In vitro digestive properties and the bioactive effect of walnut green husk on human gut microbiota.

Introduction: Walnut green husk (WGH) is a waste byproduct from walnut industry. However, it is not well-known about its bioactive effect on human gut health. Methods: This study conducted in vitro digestion and fermentation experiments to study the bioactive effect of WGH. Results: Microbial fermentation was the primary mechanism to efficiently release phenolics and flavonoids, resulting in more excellent antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), which reached a highest value with 14.82 ± 0.01 mg VcE/g DW, 3.47 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g DW, and 0.96 ± 0.07 mmol FeSO4·7H2O/g DW, respectively. The surface microstructure of WGH became loose and fragmented after microbial fermentation. The analytical results of gut microbiota demonstrated that WGH could significantly increase the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in phylum level and Phascolarctobacterium in genus level while certain pro-inflammatory bacteria (such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Dorea, Alistipes, and Bilophila) was inhibited. Additionally, 1,373 differential metabolites were identified and enriched in 283 KEGG pathways. Of which some metabolites were significantly upregulated including ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, umbelliferone, scopolin, muricholic acid, and so forth. Discussion: These results indicated that WGH could have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the human gut, which could improve the economical value of WGH in the food industry.

Inter-subject dynamic conditional correlation: A novel method to track the framewise network implication during naturalistic stimuli.

BACKGROUND: Naturalistic stimuli have become increasingly popular in modern cognitive neuroscience. These stimuli have high ecological validity due to their rich and multi-layered features. However, their complexity also presents methodological challenges for uncovering neural network reconfiguration. Dynamic functional connectivity using the sliding-window technique is commonly used but has several limitations. In this study, we introduce a new method called inter-subject dynamic conditional correlation (ISDCC). METHOD: ISDCC employs inter-subject analysis to remove intrinsic and non-neuronal signals, retaining only inter-subject-consistent stimuli-induced signals. It then applies dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) based on the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity to calculate the framewise functional connectivity. To validate ISDCC, we analyzed simulation data with known network reconfiguration patterns and two publicly available narrative fMRI datasets. RESULTS: 1) ISDCC accurately unveiled the underlying network reconfiguration patterns in simulation data, demonstrating greater sensitivity than DCC; 2) ISDCC identified synchronized network reconfiguration patterns across listeners; 3) ISDCC effectively differentiated between stimulus types with varying temporal coherence; 4) network reconfigurations unveiled by ISDCC were significantly correlated with listener engagement during narrative comprehension. CONCLUSION: ISDCC is a precise and dynamic method for tracking network implications in response to naturalistic stimuli.

Relations between bone density from computed tomography and bone regeneration after reduction mandibuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Bone regeneration in the mandibular angle region after reduction mandibuloplasty may compromise the aesthetics of the lower face and thus lead to revision surgery. Bone quality is known to play an important role in osteogenesis. However, no study has evaluated the relationship between mandibular bone quality and bone regeneration volume. METHODS: The bone density of the mandibular angle immediately after surgery (BD) was determined as the grey level in computed tomography (CT) images. Based on the immediate postoperative and long-term follow-up CT images, the volumes of the regenerated angle (VSA) and the regenerated outer cortex (VOC) were measured after model reconstruction, automatic alignment and Boolean operation. Correlation analyses were then performed between VSA and BD, VOC and BD. RESULTS: 23 patients (46 mandibular angles) were included in this study. The average BD was 907.09 ± 111.89 HU. The mean VSA was 201.66 (131.73-357.24) mm3. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between BD and VSA (r = 0.5449, p < 0.0001). The mean VOC was 236.23 ± 151.35 mm3. Pearson correlation analysis found a negative correlation between BD and VOC (r = -0.3501, p = 0.0171). CONCLUSIONS: CT images can provide a quantitative assessment of mandibular bone quality. BD may influence the volumes of bone regeneration in different areas of the mandibular angle portion after reduction mandibuloplasty, in the regenerated angle area positively and in the regenerated outer cortex region negatively. Therefore, slight over-grinding may be a choice to prevent secondary angulation.

