A novel macroporous carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate sponge dressing capable of rapid hemostasis and drug delivery.

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and sodium alginate (SA), which are excellent polysaccharide-based hemostatic agents, are capable of forming polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) through electrostatic interactions. However, CMCS/SA PEC sponges prepared by the conventional sol-gel process exhibited slow liquid absorption rate and poor mechanical properties post-swelling. In this work, a novel strategy involving freeze casting followed by acetic acid vapor treatment to induce electrostatic interactions was developed to fabricate novel PEC sponges with varying CMCS/SA mass ratios. Compared to sol-gel process sponge, the novel sponge exhibited a higher density of electrostatic interactions, resulting in denser pore walls that resist re-gelation and swelling according to FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses. Additionally, the liquid absorption kinetics, as well as compression and tension tests, demonstrated that the novel sponge had significantly improved rapid blood absorption capacity and mechanical properties. Furthermore, in vitro coagulation and drug release studies showed that the novel sponge had a lower blood clotting index and clotting time, along with a slower drug release rate after loading with berberine hydrochloride, showcasing its potential as a rapid hemostatic dressing with controlled drug release capabilities.

Wireless Optogenetic Targeting Nociceptors Helps Host Cells Win the Competitive Colonization in Implant-Associated Infections.

The role of nociceptive nerves in modulating immune responses to harmful stimuli via pain or itch induction remains controversial. Compared to conventional surgery, various implant surgeries are more prone to infections even with low bacterial loads. In this study, an optogenetic technique is introduced for selectively activating peripheral nociceptive nerves using a fully implantable, wirelessly rechargeable optogenetic device. By targeting nociceptors in the limbs of awake, freely moving mice, it is found that activation induces anticipatory immunity in the innervated territory and enhances the adhesion of various host cells to the implant surface. This effect mediates acute immune cell-mediated killing of Staphylococcus aureus on implants and enables the host to win "implant surface competition" against Staphylococcus aureus. This finding provides new strategies for preventing and treating implant-associated infections.

Clypeasterol, a novel aromatic ergosterol skeleton from the mushroom Entoloma clypeatum.

Chemical investigation of the wild mushroom Entoloma clypeatum led to the isolation of one new A-nor B-aromatic C28 steroid (1), along with eight known compounds (2-9) from this mushroom. As far as we know, compound 1 represents an unprecedented type of natural product. The structure of the new compound was elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR, while the relative configuration was confirmed by NOESY correlations. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1 was evaluated against LPS induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compound 1 exhibited a moderate anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 24.56 ± 1.72 µM.

Improved cure rate of periprosthetic joint infection through targeted antibiotic therapy based on integrated pathogen diagnosis strategy.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether combined of pathogen detection strategies, including specimen acquisition, culture conditions, and molecular diagnostics, can improve treatment outcomes in patients with periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Methods: This retrospective study included suspected PJI cases from three sequential stages at our institution: Stage A (July 2012 to June 2015), Stage B (July 2015 to June 2018), and Stage C (July 2018 to June 2021). Cases were categorized into PJI and aseptic failure (AF) groups based on European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) criteria. Utilization of pathogen diagnostic strategies, pathogen detection rates, targeted antibiotic prescription rates, and treatment outcomes were analyzed and compared across the three stages. Results: A total of 165 PJI cases and 38 AF cases were included in this study. With the progressive implementation of the three optimization approaches across stages A, B and C, pathogen detection rates exhibited a gradual increase (χ2 = 8.282, P=0.016). Similarly, utilization of targeted antibiotic therapy increased stepwise from 57.1% in Stage A, to 82.3% in Stage B, and to 84% in Stage C (χ2 = 9.515, P=0.009). The 2-year infection control rate exceeded 90% in both stages B and C, surpassing stage A (71.4%) (χ2 = 8.317, P=0.011). Combined application of all three optimized protocols yielded the highest sensitivity of 91.21% for pathogen detection, while retaining higher specificity of 92.11%. Conclusion: The utilization of combined pathogen diagnostic strategies in PJI can increase pathogen detection rates, improve targeted antibiotic prescription, reduce the occurrence of antibiotic complications, and achieve better treatment outcomes.

Isolation and target identification of antihepatoma polyprenylphenols from the edible mushroom Suillus granulatus.

