Advances in antitumor application of ROS enzyme-mimetic catalysts.

The rapid growth of research on enzyme-mimetic catalysts (Enz-Cats) is expected to promote further advances in nanomedicine for biological detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease, especially tumors. ROS-based nanomedicines present fascinating potential in antitumor therapy owing to the rapid development of nanotechnology. In this review, we focus on the applications of Enz-Cats based on ROS in antitumor therapy. Firstly, the definition and category of ROS are introduced, and the key factors enhancing ROS levels are carefully elucidated. Then, the rationally engineered Enz-Cats via different synthetic approaches with high ROS-producing efficiencies are comprehensively discussed. Subsequently, oncotherapy application of Enz-Cats is comprehensively discussed, which integrates diverse synergistic treatment modalities and exhibits high efficiency in ROS generation. Finally, the challenges and future research direction of this field are presented. This review is dedicated to unraveling the enigmas surrounding the interplay of nanomedicine and organisms.

The immunosuppressive landscape in tumor microenvironment.

Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have revolutionized the clinical outcome of many cancer patients. Despite the fact that impressive progress has been made in recent decades, the response rate remains unsatisfactory, and many patients do not benefit from ICIs. Herein, we summarized advanced studies and the latest insights on immune inhibitory factors in the tumor microenvironment. Our in-depth discussion and updated landscape of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment may provide new strategies for reversing tumor immune evasion, enhancing the efficacy of ICIs therapy, and ultimately achieving a better clinical outcome.

Cultural worldviews and waste sorting among urban Chinese dwellers: the mediating role of environmental risk perception.

Objective: Waste sorting has received considerable attention in recent decades. However, research on the mechanisms underlying the relationships among cultural worldview, environmental risk perception, and waste sorting is rather scarce. This study aims to explore the cultural worldviews, environmental risk perception, and waste sorting among urban Chinese and their mechanisms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 744 urban Chinese residents (371 men and 373 women). A questionnaire was utilized to measure cultural worldviews, environmental risk perception, and waste sorting. Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to examine the relationship between cultural worldviews, perceptions of environmental risk, and waste sorting. Results: Waste sorting had a relatively insignificant negative relationship with fatalism and individualism. The correlation between environmental risk perception and cultural worldviews was negative except for egalitarianism, and the correlation between hierarchy and environmental risk perception was higher than the others, while individualism was higher than fatalism. Heightened environmental risk perception mediates the relationship between egalitarianism and waste sorting. Reduced environmental risk perception mediates the relationship between hierarchy and waste sorting, and mediates the relationship between individualism and waste sorting. Conclusion: These new findings provide initial support for the mediating role of environmental risk perception in the relationship between cultural worldviews and waste sorting. Both theoretical and practical implications for understanding the psychological mechanisms of waste sorting are discussed.

The association between smoking and family health with the mediation role of personality among Chinese people: nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There may be unexplored interactions between family health, personality, and smoking that could help provide new perspectives on tobacco control. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the health of one's family and their smoking habits, as well as investigate the potential influence of personality on this relationship. METHODS: For this cross-sectional investigation, a national survey conducted in China in 2022 recruited a total of 21,916 individuals. The Family Health Scale was utilized to assess the health of the family. The 10-item Big Five Inventory scale was utilized to assess the Big five personality traits. The relationship between big five personality, family health, and smoking were investigated using binary and linear logistic regression. The indirect effects mediated by Big five personality were analyzed using mediation analysis with Sobel tests, and the indirect effects were composited using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of smoking in the study population was 14.87%, 26.19% for males and 3.54% for females. Urban and rural smoking prevalence was 13.81% and 16.10% respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between smoking and family health (odds ratio 0.964, 95% CI 0.959, 0.970, P < 0.001) with covariates controlled. The Karlson-Holm-Breen composition facilitated the connection between extraversion (47.81%) and nervousness (52.19%). CONCLUSIONS: Preventive interventions for smoking behavior should prioritize family health and the Big five personality as significant areas to focus on. According to this study, in addition to implementing various interventions for different personalities, family health should be strengthened to reduce smoking behavior.

Soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium farcinogenes after heart surgery: Case report and literature review of human cases.

Mycobacterium farcinogenes (M. farcinogenes) is rapidly growing mycobacterium, belonging to non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM). M. farcinogenes is an exceedingly rare causative agent of human infection. Only seven cases with M. farcinogenes infections in humans were reported. This is a case of soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis caused by M. farcinogenes after heart surgery. Microbial identification was achieved by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The clinical outcome was favorable after surgical debridement and 4-month antibiotics treatment. We also provide a comprehensive literature review on this disease.

