Efficacy, safety, and serum cytokine modulation by olopatadine hydrochloride and desloratadine citrate disodium combination therapy in urticaria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, safety, and impact on serum cytokines of olopatadine hydrochloride (OLP) combined with desloratadine citrate disodium (DES) in treating urticaria. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 114 urticaria patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xinyang Vocational and Technical College from March 2020 to March 2023. The control group (55 patients) received DES, while the research group (59 patients) received OLP+DES combination therapy. We compared efficacy, safety (including epigastric pain, dry mouth, lethargy, dizziness, and fatigue), changes in serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, and interferon [IFN]-γ), symptom resolution (wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree), and 3-month recurrence rates. A univariate analysis was also conducted to identify factors influencing urticaria recurrence. RESULTS: The research group exhibited a significantly higher overall efficacy rate, lower incidence of adverse events, and reduced recurrence rates at 3 months (all P<0.05) compared to the control group. Post-treatment, the research group showed significant increases in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels and reductions in IL-4 levels, wheal number, wheal size, and itching degree (all P<0.05). Factors such as history of drinking/smoking, IL-2 levels, and treatment method were associated with urticaria recurrence (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of OLP and DES is an effective and safe treatment option for urticaria, significantly improving serum cytokine profiles, alleviating symptoms, and reducing recurrence risk.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Carboxylesterase Genes Involved in Spirodiclofen Resistance in Panonychus citri (McGregor).

Overexpression of carboxyl/cholinesterase (CCE) genes has been reported to be associated with many cases of pesticide resistance in arthropods. However, it has been rarely documented that CCE genes participate in spirodiclofen resistance in Panonychus citri. In previous research, we found that spirodiclofen resistance is related to increased P450 and CCE enzyme activities in P. citri. In this study, we identified two CCE genes, PcCCE3 and PcCCE5, which were significantly upregulated in spirodiclofen-resistant strain and after exposure to spirodiclofen. RNA interference of PcCCE3 and PcCCE5 increased the spirodiclofen susceptibility in P. citri. In vitro metabolism indicated that PcCCE3 and PcCCE5 could interact with spirodiclofen, but metabolites were detected only in the PcCCE3 treatment. Our results indicated that PcCCE3 participates in spirodiclofen resistance through direct metabolism, and PcCCE5 may be involved in the spirodiclofen resistance by passive binding and sequestration, which provides new insights into spirodiclofen resistance in P. citri.

Optimization Co-Culture of Monascus purpureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Selenium-Enriched Lentinus edodes for Increased Monacolin K Production.

Selenium-enriched Lentinus edodes (SL) is a kind of edible fungi rich in organic selenium and nutrients. Monascus purpureus with high monacolin K (MK) production and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were selected as the fermentation strains. A single-factor experiment and response surface methodology were conducted to optimize the production conditions for MK with higher contents from selenium-enriched Lentinus edodes fermentation (SLF). Furthermore, we investigated the nutritional components, antioxidant capacities, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of SLF. The MK content in the fermentation was 2.42 mg/g under optimal fermentation conditions. The organic selenium content of SLF was 7.22 mg/kg, accounting for 98% of the total selenium content. Moreover, the contents of total sugars, proteins, amino acids, reducing sugars, crude fiber, fat, and ash in SLF were increased by 9%, 23%, 23%, 94%, 38%, 44%, and 25%, respectively. The antioxidant test results demonstrated that 1.0 mg/mL of SLF exhibited scavenging capacities of 40%, 70%, and 79% for DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. Using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry technology, 34 unique VOCs were identified in SLF, with esters, alcohols, and ketones being the main components of its aroma. This study showed that fungal fermentation provides a theoretical reference for enhancing the nutritional value of SL.

Application of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Kidney Injury Associated with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis.

