Manganese-Modified Aluminum Adjuvant Enhances both Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses.

Aluminum adjuvants remain the most commonly used vaccine adjuvants. Being rather effective in triggering humoral immunity, however, aluminum adjuvants usually show limited abilities in activating cellular immunities. Herein, by adding manganese ions during the preparation of aluminum adjuvant, a manganese-modified aluminum (Mn-Al) adjuvant is obtained, which can effectively stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Such Mn-Al adjuvant can enhance antigen adsorption and promote antigen internalization by dendritic cells (DCs). Subsequently, the released Mn2+ can activate the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway to further promote DC activation. When combines with the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA), the Mn-Al-adjuvantes vaccine can induce high levels of antigen-specific antibody titers and high proportions of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells in vivo. Moreover, the Mn-Al-adjuvanted vaccine elicited stronger antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses than high-dose of the aluminum-based adjuvant. Additionally, immunization of mice with OVA in the presence of the Mn-Al adjuvant significantly inhibited the growth of B16-OVA tumors. Furthermore, when formulated with human papillomavirus antigens, Mn-Al-adjuvanted vaccines show better in vivo vaccination performance than aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines. Therefore, the manganese-modified aluminum adjuvant may thus become a new vaccine adjuvant with the potential to replace conventional aluminum adjuvants.

Buyang huanwu decoction improves synaptic plasticity of ischemic stroke by regulating the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ischemic stroke is an acute central nervous system disease that poses a threat to human health. It induces a series of severe pathological mechanisms, ultimately leading to neuronal cell death in the brain due to local ischemia and hypoxia. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), as a representative formula for treating ischemic stroke, has shown good therapeutic effects in stroke patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the mechanism of BYHWD in promoting neural remodeling after ischemic stroke from the perspective of neuronal synaptic plasticity, based on the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified suture technique was employed to establish a rat model of MCAO. The rats were divided into sham, model, and BYHWD (20 g/kg) groups. After the corresponding intervention, rat brains from each group were collected. TMT quantitative proteomics technology was employed for the research. Following proteomics studies, we investigated the mechanism of BYHWD in the intervention of ischemic stroke through animal experiments and cell experiments. The experimental animals were divided into sham, model, and BYHWD (5 g/kg, 10 g/kg, and 20 g/kg) groups. Infarct volume and severity of brain injury were measured by TTC staining. HE staining was utilized to evaluate alterations in tissue morphology. The Golgi staining was used to observe changes in cell body, dendrites, and dendritic spines. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of synapses in the cortex and hippocampus. TUNEL staining was conducted to identify apoptotic neurons. Meanwhile, a stable and reliable (OGD/R) SH-SY5Y cell model was established. The effect of BYHWD-containing serum on SH-SY5Y cell viability was measured by CCK-8 kit. The apoptosis situation of SH-SY5Y cells was determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI. Immunofluorescence was employed to measure the fluorescence intensity of synaptic-related factors Syt1, Psd95, and Syn1. Synaptic plasticity pathways were assessed by using RT-qPCR and Western blot to determine the expression levels of cAMP, Psd95, Prkacb, Creb1/p-Creb1, BDNF, Shank2, Syn1, Syt1, Bcl-2, Bcl-2/Bax mRNA and proteins. RESULTS: After treatment with BYHWD, notable alterations were detected in the signaling pathways linked to synaptic plasticity and the cAMP signaling pathway-related targets among the intervention targets. This trend of change was also reflected in other bioinformatics analyses, indicating the important role of synaptic plasticity changes before and after modeling and drug intervention. The results of vivo and vitro experiments showed that BYHWD improved local pathological changes, and reduced cerebral infarct volume, and neurological function scores in MCAO rats. It increased dendritic spine density, improved synaptic structural plasticity, and had a certain neuroprotective effect. BYHWD increased the postsynaptic membrane thickness, synaptic interface curvature, and synaptic quantity. 10% BYHWD-containing serum was determined as the optimal concentration for treatment. 10% BYHWD-containing serum significantly reduced the overall apoptotic rate of (OGD/R) SH-SY5Y cells. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that 10% BYHWD-containing serum could improve synaptic plasticity and increase the relative expression levels of synaptic-related proteins Syt1, Psd95, and Syn1. BYHWD and decoction-containing serum upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels in (OGD/R) SH-SY5Y cells and MCAO rats, suggesting its ability to improve damaged neuronal synaptic plasticity and enhance transmission efficiency, which might be achieved through the regulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study may provide a basis for clinical medication by elucidating the underlying experimental evidence for the promotion of neural plasticity after ischemic stroke by BYHWD.