Risk profiles for smoke behavior in COVID-19: a classification and regression tree analysis approach.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic emerged worldwide at the end of 2019, causing a severe global public health threat, and smoking is closely related to COVID-19. Previous studies have reported changes in smoking behavior and influencing factors during the COVID-19 period, but none of them explored the main influencing factor and high-risk populations for smoking behavior during this period. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey and obtained 21,916 valid data. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between each potential influencing factor (sociodemographic characteristics, perceived social support, depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy) and smoking outcomes. Then, variables related to smoking behavior were included based on the results of the multiple logistic regression, and the classification and regression tree (CART) method was used to determine the high-risk population for increased smoking behavior during COVID-19 and the most profound influencing factors on smoking increase. Finally, we used accuracy to evaluated the performance of the tree. RESULTS: The strongest predictor of smoking behavior during the COVID-19 period is acceptance degree of passive smoking. The subgroup with a high acceptation degree of passive smoking, have no smokers smoked around, and a length of smoking of ≥ 30 years is identified as the highest smoking risk (34%). The accuracy of classification and regression tree is 87%. CONCLUSION: The main influencing factor is acceptance degree of passive smoking. More knowledge about the harm of secondhand smoke should be promoted. For high-risk population who smoke, the "mask protection" effect during the COVID-19 pandemic should be fully utilized to encourage smoking cessation.

Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of congenital hymen prolapse: A case report.

RATIONALE: Female genital tract abnormalities are relatively uncommon and usually discovered accidentally. And hymen prolapse is even rarer, which is asymptomatic and is commonly found during the examination of the baby external genitals. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we report a case of fetal genital abnormality detected at 32 weeks of gestation. DIAGNOSES: At 32+1 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound showed taht an iso-echoic mass of about 8 mm × 5 mm was protruding from the genitalia, and at 36 weeks, ultrasound showed that an iso-echoic mass of about 9 mm × 5 mm could be seen protruding from the genitalia, and its morphology was similar to the result of the 32-week data. At 39 weeks a baby girl was naturally delivered. Physical examination showed the female external genitalia, part of the hymen protruded into the vaginal orifice. Finally, the clinical diagnosis was hymen prolapse. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: No treatment was carried out. Reexamination at 11 days after birth revealed a significantly smaller prolapse than before. Since the postpartum follow-up, the baby has been in good condition, the hymen has gradually returned, and the genitals are all normal. LESSONS: Regardless of the confidentiality of prenatal tests regarding the sex of the fetus, prenatal ultrasound should be used to fully evaluate the morphology and structure of each system including the reproductive system of the fetus when screening fetal malformations. The purpose of this case is to remind doctors of the rigorous degree of genital examination, increase the detection rate, and save the life of the fetus.

Aberrant mechanical loading induces annulus fibrosus cells apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration via mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely associated with the structural damage in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Aberrant mechanical loading is an important inducement of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) apoptosis, which contributes to the AF structural damage and aggravates IVDD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of a mechanosensitive ion channel protein Piezo1 in aberrant mechanical loading-induced AFCs apoptosis and IVDD. METHODS: Rats were subjected to lumbar instability surgery to induce the unbalanced dynamic and static forces to establish the lumbar instability model. MRI and histological staining were used to evaluate the IVDD degree. A cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS)-stimulated AFCs apoptosis model was established by a Flexcell system in vitro. Tunel staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the apoptosis level. The activation of Piezo1 was detected using western blot and calcium fluorescent probes. Chemical activator Yoda1, chemical inhibitor GSMTx4, and a lentiviral shRNA-Piezo1 system (Lv-Piezo1) were utilized to regulate the function of Piezo1. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to explore the mechanism of Piezo1-induced AFCs apoptosis. The Calpain activity and the activation of Calpain2/Bax/Caspase3 axis were evaluated by the Calpain activity kit and western blot with the siRNA-mediated Calapin1 or Calpain2 knockdown. Intradiscal administration of Lv-Piezo1 was utilized to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Piezo1 silencing in IVDD rats. RESULTS: Lumbar instability surgery promoted the expression of Piezo1 in AFCs and stimulated IVDD in rats 4 weeks after surgery. CMS elicited distinct apoptosis of AFCs, with enhanced Piezo1 activation. Yoda1 further promoted CMS-induced apoptosis of AFCs, while GSMTx4 and Lv-Piezo1 exhibited opposite effects. RNA-seq showed that knocking down Piezo1 inhibited the calcium signaling pathway. CMS enhanced Calpain activity and elevated the expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase3. Calpain2, but not Calpain1 knockdown, inhibited the expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase3 and alleviated AFCs apoptosis. Lv-Piezo1 significantly alleviated the progress of IVDD in rats after lumbar instability surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant mechanical loading induces AFCs apoptosis to promote IVDD by activating Piezo1 and downstream Calpain2/BAX/Caspase3 pathway. Piezo1 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target in treating IVDD.

The integration of peri-implant soft tissues around zirconia abutments: Challenges and strategies.