Multilayer Fluorine-Free MoBTx MBene with Hydrophilic Structural-Modulating for the Fabrication of a Low-Resistance and High-Resolution Humidity Sensor.

2D transition metal borides (MBenes) with abundant surface terminals hold great promise in molecular sensing applications. However, MBenes from etching with fluorine-containing reagents present inert -fluorine groups on the surface, which hinders their sensing capability. Herein, the multilayer fluorine-free MoBTx MBene (where Tx represents O, OH, and Cl) with hydrophilic structure is prepared by a hydrothermal-assisted hydrochloric acid etching strategy based on guidance from the first-principle calculations. Significantly, the fluorine-free MoBTx-based humidity sensor is fabricated and demonstrates low resistance and excellent humidity performance, achieving a response of 90% to 98%RH and a high resolution of 1%RH at room temperature. By combining the experimental results with the first-principles calculations, the interactions between MoBTx and H2O, including the adsorption and intercalation of H2O, are understood first in depth. Finally, the portable humidity early warning system for real-time monitoring and early warning of infant enuresis and back sweating illustrates its potential for humidity sensing applications. This work not only provides guidance for preparation of fluorine-free MBenes, but also contributes to advancing their exploration in sensing applications.

Neutrophil extracellular traps-inspired DNA hydrogel for wound hemostatic adjuvant.

Severe traumatic bleeding may lead to extremely high mortality rates, and early intervention to stop bleeding plays as a critical role in saving lives. However, rapid hemostasis in deep non-compressible trauma using a highly water-absorbent hydrogel, combined with strong tissue adhesion and bionic procoagulant mechanism, remains a challenge. In this study, a DNA hydrogel (DNAgel) network composed of natural nucleic acids with rapid water absorption, high swelling and instant tissue adhesion is reported, like a band-aid to physically stop bleeding. The excellent swelling behavior and robust mechanical performance, meanwhile, enable the DNAgel band-aid to fill the defect cavity and exert pressure on the bleeding vessels, thereby achieving compression hemostasis for deep tissue bleeding sites. The neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)-inspired DNAgel network also acts as an artificial DNA scaffold for erythrocytes to adhere and aggregate, and activates platelets, promoting coagulation cascade in a bionic way. The DNAgel achieves lower blood loss than commercial gelatin sponge (GS) in male rat trauma models. In vivo evaluation in a full-thickness skin incision model also demonstrates the ability of DNAgel for promoting wound healing. Overall, the DNAgel band-aid with great hemostatic capacity is a promising candidate for rapid hemostasis and wound healing.

Integrated Mixed Potential Gas Sensor with Efficient Structure for Discriminative Volatile Organic Compounds Detection.

Amid growing interest in the precise detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in industrial field, the demand for highly effective gas sensors is at an all-time high. However, traditional sensors with their classic single-output signal, bulky and complex integrated structure when forming array often involve complicated technology and high cost, limiting their widespread adoption. Here, this study introduces a novel approach, employing an integrated YSZ-based (YSZ: yttria-stabilized zirconia) mixed potential sensor equipped with a triple-sensing electrode array, to efficiently detect and differentiate six types of VOCs gases. This innovative sensor integrates NiSb2O6, CuSb2O6, and MgSb2O6 sensing electrodes (SEs), which are sensitive to pentane, isoprene, n-propanol, acetone, acetic acid, and formaldehyde gases. Through feature engineering based on intuitive spike-based response values, it accentuates the distinct characteristics of every gas. Eventually, an average classification accuracy of 98.8% and an overall R-squared error (R2) of 99.3% for concentration regression toward six target gases can be achieved, showcasing the potential to quantitatively distinguish between industrial hazardous VOCs gases.

Effect of Hot-Pressing Process on Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE Fiber Non-Woven Fabrics.

