Spatial exposure and oxidative accumulation of reactive hydroxyl groups in starch retrogradation through transglucosidase and hexose oxidase.

To investigate the potential of inhibiting starch retrogradation by modifying the functional groups of starch, transglucosidase (TG) was used to facilitate active hydroxyl groups to be exposed through increasing branching degree. Subsequently, hexose oxidase (HOX) advantageously promoted the oxidation of starch chains and increased spatial repulsion of starch backbone. The Fukui Function revealed that the oxygen atoms at the C3 and C4 positions on glucose units had a higher oxidation tendency. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the reactive hydroxyl groups underwent an oxidation process with increasing HOX treatment time. From the crystal structure parameters, the c-axis of native corn starch modified by TG for 16 h and HOX for 48 h (or TGHOX-48) was shortened from 16.92 to 16.32 Å and in the long-term retrogradation, TGHOX-48 exhibited the lowest starch retrogradation rate (0.22).

Liquid nitrogen ball-milled mechanochemical modification of starches with typically selected A, B and C crystal types on multiscale structure and physicochemical properties.

This study investigated the effect of liquid nitrogen ball-milled mechanochemical treatment on multiscale structure and physicochemical properties of starches with typically selected A (rice starch, ReS), B (potato starch, PtS) and C (pea starch, PeS) crystal types. The morphology of starch samples changed from integral granules to irregular fragments, and the interaction between the exposure OH bonds led to a serious agglomeration. As the treatment times extended, the crystalline structure of starch samples was gradually destroyed, and the excessive treatment approached amorphization. Moreover, the thermal stability of starch samples showed the downward tendency; and with amorphization increased, the swelling power (SP), solubility (S), water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC) and hydrolysis rate of starch samples gradually increased. The obtained results provided a theoretical foundation for broadening the application range of ball-milled starches with different crystal types.

Sulfiredoxin 1 ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the Sirt1/NLRP3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) is limited in clinical use due to its cardiotoxic side effects. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pivotal mechanisms underlying doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). Sulfiredoxin 1 (Srxn1) plays a central role in antioxidant effects. However, the role of Srxn1 in DIC has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of Srxn1 on DIC. METHODS: We overexpressed Srxn1 in the myocardium using an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) system, delivered through tail vein injection. C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of DOX (4 mg/kg) weekly for four consecutive weeks to establish a mouse model of DIC. We used echocardiography, histopathological, and molecular techniques to elucidate the effects and mechanisms. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of Srxn1 significantly enhanced cardiac function and mitigated myocardial injury in mice exposed to DOX. Overexpressing Srxn1 attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation induced by DOX. Furthermore, Srxn1 overexpression led to upregulation of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) expression and inhibited the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Notably, the protective effects of Srxn1 were significantly abrogated by the Sirt1 inhibitor EX527. CONCLUSION: The protective effects of Srxn1 against DOX-induced cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation operate by targeting the Sirt1/NLRP3 signaling pathway to alleviate DIC. Srxn1 could be a potential candidate for the treatment of DOX-induced myocardial injury.

Preferred crystal plane electrodeposition of aluminum anode with high lattice-matching for long-life aluminum batteries.

Aluminum batteries have become the most attractive next-generation energy storage battery due to their advantages of high safety, high abundance, and low cost. However, the dendrite problem associated with inhomogeneous electrodeposition during cycling leads to low Coulombic efficiency and rapid short-circuit failure of the aluminum metal anode, which severely hampers the cycling stability of aluminum battery. Here we show an aluminum anode material that achieves high lattice matching between the substrate and the deposit, allowing the aluminum deposits to maintain preferred crystal plane growth on the substrate surface. It not only reduces the nucleation barrier of aluminum and decreases electrode polarization, but also enables uniform deposition of aluminum, improving the cycling stability of aluminum batteries. Aluminum anode with (111) preferred crystal plane can stably 25000 cycles at the current density of 5 A·g-1, with a capacity retention rate of over 80%.