OBJECTIVE: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been applied to assess the microstructure of the kidney. However, it is not clear whether fMRI could be used in the field of kidney injury in patients with Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). METHODS: This study included 20 patients with AAV. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) scanning of the kidneys were performed in AAV patients and healthy controls. The mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) parameters of DKI, the R2* parameter of BOLD, and clinical data were further analyzed. RESULTS: In AAV patients, the cortex exhibited lower MD but higher R2* values compared to the healthy controls. Medullary MK values were elevated in AAV patients. Renal medullary MK values showed a positive correlation with serum creatinine levels and negative correlations with hemoglobin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate. To assess renal injury in AAV patients, AUC values for MK, MD, FA, and R2* in the cortex were 0.66, 0.67, 0.57, and 0.55, respectively, and those in the medulla were 0.81, 0.77, 0.61, and 0.53, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in DKI and BOLD MRI parameters were observed between AAV patients with kidney injuries and the healthy controls. The medullary MK value in DKI may be a noninvasive marker for assessing the severity of kidney injury in AAV patients.

IGF2 contributes to the immunomodulatory effects of exosomes from endometrial regenerative cells on experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes derived from endometrial regenerative cells (ERC-Exos) can inherit the immunomodulatory function from ERCs, however, whether ERC-Exos exhibit such effect on inflammatory bowel diseases with mucosal immune dysregulation has not been explored. Insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ (IGF2) is considered to possess the potential to induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype in immune cells. In this study, the contribution of IGF2 in mediating the protective efficacy of ERC-Exos on colitis was investigated. METHODS: Lentiviral transfection was employed to obtain IGF2-specific knockout ERC-Exos (IGF2-/--ERC-Exos). Experimental colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were divided into the phosphate-buffered saline (untreated), ERC-Exos-treated and IGF2-/--ERC-Exos-treated groups. Colonic histopathological analysis and intestinal barrier function were explored. The infiltration of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. The maturation and function of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in different exosome administrations were evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISA and the coculture system, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the untreated group, ERC-Exos treatment significantly attenuated DSS-induced weight loss, bloody stools, shortened colon length, pathological damage, as well as repaired the weakened intestinal mucosal barrier, including promoting the goblet cells retention, restoring the intestinal barrier integrity and enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins, while the protective effect of exosomes was impaired with the knockout of IGF2 in ERC-Exos. Additionally, IGF2-expressing ERC-Exos decreased the proportions of Th1 and Th17, increased the proportions of Treg, as well as attenuated DC infiltration and maturation in mesenteric lymph nodes and lamina propria of the colitis mice. ERC-Exos were also observed to be phagocytosed by BMDCs and IGF2 is responsible for the modulating effect of ERC-Exos on BMDCs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes derived from ERCs can exert a therapeutic effect on experimental colitis with remarkable alleviation of the intestinal barrier damage and the abnormal mucosal immune responses. We emphasized that IGF2 plays a critical role for ERC-Exos mediated immunomodulatory function and protection against colitis.

Knowledge of Glaucoma Among New Patients to a Tertiary Eye Care Center in China.

PRECISE: Glaucoma patients who had previously been evaluated by eye care professionals at lower-level facilities possessed limited awareness and knowledge about their condition upon presentation to a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital, highlighting the need for improved patient education throughout the health care system. PURPOSE: To investigate the depth of knowledge about glaucoma among patients who were referred to a tertiary eye hospital for their first visit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An internally-designed questionnaire (scored 0-15) assessing patients' knowledge about glaucoma was administered at a glaucoma outpatient service. Patients were divided into normal, high-risk, and glaucoma groups based on comprehensive eye evaluation. Scores were analyzed by regression models. The relationship between glaucoma awareness and the stage of disease at presentation was explored. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients were enrolled and divided into three groups. The group with definitive diagnosis of glaucoma had the most prior medical visits but scored the lowest, with the primary source of information being previous health care providers. The high-risk group possessed more knowledge about glaucoma than the other groups and tended to acquire knowledge from the media and sought tertiary care earlier. Significant differences were observed between the glaucoma and the high-risk groups in all aspects of glaucoma knowledge (P < 0.05). Additionally, the average scores of all participants who had visited lower-level facilities were low. Education, economic status, presence of risk factors for glaucoma positively correlated with awareness and knowledge, whereas age had an inverse relationship (all P < 0.05). Ophthalmic visit frequency had no impact (P > 0.05). Doctors were the primary source of information for all groups, but social media users were better informed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients at tertiary eye care centers lack glaucoma knowledge, despite experience with eye care providers previously. Implementing health education at all levels is crucial in preventing glaucoma-related visual impairment.

Changes in visual performance after implantation of different intraocular lenses.