Thioxanthone Functionalized NanoTiO2 Composites as Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dyes.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic technology has the advantages of high catalytic activity, high chemical stability, nontoxicity, and low cost. Therefore, it finds widespread applications in the degradation of organic pollutants in water, antibacterial, environmental purification, and other fields. In this study, we have obtained a photocatalyst by modifying nanoTiO2 with the photosensitizer thioxanthone. The light-harvesting units of thioxanthone and nanoTiO2 can work synergistically to capture light energy. As a heterogeneous photocatalytic material, it can efficiently degrade organic dyes such as Rhodamine B, methyl blue and methyl orange. Specifically, the degradation rate of 0.1 mmol/L Rhodamine B can reach 97% after 35 min of irradiation, and methyl blue and methyl orange can also reach 98 and 56%, respectively.

Thermotropic "Plumber's Nightmare" - A Tight Liquid Organic Double Framework.

Gyroid, double diamond and the body-centred "Plumber's nightmare" are the three most common bicontinuous cubic phases in lyotropic liquid crystals and block copolymers. While the first two are also present in solvent-free thermotropics, the latter had never been found. Containing six-fold junctions, it was unlikely to form in the more common phases with rod-like cores normal to the network columns, where a maximum of four branches can join at a junction. The solution has therefore been sought in side-branched mesogens that lie in axial bundles joined at their ends by flexible "hinges". But for the tightly packed double framework, geometric models predicted that the side-chains should be very short. The true Plumber's nightmare reported here, using fluorescent dithienofluorenone rod-like mesogen, has been achieved with, indeed, no side chains at all, but with 6 flexible end-chains. Such molecules normally form columnar phases, but the key to converting a complex helical column-forming mesogen into a framework-forming one was the addition of just one methyl group to each pendant chain. A geometry-based explanation is given.

ZIF-8-based Nanoparticles for Inflammation Treatment and Oxidative Stress Reduction in Periodontitis.

Periodontitis, an inflammatory bone resorption disease associated with dental plaque, poses significant challenges for effective treatment. In this study, we developed Mino@ZIF-8 nanoparticles inspired by the periodontal microenvironment and the unique properties of zeolitic imidazolate framework 8, aiming to address the complex pathogenesis of periodontitis. Transcriptome analysis revealed the active engagement of Mino@ZIF-8 nanoparticles in innate and adaptive inflammatory host defense and cellular metabolic remodeling. Through sustained release of the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent minocycline hydrochloride (Mino) and the generation of Zn2+ with pro-antioxidant effects during degradation, Mino@ZIF-8 nanoparticles synergistically alleviate inflammation and oxidative damage. Notably, our study focuses on the pivotal role of zinc ions in mitochondrial oxidation protection. Under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, periodontal ligament cells undergo a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, leading to reduced ATP production and increased reactive oxygen species levels. However, Zn2+ effectively rebalances the glycolysis-OXPHOS imbalance, restoring cellular bioenergetics, mitigating oxidative damage, rescuing impaired mitochondria, and suppressing inflammatory cytokine production through modulation of the AKT/GSK3ß/NRF2 pathway. This research not only presents a promising approach for periodontitis treatment but also offers novel therapeutic opportunities for zinc-containing materials, providing valuable insights into the design of biomaterials targeting cellular energy metabolism regulation.