Starch nanoparticles with predictable size prepared by alternate treatments of ball milling and ultrasonication.

In this study, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared by alternate treatments of liquid nitrogen ball milling and ultrasonication. The impact, shear and friction forces produced by ball milling, and acoustic cavitation and shear effects generated by ultrasonication disrupted starch granules to prepare SNPs. The SNPs possessed narrow particle size distribution (46.91-210.52 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.28-0.45). Additionally, the SNPs exhibited the irregular fragments with good uniformity. The relative crystallinity decreased from 34.91 % (waxy corn starch, WCS) to 0-25.91 % (SNPs), and the absorbance ratios of R1047/1022 decreased from 0.81 (WCS) to 0.60-0.76 (SNPs). The SNPs had lower thermal stability than that of WCS, characterized by a decrease in Td (temperature at maximum weight loss) from 309.39 °C (WCS) to 300.39-305.75 °C (SNPs). Furthermore, the SNPs exhibited excellent swelling power (3.48-28.02 %) and solubility (0.34-0.97 g/g). Notably, oil absorption capacity of the SNPs (9.77-15.67 g/g) was rather greater than that of WCS (1.33 g/g). Furthermore, the SNPs possessed the lower storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″) and viscosity than that of WCS. The SNPs with predictable size and high dispersion capability prepared in this study lay a foundation for expanding the application of SNPs.

Efficacy and safety of pulsed field ablation for accessory pathways: a pilot study.

AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation is used as a first-line therapy for accessory pathways (APs). However, data regarding the effects of pulsed field ablation (PFA) on APs are limited. We sought to evaluate the acute procedural and 6-month success and safety of PFA in a cohort of patients with APs. METHODS AND RESULTS: A focal contact force-sensing PFA catheter was used for patients with APs. Pulsed field ablation generator generated a bipolar and biphasic waveform (±1000 V) with a duration of 100 ms from the tip of the PFA catheter. A 100% acute procedural success was achieved in 10 conscious patients with APs (7 left anterolateral, 2 left inferolateral, and 1 right posteroseptal APs) including 6 (60%) patients after an initial application. The average total ablation time was 6.3 ± 4.9 s for 4.7 ± 1.8 ablation sites (ASs), including 3.1 ± 2.4 s at targets and 3.2 ± 2.9 s at 3.2 ± 2 bolus ASs. The mean skin-to-skin time was 59.3 ± 15.5 min, and PFA catheter dwell time was 29.4 ± 7.8 min. One patient encountered transient sinus arrest during PFA due to parasympathetic overexcitation. Sinus rhythm was restored in all patients without any significant adverse events during the short-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pulsed field ablation of APs was feasible, effective, and safe. Its efficiency was remarkable for its ultrarapid termination of AP conduction. Further studies are warranted to prove whether utilization of PFA with current parameters can extend to manifold AP ablation.

Investigation on chain segment motions of various starch molecules under different glycerol-water system.

The molecular motion of starch at different glycerol concentrations (0, 20, 50, and 80 %) was investigated using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy confirmed that hydroxyl groups at the C2 and C3 positions of glucose units in corn starch (CS), waxy corn starch (WCS), and high amylose corn starch (HCS) were labeled with 4-amino-TEMPO. The crystallinities of CS, WCS, and HCS after spin-labeling decreased from 30.68 % to 3.21 %, 39.36 % to 1.65 %, and 28.54 % to 8.08 %, respectively. The pseudoplastic fluid properties of the spin-labeled starch remained shear-thin at different glycerol concentrations. EPR revealed the fast- and slow-motion components of the spin-labeled starch molecules dispersed in water. At a glycerol concentration of 20 %, the slow-motion component disappeared, indicating a faster rotational motion of the starch chain segments. As the glycerol concentration increased to 50 and 80 %, the rotational motion slowed because of high viscosity. In particular, the mobility of the spin-labeled WCS chains increased owing to easier access of glycerol and water to the branched structure. This study directly observed the dynamics of the molecular behavior of starch in glycerol-water systems.

