In vitro simulated digestion and fermentation characteristics of pectic polysaccharides from fresh passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa L.) peel.

In this study, two pectic polysaccharides (PFP-T and PFP-UM) were extracted from fresh passion fruit peels using three-phase partitioning (TPP) and sequential ultrasound-microwave-assisted TPP methods, respectively, and their effects on the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation characteristics were examined. The results indicate that gastrointestinal digestion has a minimal effect on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of PFP-T and PFP-UM. However, during in vitro fecal fermentation, both undigested PFP-T and PFP-UM are significantly degraded and utilized by intestinal microorganisms, showing increased the total relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in the intestinal flora. Notably, compared with PFP-UM, PFP-T better promoted the reproduction of beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella, Megasphaera and Dialister, while suppressed the growth of harmful genera including Escherichia-Shigella, producing higher content of short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, our findings suggest that PFP-T derived from passion fruit peel has potential as a dietary supplement for promoting intestinal health.

Encapsulation engineering of porous crystalline frameworks for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence.

Delayed luminescence (DF), including phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) exhibit common and broad application prospects in optoelectronic displays, biological imaging, and encryption. Thus, the combination of delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence is attracting increasing attention. The encapsulation of guest emitters in various host matrices to form host-guest systems has been demonstrated to be an appealing strategy to further enhance and/or modulate their delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Compared with conventional liquid crystals, polymers, and supramolecular matrices, porous crystalline frameworks (PCFs) including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) can not only overcome shortcomings such as flexibility and disorder but also achieve the ordered encapsulation of guests and long-term stability of chiral structures, providing new promising host platforms for the development of DF and CPL. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of the recent progress in host-guest photochemistry via the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, particularly focusing on delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Initially, the general principle of phosphorescence, TADF and CPL, the combination of DF and CPL, and energy transfer processes between host and guests are introduced. Subsequently, we comprehensively discuss the critical factors affecting the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, such as pore structures, the confinement effect, charge and energy transfer between the host and guest, conformational dynamics, and aggregation model of guest emitters. Thereafter, we summarize the effective methods for the preparation of host-guest systems, especially single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation and epitaxial growth, which are distinct from conventional methods based on amorphous materials. Then, the recent advancements in host-guest systems based on PCFs for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence are highlighted. Finally, we present our personal insights into the challenges and future opportunities in this promising field.

Multiple sarcomatoid carcinomas in the small intestine with perforation: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine is an exceedingly rare and aggressive malignancy, often diagnosed at advanced stages with a poor prognosis. This study documents a detailed case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches, underscored by a comprehensive review of related literature. Given the rarity of this condition, our report aims to enrich the existing diagnostic and treatment frameworks for this malignancy, emphasizing the necessity for early detection and intervention strategies. By presenting this case in conjunction with a literature review, we seek to shed light on the elusive nature of sarcomatoid carcinoma in the small intestine and propose avenues for improving patient outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Case presentation A 61-year-old male patient initially presented with recurrent abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Initial abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed only inflammatory and hyperplastic changes in the duodenum and jejunum, with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Two years later, due to gastrointestinal perforation, the patient was hospitalized again. DIAGNOSES: CT scans and other examinations revealed small intestinal lesions. Four small intestinal lesions were surgically removed, and pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine. A short time later, enhanced CT scans revealed metastatic lesions in the hepatic portal and adrenal glands. INTERVENTIONS: After surgery, the gastrointestinal function gradually recovered, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on a semiliquid diet. No further treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy was administered postoperatively. OUTCOMES: Five months after the surgery, the patient died due to brain metastasis. LESSONS: The study outcomes reveal the aggressive nature of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine, characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis despite surgical interventions. The patient condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to metastasis and death within 5 months postsurgery. These findings underscore the critical need for early detection and possibly innovative treatment approaches to improve survival rates. This case also highlights the potential for gastrointestinal sarcomatoid carcinoma to metastasize to distant organs, including the brain, suggesting a propensity for hematogenous spread.

Unlocking the potential of phenolated kraft lignin as a versatile feed additive.