Insights into starch synthesis and amino acid composition of common buckwheat in response to phosphate fertilizer management strategies.

To investigate the response and the regulatory mechanism of common buckwheat starch, amylose, and amylopectin biosynthesis to P management strategies, field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 using three phosphorus (P) levels. Results revealed that the application of 75 kg hm-2 phosphate fertilizer significantly enhanced amylopectin and total starch content in common buckwheat, leading to improved grain weight and starch yield, and decreased starch granule size. The number of upregulated differentially expressed proteins induced by phosphate fertilizer increased with the application rate, with 56 proteins identified as shared differential proteins between different P levels, primarily associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Phosphate fertilizer inhibited amylose synthesis by downregulating granule-bound starch synthase protein expression and promoted amylopectin accumulation by upregulating 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme and starch synthase proteins expression. Additionally, Phosphate fertilizer primarily promoted the accumulation of hydrophobic and essential amino acids. These findings elucidate the mechanism of P-induced starch accumulation and offer insights into phosphate fertilizer management and high-quality cultivation of common buckwheat.

The significance of antigen-antibody-binding avidity in clinical diagnosis.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing are commonly used to determine infection status. Typically, the detection of IgM indicates an acute or recent infection, while the presence of IgG alone suggests a chronic or past infection. However, relying solely on IgG and IgM antibody positivity may not be sufficient to differentiate acute from chronic infections. This limitation arises from several factors. The prolonged presence of IgM can complicate diagnostic interpretations, and false positive IgM results often arise from antibody cross-reactivity with various antigens. Additionally, IgM may remain undetectable in prematurely collected samples or in individuals who are immunocompromised, further complicating accurate diagnosis. As a result, additional diagnostic tools are required to confirm infection status. Avidity is a measure of the strength of the binding between an antigen and antibody. Avidity-based assays have been developed for various infectious agents, including toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus (CMV), SARS-CoV-2, and avian influenza, and are promising tools in clinical diagnostics. By measuring the strength of antibody binding, they offer critical insights into the maturity of the immune response. These assays are instrumental in distinguishing between acute and chronic or past infections, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions. The development of automated platforms has optimized the testing process by enhancing efficiency and minimizing the risk of manual errors. Additionally, the recent advent of real-time biosensor immunoassays, including the label-free immunoassays (LFIA), has further amplified the capabilities of these assays. These advances have expanded the clinical applications of avidity-based assays, making them useful tools for the diagnosis and management of various infectious diseases. This review is structured around several key aspects of IgG avidity in clinical diagnosis, including: (i) a detailed exposition of the IgG affinity maturation process; (ii) a thorough discussion of the IgG avidity assays, including the recently emerged biosensor-based approaches; and (iii) an examination of the applications of IgG avidity in clinical diagnosis. This review is intended to contribute toward the development of enhanced diagnostic tools through critical assessment of the present landscape of avidity-based testing, which allows us to identify the existing knowledge gaps and highlight areas for future investigation.

The efficacy of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia: an overview of systematic reviews.

Background: Many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis (MAs) have reported the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN), but the quality of evidence is unknown and therefore needs to be evaluated comprehensively. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception until January 5, 2024. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and risk of bias of the included SRs were assessed by the assessment of multiple systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The quality of evidence for outcome measures was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: We identified 13 SRs/MAs met inclusion criteria. According to the results of the AMSTAR-2, six were rated as critically low quality and seven as low quality. According to ROBIS assessment, 8 SRs/MAs were classified as low risk, and 5 SRs/MAs were found to be high risk. The PRISMA report still has some reporting deficiencies in aspects such as protocol and registration, search strategy, risk of bias, additional analyzes and funding. According to the GRADE system, no high-quality evidence was found, 1 was of moderate quality, 4 were of low quality, and 8 were of critical low quality. Conclusion: Based on the evidence collected, acupuncture shows promise as a treatment for PTN patients. However, it is important to note that the included SRs/MAs generally have low methodological quality and evidence quality. Therefore, caution must be exercised when interpreting this conclusion. To enhance future research in this area, it is recommended to adequately report methodological details and adhere to guidelines for conducting SRs/MAs.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024499280.