Outcomes of Focal Pulsed Field Ablation for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is primarily used for treatment of atrial fibrillation as it provides better safety and efficacy. However, there are limited data available on the use of PFA for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The study sought to describe the outcomes of PSVT ablation with a novel focal contact force (CF)-sensing PFA. METHODS: In this first-in-human pilot study, a focal CF-sensing PFA catheter was used for mapping and ablation navigated with an electroanatomic mapping system (EAMS). Pulsed field energy was delivered as biphasic/bipolar electrical pulse trains with 2000 V/delivery. CF was controlled from 2 g to 10 g during PFA. RESULTS: Procedural acute success was achieved without general anaesthesia or conscious sedation in all 10 patients, including 7 patients diagnosed with typical atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardias and 3 patients with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardias. Successful target ablation time was 2.0 ± 0.5 seconds per patient, and the acute procedural success at the first single site was achieved in 5 patients. The mean skin-to-skin procedure time was 79.4 ± 15 minutes, PFA catheter dwell time was 50.1 ± 14 minutes, and fluoroscopy time was 6.2 ± 7 minutes. Maintenance of sinus rhythm was observed in all patients within 6-month follow-up. No serious adverse events occurred in any subjects during PFA or during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A focal CF-sensing PFA catheter could effectively, rapidly, and safely ablate PSVT in conscious patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05770921.

Impact of left atrial appendage orifice diameter on the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure using the LAmbre device.

BACKGROUND: The diameter and shape of the left atrial appendage (LAA) orifices may influence occluder selection and the outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of LAA orifice diameter on the safety and efficacy of LAAC using the LAmbre device. METHODS: A total of 133 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent LAAC with the LAmbre device between June 2018 and June 2020 were included in this study. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the maximal diameter of the LAA orifice: the large LAA group (n = 45) with a maximal orifice diameter of ≥31 mm, and the normal LAA group (n = 88) with a maximal orifice diameter of <31 mm. The study assessed periprocedural characteristics and long-term clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Successful implantation of the LAmbre device was observed in all patients. The incidence of periprocedural peridevice leakage (PDL) was significantly higher in the large LAA group (P < 0.001), while the incidence of acute pericardial effusion (PE) during the procedure was comparable between the two groups (P = 1.000). After a mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 1.7 years, three patients in the large LAA group developed delayed PE, while no patients in the normal LAA group did (P = 0.037). Additionally, a larger LAA maximal orifice diameter was associated with a higher prevalence of PDL (P = 0.001) and PE (including both acute and delayed PE) (P = 0.027). The optimal cutoff value of the LAA maximal orifice diameter for predicting PDL and PE after LAAC with the LAmbre device was determined to be 30 mm. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the LAmbre device is a safe and feasible option for occluding the LAA, regardless of its orifice diameter. However, it is important to note that a larger LAA orifice diameter may increase the risk of PDL and delayed PE.

Left atrial appendage closure in patients with left atrial appendage thrombus guided by intracardiac echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus are limited. Recently published cases have mostly been guided by transesophageal echocardiography. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is now widely used during LAAC procedures. OBJECTIVE: This is the first study to report the feasibility of LAAC in patients with LAA thrombus guided by ICE. METHODS: Patients with persistent LAA thrombus despite anticoagulation or contraindications to anticoagulation who underwent a modified ICE-guided LAAC procedure between June 2021 and April 2023 were included. Periprocedural events and clinical outcomes during follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (mean age 65 ± 7 years; 92% male) were included: 10 with persistent LAA thrombus and 2 with contraindications to anticoagulation. Most of the thrombus was at the apex (n = 6), followed by the body (n = 3) and the ostium (n = 3). A LAmbre device was used and successfully implanted in all patients with the guidance of ICE. No thrombotic material was retrieved from patients with the protection of cerebral protection device (n = 11). No patient experienced severe periprocedural complications. All patients completed transesophageal echocardiography follow-up, and no device-related thrombus or peridevice leak > 3 mm was detected. None of the patients experienced stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, or major bleeding events during a median follow-up of 147 days (interquartile range 80-306 days). CONCLUSION: LAAC using the LAmbre device guided by ICE may be feasible in patients with LAA thrombus when performed by experienced operators.

