Prevalence and bidirectional association of sleep quality and gut health among Chinese midwives: a large population, multi-center cross-sectional study.

Background: Shift work can disrupt sleep quality and gut health. Nurses and midwives constitute approximately half of the global healthcare shift-working workforce. Our previous study revealed that most midwives were experiencing suboptimal health conditions, characterized by poor sleep quality and a high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases. The gut-brain axis theory highlights the potential interplay between sleep quality and gut health. However, limited research focuses on this relationship among midwives. Methods: A cross-sectional survey included 2041 midwives from 87 Chinese hospitals between March and October 2023. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing sleep quality, gut health, depression, anxiety, and work stress. Binary logistic regression analyzed factors associated with poor sleep, and multiple linear regression examined the influence of sleep quality on gut health. Results: Over 60% of midwives reported poor sleep, with many experiencing gastrointestinal disorders. We observed a bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and gut health among midwives. After multivariable adjustments, midwives with higher gut health scores were more likely to experience poor sleep quality (odds ratio = 1.042, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.054). Conversely, midwives with higher sleep quality scores were also more likely to have poor gut health (ß = 0.222, 95% confidence interval = 0.529-0.797). These associations remained robust across sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and work stress significantly affected both sleep quality and gut health among midwives. Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep quality and gut health among midwives. Poor gut health was associated with a higher risk of poor sleep, and vice versa. To improve the overall wellbeing of midwives, the findings emphasize the importance of addressing poor sleep quality and promoting gut health through maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle, and good mental health. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Bioengineering autologous cartilage grafts for functional posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction: A preliminary study in rabbits.

The reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects remains a significant challenge in clinical practice due to anatomical complexity, specialized function, and aesthetic concerns. The ideal substitute for the posterior lamellar should replicate the native tarsoconjunctival tissue, providing both mechanical support for the eyelids and a smooth surface for the globe after implantation. In this study, we present an innovative approach utilizing tissue-engineered cartilage (TEC) grafts generated from rabbit auricular chondrocytes and a commercialized type I collagen sponge to reconstruct critical-sized posterior lamellar defects in rabbits. The TEC grafts demonstrated remarkable mechanical strength and maintained a stable cartilaginous phenotype both in vitro and at 6 months post-implantation in immunodeficient mice. When employed as autografts to reconstruct tarsal plate defects in rabbits' upper eyelids, these TEC grafts successfully restored normal eyelid morphology, facilitated smooth eyelid movement, and preserved the histological structure of the conjunctival epithelium. When applied in bilayered tarsoconjunctival defect reconstruction, these TEC grafts not only maintained the normal contour of the upper eyelid but also supported conjunctival epithelial cell migration and growth from the defect margin towards the centre. These findings highlight that auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts hold great promise as potential candidates for clinical posterior lamellar reconstruction. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The complex structure and function of the posterior lamellar eyelid continue to be significant challenges for clinical reconstructive surgeries. In this study, we utilized autologous auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction in a preclinical rabbit model. The TEC grafts exhibited native cartilaginous histomorphology and comparable mechanical strength to those of the native human tarsal plate. In rabbit models with either tarsal plate defects alone or bilayered tarsoconjunctival defects, TEC grafts successfully restored the normal eyelid contour and movement, as well as supported preservation and growth of conjunctival epithelium. This is the first study to demonstrate autologous TEC grafts can be employed for repairing tarsal plate defects, thereby offering an alternative therapeutic approach for treating posterior lamellar defects in clinic settings.

