Oral delivery of sodium alginate/chitosan bilayer microgels loaded with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for targeted therapy of ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics regulate intestinal flora balance and enhance the intestinal barrier, which is useful in preventing and treating colitis. However, they have strict storage requirements. In addition, they degrade in a strongly acidic environment, resulting in a significant decrease in their activity when used as microbial agents. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was loaded into acid-resistant and colon-targeting double-layer microgels. The inner layer consists of guar gum (GG) and low methoxyl pectin (LMP), which can achieve retention and degradation in the colon. To achieve colon localization, the outer layer was composed of chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA). The formulation demonstrated favorable bio-responses across various pH conditions in vitro and sustained release of LGG in the colon lesions. Bare LGG survival decreased by 52.2 % in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.2) for 2 h, whereas that of encapsulated LGG decreased by 18.5 %. In the DSS-induced inflammatory model, LGG-loaded microgel significantly alleviated UC symptoms in mice and reduced inflammatory factor levels in the colon. Encapsulation of LGG improved its stability in acidic conditions, thus increasing its content at the colon lesions and reducing pathogenic bacteria. These findings provide an experimental basis and a technical reference for developing and applying probiotic microgel preparations.

The association between artificial light at night and gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study from China.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) may be associated with diabetes. However, limited research explores the relationship between outdoor ALAN and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: We utilized data from a multilevel infant and early life cohort study conducted in Sichuan Province, China, between February 2018 and April 2021. A total of 9,120 participants were included in the final analysis. Outdoor ALAN exposure at participants' residential locations was estimated using time-varying satellite data, focusing on persistent night-time illumination at a scale of approximately 500x500m. The information about GDM was obtained from medical records. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were employed to estimate the association between ALAN exposure during pregnancy and GDM. RESULTS: Among the total recruitments, 1,484 (16.27%) women were diagnosed with GDM. Compared to women without GDM, those with GDM had a significantly higher mean outdoor ALAN exposure during pregnancy (18.98 nW/cm2/sr1 vs 24.28 nW/cm2/sr1, P < 0.001). Results from multivariable logistic models showed that higher outdoor ALAN exposure during pregnancy could increase the risk of GDM (OR (95% CI) 1st+2nd trimesters ALAN = 1.253 (1.157-1.356)). Meanwhile, results from the restricted cubic spline further indicated a non-linear association between outdoor ALAN exposure during pregnancy and GDM. Generally, with the radiance of the first two trimesters of ALAN increasing to about 17.9 nW/cm2/sr1, outdoor ALAN exposure became a risk factor for GDM. However, when the radiance of ALAN reached about 40.7 nW/cm2/sr1, the continued increasing OR estimation (OR (95% CI) = 1.489 (1.223-1.814)) of outdoor ALAN changed to steady. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that high levels of outdoor ALAN exposure during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of GDM, and a non-linear relationship pattern might exist. These findings substantially augment existing evidence, positing outdoor ALAN as an emergent, modifiable risk factor for GDM.

Nb2O5 Coating to Improve the Cyclic Stability and Voltage Decay of Li-Rich Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery.

The commercialization of lithium manganese oxide (LMO) is seriously hindered by several drawbacks, such as low initial Coulombic efficiency, the degradation of the voltage and capacity during cycling, and the poor rating performance. Developing a simple and scalable synthesis for engineering with surface coating layers is significant and challenging for the commercial prospects of LMO oxides. Herein, we have proposed an efficient engineering strategy with a Nb2O5 coating layer. We dissolved niobate (V) ammonium oxalate hydrate and stoichiometric rich LMO (RLM) in deionized water and stirred constantly. Then, the target product was calcined at high temperature. The discharge capacity of the Nb2O5 coating RLM is increased from 195 mAh·g-1 (the RLM without Nb2O5) to 215 mAh·g-1 at a coating volume ratio of 0.010. The average voltage decay was 4.38 mV/cycle, which was far lower than the 7.50 mV/cycle for the pure LMO. The electrochemical kinetics results indicated that the performance was superior with the buffer engineering by the Nb2O5 coating of RLM, which provided an excellent lithium-ion conduction channel, and improved diffusion kinetics, capacity fading, and voltage decay. This reveals the strong potential of the Nb2O5 coating in the field of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

lncRNA MIR503HG Targets miR-191-5p/PLCD1 Axis and Negatively Modulates Apoptosis, Extracellular Matrix Disruption, and Inflammation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

