Total coliforms, microbial diversity and multiple characteristics of Salmonella in soil-irrigation water-fresh vegetable system in Shaanxi, China.

Global occurrences of foodborne disease outbreaks have been documented, involving fresh agricultural produce contaminated by various pathogens. This contamination can occur at any point in the supply chain. However, studies on the prevalence of total coliforms, Salmonella and microbial diversity in vegetable and associated environments are limited. This study aimed to assess 1) the number of total coliforms (n = 299) and diversity of microbial communities (n = 52); 2) the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, genomic characteristics, and potential transmission relationships of Salmonella in soil-irrigation water-vegetable system (n = 506). Overall, 84.28 % samples were positive to total coliforms, with most frequently detected in soil (100 %), followed by irrigation water (79.26 %) and vegetables (62.00 %). A seasonal trend in coliform prevalence was observed, with significantly higher levels in summer (P < 0.05). Detection rates of Salmonella in soil, vegetable and irrigation water were 2.21 %, 4.74 % and 9.40 %. Fourteen serotypes and sequence types (STs) were respectively annotated in 56 Salmonella isolates, ST13 S. Agona (30.36 %, 17/56), ST469 S. Rissen (25.00 %, 14/56), and ST36 S. Typhimurium (12.50 %, 7/56) were dominant serotypes and STs. Thirty-one (55.36 %) isolates were multi-drug resistant, and the resistance was most frequently found to ampicillin (55.36 %, 31/56), followed by to sulfamethoxazole (51.79 %, 29/56) and tetracycline (50.00 %, 28/56). The genomic characteristics and antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella isolates from soil, vegetables, and irrigation water within a coherent geographical locale exhibited remarkable similarities, indicating Salmonella may be transmitted among these environments or have a common source of contamination. Microbial alpha diversity indices in soil were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in vegetable and irrigation water. The microbial phylum in irrigation water covered that in the vegetable, demonstrating a significant overlap in the microbial communities between the vegetables and the irrigation water.

Bioresponsive nanocomplex integrating cancer-associated fibroblast deactivation and immunogenic chemotherapy for rebuilding immune-excluded tumors.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in creating an immunosuppressive environment and remodeling the extracellular matrix within tumors, leading to chemotherapy resistance and limited immune cell infiltration. To address these challenges, integrating CAFs deactivation into immunogenic chemotherapy may represent a promising approach to the reversal of immune-excluded tumor. We developed a tumor-targeted nanomedicine called the glutathione-responsive nanocomplex (GNC). The GNC co-loaded dasatinib, a CAF inhibitor, and paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, to deactivate CAFs and enhance the effects of immunogenic chemotherapy. Due to the modification with hyaluronic acid, the GNC preferentially accumulated in the tumor periphery and responsively released cargos, mitigating the tumor stroma as well as overcoming chemoresistance. Moreover, GNC treatment exhibited remarkable immunostimulatory efficacy, including CD8+ T cell expansion and PD-L1 downregulation, facilitating immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In summary, the integration of CAF deactivation and immunogenic chemotherapy using the GNC nanoplatform holds promise for rebuilding immune-excluded tumors.

Immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles for precision therapy of inflammatory-related diseases.

Inflammation-related diseases impose a significant global health burden, necessitating urgent exploration of novel treatment modalities for improved clinical outcomes. We begin by discussing the limitations of conventional approaches and underscore the pivotal involvement of immune cells in the inflammatory process. Amidst the rapid growth of immunology, the therapeutic potential of immune cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) has garnered substantial attention due to their capacity to modulate inflammatory response. We provide an in-depth examination of immune cell-derived EVs, delineating their promising roles across diverse disease conditions in both preclinical and clinical settings. Additionally, to direct the development of the next-generation drug delivery systems, we comprehensively investigate the engineered EVs on their advanced isolation methods, cargo loading techniques, and innovative engineering strategies. This review ends with a focus on the prevailing challenges and considerations regarding the clinical translation of EVs in future, emphasizing the need of standardized characterization and scalable production processes. Ultimately, immune cell-derived EVs represent a cutting-edge therapeutic approach and delivery platform, holding immense promise in precision medicine.