In order to investigate the influence of a hot-pressing process on the mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber non-woven fabrics with stretch and in-plane shear, UHMWPE non-woven fabric samples were prepared by adjusting the temperature, time, and pressure of the hot-pressing process, and mechanical property tests were carried out so as to clarify the influence of the hot-pressing process on the mechanical properties of the samples. The results show that the hot-pressing process mainly affects the silk-glue bonding strength of the samples; in the test range, with the increase in hot-pressing temperature and time, the tensile strength and in-plane shear strength of the samples increase and then decrease, and the best mechanical properties are obtained at 130 °C and 7 min of hot pressing, respectively; at 130 °C, the in-plane shear strength is 39.94 MPa and the tensile strength is 595.43 MPa; at 7 min, the in-plane shear strength is 63.0 MPa and the tensile strength is 643.30 MPa; with the increase in the hot-pressing pressure, the in-plane shear strength of the samples increases and then decreases, and the highest is 52.60 MPa, achieved at 8 MPa; in the range of 5-8 MPa, the tensile strength of the specimens did not change significantly, and increased significantly at 9 MPa, reaching a maximum strength of 674.55 MPa.

An Effective Technique for the Correction of Orbital Hypertelorism to Prevent Recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of medial orbital wall osteotomy with medial displacement combined with lateral orbital wall Medpor artificial material implantation in the treatment of orbital hypertelorism. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent the above surgical procedures from 2010 to 2019, and long-term follow-up was conducted to record surgery-related complications and evaluate postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Four patients (3 males and 1 female) were followed up for 24 months. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative results. There was no diplopia, vision loss, eye movement disorder or other vision-related complications. There was no implant rejection, infection or exposure. CONCLUSION: This operation is a modification of the traditional surgical method of medial orbital wall osteotomy. It is safe and effective for the treatment of orbital hypertelorism.

Multi-cohort comprehensive analysis unveiling the clinical value and therapeutic effect of GNAL in glioma.

Clinical data indicates that glioma patients have poor treatment outcomes and clinical prognosis. The role of olfactory signaling pathway-related genes (OSPRGs) in glioma has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and relationship between OSPRGs and glioma. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between OSPRGs and the overall survival of glioma based on public cohorts, and the target gene (G Protein Subunit Alpha L, GNAL) was screened. The association of GNAL expression with clinicopathological characteristics, gene mutation landscape, tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, and naris-occlusion controlled genes (NOCGs) was performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate GNAL level in glioma. Further analysis was conducted to evaluate the drug sensitivity, immunotherapy response, and functional enrichment of GNAL. GNAL was an independent prognostic factor, and patients with low GNAL expression have a poor prognosis. Expression of GNAL was closely associated with clinicopathological characteristics, DNA methylation, and several immune-related pathways. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that GNAL levels were negatively correlated with immune scores. GNAL low-expression group showed efficacy with anti-PD-1 therapy. Ten compounds with significantly different half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values between the GNAL high and low-expression groups were identified. Furthermore, its expression was associated with several immune cells, immune-related genes, and NOCGs. The expression of GNAL is closely associated with clinicopathological characteristics, TIME, and the response to therapeutic interventions, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker for glioma.

An active derivatization detection method for inline monitoring the isolation of carbohydrates by preparative liquid chromatography.

Polysaccharides have unique physio-chemical properties and various biological functions and have rapidly expanded interest over the last two decades. The purification of polysaccharides and their degraded oligosaccharides is challenging because carbohydrates have no chromophore and need a proper detector to monitor the chromatographic elution process. This study proposed an active derivatization detection (ADD) method based on active splitting from post-column flow, a microchannel reactor for efficient derivatization of polysaccharide reducing sugars with p-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide, and in-line detection by the UV detector of liquid chromatography system. The method and device were validated by the use of 11 monosaccharides, sulfated oligosaccharides (from degraded carrageenan), and polysaccharides (from Zizania latifolia). It has shown much better performance than the traditional phenol-sulfuric acid method (gold standard). Moreover, the ADD module presumes an add-in to the original preparative LC system, independent of the scale of the purification process and type of system. The developed method is versatile for chromatographic separation of carbohydrates and lays the foundation for their subsequent studies.

Modeling the precise interaction of glioblastoma with human brain region-specific organoids.