Stable soft tissue integration around the implant abutment attenuates pathogen penetration, protects underlying bone tissue, prevents peri-implantitis and is essential in maintaining long-term implant stability. The desire for "metal free" and "aesthetic restoration" has favored zirconia over titanium abutments, especially for implant restorations in the anterior region and for patients with thin gingival biotype. Soft tissue attachment to the zirconia abutment surface remains a challenge. A comprehensive review of advances in zirconia surface treatment (micro-design) and structural design (macro-design) affecting soft tissue attachment is presented and strategies and research directions are discussed. Soft tissue models for abutment research are described. Guidelines for development of zirconia abutment surfaces that promote soft tissue integration and evidence-based references to inform clinical choice of abutment structure and postoperative maintenance are presented.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the function of SlPRE2 in multiple phytohormones biosynthesis, signal transduction and stomatal development in tomato.

KEY MESSAGE: Transcriptomic, physiological, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed the potential mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates plant growth and stomatal size via multiple phytohormone pathways in tomato. Paclobutrazol resistance proteins (PREs) are atypical members of the basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family that regulate plant morphology, cell size, pigment metabolism and abiotic stress in response to different phytohormones. However, little is known about the network regulatory mechanisms of PREs in plant growth and development in tomato. In this study, the function and mechanism of SlPRE2 in tomato plant growth and development were investigated. The quantitative RT-PCR results showed that the expression of SlPRE2 was regulated by multiple phytohormones and abiotic stresses. It showed light-repressed expression during the photoperiod. The RNA-seq results revealed that SlPRE2 regulated many genes involved in photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, phytohormone metabolism and signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting the role of SlPRE2 in gibberellin, brassinosteroid, auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and salicylic acid regulated plant development processes. Moreover, SlPRE2 overexpression plants showed widely opened stomata in young leaves, and four genes involved in stomatal development showed altered expression. Overall, the results demonstrated the mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates phytohormone and stress responses and revealed the function of SlPRE2 in stomatal development in tomato. These findings provide useful clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of SlPRE2-regulated plant growth and development in tomato.

Evaluation of a novel primer containing isocyanate group on dentin bonding durability.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits of a novel dentin-bonding primer, namely, isocyanate-terminated urethane methacrylate precursor (UMP), which can form covalent bonds with demineralized dentin collagen. METHODS: The synthesized and purified UMP monomer was characterized and tested its effects on the degree of conversion (DC) and wettability of an acetone-based dental adhesive. Then UMP primers of different concentrations were formulated and used to prepare adhesive specimens, which were compared with solvent-treated groups. Primer-treated specimens with and without aging were also compared. To evaluate the bonding interface, microtensile strength tests, nano-indentation tests and nanoleakage- eavaluation were performed using a field-emission scanning electron microscope and nano-indenter. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software with significance set at α = 0.05 using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA to characterize the effects of the primer. RESULTS: Treatment with the UMP primer promoted the DC and wettability of the adhesive on the demineralized dentin surface (P < 0.05); it also increased the bond strength of the aged dentin bonding interface (P < 0.05). Nanoleakage was reduced; the bonding interface became more stable, and the continuity and strength of the hybrid layer improved (P < 0.05) following UMP treatment. The application of 5 mM UMP as a primer for dentin bonding could lead to a stable bonding interface and long-lasting bonding effects. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of 5 mM UMP primer developed in this study could improve dentin bonding durability and has excellent clinical application prospects.

Regulation of biomineralization by proteoglycans: From mechanisms to application.

Proteoglycans consist of core proteins and one or more covalently-linked glycosaminoglycan chains. They are structurally complex and heterogeneous. Proteoglycans bind to cell surface receptors, cytokines, growth factors and have strong affinity for collagen fibrils. Together with their complex spatial structures and different charge densities, proteoglycans are directly or indirectly involved in biomineralization. The present review focused on the potential mechanisms of proteoglycans-mediated biomineralization. Topics covered include the ability of proteoglycans to influence the proliferation and differentiation of odontoblasts and osteoblasts through complex signaling pathways, as well as regulate the aggregation of collagen fibrils and mineral deposition. The functions of proteoglycans in mineralization regulation and biomimetic properties render them important components in bone tissue engineering. Hence, the integrated impact of proteoglycans on bone formation was also succinctly deliberated. The potential of proteoglycans to function therapeutic targets for relieving the symptoms of ectopic mineralization and mineralization defects was also comprehensively addressed.

Macrophages enhance mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis via down-regulation of reactive oxygen species.