Antibiotic susceptibility and genomic analysis of ciprofloxacin-resistant and ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli in vegetables and their irrigation water and growing soil.

The rise of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli has become a major global public health concern. While there is extensive research on antibiotic-resistant E. coli from human and animal sources, studies on vegetables and their environments are limited. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIPR) E. coli in 13 types of edible raw vegetables, along with their irrigation water and soil in Shaanxi, China. Of 349 samples collected (157 vegetables, 59 water, and 133 soil), a total of 48 positive samples were detected, with one CIPRE. coli strain isolated from each sample being selected for further analyses. A striking observation was its high prevalence in irrigation water at 44.1 %, markedly exceeding that in vegetables (12.0 %) and soil (4.5 %). The susceptibility of Forty-eight CIPRE. coli isolates was evaluated using the disc diffusion method for 18 different antibiotics, all these isolates were not only resistant to the tested fluoroquinolones antibiotics (levofloxacin, nalidixic acid), but also displayed a multi-drug resistance (MDR) pattern. Twenty-eight (58.3 %) of 48 CIPRE. coli isolates exhibited extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) (CIPR-ESBLs) producing phenotype. Subsequently, whole-genome sequencing was performed on these 28 isolates. We identified 12 serotypes and STs each, with O101: H9 (35.7 %, 10/28) and ST10 (21.4 %, 6/28) being the most common. Further classification placed these isolates into five phylogenetic groups: A (57.1 %, 16/28), B1 (32.1 %, 9/28), D (3.6 %, 1/28), B2 (3.6 %,1/28), and F (3.6 %,1/28). Notelly, Identical ST types, serotypes and phylogroups were found in certain CIPR-ESBLs-producing E. coli from both vegetables and adjacent irrigation water. Genomic analysis of the 28 CIPR-ESBLs-producing E. coli isolates unveiled 73 resistance genes, associated with 13 amino acid mutations in resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) and resistance to 12 types of antibiotics. Each isolate was confirmed to carry both ESBLs and fluoroquinolone resistance genes, with the Ser83Ala mutation in GyrA (96.4 %, 27/28) being the most prevalent. A detailed analysis of Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) revealed that IncFIB and IncFII plasmid subtypes were most prevalent in 60.7 % and 67.9 % of isolates, respectively, with 75 % containing over 10 insertion sequences (IS) each. Furthermore, we observed that certain ESBL and PMQR genes were located on plasmids or in proximity to insertion sequences. In conclusion, our research highlights the widespread presence of CIPRE. coli in irrigation water and thoroughly examines the genetic characteristics of CIPR-ESBLs-producing E. coli strains, underlining the need for ongoing monitoring and management to reduce multidrug-resistant bacteria in vegetables and their environment.

The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the nasopharyngeal epithelium with a high incidence in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. The current treatment methods are mainly radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, they often have side effects and are not suitable for long-term exposure. Natural products have received more and more attention in cancer prevention and treatment because of their its high efficiency, low toxic side effects, and low toxicity. Natural products can serve as a viable alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacy and mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of NPC by examining previous literature. Most natural products act by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Although further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and safety, natural products can significantly improve the treatment of NPC.

Navigating the landscape: Prospects and hurdles in targeting vascular smooth muscle cells for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have emerged as pivotal contributors throughout all phases of atherosclerotic plaque development, effectively dispelling prior underestimations of their prevalence and significance. Recent lineage tracing studies have unveiled the clonal nature and remarkable adaptability inherent to VSMCs, thereby illuminating their intricate and multifaceted roles in the context of atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate mechanisms and distinctive characteristics that define VSMCs across various physiological processes, firmly underscoring their paramount importance in shaping the course of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this review offers a thorough examination of the significant strides made over the past two decades in advancing imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies with a precise focus on targeting VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques, notably spotlighting meticulously engineered nanoparticles as a promising avenue. We envision the potential of VSMC-targeted nanoparticles, thoughtfully loaded with medications or combination therapies, to effectively mitigate pro-atherogenic VSMC processes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to the pivotal objective of modulating VSMC phenotypes and enhancing plaque stability. Moreover, our paper also delves into recent breakthroughs in VSMC-targeted imaging technologies, showcasing their remarkable precision in locating microcalcifications, dynamically monitoring plaque fibrous cap integrity, and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions. Lastly, we conscientiously explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in this innovative approach, providing a holistic perspective on the potential of VSMC-targeted strategies in the evolving landscape of atherosclerosis research and treatment.

