured and compared. The left ventricle ejection fractions (LVEFs) and NT-proBNP and IL-17 levels in cardiac functional class III (40.38 ± 4.76%, 7780 ± 6393 pg/mL, 8.65 ± 3.05 pg/mL, respectively) and class IV (31.59 ± 4.31%, 13,704 ± 10,945, 21.10 ± 10.60 pg/mL, respectively) were higher than those in the control group (61.27 ± 5.66%, 420 ± 256 pg/mL, 3.53 ± 2.05 pg/mL, respectively). Compared to the cardiac functional class IV, class III showed significantly higher values for LVEF and NT-proBNP and IL-17 levels (P < 0.05). The readmission rates of the patients in cardiac functional class III at 3 and 6 months (15.7 and 34.4%, respectively) and cardiac functional class IV at 3 and 6 months (39.5 and 76.3%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the control group (0 and 5.7%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The NT-proBNP and IL-17 levels increased as the heart function worsened. NT-proBNP and IL-17 may play essential roles in the process of heart failure.

Population genetic analysis and trichothecene profiling of Fusarium graminearum from wheat in Uruguay.

Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto (F. graminearum s.s.) is the major causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat worldwide, and contaminates grains with trichothecene mycotoxins that cause serious threats to food safety and animal health. An important aspect of managing this pathogen and reducing mycotoxin contamination of wheat is knowledge regarding its population genetics. Therefore, isolates of F. graminearum s.s. from the major wheat-growing region of Uruguay were analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism assays, PCR genotyping, and chemical analysis of trichothecene production. Of the 102 isolates identified as having the 15-ADON genotype via PCR genotyping, all were DON producers, but only 41 strains were also 15-ADON producers, as determined by chemical analysis. The populations were genotypically diverse but genetically similar, with significant genetic exchange occurring between them. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the genetic variability resulted from differences between isolates within populations. Multilocus linkage disequilibrium analysis suggested that the isolates had a panmictic population genetic structure and that there is significant recombination occurs in F. graminearum s.s. In conclusion, tour findings provide the first detailed description of the genetic structure and trichothecene production of populations of F. graminearum s.s. from Uruguay, and expands our understanding of the agroecology of F. graminearum and of the correlation between genotypes and trichothecene chemotypes.

A mass spectrometry-based unique fragment approach for the identification of microcystins.

Both qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of microcystin variants have been established. The qualitative method involves a unique fragment approach, specific for each variant in identifying microcystins, while the quantitative method involves the quantification of microcystins in cellular matrices of cyanobacteria and reservoir water samples. For the identification of fragments associated with their respective microcystin (MC) variants, theoretically obtained fragments of microcystins were compared with tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragments obtained from an ESI-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Here, we present the first report of MC variants produced by the model algal strain M. aeruginosa NIES-843. A robust comparative study between the unique fragments and the conventional product ions for quantitative measurements of microcystin has also been carried out. The method with high robustness was further validated by determining the MC level changes in the intracellular matrices of M. aeruginosa samples, grown under high and low nitrogen conditions, and by testing the amount of MC in environmental water samples.

Predictive value of the novel risk score BETTER (BiomarkErs and compuTed Tomography scorE on Risk stratification) for patients with unstable angina.