Lignin, a renewable natural antioxidant and bacteriostat, holds promise as a versatile, cost-effective feed additive. However, traditional industrial lignin faces limitations, including low reactivity, poor uniformity, and unstable properties, necessitating chemical modification. Complex modification methods pose economic and toxicity challenges, so this study adopted a relatively simple alkali-catalyzed phenolization approach, using phenol, catechol, and pyrogallol to modify kraft lignin, and characterized the resulting products using various techniques. Subsequently, their antioxidant, antibacterial, adsorption properties for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins, growth-promoting properties, and antiviral abilities were assessed. The phenolation process led to lignin depolymerization and a notable increase in phenolic hydroxyl content, particularly in pyrogallol-phenolated lignin (Py-L), rising from 3.08 to 4.68 mmol/g. These modified lignins exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, with over 99 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, and remarkable adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins. Importantly, Py-L improved the growth performance of mice and reduced influenza mortality. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations elucidated the mechanism behind the enhanced antioxidant properties. This study presents a promising avenue for developing versatile feed additives to address challenges related to animal feed antioxidant supplementation, bacterial control, and growth promotion.

Triply Interlocked [2]catenanes: Rational Synthesis, Reversible Conversion Studies and Unprecedented Application in Photothermal Responsive Elastomer.

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination-driven self-assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π···π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82%), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near-infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half-sandwich organometallic units in photo-responsive smart materials.

Comprehensive quantifications of tumour microenvironment to predict the responsiveness to immunotherapy and prognosis for paediatric neuroblastomas.

Treatment strategies for paediatric neuroblastoma as well as many other cancers are limited by the unfavourable tumour microenvironment (TME). In this study, the TMEs of neuroblastoma were grouped by their genetic signatures into four distinct subtypes: immune enriched, immune desert, non-proliferative and fibrotic. An Immune Score and a Proliferation Score were constructed based on the molecular features of the subtypes to quantify the immune microenvironment or malignancy degree of cancer cells in neuroblastoma, respectively. The Immune Score correlated with a patient's response to immunotherapy; the Proliferation Score was an independent prognostic biomarker for neuroblastoma and proved to be more accurate than the existing clinical predictors. This double scoring system was further validated and the conserved molecular pattern associated with immune landscape and malignancy degree was confirmed. Axitinib and BI-2536 were confirmed as candidate drugs for neuroblastoma by the double scoring system. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that axitinib-induced pyroptosis of neuroblastoma cells activated anti-tumour immunity and inhibited tumour growth; BI-2536 induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase in neuroblastoma cells. The comprehensive double scoring system of neuroblastoma may predict prognosis and screen for therapeutic strategies which could provide personalized treatments.

The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on antibiotic-associated diarrhea and its impact on gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) refers to symptoms of diarrhea that cannot be explained by other causes after the use of antibiotics. AAD is thought to be caused by a disruption of intestinal ecology due to antibiotics. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a treatment method that involves transferring microbial communities from the feces of healthy individuals into the patient's gut. METHOD: We selected 23 AAD patients who received FMT treatment in our department. Before FMT, we documented patients' bowel movement frequency, abdominal symptoms, routine blood tests, and inflammatory markers, and collected fecal samples for 16S rRNA sequencing to observe changes in the intestinal microbiota. Patients' treatment outcomes were followed up 1 month and 3 months after FMT. RESULTS: Out of the 23 AAD patients, 19 showed a clinical response to FMT with alleviation of abdominal symptoms. Among them, 82.61% (19/23) experienced relief from diarrhea, 65% (13/20) from abdominal pain, 77.78% (14/18) from abdominal distension, and 57.14% (4/7) from bloody stools within 1 month after FMT. Inflammatory markers IL-8 and CRP significantly decreased after FMT, but there were no noticeable changes in WBC, IL-6, and TNF-α before and after transplantation. After FMT, the abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium increased in patients' fecal samples, while the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Veillonella decreased. CONCLUSION: FMT has a certain therapeutic effect on AAD, and can alleviate abdominal symptoms and change the intestinal microbiota of patients.

Sub-Nanogram Resolution Measurement of Inertial Mass and Density Using Magnetic-Field-Guided Bubble Microthruster.