Eight polyprenylphenol derivatives were isolated from the wild edible mushroom Suillus granulatus, including seven novel compounds, named suillin F-L (2-8), and one previously identified compound (1). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR data. The absolute configuration of compound 8 was assigned based on the comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD data. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cancer cell lines. Compounds 1 and 3-6 demonstrated significant antitumor activity compared to the positive control (cisplatin), with IC50 values ranging from 8.19 to 13.97 µM. Furthermore, DARTS assay and LC-MS/MS analysis were used to identify HSP90AA1 as the direct target of compound 5, and the interaction between compound 5 and HSP90AA1 was verified by molecular docking.

Bioassay-guided isolation of three new alkaloids from Suillus bovinus and preliminary mechanism against ginseng root rot.

In order to control the occurrence of ginseng root rot caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., the antifungal compounds of the mushroom Suillus bovinus were investigated. And three new alkaloids (1-3), named bovinalkaloid A-C, along with one known analog (4), were isolated and identified by bioassay-guided isolation and spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 strongly inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. solani with minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.08 mM. Increases in electrical conductivity, nucleic acid, and protein contents, and decreases in lipid content showed that the membrane permeability and integrity were damaged by compound 1. Compound 1 also increased the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, indicating that lipid peroxidation had taken place in F. solani. Compound 1 may serve as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for the control of ginseng root rot.

Occurrence and seasonal variations of organophosphate flame retardants in air and dust from college microenvironments at Qingdao, China: Implications for student's exposure and risk assessment.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely used as alternatives to brominated flame retardants in a variety of consumer products and their consumption has continuously increased in recent years. However, their concentrations and human exposures in indoor microenvironments, particularly in a university environment, have received limited attention. In this study, the concentrations and seasonal variations of 15 OPFRs were assessed in typical microenvironments of two universities, including dormitories, offices, public microenvironments (PMEs: classroom, dining hall, gymnasium and library), and laboratories on the northern coast of China. Analysis of the OPFRs in both air and dust samples indicated widespread distribution in college campuses. The average concentration of ∑15OPFRs in the winter (12,774.4 ng/g and 5.3 ng/m3 for dust and air, respectively) was higher than in the summer (2460.4 ng/g and 4.6 ng/m3 for dust and air, respectively). The dust and air samples collected from PMEs and laboratories exhibited higher concentrations of OPFRs, followed by offices and dormitories. An equilibrium was reached between dust and air in all collected microenvironments. The daily intakes of OPFRs were significantly lower than the reference dose. Dust ingestion was the primary intake pathway in the winter, while inhalation and dust ingestion were the main intake pathways in the summer. The non-carcinogenic hazard quotients fell within the range of 10-7-10-3 in both the summer and winter, which are below the theoretical risk threshold. For the carcinogenic risk, the LCR values ranged from 10-10 to 10-8, indicating no elevated carcinogenic risk due to TnBP, TCEP, and TDCP in indoor dust and air.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of the Brown Slime Cap Mushroom Chroogomphus rutilus (Agaricomycetes) Crude Polysaccharide In Vitro and In Vivo.

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and it is very important to study new hypoglycemic active substances. In this study, we investigated the hypoglycemic effect of Chroogomphus rutilus crude polysaccharide (CRCP) in HepG2 cells and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. A glucose consumption experiment conducted in HepG2 cells demonstrated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of CRCP. Furthermore, CRCP exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects and effectively ameliorated insulin resistance in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. In high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, after 4 weeks of CRCP administration, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and insulin resistance index significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were markedly increased. Moreover, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence labeling of tissue sections indicated that CRCP attenuated the pathological damage of liver and pancreas in diabetic mice. These results indicate that CRCP is a potential hypoglycemic agent.

Six new polyphenolic metabolites isolated from the Suillus granulatus and their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells.

Edible mushrooms are an important source of nutraceuticals and for the discovery of bioactive metabolites as pharmaceuticals. In this work, six new polyphenolic metabolites suillusol A-D (1-4), suillusinoic acid (5), ethyl suillusinoate (6), were isolated from the Suillus granulatus. The structures of new compounds were elucidated using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. As far as we know, compound 1 represents an unprecedented type of natural product and compound 3 represents a new type of polyphenol fungal pigment, which may be biosynthetically related to thelephoric acid. The cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells of the new compounds were also evaluated. Compound 2 demonstrate significant inhibitory activity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 10.85 µM, surpassing that of positive control cisplatin. Moreover, compound 1 and 3 also exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity with their IC50 values measured at 35.60 and 32.62 µM, respectively. Our results indicate that S. granulatus is a rich source of chemical constituents that may provide new lead compounds for the development of anticancer agents.