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive malignant tumor of the central nervous system, but the interaction between glioblastoma and different types of neurons remains unclear. Here, we established a co-culture model in vitro using 3D printed molds with microchannels, in which glioblastoma organoids (GB), dorsal forebrain organoids (DO, mainly composed of excitatory neurons), and ventral forebrain organoids (VO, mainly composed of inhibitory neurons) were assembled. Our results indicate that DO has a greater impact on altered gene expression profiles of GB, resulting in increased invasive potential. GB cells preferentially invaded DO along axons, whereas this phenomenon was not observed in VO. Furthermore, GB cells selectively inhibited neurite outgrowth in DOs and reduced the expression of the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), leading to neuronal hyperexcitability. By revealing how glioblastoma interacts with brain cells, our study provides a more comprehensive understanding of this disease.

The Impact of Centrifugal Force on Isolation of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Using Density Gradient Centrifugation.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) have great potential in bone regenerative therapy. The main method used today to obtain BMMNCs is Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. However, the centrifugal force for this isolation method is still suboptimal. OBJECTIVES: To determine the optimal centrifugal force in Ficoll density gradient centrifugation of bone marrow (BM) to achieve high stem/progenitor cell content BMMNCs for regenerative therapy. METHODS: BM was aspirated from nine minipigs and divided into three groups according to different centrifugal forces (200 g, 300 g and 400 g). Immediately after BMMNCs were obtained from each group by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, residual red blood cell (RBC) level, nucleated cell counting, viability and flow cytometric analyses of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured. The phenotypic CD90 and colony formation analyses of BMMNCs of each group were performed as well. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were harvested at passage 2, then morphology, cell phenotype, proliferation, adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineage differentiation potential of BMSCs from each group were compared. RESULTS: The 300 g centrifugal force was able to isolate BMMNCs from BM with the same efficiency as 400 g and provided significantly higher yields of CD90+ BMSCs and fibroblastic colony-forming units of BMSC (CFU-f(BMSC)), which is more crucial for the regenerative efficacy of BMMNCs. Meanwhile, 200 g hosted the most RBC contamination and minimum CFU-f (BMSC) yield, which will be disadvantageous for BMMNC-based cell therapy. As for in vitro cultured BMSCs which were isolated from BMMNCs by different centrifugal forces, no significant differences were found on morphology, cell proliferation rate, phenotypic marker, adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. CONCLUSIONS: 300 g may be the optimal centrifugal force when using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation to isolate BMMNCs for bone regenerative therapy. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Five Retained Soft Contact Lenses in the Upper Fornix: A Case Report in a Patient with Hemifacial Atrophy.

The displacement of a lost contact lens into the upper fornix is an uncommon occurrence. This case report presents a rare incidence wherein a patient diagnosed with hemifacial atrophy was found to have concealed five soft contact lenses within the left upper fornix during autologous fat injection into the retrobulbar space.

Volume Redistribution of the Buccal Fat Pad After Reduction Malarplasty.

BACKGROUND: During reduction malarplasty, cheek bulging could be found immediately after zygomatic complex is moved inwards, backwards and upwards. As patient is in the supine position during surgery, the effect of gravity is eliminated, so the only reason for the bulge is the redistribution of the soft tissue in the deep facial spaces. The buccal fat pad, with its main body behind the zygomatic arch and buccal extension in the cheek area, is most likely to be responsible for the bulge. METHODS: 3D buccal extension models were reconstructed from preoperative and long-term follow-up CT images and the volume measured. By comparing the pre- and postoperative 3D models, the shape deviation of the buccal extension and facial soft tissue can be identified. RESULTS: Eleven patients (22 buccal extensions) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the preoperative buccal extension volume, the postoperative volume increased significantly. By comparing the reconstructed models, the buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion can be visually detected, and cheek bulging was clearly identified on the lower face. The bulging area coincided with the projection of the buccal extension on the skin surface. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction malarplasty may cause volume redistribution of the buccal fat pad. Therefore, preoperative assessment of the size of the buccal fat pad based on CT images is recommended. The buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion is an important cause of postoperative cheek bulging and should be considered during treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Anti-sagging Method in Reduction Malarplasty: Application of the Bracing System with the Preservation of the Zygomaticus Major Muscle Bony Attachment.