Promoted surface reconstruction of pentlandite via phosphorus-doping for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction.

The pentlandite Fe5Ni4S8(abbreviated as FNS) is not efficient for water splitting because of its inferior performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This issue originates from the low activity and instability of FNS during the OER process but can be solved through appropriate doping. Herein, a P-doping strategy based on annealing in the presence of NaH2PO2as a phosphorus source upstream was employed on FNS to enhance its activity and stability toward OER. The results demonstrated fine-tuned electronic structures of Fe and Ni in FNS through P-doping, resulting in suppressed Fe leaching,improved electrical conductivity of FNS, and easier formation of NiOOH on the surface of the catalyst. In turn, these features enhanced the OER activity and stability. The optimal P-doped FNS catalyst FNSP-40 exhibited a 4-fold greater electrochemical surface area compared to that of FNS, accompanied by an overpotential of 235 mV at 10 mA cm-2. The optimized FNSP-40 catalyst was used as an anode, and platinum-decorated FNS was used as a cathode. This combination demonstrated an electrolysis performance with a cell voltage of 1.57 V, reaching a current density of 100 mA cm-2,which indicates efficient operation. The advantages of P-doping engineering were also verified in simulated seawater with enhanced OER performance. Overall, the proposed strategy looks promising for the fabrication of pentlandite-structured catalysts for efficient alkaline water and seawater oxidation.

Circulating CD8 + LGALS9 + T Cell Population Exhibiting Low Cytotoxic Characteristics are Decreased in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

LGALS9, also known as Galectin-9 and a member of the ß-galactosidase family, plays a crucial role in immune regulation. However, its expression and function in CD8 T cells, as well as its association with cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), remain unclear. This study aims to investigate LGALS9 expression patterns in human circulating CD8 T lymphocytes and elucidate its clinical significance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Blood samples from 56 healthy controls and 50 new-onset SLE patients were collected. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze LGALS9 expression in circulating CD8 T lymphocytes via intracellular staining. Compared to LGALS9 + CD8 + T cells, LGALS9-CD8 + T cells showed increased secretion of Granzyme B (GZMB) and Perforin, along with elevated expression levels of GPR56, CX3CR1, KLRD1, KLRF1, PD1, and CD29. A higher proportion of Tn (naive T cells) and TCM (central memory T cells) showed LGALS9 positivity, compared to TEM (effector memory T cells) and TEMRA (terminally differentiated effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA). Clinically, the downregulation of LGALS9 expression was significant in SLE patients. LGALS9 + CD8 + T cells exhibited an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.6916, while CX3CR1 + in LGALS9 + CD8 + T cells had an AUC of 0.6478, and KLRF1 + had an AUC of 0.6419, for distinguishing SLE from healthy individuals. In conclusion, CD8 + LGALS9 + T cells display characteristics of low cytotoxicity, and their reduction is evident in SLE patients, potentially implicating them in SLE pathogenesis and providing diagnostic assistance.

Robust Sensory Information Reconstruction and Classification With Augmented Spikes.