The study of double-network carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate based cryogels for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage.

Developing an injectable hemostatic dressing with shape recovery and high blood absorption ratio for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage maintains a critical clinical challenge. Here, double-network cryogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, and methacrylated sodium alginate were prepared by covalent crosslinking and physical crosslinking, and named carboxymethyl chitosan/methacrylated sodium alginate (CM) cryogels. Covalent crosslinking was achieved by methacrylated sodium alginate in the freeze casting process, while physical crosslinking was realized by electrostatic interaction between the amino group of carboxymethyl chitosan and the carboxyl group of sodium alginate. CM cryogels exhibited large water swelling ratios (8167 ± 1062 %), fast blood absorption speed (2974 ± 669 % in 15 s), excellent compressive strength (over 160 kPa for CM100) and shape recovery performance. Compared with gauze and commercial gelatin sponge, better hemostatic capacities were demonstrated for CM cryogel with the minimum blood loss of 40.0 ± 8.9 mg and the lowest hemostasis time of 5.0 ± 2.0 s at hemostasis of rat liver. Made of natural polysaccharides with biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility, the CM cryogels exhibit shape recovery and high blood absorption rate, making them promising to be used as an injectable hemostatic dressing for rapid hemostasis in noncompressible hemorrhage.

Three new griseofulvin derivatives from Aureobasidium pullulans.

Three new griseofulvin derivatives, griseofulvinoside A-C (1-3), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the solid fermentation product of Aureobasidium pullulans. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR. The antifungal activities of new compounds were evaluated against four phytopathogenic fungi in vitro, and all test compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects. Among them, compound 2 exhibited the most potent activities against the four selected phytopathogenic fungi with inhibitory rates ranging from 40.2 to 75.8% at 0.2 mg/mL.

Chemical Compounds, Bioactivities, and Potential Applications of the Mushroom Species of Genus Suillus (Agaricomycetes): A Review.

The genus Suillus, also known as "Song mo," falls under the order Boletales and consists of various higher fungi. It establishes mycorrhizae primarily with pine trees and has a good taste and medicinal values. Herein, we reviewed the chemical compounds present in the genus Suillus, including polysaccharides, steroids, phenols, polyprenyl phenol derivatives, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids, and their reported bioactivities and potential applications. This review aims to promote the utilization of the resources belonging to the genus Suillus and serves as a theoretical basis for their future studies and clinical applications.

Synthesis of Guanine/Vermiculite Two-Dimensional Nanocomposites for Wireless Humidity Sensing in Nut Storage Environment.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures have the advantages of high specific surface area, easy surface functionalization, abundant active sites, and good compatibility with device integration and can be assembled into three-dimensional structures, which are key to the development of high-performance gas sensors. In this study, 2D vermiculite (VMT) nanosheets and guanine (G), two renewable resources with unique chemical structures, were organically combined to fully use the specificity of their molecular structures and functional activities. Driven by the regulation of 2D VMT nanosheets, guanine/vermiculite (G/VMT)-based 2D nanocomposites with controllable pore structure, multiple binding sites, and unobstructed mass transfer were designed and synthesized. The G/VMT nanocomposite material was used as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode-sensitive film material to build a QCM-based humidity sensor. G/VMT-based QCM humidity sensor had good logarithmic linear relation (0.9971), high sensitivity (24.49 Hz/% relative humidity), low hysteresis (1.75% RH), fast response/recovery time (39/6 s), and good stability. Furthermore, with a QCM sensor and a specially designed wireless circuit, a wireless humidity detection system transmitting via Wi-Fi allows real-time monitoring of nut storage. This study presents an environmentally friendly, high-performance, miniature 2D nanocomposite sensor strategy for real-time monitoring.

Distributions of PAHs, NPAHs, OPAHs, BrPAHs, and ClPAHs in air, bulk deposition, soil, and water in the Shandong Peninsula, China: Urban-rural gradient, interface exchange, and long-range transport.