As the most prevalent subtype of aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) features the apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption, and inflammation response of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial factors in AAA progression, while the investigations have not been fully explained. miR-191-5p upregulation is found in aortic aneurysm. However, its role in AAA has not been addressed. This research purposed to excavate the possible and associated molecular axis of miR-191-5p in AAA. In our study, miR-191-5p level was detected to be high in the tissues from AAA patients in comparison with the control group. After miR-191-5p expression was enhanced, cell viability was repressed, cell apoptosis was boosted, and ECM disruption and the inflammation response were fortified. Furthermore, the relationship among MIR503HG, miR-191-5p, and phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCD1) in VSMCs was disclosed via mechanism assays. Decreased MIR503HG lacked the inhibition on miR-191-5p targeting PLCD1, resulting in downregulation of PLCD1, which facilitated the progression of AAA. Thus, targeting MIR503HG/miR-191-5p/PLCD1 pathway will provide an additional method for the cure of AAA patients.

Development and validation of the nomogram based on ultrasound, thyroid stimulating hormone, and inflammatory marker in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case-control study.

Background: The increase in the number of thyroid cancer cases in recent years has increased not only the medical burden but also the potential for overtreatment. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish papillary thyroid cancer from benign thyroid nodules before surgery when treating thyroid nodules. Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: 117 patients made up the validation cohort and 414 patients made up the primary cohort. As a result of the primary cohort, a preoperative prediction model was developed, which was then validated externally in the validation cohort. Preoperative thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and ultrasonographic features were recorded in both groups. Results: As predictors for the model, the preoperative blood levels of TSH, SII, LMR, echogenicity, margin, calcification, composition, taller-than-wide, and age were chosen. This was the regression equation: Y = -0.070 × (age) + 1.511 × (echogenicity) + 1.664 × (margin) + 1.003 × (calcification) + 0.939 × (composition) + 2.964 × (tall than wide) + 0.305 × (TSH) + 0.558 × (SII) - 1.271 × (LMR) + 0.327. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was predicted positively with values of Y ≥0.808. The prediction model's accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 88.2%, 85.1%, and 94.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.961. The model's external validation produced satisfactory results with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 85.5%, 90.9%, and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Using the preoperative TSH, SII, LMR, and ultrasonographic characteristics, a straightforward and accurate preoperative prediction model for PTC has been developed and validated. The preoperative assessment of PTC in clinical application is enhanced by this approach.

The mediation effect of vitamin A and vitamin D supplement in the association between serum vitamin K levels and musculoskeletal disorders in preschool children.

Introduction: Vitamin K deficiency may elevate the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), whereas it lacks validation for pediatric populations and has uncertain dose recommendations. In this context, we hypothesized that serum vitamin K levels are associated with MSD in preschool children, and the widely used vitamin A and vitamin D supplements may mediate these associations based on potential mechanisms, which expects to provide guidance for future practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sichuan province in southwestern China, from January 2021 to May 2022. Serum levels of vitamin K1/K2 and 25(OH)D were determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography method, and the diagnosis of MSD was executed by clinicians. Overall and stratified logistic regression analysis based on categorized 25(OH)D levels were conducted to assess association between serum vitamin K levels and MSD prevalence after adjusting for confounders. Mediation analysis was further performed and vitamin A and D supplementation was regressed as the mediator. Results: A total of 6,368 children aged 0-6 years old were enrolled. MSD was identified in 1179 (18.51%) of the children, while 5,189 (81.49%) of them did not present such disorder. After adjusting confounders, a significant difference was found in serum vitamin K1 level between children in MSD and Non-MSD group (OR = 0.802, 95%CI 0.745-0.864). No significant difference was found in serum vitamin K2 level between the two groups (OR = 0.975, 95%CI 0.753-1.261). The association between vitamin K1 level and MSD prevalence was partly (36.8%) mediated by vitamin A and D supplementation. Conclusions: A low serum vitamin K1 level is connected with an increased risk of MSD among children, highlighting that vitamin A and D supplementation is a helpful intervention to prevent MSD in children with vitamin K deficiency.

