Molecular Imprinting-Based SERS Detection Strategy for the Large-Size Protein Quantitation and Curbing Non-Specific Recognition.

Molecular imprinting-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (MI-SERS) sensors have shown remarkable potential from an academic standpoint. However, their practical applications, especially in the detection of large-size protein (≥10 nm), face challenges due to the lack of versatile sensing strategies and nonspecific fouling of matrix species. Herein, we propose a Raman reporter inspector mechanism (RRIM) implemented on a protein-imprinted polydopamine (PDA) layer coated on the SERS active substrate. In the RRIM, after large-size protein recognition, the permeability of the PDA imprinted cavities undergoes changes that are scrutinized by Raman reporter molecules. Target proteins can specifically bind and fully occupy the imprinted cavities, whereas matrix species cannot. Then, Raman reporter molecules with suitable size are introduced to serve as both inspectors of the recognition status and inducers of the SERS signal, which can only penetrate through the vacant and nonspecifically filled cavities. Consequently, changes in the SERS signal exclusively originate from the specific binding of target proteins, while the nonspecific recognition of matrix species is curbed. The RRIM enables reproducible quantitation of the large-size cyanobacteria-specific protein model (≥10 nm), phycocyanin, at the level down to 2.6 × 10-3 µg L-1. Finally, the practical applicability of the RRIM is confirmed by accurately analyzing crude urban waterway samples over 21 min without any pretreatment.

Metabolomics study on fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ST-III with food grade proliferators in milk.

Milk is a naturally complex medium that is suitable for the growth of most lactic acid bacteria. Unfortunately, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ST-III grow poorly in milk without supplementation. To solve this problem, we use fresh pineapple and mung beans juice to develop an edible proliferator for L. plantarum ST-III. Our comparative analysis of metabolomics changes before and after fermentation reveals that amino acids and dipeptides are the most consumed compounds, with other substances including nucleotides and vitamins, implying the mechanism of proliferation. Combining the KEGG metabolic pathway analysis, substances that may promote the growth of L. plantarum ST-III in milk were screened. To explore which component of the proliferator is required for L. plantarum ST-III cultivate, we supplemented with several combinations of molecules aforementioned in milk. The simulation addition experiment results of L. plantarum ST-III in milk show that if any additions are missing, the concentration of viable bacteria is lower. Only when it contains all additives can the highest concentration of viable bacteria be obtained. Compared with the control, the fold change of the viable bacteria is about 32. Thus, it proves that milk primarily lacked available amino acids, dipeptides, uracil, xanthine, nicotinamide, and manganese for the growth of L. plantarum ST-III.

Comparison Between Intraoperative Target Area Cement-Enhanced Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Conventional Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Non-Total Vertebral Fractures.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and feasibility of target area cement-enhanced percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and conventional PVP in osteoporotic thoracolumbar non-total vertebral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of one hundred and two patients treated in our hospital from March 2020 to May 2021 and divided into groups A (targeted) and B (conventional PVP). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), anterior vertebral height ratio, intraoperative bleeding, operative time, bone cement volume, complications, and refracture of the injured vertebra were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The 2 days and 1-year post-operative VAS and ODI scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). The 2 days post-operative VAS and ODI scores were better in group A (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). The anterior vertebral height ratios were significantly higher in both groups 2 days postoperatively (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the 2 days and 1-year post-operative ratios in group A (p > 0.05). The anterior vertebral height ratio reduced in group B after 1 year compared to the 2 days post-operative value (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in intraoperative bleeding and the operative time between the groups (p > 0.05), and the bone cement volume was lesser in group A (p < 0.05). Six patients in group A and four patients in group B demonstrated cement leakage, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Three patients in group A and 11 patients in group B demonstrated refracture, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Target area cement-enhanced PVP can effectively relieve short-term pain and functional disability and reduce the long-term possibility of secondary collapse. Therefore, it is a technically feasible and efficacious method for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar non-total vertebral fractures.