Spatiotemporal epidemiology and risk factors of scrub typhus in Hainan Province, China, 2011-2020.

Background: The re-emergence of scrub typhus in the southern provinces of China in recent decades has been validated, thereby attracting the attention of public health authorities. There has been a spatial and temporal expansion of scrub typhus in Hainan Province, but the epidemiological characteristics, environmental drivers, and potential high-risk areas for scrub typhus have not yet been investigated. Objective: The aims of this study were to characterize the spatiotemporal epidemiology of scrub typhus, identify dominant environmental risk factors, and map potential risk areas in Hainan Province from 2011 to 2020. Methods: The spatiotemporal dynamics of scrub typhus in Hainan Province between 2011 and 2020 were analyzed using spatial analyses and seasonal-trend decomposition using regression (STR). The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was applied to determine the key environmental predictors and environmentally suitable areas for scrub typhus, and the demographic diversity of the predicted suitable zones was evaluated. Results: During 2011-2020, 3260 scrub typhus cases were recorded in Hainan Province. The number of scrub typhus cases increased continuously each year, particularly among farmers (67.61%) and individuals aged 50-59 years (23.25%) who were identified as high-risk groups. A dual epidemic peak was detected, emerging annually from April to June and from July to October. The MaxEnt-based risk map illustrated that highly suitable areas, accounting for 25.36% of the total area, were mainly distributed in the northeastern part of Hainan Province, where 75.43% of the total population lived. Jackknife tests revealed that ground surface temperature, elevation, cumulative precipitation, evaporation, land cover, population density, and ratio of dependents were the most significant environmental factors. Conclusion: In this study, we gained insights into the spatiotemporal epidemiological dynamics, pivotal environmental drivers, and potential risk map of scrub typhus in Hainan Province. These results have important implications for researchers and public health officials in guiding future prevention and control strategies for scrub typhus.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Recurrent Bladder Cancer.

Bladder carcinoma (BC) recurrence is a major clinical challenge, and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising therapy. However, the relationship between individual TME components, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor recurrence is unclear. Here, TME heterogeneity in primary and recurrent BC is investigated using single-cell RNA sequence profiling of 62 460 cells. Two cancer stem cell (CSC) subtypes are identified in recurrent BC. An inflammatory CAF subtype, ICAM1+ iCAFs, specifically associated with BC recurrence is also identified. iCAFs are found to secrete FGF2, which acts on the CD44 receptor of rCSC-M, thereby maintaining tumor stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, THBS1+ monocytes, a group of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are enriched in recurrent BC and interacted with CAFs. ICAM1+ iCAFs are found to secrete CCL2, which binds to CCR2 in MDSCs. Moreover, elevated STAT3, NFKB2, VEGFA, and CTGF levels in iCAFs reshape the TME in recurrent tumors. CCL2 inhibition in an in situ BC mouse model suppressed tumor growth, decreased MDSCs and Tregs, and fostered tumor immune suppression. The study results highlight the role of iCAFs in TME cell-cell crosstalk during recurrent BC. The identification of pivotal signaling factors driving BC relapse is promising for the development of novel therapies.

MiR-5189-3p Suppresses cell Proliferation, Invasion and Migration Through Targeting EIF5A2 in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

A growing body of evidence suggests that miR-5189-3p plays a critical role in multiple diseases. This study aimed to investigate the function of miR-5189-3p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and explore its underlying mechanisms. qRT-PCR was designed to determine the expression levels of miR-5189-3p and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2), while CCK-8 assay was performed to measure the effects of miR-5189-3p on cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to evaluate cell invasion as well as migration, and wound healing assay was applied to demonstrate cell migratory ability. Target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay were developed to screen the possible target gene of miR-5189-3p, and Western blot was designed to measure EIF5A2 protein expression. MiR-5189-3p was down-regulated in LSCC tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of miR-5189-3p notably inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in HEP2 and FADU cells. EIF5A2 was the potential downstream gene of miR-5189-3p, and overexpression of miR-5189-3p apparently reduced EIF5A2 expression. Moreover, reintroduction of EIF5A2 rescued the tumor suppressive effects of miR-5189-3p. MiR-5189-3p functions as a tumor inhibitor in LSCC progression via directly regulating EIF5A2 and may be a potential therapeutic target for LSCC.