Clinical outcomes of combined catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) combined with left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as a promising method to relieve symptoms while reducing the incidence of stroke in selected high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of combined CA and LAAC in elderly patients. METHODS: A total of 316 patients with symptomatic drug-refractory AF who underwent combined CA and LAAC between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively included. Baseline characteristics, periprocedural complications, and clinical events during follow-up were recorded and compared between patients aged ≥ 75 years (n = 66) and <75 years (n = 250). RESULTS: Pulmonary vein isolation and satisfactory LAAC were achieved in all patients. No patients experienced death or stroke/transient ischemic stroke periprocedurally. After a median follow-up of 12.2 (6.7-24.4) months and 11.9 (5.5-23.6) months, the rate of sinus rhythm maintenance was comparable between the two groups (≥75 years: 78.8% vs. <75 years: 80.8%; log-rank test, p = 0.674). The median follow-up periods for clinical outcomes were 27.9 (9.3-44.8) months and 25.2 (10.8-45.7) months, respectively. In patients aged ≥ 75 years, one suffered ischemic stroke, and one experienced major bleeding event. In patients aged < 75 years, four had ischemic stroke, and eight had major bleeding events. Two patients aged < 75 years died during follow-up, while none of the patients aged ≥ 75 years died. CONCLUSIONS: Combining CA and LAAC was feasible, safe and effective in elderly patients with AF.

The anti-digestibility mechanism of soy protein isolate hydrolysate on natural starches with different crystal types.

The effects of soy protein isolate hydrolysate (SPIH) on the physicochemical properties and digestive characteristics of three starch types (wheat, potato, and pea) were investigated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations showed that hydrogen bonds were the driving force of the interaction between SPIH and starch. Furthermore, the SPIH was predicted to preferentially bind to the terminal region of starch using molecular dynamics simulations. Compared to pure starch, adding 20 % SPIH to wheat starch, potato starch, and pea starch, the content of resistant starch increased by 39.71 %, 125.66 % and 37.83 %, respectively. Both the radial distribution function (RDF) and low field-nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) showed that SPIH reduced the flow of water molecules in starch, indicating that SPIH competed with starch for water molecules. Multiple characterization experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the anti-digestibility mechanism of SPIH on natural starches with different crystal types could be attributed to the interaction between starch and SPIH, which decreased the catalytic efficiency of amylase. This study clarified the anti-digestibility mechanism of SPIH on natural starches, which provides new insights into the production of low-glycemic index foods for the diabetic population.

Electrode Surface-Modified Strategy for Improving the Voltage of Aqueous Supercapacitors.

Endowing aqueous supercapacitors (SCs) with high voltage is of great practical significance, but it is restricted by the water decomposition reaction occurring in the electrodes. Here, a novel surface treatment strategy is proposed to inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction/oxygen evolution reaction at the cathode and anode by forming a passivation layer at the whole electrode surface, which widens the electrochemical stability window of the electrode and working voltage of the aqueous SCs. In addition, the cathode overpotential is increased from -1.3 to -1.48 V, and the anode is expanded from 1.42 to 1.59 V. Importantly, the aqueous SCs can work stably at 3 V operating voltage, enabling the coulombic efficiency and capacitance retention of the optimized SCs is 97% and 96% after 5000 cycles, respectively. This strategy of surface modification provides effective guidance to achieve high-voltage aqueous energy storage devices.

The structural properties and resistant digestibility of maize starch-glyceride monostearate complexes.