Exploration of treatment in childhood Langerhans cell histiocytosis based on inflammatory and malignant symptoms: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem childhood Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) patients, especially those with risk organ (RO) involved, had not been satisfactorily treated under the international traditional schemes as high incidences of reactivation with late sequelae were largely reported. Over years, we have observed that LCH patients with varied clinical symptoms responded differently to different drugs, suggesting the current grouping strategies based only on the number of organs involved might be inadequate. LCH has been defined as an inflammatory myeloid tumor, thus this study has innovatively divided LCH pediatric patients into inflammatory or malignant symptoms group, and given different intensity treatment regimens to different groups. AIM: This clinical study aimed to explore a more appropriate patient grouping system according to the LCH symptom presentations and examine the clinical outcomes of treatment strategies in different groups. METHODS: According to the clinical manifestations, 37 cases of children were divided into Group A (only inflammatory symptoms) and Group B (malignant symptoms with or without inflammatory symptoms). Patients in Group A and B were initially treated with vindesine (VDS) and methylprednisolone (PSL), and VDS, PSL, pirarubicin (THP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX), respectively. Treatment responses were evaluated six weeks after the induction therapy in all patients, and the criteria were disease status and clinical scores of symptoms. RESULTS: Pre- and post-treatment scores were 1.22 ± 0.547 and 0.00 ± 0.00 in Group A, and 14.79 ± 1.686 and 1.00 ± 1.563 in Group B, respectively. All patients had subsequentlly received maintenance therapy without progressive disease. The 4-year overall survival (OS) rate was 100% in both groups and the 4-year event-free survival (EFS) was 94.4% in Group A and 89.5% in Group B, respectively. There were no obvious adverse events (AE) in Group A, whereas the main AE in Group B were alopecia and non-lethal hematological toxicity. CONCLUSION: Stratification according to patients' clinical symptoms, with low-intensity treatment for inflammatory symptoms (mild manifestations) and intensive treatment with multiple drugs for malignant symptoms (severe manifestations), is a positive exploration that simplifies stratification method, achieves good long-term remission of the disease, and obtains a higher survival rate and quality of life, which seemed to be more appropriate for LCH patients.

Anisotropic Growth of Covalent Inorganic Complexes to Nanoplatelets.

Colloidal II-VI semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs) provide a new platform in material science due to their unique growth mode and advanced optical properties. However, in contrast to the rapid development of zinc blend structured NPLs, studies on the formation of wurtzite (WZ) NPLs have been limited to the lamellar assembly of specific magic-sized nanoclusters (MSCs). Therefore, the study of new precursors is important for enriching the synthesis strategy, improving the study of two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystal growth mechanisms, and constructing complex nanostructures. Here, we demonstrated that covalent inorganic complexes (CICs), as novel functional intermediates, can be directly used to form NPLs without involving MSCs. Using in situ absorption spectra, we demonstrated that the evolution followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics (kobs = 0.02 min-1 (t1/2 = 34.7 min)). Several types of binary WZ NPLs, including CdSe, CdS, CdTe, and ZnS, have been directly prepared based on this mechanism through the anisotropic growth of CICs. In addition, CICs can also be used to prepare Mn-doped CdSe NPLs. The present study not only affords new precursors for the synthesis of WZ NPLs but also advances our understanding of the synthesis mechanism of nanocrystals.

Unleashing the potential of adipose organoids: A revolutionary approach to combat obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Obesity-related metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases pose a significant threat to health. However, comprehensive pathogenesis exploration and effective therapy development are impeded by the limited availability of human models. Notably, advances in organoid technology enable the generation of adipose organoids that recapitulate structures and functions of native human adipose tissues to investigate mechanisms and develop corresponding treatments for obesity-related metabolic diseases. Here, we review the general principles, sources, and three-dimensional techniques for engineering adipose organoids, along with strategies to promote maturation. We also outline the application of white adipose organoids, primarily for disease modeling and drug screening, and highlight the therapeutic potential of thermogenic beige and brown adipose organoids in promoting weight loss and glucose and lipid metabolic homeostasis. We also discuss the challenges and prospects in the establishment and bench-to-bedside of adipose organoids, as well as their potential applications.

Bioengineering and vascularization strategies for islet organoids: advancing toward diabetes therapy.

Diabetes presents a pressing healthcare crisis, necessitating innovative solutions. Organoid technologies have rapidly advanced, leading to the emergence of bioengineering islet organoids as an unlimited source of insulin-producing cells for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. This advancement surpasses the need for cadaveric islet transplantation. However, clinical translation of this approach faces two major limitations: immature endocrine function and the absence of a perfusable vasculature compared to primary human islets. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in bioengineering functional islet organoids in vitro and promoting vascularization of organoid grafts before and after transplantation. We highlight the crucial roles of the vasculature in ensuring long-term survival, maturation, and functionality of islet organoids. Additionally, we discuss key considerations that must be addressed before clinical translation of islet organoid-based therapy, including functional immaturity, undesired heterogeneity, and potential tumorigenic risks.