BACKGROUND: Cheek drooping after reduction malarplasty remains a concern for patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-drooping effectiveness of the bracing system technique with the preservation of the zygomaticus major muscle (ZMj) bony attachment and to determine the role of ZMj in anti-drooping. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who accepted this method in our department from February 2016 to May 2021. Patients' subjective evaluation and two plastic surgeons' objective assessment of photographs were performed. The pre- and postoperative three-dimensional (3D) ZMj models were reconstructed and compared. ZMj length and tortuosity were also measured from 3D models. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (44 ZMjs) met the inclusion criteria. Most patients (21/22, 95.45%) were satisfied with the postoperative appearance without ageing after reduction malarplasty, except for one feeling slightly older after the operation. The objective scoring results showed no deepening of the nasolabial fold in the majority (20/22, 90.91%) of patients. Two patients were one-grade worse, from score 1 to 2. Upward movement of the postoperative ZMj bony attachment was clearly observed compared with the preoperative 3D model. The significantly reduced ZMj tortuosity (p < 0.001) and the slightly increased ZMj length (not significant) after surgery supported the straightening of the ZMj which was also seen in the 3D comparison. CONCLUSIONS: The bracing system technique with preservation of the bony attachment of the ZMj is an effective and cost-effective anti-sagging method for reduction malarplasty. The ZMj was lifted and straightened after reduction malarplasty, which helped to prevent sagging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Small-Incisional Double Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Our Minimally Invasive Technique with Three Mini Incisions.

BACKGROUND: Small-incisional double eyelid surgery has been increasingly performed these years and achieved good aesthetic results, but the techniques vary greatly between literatures. The authors reviewed the cases of three-small-incisional double eyelid surgery performed in the past three years and introduced their surgical technique in detail. METHODS: A total of 87 patients receiving bilateral three-small-incisional double eyelid surgery were included in this retrospective study. The pretarsal folds were designed meticulously, along which three evenly distributed 2 mm-long incisions were made. A minimal amount of orbicularis oculi muscle and pretarsal soft tissue were removed to expose the pretarsal fascia for further fixation. An appropriate amount of orbital septal fat was removed through the lateral incision if required. The superficial orbicularis oculi muscle and dermis on the lower margin of the incision were fixed onto the pretarsal fascia with some underlying tarsus on the upper margin of the tarsus. The skin was closed by one stitch for each incision. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 9.9 ± 5.2 months (range: 6-27 months). All the patients were satisfied with the result. None of them experienced loss of the pretarsal fold, bilateral asymmetry, scar hyperplasia, or persistent swelling after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our three-small-incisional technique with minor soft tissue debulking offers a simple, safe, and reproducible approach to double eyelids. It can create a stable and natural-looking pretarsal fold with a short recovery period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus.

Snail mucus had medical applications for wound healing as early as ancient Greece and the late Han Dynasty (China). A literature search found 165 modern research papers discussing the extraction methods, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and applications of snail mucus. Thus, this review summarized the research progress on the extraction, structure, pharmacological activities, and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus. The extraction methods of snail mucus include natural secretion and stimulation with blunt force, spray, electricity, un-shelling, ultrasonic-assisted, and ozone-assisted. As a natural product, snail mucus mainly comprises two polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan, dextran), seven glycoproteins (mucin, lectin), various antibacterial peptides, allantoin, glycolic acid, etc. It has pharmacological activities that encourage cell migration and proliferation, and promote angiogenesis and have antibacterial, anti-oxidative and anticancer properties. The mechanism of snail mucus' chemicals performing antibacterial and wound-healing was proposed. Snail mucus is a promising bioactive product with multiple medical applications and has great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Therefore, this review provides a valuable reference for researching and developing snail mucus.