Sensory information recognition is primarily processed through the ventral and dorsal visual pathways in the primate brain visual system, which exhibits layered feature representations bearing a strong resemblance to convolutional neural networks (CNNs), encompassing reconstruction and classification. However, existing studies often treat these pathways as distinct entities, focusing individually on pattern reconstruction or classification tasks, overlooking a key feature of biological neurons, the fundamental units for neural computation of visual sensory information. Addressing these limitations, we introduce a unified framework for sensory information recognition with augmented spikes. By integrating pattern reconstruction and classification within a single framework, our approach not only accurately reconstructs multimodal sensory information but also provides precise classification through definitive labeling. Experimental evaluations conducted on various datasets including video scenes, static images, dynamic auditory scenes, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain activities demonstrate that our framework delivers state-of-the-art pattern reconstruction quality and classification accuracy. The proposed framework enhances the biological realism of multimodal pattern recognition models, offering insights into how the primate brain visual system effectively accomplishes the reconstruction and classification tasks through the integration of ventral and dorsal pathways.

A methodological study on the identification of ecological security change processes and zoning control strategies -- Based on the perspective of sustainable development.

Ecological security (ES) is a crucial indicator for assessing the sustainable development of a region. Currently, most studies on ES primarily focus on process analysis, and the integration of environmental variability into the development of tailored control strategies for regions with varying ecological quality is overlooked. Therefore, in this study, we identified regional ES change processes, employed an optimized system to calculate the ecological security index (ESI), and identified ecological corridors (ECs) through the Minimum Constrained Resource (MCR) model to determine zoning strategies for typical arid regions, using the Ningxia region in the Yellow River Basin of China as an example. The findings showed that (1) from 2006 to 2020, the ESI values of most regions were between 0.2 and 0.4, with small but consistent increases in the ESI values over the years. (2) The proportion of regions with high ES ratings increased by 9.08 % across all districts and counties, and the center of gravity of ES shifted in a north-south and east-west direction. (3) The ESI exhibited a strong positive spatial correlation, characterized by spatial diffusion and spillover effects in most regions. (4) The ECs were predominantly distributed in a north-south direction, involving a total of 20 districts and counties. Based on the principles of sustainable development, we developed a model for the dynamic identification and zoning control of regional ES, aiming to provide a practical framework for effective ecological restoration and protection measures. Additionally, the strategies and methodologies presented in this study serve as important references for similar regions worldwide to facilitate the zoning control of ES, highlighting the broader significance and applicability of the study.

Advances in Host-Free White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Utilizing Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence: A Comprehensive Review.

The ever-growing prominence and widespread acceptance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), particularly those employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), have firmly established them as formidable contenders in the field of lighting technology. TADF enables achieving a 100% utilization rate and efficient luminescence through reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). However, the effectiveness of TADF-OLEDs is influenced by their high current density and limited device lifetime, which result in a significant reduction in efficiency. This comprehensive review introduces the TADF mechanism and provides a detailed overview of recent advancements in the development of host-free white OLEDs (WOLEDs) utilizing TADF. This review specifically scrutinizes advancements from three distinct perspectives: TADF fluorescence, TADF phosphorescence and all-TADF materials in host-free WOLEDs. By presenting the latest research findings, this review contributes to the understanding of the current state of host-free WOLEDs, employing TADF and underscoring promising avenues for future investigations. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for newcomers seeking an entry point into the field as well as for established members of the WOLEDs community, offering them insightful perspectives on imminent advancements.

Laser-Scribed Graphene for Human Health Monitoring: From Biophysical Sensing to Biochemical Sensing.

Laser-scribed graphene (LSG), a classic three-dimensional porous carbon nanomaterial, is directly fabricated by laser irradiation of substrate materials. Benefiting from its excellent electrical and mechanical properties, along with flexible and simple preparation process, LSG has played a significant role in the field of flexible sensors. This review provides an overview of the critical factors in fabrication, and methods for enhancing the functionality of LSG. It also highlights progress and trends in LSG-based sensors for monitoring physiological indicators, with an emphasis on device fabrication, signal transduction, and sensing characteristics. Finally, we offer insights into the current challenges and future prospects of LSG-based sensors for health monitoring and disease diagnosis.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Yield-Related Traits and Candidate Genes in Vegetable Soybean.