This study investigated the effects of pullulanase debranching on the structural properties and digestibility of maize starch (MS)-glyceryl monostearate (GMS) complexes. According to our results, the apparent amylose content of MS increased from 36.34 % to 95.55 % and complex index reached 93.09 % after 16 h of pullulanase debranching. The crystallinity of prepared MS-GMS complexes increased to 33.24 % with a blend of B-type and V-type crystals. The surface of prepared MS-GMS complexes granules emerged more small lamellar crystals tightly adhering to the surface of granules. The Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that debranching pretreatment MS-GMS complexes exhibited higher levels of short-range orders structure. These results indicated that maize starch was favorable to form more ordered starch-lipid complexes structure after debranching pretreatment, which resulted in the restriction of starch hydrolysis. In vitro digestion data implied that resistant starch (RS) content increased with the extension of the debranching time, and the highest RS content (69.58 %) appeared with 16 h pullulanase debranching. This work suggests that debranching pretreatment could be an efficient way to produce ordered starch-lipid complexes with controllable structure and anti-digestibility.

The impact of empirical Marshall vein ethanol infusion as a first-choice intraoperative strategy on the long-term outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral isthmus ablation.

Background: Marshall vein ethanol infusion (MVEI) as an additional therapy to conventional catheter ablation (CA) has been proved to be efficacious in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). However, whether empirical MVEI could be the first-line strategy in mitral isthmus (MI) ablation has seldom been investigated. Here, we aim to compare the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes between provisional and empirical MVEI in PeAF patients undergoing the index MI ablation procedure. Methods: We enrolled 133 patients with PeAF either in the provisional group (n = 38, MVEI was performed when conventional endocardial and/or epicardial ablation procedures were inadequate to achieve bidirectional MI block) or in the empirical group (n = 95, MVEI was performed empirically before MI CA). Results: All of the baseline characteristics were comparable. Less spontaneous or inducible atrial tachycardias (ATs) were encountered in the empirical group of patients (P < 0.001). More epicardial ablations were applied (26.3% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.016) and a higher incidence of CA-facilitated restoration of sinus rhythm was recorded (86.8% vs. 11.7%, P < 0.001) in the provisional group of patients. Although more fluoroscopy time (6.4[4.2, 9.3] vs. 9.5[5.9, 11.6] min, P = 0.019) and radiation exposure (69.0[25.3, 160.2] vs. 122.0[62.5, 234.1] mGy, P = 0.010) were documented in the empirical group with comparable procedure time, less time (455.9 ± 192.2 vs. 366.5 ± 161.3 s, P = 0.038) was consumed to achieve bidirectional MI block during endocardial ablation in the provisional group. Incidences of procedure-related complications were similar between the two groups. During a 16.5 ± 4.4-month follow-up, the empirical group of patients showed a significantly higher rate of freedom from AT recurrence (95.8% vs. 81.6%, log-rank P = 0.003), while the rate of freedom from AF or atrial tachyarrhythmias (combining AF and AT) was similar. Both univariate (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.64, P = 0.008) and multivariate (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.92, P = 0.037) Cox regression analyses indicated that empirical MVEI was independently associated with lower long-term AT recurrence. Conclusion: Among patients with PeAF who underwent the index MI ablation procedure, empirical MVEI could reduce endocardial MI ablation time and provide greater long-term freedom from AT recurrence.

Fabrication of carboxymethyl starch/xanthan gum combinations Pickering emulsion for protection and sustained release of pterostilbene.

Carboxymethyl starch (CMS)/xanthan gum (XG) combinations with different ratios (CMS/XG: 1/1, 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, 9/1, w/w) were used as Pickering emulsion delivery systems to encapsulate pterostilbene (PTS) to improve its stability. The results showed that the Pickering emulsion prepared using CMS/XG combinations could effectively encapsulate PTS. When the mass ratio of CMS to XG was 1:1, the encapsulation efficiency reached 91.20 %. The spherical particles in the PTS emulsion were dissociated and homogenous. The results of backscattered light experiments and storage stability studies showed that the PTS emulsion system prepared using CMS/XG was uniform and stable, with no obvious phase separation or emulsion droplet coalescence. With an increase in the mass ratio of XG, the water distribution in the emulsion became more evenly distributed, and the aggregation of droplets was reduced. The PTS emulsion prepared using CMS/XG improved the storage retention percentage of PTS. The cumulative release of PTS in the simulated gastric fluid was significantly lower than that in simulated intestinal fluid. The Pickering emulsion prepared using CMS/XG combinations can be used as a delivery system for functional foods and help to develop an efficient and reliable release system for hydrophobic bioactive substances.