Artificial micro/nanomotors using active particles hold vast potential in applications such as drug delivery and microfabrication. However, upgrading them to micro/nanorobots capable of performing precise tasks with sophisticated functions remains challenging. Bubble microthruster (BMT) is introduced, a variation of the bubble-driven microrobot, which focuses the energy from a collapsing microbubble to create an inertial impact on nearby target microparticles. Utilizing ultra-high-speed imaging, the microparticle mass and density is determined with sub-nanogram resolution based on the relaxation time characterizing the microparticle's transient response. Master curves of the BMT method are shown to be dependent on the viscosity of the solution. The BMT, controlled by a gamepad with magnetic-field guidance, precisely manipulates target microparticles, including bioparticles. Validation involves measuring the polystyrene microparticle mass and hollow glass microsphere density, and assessing the mouse embryo mass densities. The BMT technique presents a promising chip-free, real-time, highly maneuverable strategy that integrates bubble microrobot-based manipulation with precise bioparticle mass and density detection, which can facilitate microscale bioparticle characterizations such as embryo growth monitoring.

Upregulation of LHPP by saRNA inhibited hepatocellular cancer cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer worldwide and no pharmacological treatment is available that can achieve complete remission of HCC. Phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) is a recently identified HCC tumor suppressor gene which plays an important role in the development of HCC and its inactivation and reactivation has been shown to result in respectively HCC tumorigenesis and suppression. Small activating RNAs (saRNAs) have been used to achieve targeted activation of therapeutic genes for the restoration of their encoded protein through the RNAa mechanism. Here we designed and validated saRNAs that could activate LHPP expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in HCC cells. Activation of LHPP by its saRNAs led to the suppression of HCC proliferation, migration and the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. When combined with targeted anticancer drugs (e.g., regorafenib), LHPP saRNA exhibited synergistic effect in inhibiting in vitro HCC proliferation and in vivo antitumor growth in a xenograft HCC model. Findings from this study provides further evidence for a tumor suppressor role of LHPP and potential therapeutic value of restoring the expression of LHPP by saRNA for the treatment of HCC.

Transformation of a Viral Capsid from Nanocages to Nanotubes and Then to Hydrogels: Redirected Self-Assembly and Effects on Immunogenicity.

The ability to manipulate the self-assembly of proteins is essential to understanding the mechanisms of life and beneficial to fabricating advanced nanomaterials. Here, we report the transformation of the MS2 phage capsid from nanocages to nanotubes and then to nanotube hydrogels through simple point mutations guided by interfacial interaction redesign. We demonstrate that site 70, which lies in the flexible FG loop of the capsid protein (CP), is a "magic" site that can largely dictate the final morphology of assemblies. By varying the amino acid at site 70, with the aid of a cysteine-to-alanine mutation at site 46, we achieved the assembly of double-helical or single-helical nanotubes in addition to nanocages. Furthermore, an additional cysteine substitution on the surface of nanotubes mediated their cross-linking to form hydrogels with reducing agent responsiveness. The hierarchical self-assembly system allowed for the investigation of morphology-related immunogenicity of MS2 CPs, which revealed dramatic differences among nanocages, nanotubes, and nanotube hydrogels in terms of immune response types, antibody levels and T cell functions. This study provides insights into the assembly manipulation of protein nanomaterials and the customized design of nanovaccines and drug delivery systems.

Advancements of Macrophages Involvement in Pathological Progression of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer and Associated Pharmacological Interventions.

Intestinal macrophages play crucial roles in both intestinal inflammation and immune homeostasis. They can adopt two distinct phenotypes, primarily determined by environmental cues. These phenotypes encompass the classically activated pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, as well as the alternatively activated anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In regular conditions, intestinal macrophages serve to shield the gut from inflammatory harm. However, when a combination of genetic and environmental elements influences the polarization of these macrophages, it can result in an M1/M2 macrophage activation imbalance, subsequently leading to a loss of control over intestinal inflammation. This shift transforms normal inflammatory responses into pathological damage within the intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC), disorders related to intestinal inflammation are closely correlated with an imbalance in the polarization of intestinal M1/M2 macrophages. Therefore, reinstating the equilibrium in M1/M2 macrophage polarization could potentially serve as an effective approach to the prevention and treatment of UC-CRC. This paper aims to scrutinize the clinical evidence regarding Chinese medicine (CM) in the treatment of UC-CRC, the pivotal role of macrophage polarization in UC-CRC pathogenesis, and the potential mechanisms through which CM regulates macrophage polarization to address UC-CRC. Our objective is to offer fresh perspectives for clinical application, fundamental research, and pharmaceutical advancement in UC-CRC.