A Surgical Management Algorithm for Type 4 Parry-Romberg Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Type 4 Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) affects multiple facial esthetic units involving many tissue types, requiring both bone and soft tissue restoration and requiring different surgical procedures over a long period of time. To date, the timing and sequence of these operations remains controversial. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to introduce our surgical management algorithm for type 4 PRS and to evaluate its safety and efficacy according to long-term follow-up results. RESULTS: Six Chinese patients (5 females and 1 male) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The follow-up period ranged from 23 to 90 months (mean 51.83 mo). All patients were satisfied with the improvement in facial appearance after staged bone and soft tissue reconstruction. No major complications were reported except for 1 case of infection after Medpor implantation. CONCLUSIONS: For severe PRS, both bone and soft tissue reconstruction is recommended. Enlargement of the bony framework provides a good foundation for subsequent soft tissue restoration. Alloplastic implants in the maxilla can be problematic if the patient has undergone either a zygomatic or maxillary osteotomy. The anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is a reliable choice for large soft tissue deficits in type 4 PRS. We hope that reporting our surgical management algorithm with long-term follow-up results will improve the personalized treatment of these patients.

Pattern Recognition with Temperature Regulation: A Single YSZ-Based Mixed Potential Sensor Classifies Multiple Mixtures of Isoprene, n-Propanol, and Acetone.

Gas sensors integrated with machine learning algorithms have aroused keen interest in pattern recognition, which ameliorates the drawback of poor selectivity on a sensor. Among various kinds of gas sensors, the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based mixed potential-type sensor possesses advantages of low cost, simple structure, high sensitivity, and superior stability. However, as the number of sensors increases, the increased power consumption and more complicated integration technology may impede their extensive application. Herein, we focus on the development of a single YSZ-based mixed potential sensor from sensing material to machine learning for effective detection and discrimination of unary, binary, and ternary gas mixtures. The sensor that is sensitive to isoprene, n-propanol, and acetone is manufactured with the MgSb2O6 sensing electrode prepared by a simple sol-gel method. Unique response patterns for specific gas mixtures could be generated with temperature regulation. We chose seven algorithm models to be separately trained for discrimination. In order to realize more accurate discrimination, we further discuss the selection of suitable feature parameters and its reasons. With temperature regulation coefficients which are easily available as feature input to model, a single sensor is verified to achieve elevated accuracy rates of 95 and 99% for the discrimination of seven gases (three unary gases, three binary gas mixtures, and one ternary gas mixture) and redefined six gas mixtures. This article provides a potential new approach via a mixed potential sensor instead of a sensor array that could provide a wide application prospect in the field of electronic nose and artificial olfaction.

Escherichia coli Promotes Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transformation of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Exacerbates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Via Its Flagellin.

BACKGROUND＆AIMS: Gut bacteria translocate into the liver through a disrupted gut vascular barrier, which is an early and common event in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are directly exposed to translocated gut microbiota in portal vein blood. Escherichia coli, a commensal gut bacterium with flagella, is markedly enriched in the gut microbiota of patients with NAFLD. However, the impact of E coli on NAFLD progression and its underlying mechanisms remains unclear. METHODS: The abundance of E coli was analyzed by using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing in a cohort of patients with NAFLD and healthy controls. The role of E coli was assessed in NAFLD mice after 16 weeks of administration, and the features of NAFLD were evaluated. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in LSECs induced by E coli was analyzed through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The abundance of gut Enterobacteriaceae increased in NAFLD patients with severe fat deposition and fibrosis. Importantly, translocated E coli in the liver aggravated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NAFLD mice. Mechanistically, E coli induced EndMT in LSECs through the TLR5/MYD88/TWIST1 pathway during NAFLD development. The toll-like receptor 5 inhibitor attenuated E coli-induced EndMT in LSECs and liver injury in NAFLD mice. Interestingly, flagellin-deficient E coli promoted less EndMT in LSECs and liver injury in NAFLD mice. CONCLUSIONS: E coli promoted the development of NAFLD and promoted EndMT in LSECs through toll-like receptor 5/nuclear factor kappa B-dependent activation of TWIST1 mediated by flagellin. Therapeutic interventions targeting E coli and/or flagellin may represent a promising candidate for NAFLD treatment.