BACKGROUND: The Braunwald classification and TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) risk score are used to stratify cardiovascular risk in patients with unstable angina (UA). However, these scores have a limited capacity in the practice of cardiology. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to develop a new score, based on blood biomarkers and coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) characteristics, for patients with UA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 201 patients with confirmed UA. Follow-up time was 1 year; major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) included cardiovascular death, recurrent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and re-admission to hospital. Blood biomarkers including high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (Hs-cTnT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured. CCTA characteristics such as stenosis, plaque, epicardial fat volume (EFV), and calcification were evaluated. After analysis of relationships, the novel risk BETTER (BiomarkErs and compuTed Tomography scorE on Risk stratification) score was assessed in 201 patients. RESULTS: In all, 25 MACEs (12.44 %) occurred: 2 cardiac deaths (1.00 %), 13 non-fatal myocardial infarctions (6.47 %), 10 recurrent ACS and re-admission in hospital (4.96 %). Serum levels of MPO, NT-proBNP, Hs-TnT, Hs-CRP, and IMA were correlated with MACEs (r = 0.20, r = 0.40, r = 0.18, r = 0.24, p < 0.01, respectively; r = 0.12, p > 0.05). CCTA characteristics of stenosis, plaque, EFV, and calcification were significantly correlated with MACEs (r = 0.53, r = 0.57, r = 0.42, and r = 0.52, all p < 0.01 respectively) and were significantly higher in the MACEs group than in the non-MACEs group. Thus, a new risk score was created combining biomarkers and CCTA statistics into a Cox multivariable for risk prediction of 1-year MACEs: BETTER risk score = MPO•0.1 + Hs-TnT•50 + Hs-CRP•0.4 + stenosis•9 + plaque•13 + EFV•0.2. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the prediction by Hs-cTnT, Hs-CRP, and MPO were 0.536 (95 % CI 0.409-0.662), 0.745 (95 % CI 0.641-0.850), and 0.650 (95 % CI 0.541-0.760), respectively. The AUC for the prediction of CCTA characteristics of stenosis, plaque, and EFV were 0.905 (95 % CI 0.860-0.950), 0.912 (95 % CI 0.867-0.957), and 0.835 (95 % CI 0.752-0.917), respectively. In addition, the AUC was 0.621 (95 % CI 0.492-0.750) for the Braunwald classification and 0.680 (95 % CI 0.559-0.801) for the TIMI score. The AUC for the BETTER risk score was 0.937 (95 % CI 0.902-0.972). CONCLUSION: The BETTER risk score is new tool specifically developed for patients with UA. The score displays higher prediction accuracy in terms of discrimination and calibration than other currently available scores for risk stratification.

Volatile organic compounds profile during milk fermentation by Lactobacillus pentosus and correlations between volatiles flavor and carbohydrate metabolism.

Flavor, as one of the most important properties determining the acceptability and preference of fermented milks, is influenced by compositional and processing factors. In this study, we focused on the volatile organic compounds related to flavor during milk fermentation by Lactobacillus pentosus according to electronic nose analysis. Xylose (1% addition) metabolized by Lb. pentosus strongly affects the flavor of yogurt, with the potent volatile organic compounds of ethanol (3.08%), 2,3-butanedione (7.77%), and acetic acid (22.70%) detected using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Sensoryanalysis also showed skimmed yogurt fermented by Lb. pentosus with 1% xylose had the unique scores of sourness (acetic acid) and butter flavor (2,3-butanedione). Furthermore, α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase in carbohydrate metabolism play important roles in milk fermentation. Under preferable conditions (pH 5.5, 42 °C) for α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase, the relative content of potent flavor compound 2,3-butanedione was 10.13%, which was 2.55% higher than common culture condition (pH 4.5, 37 °C), revealing that xylose metabolized by Lb. pentosus has potential values for the milk product industry, such as the acceptability and preference of fermented milk product.

Antialcoholic liver activity of whey fermented by Lactobacillus casei isolated from koumiss.

Whey fermented liquid (WFL) was studied for its hepatoprotective effects by using chronic alcohol-induced mice. Whey fermented liquid, prepared by inoculating whey with 4% (vol/vol) Lactobacillus casei and then incubating at 41°C for 8h, was used to orally treat alcohol-induced mice at 3 dosages for 5 wk. Ethanol consumption significantly reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while lowering glutathione content and increasing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total triglyceride, malondialdehyde, and cytochrome P450 2E1. Treatment with WFL significantly attenuated the increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and cytochrome P450 2E1, while decreasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels. Pathological changes in the livers of mice who had ingested alcohol were improved by the administration of WFL. These results suggest that WFL may exert a protective effect against alcoholic liver disease by increasing antioxidant activity, which supports the use of WFL as an antialcoholic liver disease treatment.