AIM: To evaluate the trending visual performance of different intraocular lenses (IOLs) over time after implantation. METHODS: Ninety-one patients received cataract surgery with implantations of monofocal (Mon) IOLs, segmental refractive (SegRef) IOLs, diffractive (Dif) IOLs, and extended-depth-of-focus (EDoF) IOLs were included. The aberrations and optical quality collected with iTrace and OQAS within postoperative 6mo were followed and compared. RESULTS: Most of the visual parameters improved over the postoperative 6mo. The postoperative visual acuity (POVA) of the Mon IOL, SegRef IOL, and EDoF IOL groups achieved relative stability in earlier states compared with the Dif IOL group. Nevertheless, the overall visual performance of the 3 IOLs continued to upturn in small extents within the postoperative 6mo. The optical quality initially improved in the EDoF IOL group, then in the Mon IOL, SegRef IOL, and Dif IOL groups. POVA and objective visual performance of the Mon IOL and EDoF IOL groups, as well as POVA and visual quality of the Dif IOL group, improved in the postoperative 1mo and stabilized. Within the postoperative 6mo, gradual improvements were observed in the visual acuity and objective visual performance of the SegRef IOL group, as well as in the postoperative optical quality of the Dif IOL group. CONCLUSION: The visual performance is different among eyes implanted with different IOLs. The findings of the current study provide a potential reference for ophthalmologists to choose suitable IOLs for cataract patients in a personalized solution.

Daphnetin Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain via Regulation of Microglial Responses and Glycerophospholipid Metabolism in the Spinal Cord.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common type of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. This condition imposes a considerable economic burden on society and patients. Daphnetin (DAP) is a natural product isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb with various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate DAP's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. The NP model was established as chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and pain sensitivity was evaluated by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal threshold (TWT). The activation of microglia in the spinal dorsal horn was measured via immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels were measured using a western blot assay. Using a mass-spectrometry proteomics platform and an LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics platform, proteins and metabolites in spinal cord tissues were extracted and analyzed. DAP treatment ameliorated the MWT and TWT in CCI rats. The expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α was inhibited by DAP treatment in the spinal cords of CCI rats. Moreover, the activation of microglia was suppressed after DAP treatment. The elevation in the levels of P2X4, IRF8, IRF5, BDNF, and p-P38/P38 in the spinal cord caused by CCI was inhibited by DAP. Proteomics and metabolomics results indicated that DAP ameliorated the imbalance of glycerophospholipid metabolism in the spinal cords of CCI rats. DAP can potentially ameliorate NP by regulating microglial responses and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the CCI model. This study provides a pharmacological justification for using DAP in the management of NP.

Construction of Bi/Bi2O3 particles embedded in carbon sheets for boosting the storage capacity of potassium-ion batteries.

Bismuth-based materials have attracted interest in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, the large volume expansion prevents further use of bismuth-based materials for potassium storage. This work employs a two-step synthesis method to innovatively synthesize of Bi/Bi2O3 nanoparticles assembled on N-doped porous carbon sheets (Bi/Bi2O3@CN). The layered structures with uniformly shaped and N-doped porous carbon skeleton buffer the expansion of Bi and the Bi/Bi2O3 particles increase the capacity of potassium storage. In brief, the Bi/Bi2O3@CN served as anode in half-cell of PIBs have a good rate capacity of more than 234.7 mAh/g at 20 A/g. The specific capacity retention was 73 % compared with 322.16 mAh/g at 1 A/g, demonstrating good holding capacity for diverse current densities. The cycle also displays 163 mAh/g after 1500 cycles at 2 A/g in the KPF6 metal salt solution, showing its potential as one of the anode materials in PIBs.

Melatonin activates Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway to antagonizes oxidative stress-induced injury via melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) in cryopreserved mice ovarian tissue.