[Predictive value of four items of new thrombus markers combined with conventional coagulation tests for thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive value of four items of new thrombus markers combined with conventional coagulation tests for thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome. METHODS: A total of 121 antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients who hospitalized at Peking University People's Hospital from March 2022 to January 2023 were selected and divided into thrombus group (50 cases) and nonthrombus group (71 cases) according to whether thrombosis occurred. The differences of laboratory characteristics including antiphospholipid antibodies were compared between the thrombotic and non-thrombotic groups. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to detect thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), Plasmin-α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) in plasma from venous. The independent risk factors of thrombosis in patients with APS were determined using binary Logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the efficacy of each index on the prediction of thrombosis. RESULTS: Compared with the patients without thrombosis, the patients with thrombosis were older [49 (32, 64) years vs. 36 (32, 39) years, P < 0.05]. The percentages of male, smoking, hypertension, and global antiphospholipid syndrome score (GAPSS)≥10 in the patients with thrombosis were significantly higher than those in the patients without thrombosis (P < 0.05). The positive rates of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) in the thrombotic group were significantly higher than those in the non-thrombotic group (P < 0.05), and the levels of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation product in the thrombotic group were significantly higher than those in the non-thrombotic group (P < 0.05).Among the thrombosis group, venous thrombosis accounted for 19 (38.00%), including deep vein thrombosis (16, 84.21%) and pulmonary embolism accounted (5, 26.32%); Arterial thrombosis accounted for 35 (70.00%), including myocardial infarction (6, 17.14%) cerebral infarction (30, 85.71%). The patients in the thrombotic group had significantly greater TM levels than those in the non-thrombotic group (P < 0.05).There were no significant dif-ferences between the two groups in TAT (Z=-1.420, P=0.156), PIC (Z=-0.064, P=0.949), and t-PAIC (Z=-1.487, P=0.137). Univariate and binary Logistic regression analysis of relevant variables showed that advanced age [OR=1.126, P=0.002], elevated TM [OR=1.325, P=0.048], prolonged prothrombin time (PT) [OR=4.127, P=0.008] were independent risk factors for thrombosis in the patients with APS. ROC curve analysis of the above three independent risk factors showed that the combined detection of age, PT and TM had the highest Yoden index (0.727) and sensitivity (83.0%), with a specificity of 89.7%. CONCLUSION: TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC may reflect thrombus formation from the coagulation system, fibrinolysis system, and endothelial system. The combined of age TM and PT is superior to the application of a single marker, which has diagnostic value for the early identification of APS thrombosis.

[Anti-endothelial cell antibodies in predicting early miscarriage].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) in predicting early miscarriage. METHODS: A total of 122 pregnant women with no history of autoimmune diseases who underwent prenatal examination at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected, and they were tested for AECA. Based on the history of early miscarriage (gestational age at miscarriage < 12 weeks), the participants were divided into an early miscarriage group and a control group. t-tests, non-parametric Wilcoxon tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact probability method were used to compare general information and laboratory indicators between the two groups. A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with early miscarriage. The natural miscarriage rates were assessed through follow-up with pregnant women, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to compare the natural miscarriage rates between AECA-positive and AECA-negative pregnant women. RESULTS: (1) A total of 122 pregnant women were enrolled, comprising 35 cases (28.7%) in the early miscarriage group, with an average age of (32.1±6.1) years, and 87 cases (71.3%) in the control group, with an average age of (30.7±5.1) years. The early miscarriage group had higher gravidity [3 (2, 4) vs. 1 (1, 2), Z=-6.402, P < 0.001] and a higher prevalence of hypertension (11.4% vs.1.1%, P=0.024). The positive rate of AECA in the early miscarriage group (34.3% vs. 8.0%, χ2=13.070, P < 0.001) and the proportion of elevated immunoglobulin G (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P=0.032) were significantly higher than that in the control group. (2) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher gravidity (OR=4.149, 95%CI: 2.287-7.529, P < 0.001), AECA positivity (OR= 4.288, 95% CI: 1.157-15.893, P=0.029), and elevated immunoglobulin G levels (OR =6.177, 95%CI: 1.156-33.015, P=0.033) were risk factors for early miscarriage. (3) The 122 pregnant women were categorized into two groups: the AECA-positive group (19 cases) and the AECA-negative group (103 cases). Survival analysis demonstrated that at the end of 12 weeks of gestation, the fetal survival rate in the AECA-positive group was significantly lower than that in the AECA-negative group (84.2% vs. 96.1%, P= 0.035). CONCLUSION: Higher gravidity, AECA positivity, and elevated immunoglobulin G levels are significant risk factors for early miscarriage. The results demonstrate that AECA is a novel predicting test in early miscarriage.

Covalent inorganic complexes enabled zinc blende to wurtzite phase changes in CdSe nanoplatelets.