Owing to the rising demand for vegetable soybean products, there is an increasing need for high-yield soybean varieties. However, the complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits with genetic architecture pose a challenge for improving vegetable soybean through breeding. Herein, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied to 6 yield-related traits in 188 vegetable soybean accessions. Using a BLINK model, a total of 116 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for plant height, pod length, pod number, pod thickness, pod width, and fresh pod weight. Furthermore, a total of 220 genes were found in the 200 kb upstream and downstream regions of significant SNPs, including 11 genes encoding functional proteins. Among them, four candidate genes, Glyma.13G109100, Glyma.03G183200, Glyma.09G102200, and Glyma.09G102300 were analyzed for significant haplotype variations and to be in LD block, which encode MYB-related transcription factor, auxin-responsive protein, F-box protein, and CYP450, respectively. The relative expression of candidate genes in V030 and V071 vegetable soybean (for the plant height, pod number, and fresh pod weight of V030 were lower than those of the V071 strains) was significantly different, and these genes could be involved in plant growth and development via various pathways. Altogether, we identified four candidate genes for pod yield and plant height from vegetable soybean germplasm. This study provides insights into the genomic basis for improving soybean and crucial genomic resources that can facilitate genome-assisted high-yielding vegetable soybean breeding.

A Zn(II) Coordination Polymer for Fluorescent Turn-Off Selective Sensing of Heavy Metal Cation and Toxic Inorganic Anions.

A novel coordination polymer [Zn(atyha)2]n (1) (Hatyha = 2-(2-aminothiazole-4-yl)-2- hydroxyiminoacetic acid) was constructed by hydrothermal reaction of Zn2+ with Hatyha ligand. CP 1 exhibits a 2D (4,4)-connected topological framework with Schläfli symbol of {44·62}, where atyha- anions serve as tridentate ligands, bridging with Zn2+ through carboxylate, thiazole and oxime groups. CP 1 displays a strong ligand-based photoluminescence at 390 nm in the solid state, and remains significantly structurally stable in water. Interestingly, it can be utilized as a fluorescent probe for selective and sensitive sensing of Fe3+, Cr2O72- and MnO4- through the fluorescent turn-off effect with limit of detection (LOD) of 3.66 × 10-6, 2.38 × 10-5 and 2.94 × 10-6 M, respectively. Moreover, the efficient recyclability for detection of Fe3+ and Cr2O72- is better than that for MnO4-. The mechanisms of fluorescent quenching involve reversible overlap of UV-Vis absorption bands of the analytes (Fe3+, Cr2O72- and MnO4-) with fluorescence excitation and emission bands for CP 1, respectively.

Depolymerization of Native Lignin over Thiol Capped Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 Microbelts Mediated by Photogenerated Thiyl Radical.

The valorization of native lignin to functionalized aromatic compounds under visible light is appealing yet challenging. In this communication, colloidal mercaptoalkanoic acid capped ultrathin ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) microbelts was successfully fabricated, which was used as a superior catalyst for depolymerization of native lignin in birch woodmeal under visible light, with an optimum yield of 28.8 wt % to functionalized aromatic monomers achieved in 8 h. The capped mercaptoalkanoic acid not only enables a solvent modulated reversible interchange of ZIS between the colloidal state for efficient reaction and the aggregated state for facile separation, but also serves as a precursor for light initiated generation of reactive thiyl radical for highly selective cleavage of ß-O-4 bond in native lignin. This work provides a green and efficient strategy for the depolymerization of native lignin to functionalized aromatic monomers under mild conditions, which involves a new mechanism for the cleavage of ß-O-4 bonds in native lignin. The capability of cleavage of ß-O-4 bonds in native lignin by photogenerated thiyl radicals also demonstrates the great potential of using photogenerated thiyl radicals in organics transformations.

Untargeted metabolomics combined with vitro antioxidant to comprehensively evaluate the effect of sodium sulfite immersion on the holistic quality of mung bean sprouts.