Our previous research has shown that melatonin (MLT) can reduce cryopreserved ovarian damage in mice. Yet, the molecular mechanism of MLT protection is still unclear. Some studies have shown that melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) is very important for animal reproductive system. To evaluate whether MLT exerts its protective effect on cryopreserved mice ovarian tissue via MT1, we added antagonist of MT1/MT2 (Luzindor) or antagonist of MT2 (4P-PDOT) to the freezing solution, followed by cryopreservation and thawing of ovarian tissue. The levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. Besides, by using RT-PCR and Western blotting, the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway-related proteins was detected. These findings demonstrated that compared with the melatonin group, the addition of Luzindor increased apoptosis, NO and MDA activities, decreased CAT and T-SOD activities and inhibited Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway. In conclusion, melatonin can play a protective role in cryopreserved ovarian tissue of mice through MT1 receptor.

Photoaged nanoplastics with multienzyme-like activities significantly shape the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.

Nanoplastics (NPs), identified as emerging pollutants, pose a great risk to environment and global public health, exerting profound influences on the prevalence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite evidence suggesting that nano-sized plastic particles can facilitate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs, it is imperative to explore strategies for inhibiting the transfer of ARGs. Currently, limited information exists regarding the characteristics of environmentally aged NPs and their impact on ARGs propagation. Herein, we investigated the impact of photo-aged NPs on the transfer of ARG-carrying plasmids into Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. Following simulated sunlight irradiation, photo-aged nano-sized polystyrene plastics (PS NPs) exhibited multiple enzyme-like activities, including peroxidase (POD) and oxidase (OXD), leading to a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). At relatively low concentrations (0.1, 1 µg/mL), both pristine and aged PS NPs facilitated the transfer of pUC19 and pHSG396 plasmids within E. coli due to moderate ROS production and enhanced cell membrane permeability. Intriguingly, at relatively high concentrations (5, 10 µg/mL), aged PS NPs significantly suppressed plasmids transformation. The non-unidirectional impact of aged PS NPs involved the overproduction of ROS (•OH and •O2-) via nanozyme activity, directly degrading ARGs and damaging plasmid structure. Additionally, oxidative damage to bacteria resulted from the presence of much toxic free radicals, causing physical damage to cell membranes, reduction of the SOS response and restriction of adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) supply, ultimately leading to inactivation of recipient cells. This study unveils the intrinsic multienzyme-like activity of environmentally aged NPs, highlighting their potential to impede the transfer and dissemination of ARGs.

Overexpression of a nuclear receptor HR96 contributes to spirodiclofen susceptibility in Panonychus citri (McGregor).

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, is one of the most notorious and devastating citrus pests around the world that has developed resistance to multiple chemical acaricides. In previous research, we found that spirodiclofen-resistant is related to overexpression of P450, CCE, and ABC transporter genes in P. citri. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these detoxification genes are still elusive. This study identified all hormone receptor 96 genes of P. citri. 8 PcHR96 genes contained highly conserved domains. The expression profiles showed that PcHR96h was significantly upregulated in spirodiclofen resistant strain and after exposure to spirodiclofen. RNA interference of PcHR96h decreased expression of detoxification genes and increased spirodiclofen susceptibility in P. citri. Furthermore, molecular docking, heterologous expression, and drug affinity responsive target stability demonstrated that PcHR96h can interact with spirodiclofen in vitro. Our research results indicate that PcHR96h plays an important role in regulating spirodiclofen susceptibility and provides theoretical support for the resistance management of P. citri.

Solvent-Free Synthesis Enables Encapsulation of Subnanometric FeOx Clusters in Pure Siliceous Zeolites for Efficient Catalytic Oxidation Reactions.

Metal/metal oxide clusters possess a higher count of unsaturated coordination sites than nanoparticles, providing multiatomic sites that single atoms do not. Encapsulating metal/metal oxide clusters within zeolites is a promising approach for synthesizing and stabilizing these clusters. The unique feature endows the metal clusters with an exceptional catalytic performance in a broad range of catalytic reactions. However, the encapsulation of stable FeOx clusters in zeolite is still challenging, which limits the application of zeolite-encapsulated FeOx clusters in catalysis. Herein, we design a modified solvent-free method to encapsulate FeOx clusters in pure siliceous MFI zeolites (Fe@MFI). It is revealed that the 0.3-0.4 nm subnanometric FeOx clusters are stably encapsulated in the 5/6-membered rings intersectional voids of the pure siliceous MFI zeolites. The encapsulated Fe@MFI catalyst with a Fe loading of 1.4 wt % demonstrates remarkable catalytic activity and recycle stability in the direct oxidation of methane, while also promoting the direct oxidation of cyclohexane, surpassing the performance of conventional zeolite-supported Fe catalysts.