Encapsulation of tea polyphenols into high amylose corn starch composite nanofibrous film for active antimicrobial packaging.

Starch-based composite nanofibrous films loaded with tea polyphenols (TP) were successfully fabricated through electrospinning high amylose corn starch (HACS) with aid of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), referred as HACS/PVA@TP. With the addition of 15 % TP, HACS/PVA@TP nanofibrous films exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and water vapor barrier capability, and their hydrogen bonding interactions were further evidenced. TP was slowly released from the nanofibrous film and followed Fickian diffusion mechanism, which achieved the controlled sustained release of TP. Interesting, HACS/PVA@TP nanofibrous films effectively improved antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and prolonged the shelf life of strawberry. HACS/PVA@TP nanofibrous films showed superior antibacterial function by by destroying cell wall and cytomembrane, and degrading existing DNA fragments, stimulating excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Our study demonstrated that the functional electrospun Starch-based nanofibrous films with enhanced mechanical properties and superior antimicrobial activities were potential for the application in active food packaging and relative areas.

Clinical characteristics and high-resolution computed tomography findings of 805 patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Currently, the predominant strain is SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 in many countries. Understanding its infection characteristics can facilitate clinical management. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the clinical, laboratory, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 between April 4th and April 17th, 2022. The clinical characteristics, laboratory features, and HRCT images were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 805 patients were included (411 males and 394 females, median age 33 years old). The infection was mild, moderate, severe, and asymptomatic in 490 (60.9%), 37 (4.6%), 0 (0.0%), and 278 (34.5%) patients, respectively. Notably, 186 (23.1%), 96 (11.9%), 265 (32.9%), 11 (3.4%), 7 (0.9%), and 398 (49.4%) patients had fever, cough, throat discomfort, stuffy or runny nose, fatigue, and no complaint, respectively. Furthermore, 162 (20.1%), 332 (41.2%), and 289 (35.9%) patients had decreased white blood cell counts, reduced lymphocytes, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, respectively. HRCT revealed pneumonia in 53 (6.6%) patients. The majority of the lung involvements were ground-glass opacity (50, 94.3%) mostly in the subpleural area. The grade of lung injury was mainly mild (90.6%). Short-term follow-ups showed that most patients with pneumonia recovered. CONCLUSION: Most patients with mild or moderate infection from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2 were adults, with fever and upper respiratory symptoms as the main clinical presentations. Lower respiratory infection was mild, with ground-glass opacity in the subpleural area as the main finding.

Encapsulation of lycopene into electrospun nanofibers from whey protein isolate-Tricholoma lobayense polysaccharide complex stabilized emulsions: Structural characterization, storage stability, in vitro release, and cellular evaluation.

In this study, lycopene-loaded nanofibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate-polysaccharide TLH-3 (WPI-TLH-3) complexes. The lycopene encapsulated in the emulsion-based nanofibers exhibited enhanced photostability and thermostability, and achieved improved targeted small intestine-specific release. The release of lycopene from the nanofibers followed Fickian diffusion mechanism in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and first-order model in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) with the enhanced release rates. The bioaccessibility and cellular uptake efficiency of lycopene in micelles by Caco-2 cells after in vitro digestion were significantly improved. The intestinal membrane permeability and transmembrane transport efficiency of lycopene in micelles across Caco-2 cells monolayer were greatly elevated, thus promoting the effective absorption and intracellular antioxidant activity of lycopene. This work opens a potential approach for electrospinning of emulsions stabilized by protein-polysaccharide complexes as a novel delivery system for liposoluble nutrients with enhanced bioavailability in functional food industries.