Association between lipid accumulation product index and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism disorders are increasingly recognized as key contributors to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index, a novel marker of lipid accumulation, has potential implications for CKD risk assessment. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between LAP index and CKD, with an emphasis on varying impacts in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. A comprehensive search for relevant publications was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases, and a meta-analysis of 17 studies was performed to investigate the relationship between LAP index and CKD. The random-effects inverse-variance model employing the DerSimonian-Laird estimator for τ² was utilized to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, with calculations of the area under the ROC curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic OR. The pooled OR for the association between higher quintiles or tertiles of LAP index and CKD was 1.098 (95% CI: 1.043-1.152), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=91.2%) and evidence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association in non-diabetic (OR=2.422, 95% CI: 1.802-3.042) compared with diabetic patients (OR=1.018, 95% CI: 0.993-1.043). The diagnostic accuracy of LAP index for CKD was moderate (AUROC=0.64), with sensitivity and specificity estimates of 0.58 and 0.63, respectively. In conclusion, in the present study, LAP index demonstrated a modest but significant association with CKD, particularly in non-diabetic patients. Despite its moderate diagnostic accuracy, the LAP index could serve as a valuable tool in CKD risk stratification, particularly when integrated with other clinical markers.

Computational study on the Maillard reactions of glucose and galactose with lysine.

CONTEXT: Milk has nutrient-rich but thermal sensitive matrix that undergoes varying degrees of Maillard reaction (MR) at heating conditions. The MR mainly occurs between lysine residues (Lys) and lactose composed of glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal), which are abundantly sourced from dairy products. In the present study, the MRs of Glc and Gal with Lys at the initial and intermediate stages have been investigated theoretically using density functional theory (DFT) to simulate the gaseous and aqueous phases. Reaction mechanisms have been proposed, and relative energy changes of different steps were calculated according to the total mass balance. The calculations reveal that both Nα- and Nε-amine groups of Lys can react with the carbonyl functional group of Glc and Gal with the similar potential energy profiles, and Gal is more reactive than Glc. However, the barrier in Nε-channel is lower than in Nα-channel, indicating a faster reaction rate through the former channel compared with the latter. The 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) and derivative are formed under 3-deoxysone route in the intermediate stage. The calculation results are helpful for proposing a reasonable MR mechanism and suggesting possible control methods of the MRs. METHODS: In this study, different levels of DFT calculations have been conducted to investigate the mechanisms and favorability of generating MR products in Glc-Lys and Gal-Lys models at initial and intermediate stages in the gaseous and aqueous conditions. In order to elucidate the molecular models from the perspectives of chemistry and geometry, DFT calculations were performed by the mean of B3LYP functional at basis sets of 6-311 + + G (d, p) and 6-311 + + G (2df, 2p) with optional solvation settings. To examine the solvation effect, the study further constructed models with solvent H2O and calculated in wB97XD functional with 6-31 + G (d) basis set. All computations were carried out Gaussian 09 suite of quantum chemistry software.

Beyond the promise: Exploring the complex interactions of nanoparticles within biological systems.

The exploration of nanoparticle applications is filled with promise, but their impact on the environment and human health raises growing concerns. These tiny environmental particles can enter the human body through various routes, such as the respiratory system, digestive tract, skin absorption, intravenous injection, and implantation. Once inside, they can travel to distant organs via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This journey often results in nanoparticles adhering to cell surfaces and being internalized. Upon entering cells, nanoparticles can provoke significant structural and functional changes. They can potentially disrupt critical cellular processes, including damaging cell membranes and cytoskeletons, impairing mitochondrial function, altering nuclear structures, and inhibiting ion channels. These disruptions can lead to widespread alterations by interfering with complex cellular signaling pathways, potentially causing cellular, organ, and systemic impairments. This article delves into the factors influencing how nanoparticles behave in biological systems. These factors include the nanoparticles' size, shape, charge, and chemical composition, as well as the characteristics of the cells and their surrounding environment. It also provides an overview of the impact of nanoparticles on cells, organs, and physiological systems and discusses possible mechanisms behind these adverse effects. Understanding the toxic effects of nanoparticles on physiological systems is crucial for developing safer, more effective nanoparticle-based technologies.

Emission and spatial variation characteristics of odorous pollutants in the aerobic tank of an underground wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) in southern China.