Preparation and characterisation of novel casein-gum Arabic composite microcapsules for targeted in vivo delivery of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3.

The health benefits of probiotics in the body are predicated on their ability to remain viable in harsh gastrointestinal conditions and complex pathological microenvironments. Casein and gum Arabic (GA), with dual emulsifying and stabilising effects in colloidal systems. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a novel microcapsule to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3 using casein and GA as wall materials to improve the survival of the bacteria during gastrointestinal digestion, storage and lyophilization. The casein and GA composite microcapsules were prepared and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the microcapsules had stable morphology, uniform size and spherical shape. The results revealed that the encapsulation of microcapsules significantly improved the survival of L. plantarum A3 in gastrointestinal fluid environment (5.52 × 109 cfu/ml) and lyophilization treatment (6.25 × 109 cfu/ml). Furthermore, the microencapsulated L. plantarum A3 exhibited an improved ability to regulate intestinal microbiota by effectively increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria and decreasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes in vivo. The findings of the study will help to design a lactic acid bacteria encapsulation system based on the gastrointestinal environment and provide a basis for the development of probiotic functional products.

Genome-wide scans for selection signatures in indigenous chickens reveal candidate genes associated with local adaptation.

Population growth and climate change pose challenges to the sustainability of poultry farming. The emphasis on high-yield traits in commercialized breeds has led to a decline in their adaptability. Chicken varieties adapted to the local environment, possessing traits that facilitate adaptation to climate change, such as disease resistance and tolerance to extreme weather conditions, can improve hybridization outcomes. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the population structure and genetic diversity of 110 chickens representing indigenous breeds from southern China and two different commercial breeds. Further, we performed comparative population genomics, utilizing nucleotide diversity and fixation statistics, to characterize genomic features of natural selection and to identify unique genetic traits and potential selection markers developed by indigenous breeds after adapting to the local environment. Results based on genetic diversity and population structure analyses showed that indigenous varieties exhibited high levels of genetic diversity. Commercial breeds that have been indigenously bred demonstrated higher levels of genetic diversity than those that have not, and breeds with different selection practices displayed significant differences in genetic structure. Additionally, we further searched for potential genomic regions in native chicken ecotypes, uncovering several candidate genes related to ecological adaptations affecting local breeds, such as IKBKB, S1PR1, TSHR, IL1RAPL1 and AMY2A, which are involved in disease resistance, heat tolerance, immune regulation and behavioral traits. This work provides important insights into the genomic characterization of ecotypes of native chicken in southern China. The identification of candidate genes associated with traits such as disease resistance, heat tolerance, immunomodulation, and behavioral traits is a significant outcome. These candidate genes may contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of the adaptation of the southern native chicken to the local environment. It is recommended that these genes be integrated into chicken breeding programs to enhance sustainable agriculture and promote effective conservation and utilization strategies.

Ferromagnetic interfacial interaction and the proximity effect in a Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer.

The magnetic properties of a Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer epitaxied on GaAs (001) are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Unlike the common antiferromagnetic interfacial interaction existing in most ferromagnet-magnetic semiconductor bilayers, a ferromagnetic interfacial interaction in the Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer is observed from measurements of magnetic hysteresis and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The Mn ions in a 1.36 nm thick (Ga,Mn)As layer remain spin polarized up to 400 K due to the magnetic proximity effect. The minor loops of the Co2FeAl/(Ga,Mn)As bilayer shift with a small ferromagnetic interaction field of +24 Oe and -23 Oe at 15 K. The observed ferromagnetic interfacial coupling is supported by ab initio density functional calculations. These findings may provide a viable pathway for designing room-temperature semiconductor spintronic devices through magnetic proximity effect.