Why does mobile payment promote purchases? Revisiting the pain of paying, and understanding the implicit pleasure via selective attention.

The past years have witnessed a phenomenal growth of the mobile payment market, but how mobile payment affects purchase behavior receives less attention from academics. Recent studies suggested that lower pain of paying may not fully clarify the relationship between mobile payment and increased purchases (i.e., mobile payment effect). The current research first introduced price level in Study 1 and demonstrated that the pain of paying served as an underlying mechanism only in the high-price condition rather than the low-price condition. As such, Study 2 was conducted in a low-price context to address the uncovered mechanisms. We propose a new concept of "pleasure of payment" that is defined as an implicit and consumption-related hedonic response based on the cue theory of consumption. By tracking spontaneous attention to positive attributes (i.e., benefits) of products, Study 2 demonstrated this implicit pleasure as a psychological mechanism for the mobile payment effect when the pain of paying was not at play. These findings have important implications for mobile payment in research and practice by identifying price level as a boundary condition for the role of pain of paying and understanding the positive downstream consequences of mobile payment usage on consumer psychology.

Targeted screening of multiple anti-inflammatory components from Chrysanthemi indici Flos by ligand fishing with affinity UF-LC/MS.

Chrysanthemi indic Flos (CIF) has been commonly consumed for the treatment of inflammation and related skin diseases. However, the potential bioactive components responsible for its anti-inflammatory and sensitive skin (SS) improvement activities, and the correlated mechanisms of action still remain unknown. In this work, it was firstly found that the CIF extract (CIFE) displayed arrestive free radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS radicals, with no significant difference with positive control Trolox (p > 0.05). Then, compared to the negative group, CIFE markedly decreased the productions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, PEG2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, NO) in LPS induced RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Besides, CIFE strongly inhibited the COX-2 and hyaluronidase (HAase) with the IC50 values of 1.06 ± 0.01 µg/mL and 12.22 ± 0.39 µg/mL, indicating higher inhibitory effect than positive control of aspirin of 6.33 ± 0.05 µg/mL (p < 0.01), and comparable inhibitory effect with indometacin of 0.60 ± 0.03 µg/mL, and ascorbic acid of 11.03 ± 0.41 µg/mL (p > 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, kinetic assays with Lineweaver-Burk plot (Michaelis Menten equation) suggested that CIFE reversibly inhibited the COX-2 and HAase, with a mixed characteristics of competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Thereafter, multi-target affinity ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) method was employed to fast fish out the potential COX-2 and HAase in CIFE. Herein, 13 components showed various affinity binding degrees to the COX-2 and HAase, while those components with relative binding affinity (RBA) value higher than 3.0, such as linarin and chlorogenic acid isomers, were deemed to be the most bioactive components for the anti-inflammatory and SS improvement activities of CIFE. Finally, the interaction mechanism, including binding energy, inhibition constant, docking sites, and the key amino acids involved in hydrogen bonds between the potential ligands and COX-2/HAase were simulated and confirmed with the molecule docking analysis. In summary, this study showcased the prominent anti-inflammatory and SS improvement activities of CIF, which would provide further insights on this functional medicinal plant to be a natural anti-SS remedy.

The epidemiology and clinical features of post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies: A retrospective study of 9772 cases.

Background: In December 2015, the World Health Organization, the World Animal Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations convened the International Congress on the elimination of rabies in Geneva. How to use epidemiological factors of post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent rabies has become the focus of attention. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 9772 patients with rabies in a four-year period in one hospital, to clarify the outbreak law of rabies and to explore the corresponding prevention and control strategies. Methods: The epidemiological data of rabies patients were collected from the infectious disease reporting information management system of the hospital from July 2018 to June 2022. The distributional characteristics of 13 influencing factors were analyzed using the chi-square test and linear regression. Results: There was a significant correlation between the number of wounds and age, and the numbers of female and male patients were close. People over the age of 44 were more likely to get bites or scratches on their lower extremity (P<0.0001). There was a greater possibility for elderly people to be bitten by dogs (P<0.0001). Dogs preferred to bite or scratch lower limbs (P<0.0001), while cats upper limbs (P<0.0001). Upper limbs were more possibly attacked by animals at home (P<0.0001). There were significant correlations among exposure grade, wound treatment and number of wounds. Conclusions: Lower extremity protection is needed for the elderly and when encountering dogs, and more attention needs to be paid to the upper extremities when encountering cats and household pets, as well as pets that are cute but need to be protected from bites or scratches.