Exosome miR-552 Promotes Laryngocarcinoma Cells Malignant Progression via the PTEN/TOB1 Axis.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor exosome-derived miRNAs play important roles in the human laryngocarcinoma. However, it is still unknown if exosome miR-552 is involved in the laryngocarcinoma. The aim of the current study was to explore exosome miR-552's role in laryngocarcinoma and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Hep-2 exosome was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking technology. CCK-8 was used to determine cell viability, and a xenograft animal model was used to determine the tumorigenicity. qPCR and Western blotting were used to measure the changes in target biomarkers. Luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the interactions between miR-552 and PTEN. miRNA sequencing was used to check the changes in miRNA profiles. RESULTS: miR-552 was upregulated in the laryngocarcinoma patients and was positively correlated to the cell proliferation and tumor growth. PTEN was identified as a direct target of miR-552. Hep-2 exosome is featured by high expression of miR-552 and treatment of Hep-2 exosome enhanced cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. The underlying mechanisms revealed that treatment of exosomes enhanced the malignant transformation of recipient cells in part by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION: Exosome miR-552 promotes laryngocarcinoma cells' malignant progression in part by the regulation of the PTEN/TOB1 axis.

Green synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Alliaceae waste (Allium sativum) for a sustainable landscape enhancement using support vector regression.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using green chemistry methods has gained significant attention in the field of landscape enhancement. Researchers have paid close attention to the development of very effective green chemistry approaches for the production of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The primary goal is to create an environmentally sustainable technique for generating NPs. At the nanoscale, ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite exhibit superparamagnetic properties (Fe3O4). Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their physiochemical properties, small particle size (1-100 nm), and low toxicity. Biological resources such as bacteria, algae, fungus, and plants have been used to manufacture affordable, energy-efficient, non-toxic, and ecologically acceptable metallic NPs. Despite the growing demand for Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a variety of applications, typical chemical production processes can produce hazardous byproducts and trash, resulting in significant environmental implications. The purpose of this study is to look at the ability of Allium sativum, a member of the Alliaceae family recognized for its culinary and medicinal benefits, to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs. Extracts of Allium sativum seeds and cloves include reducing sugars like glucose, which may be used as decreasing factors in the production of Fe3O4 NPs to reduce the requirement for hazardous chemicals and increase sustainability. The analytic procedures were carried out utilizing machine learning as support vector regression (SVR). Furthermore, because Allium sativum is widely accessible and biocompatible, it is a safe and cost-effective material for the manufacture of Fe3O4 NPs. Using the regression indices metrics of root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), the X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed the lighter, smoother spherical forms of NPs in the presence of aqueous garlic extract and 70.223 nm in its absence. The antifungal activity of Fe3O4 NPs against Candida albicans was investigated using a disc diffusion technique but exhibited no impact at doses of 200, 400, and 600 ppm. This characterization of the nanoparticles helps in understanding their physical properties and provides insights into their potential applications in landscape enhancement.

Tuning Piezoelectricity via Thermal Annealing at a Freestanding Ferroelectric Membrane.

Tuning the ferroelectric domain structure by a combination of elastic and electrostatic engineering provides an effective route for enhanced piezoelectricity. However, for epitaxial thin films, the clamping effect imposed by the substrate does not allow aftergrowth tuning and also limits the electromechanical response. In contrast, freestanding membranes, which are free of substrate constraints, enable the tuning of a subtle balance between elastic and electrostatic energies, giving new platforms for enhanced and tunable functionalities. Here, highly tunable piezoelectricity is demonstrated in freestanding PbTiO3 membranes, by varying the ferroelectric domain structures from c-dominated to c/a and a domains via aftergrowth thermal treatment. Significantly, the piezoelectric coefficient of the c/a domain structure is enhanced by a factor of 2.5 compared with typical c domain PbTiO3. This work presents a new strategy to manipulate the piezoelectricity in ferroelectric membranes, highlighting their great potential for nano actuators, transducers, sensors and other NEMS device applications.