Eccrine porocarcinoma in the tempus of an elderly woman: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare skin tumor that mainly affects the elderly population. Tumors often present with slow growth and a good prognosis. EPCs are usually distinguished from other skin tumors using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. However, surgical management alone may be inadequate if the tumor has metastasized. However, currently, surgical resection is the most commonly used treatment modality. CASE SUMMARY: A seventy-four-year-old woman presented with a slow-growing nodule in her left temporal area, with no obvious itching or pain, for more than four months. Histopathological examination showed small columnar and short spindle-shaped cells; thus, basal cell carcinoma was suspected. However, immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of cytokeratin 5/6, p63 protein, p16 protein, and Ki-67 antigen (40%), and EPC was taken into consideration. The skin biopsy was repeated, and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ductal differentiation in some cells. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with EPC, and Mohs micrographic surgery was performed. We adapted follow-up visits in a year and not found any recurrence of nodules. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the diagnosis and differentiation of EPC.

An online delirium detection tool: Cross-cultural adaptation of a Chinese version of the Family Confusion Assessment Method.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) delirium is a common complication in older critically ill patients that has a significant impact. The Family Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) is a vital tool for assisting family members in identifying delirium; however, no study has yet been reported on the Chinese version of the scale. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to translate the FAM-CAM into a Chinese version and to verify its effectiveness for delirium detection in an online patient visit setting. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The FAM-CAM was translated to Chinese according to the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines. Patients and family members were recruited to participate in delirium assessments in three ICUs of one hospital. Family members then used the Chinese version of the FAM-CAM to assess for delirium via online visitation, and ICU nurses assessed patients for delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Results were then compared between family members' and nurses' assessments. RESULTS: Overall, 190 critically ill patients and 190 family members were included, of whom 117 (61.6%) were assessed for delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. The Cohen's kappa coefficient between the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and FAM-CAM was 0.759 (P < 0.01). The sensitivity of the Chinese version of the FAM-CAM was 0.880, specificity was 0.890, positive predictive value was 0.928, negative predictive value was 0.823, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.881 (95% confidence interval: 0.872-0.935, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the FAM-CAM was shown to effectively help families detect delirium and was suggested as a crucial tool for assisting ICU nurses in the early identification of delirium. This tool may effectively be used to assess delirium during online visits.

An improved technology for monitoring groundwater flow velocity and direction in fractured rock system based on colloidal particles motion.

The colloidal borescope, using colloidal particle motion, is used to monitor the flow velocities and directions of groundwater. It integrates advanced techniques such as microscopy, high-speed photography, and big data computing and enjoys high sensitivity at the micron level. However, In the same well, the groundwater flow velocity monitored by colloidal hole mirror is varies greatly from that obtained by conventional hydrogeological monitoring, such as pumping test. In order to solve this problem, the stability catcher and stratified packer are designed to control the interference of the vertical flow in drilling, and to monitor the flow velocity and direction of groundwater velocity at the target aquifer and target fracture. Five wells with different aquifers and different groundwater types were selected for monitoring in south-central China. The instantaneous velocity and direction are converted into east-west component and north-south component, the average velocity and direction is calculated according to the time of 10 min, and the particle trajectory diagram is established. Based on these results, it proposed a concept of cumulative flow velocity. Using curve-fitting equations, the limits of cumulative flow velocities as the monitoring time tends to infinity were then calculated as the actual flow velocities of the groundwater. The permeability coefficient of aquifer is calculated by using the fissure ratio of aquifer, hydraulic slope and flow velocity, and compared with the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test. The results are as follows: (1) The variation coefficient of the instantaneous flow velocity measured at the same depth in the same well at different times is greater than that of the time average flow velocity and greater than that of the cumulative flow velocity. The variation coefficient of the actual velocity is the smallest, indicating that the risk of using the actual flow velocity is lower. (2) The variation coefficient of the flow rate monitored at different depths in the same well is mainly controlled by the properties of the aquifer. The more uniform water storage space in the aquifer, the smaller the variation coefficient. (3) The comparison between the permeability coefficient obtained by monitoring and the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test shows that the flow of structural fissure water controlled by planar fissure is more surface flow, and the results are consistent. When the groundwater flow is controlled by pores and solution gaps, the flow channel is complicated, which is easy to produce turbulent flow, and the result consistency is poor. (4) According to different research accuracy requirements, different monitoring and calculation methods can be selected for different aquifers and groundwater types. Researches show that, the permeability coefficient calculated for the actual flow velocity in well DR01 is the same as that calculated for the pumping test. The aquifer characteristics reflected by the coefficient of variation of the actual flow velocity in the same aquifer are more realistic. The pumping test method obtains the comprehensive parameters of a certain aquifer, and this method can be used to monitor a certain fissure. In this paper, the new technology developed for monitoring, and the new algorithm established for data processing, can accurately obtain the flow velocity and direction of groundwater, using capsule hole mirror monitoring method. The key parameters of hydrogeology can be obtained by using one well, which can reduce the time and cost input and improve the work efficiency.