In this study, the spatial concentration of odorous pollutants in the aerobic tank of an underground wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) in southern China is monitored. The odour activity value, odour contribution rate, and chemical concentration contribution rate are used to evaluate the degree of contribution of odorous substances. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of odorous pollutant diffusion are also established. The study shows that the odorous substances detected in the aerobic tank mainly included ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), trimethylamine (C3H9N), and methanethiol (CH3SH), and their concentrations are 1.160, 0.778, 0.022, and 0.0006 mg/m3, respectively. The total odour activity value of the aerobic tank is 450.72 (dimensionless), of which the odour activity value of H2S is 432.22, and the contribution rate reaches 95.9%. H2S is the main contributor to odour and a key controlled substance. The air inlets and exhaust outlets in the aerobic tank are cross-arranged at the top of the space, and the CFD model of odorous pollutant diffusion shows that the gas flow organization determines the odorous pollutant diffusion. The spatial distribution of gas flow and odorous substances in the aerobic tank is relatively uniform, and the odour collection efficiency is higher. The production flux and production coefficient of H2S in the aerobic tank are calculated as 25.831 mg/(m2·h) and 14.149 mg/t, respectively. This study determines the reasonable air supply and exhaust design of the aerobic tank, the number of odour pollutants, and the key controlled substances. These findings offer guidance and serve as useful references for the prevention and control of odour pollution in aerobic tanks of the same type of UWWTPs.

Biomechanical study of a biplanar double support screw (BDSF) technique based on Pauwels angle in femoral neck fractures: finite element analysis.

Objective: The objective of the present study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the biomechanical advantages and disadvantages associated with a biplanar double support screw (BDSF) internal fixation device. Methods: Two distinct femoral neck fracture models, one with a 30° angle and the other with a 70° angle, were created using a verified and effective finite element model. Accordingly, a total of eight groups of finite element models were utilized, each implanted with different configurations of fixation devices, including distal screw 150° BDSF, distal screw 165° BDSF, 3 CLS arranged in an inverted triangle configuration, and 4 CLS arranged in a "α" configuration. Subsequently, the displacement and distribution of Von Mises stress (VMS) in the femur and internal fixation device were assessed in each fracture group under an axial load of 2100 N. Results: At Pauwels 30° Angle, the femur with a 150°-BDSF orientation exhibited a maximum displacement of 3.17 mm, while the femur with a 165°-BDSF orientation displayed a maximum displacement of 3.13 mm. When compared with the femoral neck fracture model characterized by a Pauwels Angle of 70°, the shear force observed in the 70° model was significantly higher than that in the 30° model. Conversely, the stability of the 30° model was significantly superior to that of the 70° model. Furthermore, in the 70° model, the BDSF group exhibited a maximum femur displacement that was lower than both the 3CCS (3.46 mm) and 4CCS (3.43 mm) thresholds. Conclusion: The biomechanical properties of the BDSF internal fixation device are superior to the other two hollow screw internal fixation devices. Correspondingly, superior biomechanical outcomes can be achieved through the implementation of distal screw insertion at an angle of 165°. Thus, the BDSF internal fixation technique can be considered as a viable closed reduction internal fixation technique for managing femoral neck fractures at varying Pauwels angles.

Hydrogel-Coated SERS Microneedles for Drug Monitoring in Dermal Interstitial Fluid.

In vivo drug monitoring is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of drug treatment. Blood sampling and analysis is the current gold standard but needs professional skills and cannot meet the requirements of point-of-care testing. Dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) showed great potential to replace blood for in vivo drug monitoring; however, the detection was challenging, and the drug distribution behavior in ISF was still unclear until now. In this study, we proposed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) microneedles (MNs) for the painless and real-time analysis of drugs in ISF after intravenous injection. Using methylene blue (MB) and mitoxantrone (MTO) as model drugs, the innovative core-satellite structured Au@Ag SERS substrate, hydrogel coating over the MNs, rendered sensitive and quantitative drug detection in ISF of mice within 10 min. Based on this technique, the pharmacokinetics of the two drugs in ISF was investigated and compared with those in blood, where the drugs were analyzed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was found that the MB concentration in ISF and blood was comparable, whereas the concentration of MTO in ISF was 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than in blood. This work proposed an efficient tool for ISF drug monitoring. More importantly, it experimentally proved that the penetration ratio of blood to ISF was drug-dependent, providing insightful information into the potential of ISF as a blood alternative for in vivo drug detection.