A systematic study of the movement of PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and their derivatives through air, soil, and water is key to understanding the exchange and transport mechanisms of these pollutants in the environment and for ultimately improving environmental quality. PAHs and their derivatives, such as nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), brominated PAHs (BrPAHs) and chlorinated PAHs (ClPAHs), were analyzed in air, bulk deposition, soil, and water samples collected from urban, rural, field, and background sites on the eastern coast of China. The goal was to investigate and discuss their spatiotemporal variations, exchange fluxes, and transport potential. The concentrations of PAHs and their derivatives in the air and bulk deposition displayed distinct seasonal patterns, with higher concentrations observed during the winter and spring and lower concentrations during the summer and autumn. NPAHs exhibited the opposite trend. Significant urban-rural gradients were observed for most of the PAHs and their derivatives. According to the air-soil fugacity calculations, 2-3 ring PAHs, BrPAHs, and ClPAHs were found to volatilize from the soil into the air, while 4-7 ring PAHs, OPAHs, and NPAHs deposited from the air into the soil. The air-water fugacity of the PAHs and their derivatives indicated that surface water was an important source for the ambient atmosphere in Qingdao. The characteristic travel distances (CTDs) and persistence (Pov) for atmospheric transport were much lower than that for the water samples, which may be due to the longer half-lives of PAHs and their derivatives in water. NPAHs and ClPAHs with long transport distances and strong persistence in water could lead to a significant impact on marine pollution.

Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on L-Arginine and 2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin for Drug Carrier and Penetration Enhancement.

By selecting L-arginine as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (2HPßCD) as the hydrogen bond donor (HBD), deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with various water content were prepared at the 4:1 mass ratio of L-arginine to 2HPßCD with 40 to 60% of water, and were studied for its application in transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). The hydrogen bond networks and internal chemistry structures of the DESs were measured by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), which demonstrated the successful synthesis of DESs. The viscosity of DES was decreased from 10,324.9 to 3219.6 mPa s, while glass transition temperature (Tg) of the DESs was increased from - 60.8 to - 51.4 °C, as the added water was increased from 45 to 60%. The solubility of ibuprofen, norfloxacin, and nateglinide in DES with 45% of water were increased by 79.3, 44.1, and 3.2 times higher than that in water, respectively. The vitro study of transdermal absorption of lidocaine in DESs showed that the cumulative amounts of lidocaine reached 252.4 µg/cm2, 226.1 µg/cm2, and 286.1 µg/cm2 at 8 h for DESs with 45%, 50%, and 60% of water, respectively. The permeation mechanism of DES with lower content of water (45%) was mainly by changing the fluidization of lipids, while changing the secondary structure of keratin in stratum corneum (SC) at higher water content (50% and 60%). These nonirritant and viscous fluid like DESs with good drug solubility and permeation enhancing effects have broad application prospect in the field of drug solubilization and transdermal drug delivery system.

Green preparation of ß-chitins from squid pens by using alkaline deep eutectic solvents.

Based on the assumption that protein could be removed by the combined mechanism of alkaline induced degradation and strong hydrogen bond interactions of deep eutectic solvents (DESs), ß-chitins were successfully prepared from squid pens by using alkaline DESs formed by potassium carbonate and glycerol. The chemical structures of the DESs were investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and molecular modeling, and the physicochemical property of the prepared ß-chitins were characterized. The preparation yields was about 32 %, and DESs with K2CO3/glycerol of 1/10 could be reused for three times while maintaining high preparation yields (31 %-32 %) and degree of deacetylation of 66.9 %-76.9 %. The mechanisms of deproteinization and demineralization by the alkaline DESs were proposed to follow the degradation and dissolution steps, and proteins and minerals were removed from squid pens through the synergistic actions of alkaline degradation and hydrogen bonding interactions. This alkaline DESs are promising to be used as a green and efficient approach for commercial production of ß-chitin.

Strong tissue adhesive polyelectrolyte complex powders based on low molecular weight chitosan for acute hemorrhage control.