OBJECTIVES: The role played by macrophages in regulating the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during wound healing and bone regeneration is increasingly being recognized. The present study compared the pro-osteogenic effects of three co-culture methods, conditioned medium generated by macrophages (CM), indirect culture (IC) or direct culture (DC) with macrophages, on bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs). METHODS: Primary BMMSCs were isolated, characterized and co-cultured with RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Cell morphology and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flow cytometry, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and assay, Alizarin red staining (ARS) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS: Inclusion of macrophages in any of the three co-culture methods resulted in improvement in osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of BMMSCs (DC > IC > CM), as measured by ALP staining and activity, ARS and osteoblastic gene expression (Runx2, Alp, Ocn and Bmp2). The enhanced osteogenesis was reversed with hydrogen peroxide. Macrophages reduced the increased levels of intracellular ROS generated by BMMSCs during osteogenic differentiation in a manner similar to the use of an antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages exert an osteogenesis-enhancing effect to accelerate BMMSC osteogenesis via ROS downregulation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present findings suggest that targeting MSC-macrophage interaction is an effective strategy for regulating stem cell fate and facilitating bone regeneration.

Effects of freeze drying and hot-air drying on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes.

Fresh Lentinula edodes were dried using two process technologies-freeze drying (FD) and hot-air drying (HD). The physicochemical, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of purified polysaccharides from dried L. edodes (LEP) were then comparatively investigated. Two neutral polysaccharides (FLEP-1 and HLEP-1) and two acidic polysaccharides (FLEP-2 and HLEP-2) were obtained by DEAE-52 cellulose column. The HD treated LEP had higher levels of uronic acid than that of the FD treated LEP. The molar ratios of monosaccharides in FLEP-1, FLEP-2, HLEP-1 and HLEP-2 were different. Moreover, HD treated LEP had more galactose and less glucose. The (1 â†’ 3)-α-glucan structure was dominant in the two neutral polysaccharides, whereas the (1 â†’ 6)-ß-glucan was dominant in the two acidic polysaccharides. Hot-air drying could thus promote the α-configuration in neutral polysaccharides while reducing the ß-configuration in acidic polysaccharides. FLEP-1, FLEP-2, HLEP-1 and HLEP-2 had potential scavenging capacity against the ABTS+, whereas freeze-dried polysaccharides exhibited a stronger scavenging ability than that of hot-air dried polysaccharide. LEP could improve immunity by inducing the secretions of NO, TNF-α and IL-6, whereas hot-air drying improved the immunomodulatory activity of LEP. Our results suggested that freeze drying and hot air drying could be appropriately used to obtain functional polysaccharides from L. edodes.

Effect of Hydrocolloids on the Retrogradation of Lotus Seed Starch Undergoing an Autoclaving-Cooling Treatment.

The retrogradation properties of lotus seed starch (LS) blended with the hydrocolloids arabic gum (AG), carrageenan (CG), guar gum (GG), and xanthan (XN) were investigated undergoing an autoclaving-cooling treatment, a model for starch retrogradation acceleration. Compared with LS alone, LS-AG showed the increases in syneresis, tan δ (more solid-like behavior), bound water content and immobile water content, molecular weight, the intensity at 480 cm-1 in Raman spectra and the ratio of absorbance 1047 cm-1 /1022 cm-1 (R1047/1022 ) in FT-IR spectra. The results suggested that the addition of AG tended to promote the starch retrogradation, which was related to the increased molecular migration of free water, interactions of molecular starch chains, and the formation of ordered structures. The addition of CG, GG, or XN significantly decreased the syneresis, tan δ, the intensity at 480 cm-1 , and R1047/1022 values of LS, indicating the prevention of LS retrogradation. The effects of CG and XN on starch retrogradation mainly resulted from competition for water and the increased viscosity, as well as the coating effect on starch. The dominant viscosity of GG was the main factor that influenced starch retrogradation. These results showed not all hydrocolloids would retard starch retrogradation under autoclaving-cooling treatment, for which fine structures altered by different hydrocolloids were the key factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Effects of hydrocolloids on the retrogradation of lotus seed starch were investigated undergoing an autoclaving-cooling treatment. The results will help guide the production and development of starchy foods having desirable properties by specific hydrocolloids during autoclaving-cooling process, especially to control starch retrogradation.

Effect of guar gum on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of lotus seed starch.

The effect of guar gum (GG) on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of lotus seed starch (LS) subjected to autoclaving-cooling were investigated. Compared to LS alone, LS with 0.03% or 0.15% GG displayed higher crystallinity and short-range order, resulting in the formation of a denser crystal structure. It might contribute to the reduced swelling power, final viscosity, and setback viscosity for those complexes. Coating effect and hydrophilicity were more apparent in LS containing 0.30%, 0.60%, or 0.90% GG, which weakened their crystal structure and increased swelling power, final viscosity, and setback viscosity. The addition of GG delayed starch digestion in vitro, decreased the content of rapidly digestible starch, and increased the content of resistant starch, especially when 0.30% GG was added to 30% LS. The changes in crystal structure and viscosity partially explained the reduced digestibility.