Effect of Ta Interlayers on Texture and Magnetic Properties of FeSi Films with Micrometer Thickness.

Magnetized soft ferromagnetic films with micrometer thickness were studied. A FeSi film, with a total thickness of 2000 nm, separated by 10 nm-thick Ta interlayers, was fabricated using the direct-current magnetron sputtering technique. The thickness of each FeSi layer between adjacent Ta layers was 100 nm. Hysteresis loop measurement was used to characterize the magnetic properties of the layer. X-ray diffraction patterns and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize its texture. The experimental results showed that the FeSi film separated by Ta interlayers exhibited a lower saturation magnetization and a higher coercivity than those of the 1140 nm-thick FeSi film. The insertion of Ta interlayers resulted in the disappearance of the crystal plane of FeSi (221), and better texture of the crystal plane of FeSi (210). The FeSi film exhibited a crystal plane of FeSi (210) with a bcc crystalline structure. The Ta interlayers were partially amorphous, exhibiting crystal plane of Ta (002) and TaSi2 (310). The matching of magnetic properties between interlayers and soft magnetic layers played an important role in maintaining its soft magnetic properties.

Porphyrin covalent organic nanodisks synthesized using acid-assisted exfoliation for improved bactericidal efficacy.

Porphyrin covalent organic nanodisks (CONs) were synthesized by exfoliating covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in acidic aqueous solutions at pH 4. The synthesized CONs showed remarkable bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli owing to enhanced generation of singlet oxygen upon visible light irradiation.

How neutron scattering techniques benefit investigating structures and dynamics of monoclonal antibody.

Over the past several decades, great progresses have been made for the pharmaceutical industry of monoclonal antibody (mAb). More and more mAb products were approved for human therapeutics. This review describes the state of art of utilizing neutron scattering to investigate mAbs, in the aspects of structures, dynamics, physicochemical stability, functionality, etc. Firstly, brief histories of mAbs and neutron scattering, as well as some basic knowledges and principles of neutron scattering were introduced. Then specific examples were demonstrated. For the structure and structural evolution investigation of in dilute and concentrated mAbs solution, in situ small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was frequently utilized. Neutron reflectometry (NR) is powerful to probe the absorption behaviors of mAbs on various surfaces and interfaces. While for dynamic investigation, quasi-elastic scattering techniques such as neutron spin echo (NSE) demonstrate the capabilities. With this review, how to utilize and take advantages of neutron scattering on investigating structures and dynamics of mAbs were demonstrated and discussed.

Soil moisture regulates warming responses of autumn photosynthetic transition dates in subtropical forests.

Autumn phenology plays a key role in regulating the terrestrial carbon and water balance and their feedbacks to the climate. However, the mechanisms underlying autumn phenology are still poorly understood, especially in subtropical forests. In this study, we extracted the autumn photosynthetic transition dates (APTD) in subtropical China over the period 2003-2017 based on a global, fine-resolution solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) dataset (GOSIF) using four fitting methods, and then explored the temporal-spatial variations of APTD and its underlying mechanisms using partial correlation analysis and machine learning methods. We further predicted the APTD shifts under future climate warming conditions by applying process-based and machine learning-based models. We found that the APTD was significantly delayed, with an average rate of 7.7 days per decade, in subtropical China during 2003-2017. Both partial correlation analysis and machine learning methods revealed that soil moisture was the primary driver responsible for the APTD changes in southern subtropical monsoon evergreen forest (SEF) and middle subtropical evergreen forest (MEF), whereas solar radiation controlled the APTD variations in the northern evergreen-broadleaf deciduous mixed forest (NMF). Combining the effects of temperature, soil moisture and radiation, we found a significantly delayed trend in APTD during the 2030-2100 period, but the trend amplitude (0.8 days per decade) was much weaker than that over 2003-2017. In addition, we found that machine learning methods outperformed process-based models in projecting APTD. Our findings generate from different methods highlight that soil moisture is one of the key players in determining autumn photosynthetic phenological processes in subtropical forests. To comprehensively understand autumn phenological processes, in-situ manipulative experiments are urgently needed to quantify the contributions of different environmental and physiological factors in regulating plants' response to ongoing climate change.