Effect of apheresis plasma donation on plasma uric acid levels, the lipid profile, and major plasma proteins in plasma donors in China: A multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Abnormal plasma uric acid (UA) levels, the lipid profile, and plasma proteins in blood are associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. This multicenter, prospective cohort study aimed to determine the possible effects of multiple apheresis plasma donations on plasma UA levels, the lipid profile, and major proteins in plasma donors. Participants were enrolled from 1 April 2021 to 31 August 2022. When their plasma UA (men: >420 µmol/L, women: >360 µmol/L) and/or lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC]: ≥6.2 mmol/L, triglycerides [TGs]: ≥2.3 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: ≥4.1 mmol/L, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: <1.0 mmol/L) were abnormal at their first plasma donation, the enrolled participants were followed up until they had completed 10 plasma donations. A total of 11485 participants were enrolled, of whom 1861 met the inclusion criteria. During the study period, 320 donors completed 10 plasma donations. None of the participants took any corrective medicine for their abnormal index. The measured parameters were significantly different from the first to the tenth plasma donations (donors with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: UA, P < 0.001; donors with asymptomatic hyperlipidemia: HDL-C, P < 0.001; TC, P = 0.025; TGs, P < 0.001; apolipoprotein B, P = 0.025; all of the plasma donors, immunoglobulin G, P < 0.001). The levels of HDL-C, TC, and apolipoprotein B were increased, and the levels of UA, TGs, and immunoglobulin G were decreased over this time. However, immunoglobulin G levels were still in the normal range. Moreover, the changes in these parameters were closely associated with the frequency of plasma donation during the study period. Repeated apheresis plasma donations can reduce plasma UA and TG levels and increase HDL-C levels; and further evaluation of the clinical significance with a larger sample size is required.

Phthalate exposure and subfecundity in preconception couples: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates (PAEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals ubiquitously found in the environment. This study aimed to examine the association between exposure of PAEs and subfecundity in preconception couples. METHODS: This is a nested case-control study based on preconception cohort. Preconception couples with intention to conceive were enrolled and followed up until a clinically confirmed pregnancy or 12 menstrual cycles of preparation for conception. A total of 107 couples with subfecundity- time to pregnancy (TTP) more than 12 menstrual cycles, and 144 couples ≤12 cycles were included in the analysis. The levels of PAE metabolites in one spot urine samples were detected and compared between the groups. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to examine the joint effects of couples' exposure to PAEs on subfecundity. RESULTS: Using the multivariate binary logistic regression model, compared to the lowest quartile of urinary ∑PAEs concentration group, both preconception females (aOR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.10-5.30, p=0.027) and males (aOR=2.99, 95% CI: 1.36-6.58, p=0.006) in the highest quartile group had an increased risk of subfecundity, and a dose-response relationship was observed between PAEs and the risk of subfecundity. The WQS analyses found that co-exposure to PAE mixture was a risk factor for subfecundity in preconception female (aOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.38-2.26, p<0.001), male (aOR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.20-2.08, p=0.001), and couple (aOR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.61-3.52, p<0.001). The BKMR model found a positive combined effect of mixed exposure to PAEs on the risk of subfecundity. CONCLUSIONS: PAEs increase the risk of subfecundity in preconception couples. Our research reinforced the need of monitoring PAE exposure for the purpose of improving human reproductive health.

Comparative Analysis of Post-Translational Modifications of Human Serum Albumin Derived from Human Plasma and Recombinant Sources in China.