Method of generating speckle patterns for digital image correlation based on modified Conway's Game of Life.

The measurement accuracy of digital image correlation (DIC) is influenced by the quality of the speckle pattern. Although various models for generating random speckle patterns have been well discussed, obtaining appropriate speckle images with isotropic quality and performance could be a challenging issue in DIC. In this paper, we propose a novel (to our knowledge) method for generating speckle patterns based on modified Conway's game of life (GoL). By sequentially assembling the speckle patterns generated from the modified GoL, we produced the GoL speckle image. Then, verification and comparison experiments were conducted through pure in-plane translations. The results show that the generated speckle image which was resized with k s=6& k r=2 processing and subsequently fuzzified using a Gaussian filter, produces the best accuracy for DIC measurement. Furthermore, based on the rigid body in-plane rotation displacement tests in the physical experimental results of three different speckle images, the GoL speckle generated from our proposed method shows the smallest measurement error. This indicates that the proposed speckle patterns generating method could provide a new type of speckle pattern with better quality and accuracy.

Mild γ-Butyrolactone/Water Pretreatment for Highly Efficient Sugar Production from Corn Stover.

In this study, γ-butyrolactone/water (GBL/H2O) was explored as a mild, efficient, and cost-effective binary solvent pretreatment to enhance hydrolyzability of corn stover (CS). Key pretreatment parameters-reaction time, temperature, and H2SO4 concentration-were systematically investigated for their effects on the physicochemical properties of CS. Specifically, increased temperature and acid concentration significantly decreased cellulose crystallinity (from 1.39 for untreated CS to 1.04 for CS pretreated by GBL/H2O with 100 mM H2SO4 at 120 °C for 1 h) and promoted lignin removal (47.3% for CS pretreated by GBL/H2O with 150 mM H2SO4 at 120 °C for 1 h). Acknowledging the cellulase's limited hydrolysis efficiency, a dual-enzyme scheme using a low cellulase dosage (10 FPU/g) supplemented with ß-glucosidase or xylanase was tested, enhancing hydrolysis of CS pretreated under low temperature-long duration and high temperature-short duration conditions, respectively. Optimum sugar release was obtained from CS pretreated with GBL/H2O and 150 mM H2SO4 at 120 °C for 1 h, achieving 98% glucan and 82.3% xylan conversion, compared with 53.9% and 17% of glucan and xylan conversion from untreated CS. GBL/H2O pretreatment outperformed other binary systems in literature, achieving the highest sugar conversions with lower enzyme loading. These results highlight the potential of GBL/H2O pretreatment for efficient biomass conversion, contributing to the goals of the green economy.

Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and Applications of Fluorinated Polyurethane.

Fluorinated polyurethane (FPU) is a new kind of polyurethane (PU) material with great applicational potential, which is attributed to its high bond energy C-F bonds. Its unique low surface energy, excellent thermal stability, and chemical stability have attracted considerable research attention. FPU with targeted performance can be precisely synthesized through designing fluorochemicals as hard segments, soft segments, or additives and changes to the production process to satisfy the needs of coatings, clothing textiles, and the aerospace and biomedical industries for materials that are hydrophobic and that are resistant to weathering, heat, and flames and that have good biocompatibility. Here, the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of FPU are comprehensively reviewed. The aims of this research are to shed light on the design scheme, synthesis method, structure, and properties of FPU synthesized from different kinds of fluorochemicals and their applications in different fields and the prospects for the future development of FPU.