Liquid cooling system for battery modules with boron nitride based thermal conductivity silicone grease.

Heat-conductive silicone grease (HCSG), one of the most common composite thermal interface materials (TIMs) used in many advanced applications, is limited by its low thermal conductivity (TC). Different surface modification agents are required to improve the dispersion of TC additives and the interfacial compatibility with the silicone matrix. In this study, MQ silicone resin (MQ) was used to modify two kinds of self-made spherical boron nitrides (SBNs), with different particle sizes, using the sedimentation method. The amount of filler content allowed within the SBNs increased owing to the similar polarity of the MQ and the silicone matrix, and a HCSG with a TC of 1.22 W (m-1 K-1) and a thermal resistance (TR) of 0.49 °C W-1 was obtained, respectively. In addition, the TC pathway was formed more easily with the 15 µm SBNs than with the 5 µm SBNs. In order to verify its potential application in battery thermal management, the HCSG was assembled on the surface of the liquid-cooling plate in the 18 650-battery module, and it was found that the maximum temperature of the battery module could be maintained below 42 °C, and the temperature difference could be controlled within 5 °C. Thus, with these excellent performances, the MQ silicone resin reported here, with respect to the assembly methods, will provide insights into the thermal management and energy storage fields.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Porphyrin Nanodisks Prepared by Exfoliation of Metalloporphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Organic polymers derived from covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have various applications, including photocatalysis. The synthesis of organic polymer materials from COFs to obtain higher activity for photocatalysis by changing the unit molecule has been investigated. The choice of the unit molecule is important to characterize the photochemical properties. Among various such unit molecules, porphyrins have attracted much attention as organic chromophores commonly used in photocatalytic reactions with COFs. Although COFs with various organic chromophores have been synthesized and attempts have been made to improve their photocatalytic activity, enhancing the photocatalytic activity by adjusting the layer thickness through exfoliation of COFs has yet to be fully studied. In the present study, the exfoliation of metalloporphyrin-based COFs with pyridine as the axial ligand and adjustment of the layer thickness were found to enhance the photocatalytic activity. Hydrogen generation and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation reactions were investigated as representative photocatalytic reactions, with the photocatalytic activity up to 7 times that of the original free-base porphyrin COFs. These results indicate that the different thicknesses synthesized by exfoliating COFs increased the photocatalytic effect of polymers.

In Situ Formed Weave Cage-Like Nanostructure Wrapped Mesoporous Micron Silicon Anode for Enhanced Stable Lithium-Ion Battery.

The low-cost and high-capacity micron silicon is identified as the suitable anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the particle fracture and severe capacity fading during electrochemical cycling greatly impede the practical application of LIBs. Herein, we first proposed an in situ reduction and template assembly strategy to attain a weave cage-like carbon nanostructure, composed of short carbon nanotubes and small graphene flakes, as a flexible nanotemplate that closely wrapped micron-sized mesoporous silicon (PSi) to form a robust composite construction. The in situ formed weave cage-like carbon nanostructure can remarkably improve the electrochemical property and structural stability of micron-sized PSi during deep galvanostatic cycling and high electric current density owing to multiple attractive advantages. As a result, the rechargeable LIB applying this anode material exhibits improved initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), excellent rate performance, and cyclic stability in the existing micron-sized PSi/nanocarbon system. Moreover, this anode reached an approximation of 100% ICE after only three cycles and maintains this level in subsequent cycles. This design of flexible nanotemplated platform wrapped micron-sized PSi anode provides a steerable nanoengineering strategy toward conquering the challenge of long-term reliable LIB application.