Self-assembled thioether-bridged paclitaxel-dihydroartemisinin prodrug for amplified antitumor efficacy-based cancer ferroptotic-chemotherapy.

Ferroptosis has been proposed as one form of iron-dependent cell death, overgeneration of high-toxicity hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) tumor sites via Fenton reactions induced cell membrane damage. However, the insufficient intracellular concentrations of both iron and H2O2 limited the anticancer performance of ferroptosis. In this study, ROS-sensitive prodrug nanoassemblies composed of a PEG2000-ferrous compound and a single thioether bond bridged dihydroartemisinin-paclitaxel prodrug were constructed, which fully tapped ex/endogenous iron, ferroptosis inducers, and chemotherapeutic agents. Following cellular uptake, the intracellular oxidizing environment accelerated the self-destruction of nanoassemblies and triggered drug release. In addition to the chemotherapeutic effect, the activated dihydroartemisinin was capable of acting as a toxic ˙OH amplifier via the reinforced Fenton reaction, simultaneously depleting intracellular GSH, as well as inducing glutathione peroxidase 4 inactivation, further enhancing ferroptosis-dependent cancer cell proliferation inhibition. Meanwhile, the ROS generation-inductive and cell cycle arrest effect from the paclitaxel augmented synergetic ferroptotic-chemotherapy of cancer. Thus, the prodrug integrating dihydroartemisinin with paclitaxel via a single thioether bond represents a potent nanoplatform to exert amplified ferroptotic-chemotherapy for improved anticancer efficacy.

Body mass index and death by cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have reported that among participants with impaired cognitive, overweight and mild obesity are associated with substantially improved survival, this finding has been termed the "obesity paradox" and has led to uncertainty about secondary prevention. AIMS: To explore whether the association of BMI with mortality differed in different MMSE score, and whether the obesity paradox in patient with cognitive impairment (CI) is real. METHODS: The study used data from CLHLS, a representative prospective population-based cohort study in China, which included 8348 participants aged ≥ 60 years between 2011 and 2018. The independent association between BMI and mortality in differed MMSE score by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: During a median (IQR) follow-up of 41.18 months, a total of 4216 participants died. In the total population, underweight increased the risk of all-cause mortality (HRs, 1.33; 95% CI 1.23-1.44), compared with normal weight, and overweight was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.93). However, compared to normal weight, only underweight was associated with increased mortality risk among participants with MMSE scores of 0-23, 24-26, 27-29, and 30, and the fully-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for mortality were 1.30 (1.18, 1.43), 1.31 (1.07, 1.59), 1.55 (1.34, 1.80) and 1.66 (1.26, 2.20), respectively. The obesity paradox was not found in individuals with CI. Sensitivity analyses carried out had hardly any impact on this result. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence of an obesity paradox in patients with CI, compared with patients of normal weight. But underweight individuals may have increased mortality risk whether in the population with CI or not. And overweight/obese people with CI should continue to aim for normal weight.

Association Between Children's Empathy and Depression: The Moderating Role of Social Preference.

Although empathy is typically an adaptive characteristic of children, extreme empathy alone or in combination with a negative environment may contribute to a risk of depression. The present study comprehensively investigated the associations between the three constructs of empathy and depression in children, as well as the potential moderating effect of peer relationships (i.e., social preference) on this association. A total of 1223 children (mean age = 10.50 ± .93 years) completed questionnaires on empathy and depression, and social preference was nominated by their peers. Cognitive empathy and positive empathy exerted a positive quadratic effect on depression, while negative empathy had a positive linear association with depression. For children with a low social preference, all three empathy constructs were positively quadratically correlated with depression, extremely high and low empathy were associated with increased depression, and moderate empathy was associated with the lowest level of depression. For children with a high social preference, higher positive empathy was associated with lower depression.

Associations between parental mediation and adolescents' internet addiction: The role of parent-child relationship and adolescents' grades.