Mung bean sprouts are widely consumed as a seasonal fresh vegetable, renowned for their affordability and richness in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. This study employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatogram-Q-Exactive HF mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to comprehensively evaluate the chemical profile of mung bean sprouts following sulfite immersion. The findings revealed a significant alteration in the overall chemical composition of mung bean sprouts following sodium sulfite immersion. Eleven components, including four sulfur-containing compounds, were identified as characteristic markers distinguishing between non-immersed and sodium sulfite-immersed mung bean sprouts. Esterification and addition reactions were inferred to occur during sodium sulfite immersion, leading to the transformation of flavonoid and saponin sulfates. Commercial samples analysis indicated that sulfur-containing compounds were detectable in 9 of 11 commercial mung bean sprouts. Meanwhile, when sodium sulfite concentration exceeded 3.00 mg/mL and immersion time exceeded 360 min, the contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid were significantly reduced and the antioxidant activity was adversely influenced.

Weight loss, glycolipid profile changes in type 2 diabetes patients after esophagectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common co-morbidity in patients who receive esophagectomy and has unfavorable effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients. This study examines how weight and glycolipid metabolism change in patients with T2DM following esophagectomy. METHODS: This retrospective, one-center, observational analysis with a propensity score matching analysis (PSM) included 114 patients who underwent esophageal surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2017 to 2020, which were separated into T2DM group and Non-T2DM group. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured and analyzed before and after the operation. RESULTS: Two groups showed similar reductions in weight and BMI after surgery. In the T2DM group, weight decreased from 63.10(10.31) before surgery to 55.10(11.60) kg at 6 months (P < 0.001) with BMI decreasing from 22.67 (2.90) to 19.77 (3.48); While in the Non-T2DM group, weight decreased from 61.42 (8.46) to 53.19 (9.26) kg at 6 months after surgery with BMI decline from 22.49 (2.77) before operation to 19.45 (3.08) at 6 months after surgery. Fasting plasma glucose levels showed a significant decrease (P = 0.035) in the T2DM group at a six-month point of 7.00 (2.21) mmol/L compared to preoperative levels of 7.67 (2.32) mmol/L. HDL levels increased significantly in the Non-T2DM group at six months postoperatively at 1.52 (0.05) with P < 0.001 compared to preoperative levels of 1.22(0.04) mmol/L. TG, LDL, and TC levels decreased significantly in both groups from the preoperative to the 6-month point. CONCLUSIONS: Esophagectomy induces weight loss in T2DM and Non-T2DM groups, improves long-term glucose metabolism in the T2DM group, and enhances lipid metabolism in both groups. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms.

Bi-Interlayer Strategy for Modulating NiCoP-Based Heterostructure toward High-Performance Aqueous Energy Storage Devices.

Nickel-cobalt (NiCo) phosphides (NCPs) possess high electrochemical activity, which makes them promising candidates for electrode materials in aqueous energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and zinc (Zn) batteries. However, the actual specific capacitance and rate capability of NCPs require further improvement, which can be achieved through reasonable heterostructural design and loading conditions of active materials on substrates. Herein, novel hierarchical Bi-NCP heterogeneous structures with built-in electric fields consisting of bismuth (Bi) interlayers (electrodeposited on carbon cloth (CC)) are designed and fabricated to ensure the formation of uniform high-load layered active materials for efficient charge and ion transport. The resulting CC/Bi-NCP electrodes show a uniform, continuous, and high mass loading (>3.5 mg) with a superior capacitance reaching 1200 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 4129 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2 combined with high-rate capability and durable cyclic stability. Moreover, assembled hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), supercapatteries, and alkaline Zn-ion (AZBs) batteries constructed using these electrodes deliver high energy densities of 64.4, 81.8, and 319.1 Wh kg-1, respectively. Overall, the constructed NCPs with excellent aqueous energy storage performance have the potential for the development of novel transition metal-based heterostructure electrodes for advanced energy devices.