Biomechanical study of different bone cement distribution on osteoporotic vertebral compression Fracture-A finite element analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of different bone cement distribution methods on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Patients and methods: Raw CT data from a healthy male volunteer was used to create a finite element model of the T12-L2 vertebra using finite element software. A compression fracture was simulated in the L1 vertebra, and two forms of bone cement dispersion (integration group, IG, and separation group, SG) were also simulated. Six types of loading (flexion, extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation) were applied to the models, and the stress distribution in the vertebra and intervertebral discs was observed. Additionally, the maximum displacement of the L1 vertebra was evaluated. Results: Bone cement injection significantly reduced stress following L1 vertebral fractures. In the L1 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was lower than that of IG during flexion, left/right bending, and left/right rotation. In the T12 vertebral body, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion and right rotation. In the L2 vertebral body, the maximum stress of SG was the lowest under all loading conditions. In the T12-L1 intervertebral disc, compared with IG, the maximum stress of SG decreased during flexion, extension, and left/right bending and was basically the same during left/right rotation. However, in the L1-L2 intervertebral discs, the maximum stress of SG increased during left/right rotation compared with that of IG. Furthermore, the maximum displacement of SG was smaller than that of IG in the L1 vertebral bodies under all loading conditions. Conclusions: SG can reduce the maximum stress in the vertebra and intervertebral discs, offering better biomechanical performance and improved stability than IG.

Smurf1-targeting microRNA-136-5p-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with 3D-printed ß-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds strengthen osteogenic activity and alleviate bone defects.

Suitable biomaterials with seed cells have promising potential to repair bone defects. However, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), one of the most common seed cells used in tissue engineering, cannot differentiate efficiently and accurately into functional osteoblasts. In view of this, a new tissue engineering technique combined with BMSCs and scaffolds is a major task for bone defect repair. Lentiviruses interfering with miR-136-5p or Smurf1 expression were transfected into BMSCs. The effects of miR-136-5p or Smurf1 on the osteogenic differentiation (OD) of BMSCs were evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Then, the targeting relationship between miR-136-5p and Smurf1 was verified by bioinformatics website analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay. Then, a rabbit femoral condyle bone defect model was established. miR-136-5p/BMSCs/ß-TCP scaffold was implanted into the defect, and the repair of the bone defect was detected by Micro-CT and HE staining. Elevating miR-136-5p-3p or suppressing Smurf1 could stimulate OD of BMSCs. miR-136-5p negatively regulated Smurf1 expression. Overexpressing Smurf1 reduced the promoting effect of miR-136-5p on the OD of BMSCs. miR-136-5p/BMSCs/ß-TCP could strengthen bone density in the defected area and accelerate bone repair. SmurF1-targeting miR-136-5p-modified BMSCs combined with 3D-printed ß-TCP scaffolds can strengthen osteogenic activity and alleviate bone defects.

Inflammatory bowel disease alters in vivo distribution of orally administrated nanoparticles: Revealing via SERS tag labeling technique.

Nanoparticles (NPs) could be uptake orally and exposed to digestive tract through various sources such as particulate pollutant, nanomedicine and food additive. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as a global disease, induced disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier and thus altered in vivo distribution of NPs as a possible consequence. However, related information was relatively scarce. Herein, in vivo distribution of typical silica (SiO2) and titania (TiO2) NPs was investigated in healthy and IBD models at cell and animal levels via a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tag labeling technique. The labeled NPs were composed of gold SERS tag core and SiO2 (or TiO2) shell, demonstrating sensitive and characteristic SERS signals ideal to trace the NPs in vivo. Cell SERS mapping revealed that protein corona from IBD intestinal fluid decreased uptake of NPs by lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells compared with normal intestinal fluid protein corona. SERS signal detection combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of mouse tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) indicated that both NPs tended to accumulate in lung specifically after oral administration for IBD mouse (6 out of 20 mice for SiO2 and 4 out of 16 mice for TiO2 were detected in lung). Comparatively, no NP signals were detected in all tissues from healthy mice. These findings suggested that there might be a greater risk associated with the oral uptake of NPs in IBD patients due to altered in vivo distribution of NPs.