Self-gelling and bioadhesive powders offered promising effective hemostats to suit irregularly shaped, complex and non-compressible wounds for clinical applications. In the current study, chitosan based polyelectrolyte complex coacervate were simply prepared by mixing high concentrations (10 %) of low molecular weight chitosan (CS) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) solutions. Obtained by lyophilization, the physical cross-linked polyelectrolyte complex powders would form a gel within 5 s upon hydration, which demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, significant antibacterial activities, strong and lasting adhesion on wet tissues in physiological environment. In vitro blood clotting assays showed that the CS/PAA powders could remarkably aggregate blood cells and accelerate blood clotting process. As studied by diverse hemorrhage models, including rat tail, liver and heart injuries and dog incision, CS/PAA powders significantly facilitated the decrease of blood loss as well as hemostatic time by creating robust physical barriers and promoting blood clot formation on the bleeding sites. These outstanding properties in terms of easy preparation, rapid self-gelling, strong wet adhesion, effective hemostasis and shape-adaptability endowed CS/PAA polyelectrolyte complex powders with great potential in managing acute hemorrhage of non-compressible trauma.

Heavy vehicles' non-exhaust exhibits competitive contribution to PM2.5 compared with exhaust in port and nearby areas.

Heavy port transportation networks are increasingly considered as significant contributors of PM2.5 pollution compared to vessels in recent decades. In addition, evidence points to the non-exhaust emission of port traffic as the real driver. This study linked PM2.5 concentrations to varied locations and traffic fleet characteristics in port area through filter sampling. The coupled emission ratio-positive matrix factorisation (ER-PMF) method resolves source factors by avoiding direct overlap from collinear sources. In the port central and entrance areas, freight delivery activity emissions including vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust particles, as well as induced road dust resuspension, accounted for nearly half of the total contribution (42.5%-49.9%). In particular, the contribution of non-exhaust from denser traffic with high proportion of trucks was competitive and equivalent to 52.3% of that from exhaust. Backward trajectory statistical models further interpreted the notably larger-scale coverage of non-exhaust emissions in the port's central area. The distribution of PM2.5 were interpolated within the scope of the port and nearby urban areas, displaying the potential contribution of non-exhaust within 1.15 µg/m3-4.68 µg/m3, slightly higher than the urban detections reported nearby. This study may provide useful insights into the increasing percentage of non-exhaust from trucks in ports and nearby urban areas and facilitate supplementary data collection on Euro-VII type-approval limit settings.

Extraction Optimization and Antioxidant Activities of Ethanol Extract of the Brown Roll-Rim Mushroom Paxillus involutus (Agaricomycetes).

Box Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction of Paxillus involutus (EPI) in ethanol. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: temperature 45°C; solid:liquid ratio 1:35; time 5 h. Under these conditions, the yield of EPI was 13.57%. The antioxidant activity of EPI was evaluated in vitro, and DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS free radical scavenging, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging effects were found to be equal to or close to that of the positive control vitamin C (VC). The antioxidant activity of EPI was next evaluated in vivo using aging mice; it was found to have appreciable effect on scavenging malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and could increase the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in mice. Overall, EPI showed antioxidant effects in aging mice, thereby delaying aging, and has potential for application as a natural antioxidant and in medical applications.

Interventional Occlusion of Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adults with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.

(1) Background: the indications for transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) are still unclear, and scholars have not fully elucidated the factors that affect PH prognosis. (2) Methods: we retrospectively enrolled 134 consecutive patients with a PDA diameter ≥10 mm or a ratio of PDA and aortic >0.5. We collected clinical data to explore the factors affecting follow-up PH. (3) Results: 134 patients (mean age 35.04 ± 10.23 years; 98 women) successfully underwent a transcatheter closure, and all patients had a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >50 mmHg. Five procedures were deemed to have failed because their mPAP did not decrease, and the patients experienced uncomfortable symptoms after the trial occlusion. The average occluder (pulmonary end) size was almost twice the PDA diameter (22.33 ± 4.81 mm vs. 11.69 ± 2.18 mm). Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), mPAP, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly reduced after the occlusion, and LVEF recovered during the follow-up period. In total, 42 of the 78 patients with total pulmonary resistance >4 Wood Units experienced clinical outcomes, and all of them had PH in the follow-up, while 10 of them had heart failure, and 4 were hospitalized again because of PH. The results of a logistic regression analysis revealed that the postoperative mPAP had an independent risk factor (odds ratio = 1.069, 95% confidence interval: 1.003 to 1.140, p = 0.040) with a receiver operating characteristic curve cut-off value of 35.5 mmHg (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: performing a transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus is feasible, and postoperative mPAP was a risk factor that affected the follow-up PH. Patients with a postoperative mPAP >35.5 mmHg should be considered for targeted medical therapy or should undergo right heart catheterization again after the occlusion.