Introduction: Family factors, such as parental mediation on Internet use and parent-child relationships, have been shown to play a crucial role in preventing adolescents' internet addiction. Previous studies have shown a change in characteristics of online risk during adolescents' development. However, it is still of great interest whether such differences applied in the relationships among parent-child relationships, different types of parental mediation and adolescents' internet addiction level. In this study, we investigated the associations between different types of parental mediators and adolescents' internet addiction level and how the associations were mediated by father-child and mother-child relationships. We further investigated whether mediating effect differs between primary and secondary school children. Methods: Based on a sample of 3,026 school children aged 9-14 years (M = 11.56, SD = 0.71; 55.25% primary school adolescents, 44.75% secondary school adolescents), a series of Structural Equation Models were applied to investigate the relationships among internet addiction, parental mediation, and parent-child relationship. In addition, a series of multi-group analysis were applied to detect whether there are differences in these relationships between the primary and secondary school group. Results: The internet addiction level and intensity of parental mediation was higher among primary school adolescents than secondary school adolescents. Parental active mediation and monitoring on internet use were associated with reduced and increased adolescents' internet addiction. Father-child relationship had stronger partial mediating effects on the relationships between parental mediation and adolescents' internet addiction than the mother-child relationship. The relationships among parental mediation, parent-child relationship and internet addiction were more pronounced among primary school adolescents than secondary school adolescents. Discussion: The findings suggest that good father-child relationships and adequate parental mediation approach, such as active mediation, may contribute to reduction of internet addiction risk in adolescents, especially in primary school adolescents.

Relationship between allergic diseases and mental disorders in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The relationship between allergic diseases (AD) and mental disorders (MD) in women has not been fully systematically evaluated. We aimed at validating this correlation. Methods: The relevant cohort and case-control studies from the establishment of the database to February 18, 2022 in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched by computer. The researchers conducted the quality evaluation of the included articles by reviewing and discussing with reference to relevant standards, and conducted the analysis of the correlation between female patients with AD and MD by using Review Manager 5.4. Results: Six observational studies from 2631 studies (n = 1160858 women) were assessed as medium and high-quality studies. The meta-analysis demonstrated that AD was correlated with MD in female patients (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.14-1.29), including asthma (OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.11-1.22), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.06-1.63), and atopic dermatitis in women (OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.24-1.50) were associated with MD. At the same time, subgroup analysis was performed according to region, study design, criteria of AD and MD, and the results demonstrated that both AD and MD were correlated in these different conditions. Conclusion: Allergic diseases in female patients do have an association with mental disorders. Systematic review registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42022311146].

Development of activated endothelial targeted high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles.

Endothelial inflammation is an important pathophysiological driving force in various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) play critical roles in regulating endothelial functions and resolving endothelial inflammation. In the present study, we developed synthetic HDLs (sHDLs) which actively target inflamed endothelium through conjugating vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) specific VHPK peptide. The active targeting of VHPK-sHDLs was confirmed in vitro on TNF-α activated endothelial cells. VHPK-sHDLs presented potent anti-inflammatory efficacies in vitro through the reduction of proinflammatory cytokine production and inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to activated endothelium. VHPK-sHDLs showed increased binding on inflamed vessels and alleviated LPS-induced lung inflammation in vivo. The activated endothelium-targeted sHDLs may be further optimized to resolve endothelial inflammation in various inflammatory diseases.

Nanodisc delivery of liver X receptor agonist for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Dyslipidemia is recognized to be an important contributor to the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), leading to lipoprotein dysregulation, excessive mesangium expansion as well as inflammation in the glomeruli. Thus, dual targeting of abnormal cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory responses of mesangial cells represents an alternative approach for DN treatment. Herein, we sought to develop a renal-targeting therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy by modifying synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL) nanodiscs with a kidney targeting ligand (KT peptide) and encapsulating a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist in the modified sHDL. LXR agonists delivered by sHDL can facilitate the removal of excessive lipids from mesangial cells, ameliorate inflammation and restore normal renal function. Overall, our data suggests that our optimized KT-targeted sHDL/TO nanodiscs (KT-sHDL/TO) generate potent therapeutic efficacy not only by more efficient cholesterol efflux, but also by suppressing mesangial cell proliferation. Most importantly, in a DN murine model, KT-sHDL/TO ameliorated dyslipidemia and inflammation superior to blank sHDL and non-targeting sHDL/TO formulations, showing promise for future clinical translation in DN treatment.