Self-assembled coating with a metal-polyphenolic network for intraocular lens modification to prevent posterior capsule opacification.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a main complication after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation and is attributed to residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) migrating to the IOL surface and posterior capsules. IOL surface modification has been a newly-developing research filed in recent years; however, the applicability and economical acquisition of modified materials remain unsolved. In this study, we first applied a metal-polyphenolic network coating with a self-assembly technique on the IOL surface by using tannic acid (TA) combined with AlCl3, which are easily acquire and applying on the IOL surface to solve the IOL transmittance affair. Using wound healing and Transwell assay to verify AZD0364 inhibits cell migration (P< 0.05), the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage inflammation model to verify pterostilbene (PTE) inhibits the inflammatory reaction (P< 0.01). By optimizes its self-assembly coating parameters and calculating its drug release kinetics, we successfully loaded these two drugs on the coating, named TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL. Its surface morphology characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and water contact angle. The optical performance was carefully investigated by optical instruments and equipment (n= 3). Thein vitroresults showed that TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL can significantly inhibit cell adhesion and acute inflammation (n= 3,P< 0.0001). Importantly, afterin vivoimplantation for 28 d with eight rabbits PCO models in two groups, the TA (AZD0364/PTE) IOL group maintained clear refracting media and decreased the inflammatory reaction compared with the original IOL group (P< 0.05). This study provides a new applicable and economical strategy for preventing PCO and offers a reference for the next generation of IOLs that benefit cataract patients.

Realistic Nanoplastics Induced Pulmonary Damage via the Crosstalk of Ferritinophagy and Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

The smaller size fraction of plastics may be more substantially existing and detrimental than larger-sized particles. However, reports on nanoplastics (NPs), especially their airborne occurrences and potential health hazards to the respiratory system, are scarce. Previous studies limit the understanding of their real respiratory effects, since sphere-type polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles differ from NPs occurring in nature with respect to their physicochemical properties. Here, we employ a mechanical breakdown method, producing NPs directly from bulk plastic, preserving NP properties in nature. We report that among four relatively high abundance NP materials PS, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) with a size of 100 nm, PVC induced slightly more severe lung toxicity profiles compared to the other plastics. The lung cytotoxicity of NPs is higher than that of commercial PS NPs and comparable to natural particles silicon dioxide (SiO2) and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2). Mechanistically, BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid) transactivation-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy or ferroptosis are likely common mechanisms of NPs regardless of their chemical composition. This study provides relatively comprehensive data for evaluating the risk of atmospheric NPs to lung health.

Erchen decoction alleviates the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting lipid accumulation and iron overload through Caveolin-1 signaling.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A combination of 6 different Chinese herbs known as Erchen decoction (ECD) has been traditionally used to treat digestive tract diseases and found to have a protective effect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite its efficacy in treating NAFLD, the precise molecular mechanism by which Erchen Decoction regulated iron ion metabolism to prevent disease progression remained poorly understood. AIM OF STUDY: Our study attempted to confirm the specific mechanism of ECD in reducing lipid and iron in NAFLD from the perspective of regulating the expression of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1). STUDY DESIGN: In our study, the protective effect of ECD was investigated in Palmitic Acid + Oleic Acid-induced hepatocyte NAFLD model and high-fat diet-induced mice NAFLD model. To investigate the impact of Erchen Decoction (ECD) on lipid metabolism and iron metabolism via mediating Cav-1 in vitro, Cav-1 knockdown cell lines were established using lentivirus-mediated transfection techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed NAFLD model by feeding with high-fat diet for 12 weeks in vivo and Palmitic Acid + Oleic Acid treatment for 24 h in vitro. The regulation of Lipid and iron metabolism results by ECD were detected by serological diagnosis, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting. The binding ability of 6 small molecules of ECD to Cav-1 was analyzed by molecular docking. RESULTS: We demonstrated that ECD alleviated the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting lipid accumulation, nitrogen oxygen stress, and iron accumulation in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, ECD inhibited lipid and iron accumulation in liver by up-regulating the expression of Cav-1, which indicated that Cav-1 was an important target for ECD to exert its curative effect. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study demonstrated that ECD alleviated the accumulation of lipid and iron in NAFLD through promoting the expression of Cav-1, and ECD might serve as a novel Cav-1 agonist to treat NAFLD.