BACKGROUND: The variations in sequence, three-dimensional structure, and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of human serum albumin (HSA) are crucial for its physiological functions. This study aims to analyze and compare the disparities in PTMs between HSA derived from human plasma and genetically recombinant sources for clinical treatments in China. METHODS: Six distinct PTMs, namely acetylation, succinylation, crotonylation, phosphorylation, beta-hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation, were identified using pan-specific antibodies via Western blot analysis. The samples, comprising human plasma-derived HSA (pHSA) from six different manufacturers and recombinant HSA (rHSA) expressed in yeast and Oryza sativa, underwent detection for various types of PTMs. Additionally, a 4D label-free quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify N-glycosylation and the aforementioned PTMs in both pHSA and rHSA samples. This analysis aimed to discern disparities in modification sites and levels. RESULTS: Through Western blot analysis, all six pHSA and two rHSA samples displayed positive bands for albumin (66.5 kDa) across the six PTMs. Subsequent analysis using 4D label-free quantitative proteomics revealed 25 (29) acetylated, 30 (32) succinylated, 41 (50) malonylated, 15 (23) phosphorylated, 36 (30) beta-hydroxybutyrylated, and 27 (34) lactylated modification sites in pHSA and rHSA samples, with no N-glycosylation modification sites detected. The analysis identified 1 acetylation (ALB_K160), 2 beta-hydroxybutyrylation (ALB_K569, ALB_K426), and 3 crotonylation (ALB_K264, ALB_K581, ALB_K560) specific modification sites in pHSA, as well as 3 crotonylation (ALB_K560, ALB_K562, ALB_K75), 1 succinylation (ALB_K490), and 23 phosphorylation specific modification sites in rHSA. In pHSA (rHSA), 2 (6) acetylation, 10 (12) succinylation, 0 (9) crotonylation, 1 (9) phosphorylation, 6 (0) beta-hydroxybutyrylation, and 0 (7) lactylation specific modification sites were found. Moreover, in the shared modification sites between pHSA and rHSA, pHSA exhibited up-regulation of amberylation (16:1) and beta-hydroxybutyrylation (12:2) in more sites, and up-regulation of acetylation (7:11), crotonylation (2:11), phosphorylation (1:8), and lactylation (1:14) in fewer sites compared to rHSA. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, both pHSA and rHSA utilized in China commonly display acetylation, succinylation, crotonylation, phosphorylation, beta-hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation. Notably, there exist distinctions in the site characteristics and modification levels of these alterations between pHSA and rHSA. Further experimental inquiries are imperative to delve into the implications of these disparities in PTMs on the biological functionality, effectiveness, and safety of pHSA and rHSA.

Continuous positive airway pressure combined with small-tidal-volume ventilation on arterial oxygenation and pulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: One-lung ventilation (OLV) is frequently applied during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) airway management to collapse and isolate the nondependent lung (NL). OLV can give rise to hypoxemia as a result of the pulmonary shunting produced. Our study aimed to assess the influence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with small-tidal-volume ventilation on improving arterial oxygenation and decreasing pulmonary shunt rate (QS/QT) without compromising surgical field exposure during OLV. METHODS: Forty-eight patients undergoing scheduled VATS lobectomy were enrolled in this research and allocated into three groups at random: C group (conventional ventilation, no NL ventilation intervention was performed), LP group (NL was ventilated with lower CPAP [2 cmH2O] and a 40-60 mL tidal volume [TV]), and HP group (NL was ventilated with higher CPAP [5 cmH2O] and a 60-80 mL TV). Record the blood gas analysis data and calculate the QS/QT at the following time: at the beginning of the OLV (T0), 30 min after OLV (T1), and 60 min after OLV (T2). Surgeons blinded to ventilation techniques were invited to evaluate the surgical fields. RESULTS: The demography data of the three groups were consistent with the surgical data. At T1, PaO2 in the HP group was substantially higher compared to the C group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the LP group (P > 0.05). At T1-T2, PaCO2 in the LP and HP groups was significantly less than that in the C group (P < 0.05). At T1, the QS/QT values of groups C, LP, and HP were 29.54 ± 6.89%, 22.66 ± 2.08%, and 19.64 ± 5.76%, respectively, and the QS/QT values in the LP and HP groups markedly reduced (P < 0.01). The surgical field's evaluation by the surgeon among the three groups was not notable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CPAP combined with small-tidal-volume ventilation effectively improved arterial oxygenation and reduced QS/QT and PaCO2 without compromising surgical field exposure during OLV. Among them, 5 cmH2O CPAP + 60-80 ml TV ventilation had a better effect on improving oxygenation.