Phase changes in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are essential in material design and device applications. However, the transition pathways have yet to be sufficiently studied, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is needed. In this work, a complete ligand-assisted phase transition from zinc blende (ZB) to wurtzite (WZ) is observed in CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs). By monitoring with in situ absorption spectra along with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), we demonstrated that the transition process is a ligand-assisted covalent inorganic complex (CIC)-mediated phase transition pathway, which involves three steps, ligand exchange on ZB CdSe NPLs (Step 1), dissolution of NPLs to form CICs (Step 2), and conversion of CdSe-CIC assemblies to WZ CdSe NPLs (Step 3). In particular, CICs can be directly anisotropically grown to WZ CdSe NPL without other intermediates, following pseudo-first-order kinetics (kobs = 9.17 × 10-5 s-1). Furthermore, we demonstrated that CICs are also present and play an essential role in the phase transition of ZnS NPLs from WZ to ZB structure. This study proposes a new crystal transformation pathway and elucidates a general phase-transition mechanism, facilitating precise functional nanomaterial design.

Effect of depressive symptoms on quality of work life in female nurses: a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching.

Background: Female nurses have been considered as a vulnerable population in the context of mental health, due to the nature of their work, which can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Understanding the relationship between depressive symptoms and quality of work life (QWL) can contribute to improving mental health and job performance. However, limited studies have focused on the effect of depressive symptoms on QWL in female nurses. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of depressive symptoms on female nurses' QWL using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods: A cross-sectional, online study using convenience sampling was conducted among 1,401 female nurses in China. PSM was used to minimize the impact of potential confounders between no depressive symptoms and depressive symptoms. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed on the PSM samples to explore the effects of depressive symptoms on the QWL. Results: The results revealed there were 33.5% of the female nurses reported depressive symptoms before PSM. And female nurses in this study had a moderate level of QWL before PSM (122.11 ± 18.15), which remained steady after PSM (118.33 ± 18.04). After PSM, the final sample contained 864 female nurses. Stepwise multiple linear regression results indicated that depressive symptoms were the most strongly associated with QWL (ß = -0.454, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of developing mental health plans and psychological interventions for female nurses to maintain mental health and QWL, which is critical to the nursing workforce's sustainability.

Bioengineered human tissue regeneration and repair using endogenous stem cells.

We describe a general approach to produce bone and cartilaginous structures utilizing the self-regenerative capacity of the intercostal rib space to treat a deformed metacarpophalangeal joint and microtia. Anatomically precise 3D molds were positioned on the perichondro-periosteal or perichondral flap of the intercostal rib without any other exogenous elements. We find anatomically precise metacarpal head and auricle constructs within the implanted molds after 6 months. The regenerated metacarpal head was used successfully to surgically repair the deformed metacarpophalangeal joint. Auricle reconstructive surgery in five unilateral microtia patients yielded good aesthetic and functional results. Long-term follow-up revealed the auricle constructs were safe and stable. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveal early infiltration of a cell population consistent with mesenchymal stem cells, followed by IL-8-stimulated differentiation into chondrocytes. Our results demonstrate the repair and regeneration of tissues using only endogenous factors and a viable treatment strategy for bone and tissue structural defects.

Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of Mangifera indica in response to Xanthomonas critis pv. mangiferaeindicae.

Mango is an important tropical fruit with the reputation of "Tropical Fruit King." It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Mango bacterial leaf spot, which is caused by Xanthomonas critis pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcm), poses a great threat to the development of mango planting industry. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and data-independent acquisition techniques to compare the transcriptome and proteome of the highly resistant cultivar "Renong No.1" (RN) and the highly susceptible cultivar "Keitt" (KT) in response to Xcm infection at different stages (0, 2, and 6 days). A total of 14,397 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the transcriptome of the two varieties, and 4,400 and 8,926 genes were differentially expressed in RN and KT, respectively. Among them, 217 DEGs were related to plant hormone signaling pathway, and 202 were involved in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. A total of 3,438 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the proteome of the two varieties. Exactly 1,542 and 1,700 DEPs were detected in RN and KT, respectively. In addition, 39 DEPs were related to plant hormone signaling pathway, whereas 68 were involved in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. Through cross-validation of the two omics, 1,470 genes were found to be expressed in both groups, and a large number of glutathione metabolism-related genes, such as HSP26-A, G6PD4, and GPX2, were up-regulated in both omics. Peroxisome-related genes, such as LACS6, LACS9, PED1, GLO4, and HACL, were up-regulated or down-regulated in both omics. ABCB11, SAPK2, MYC2, TAG7, PYL1, and other genes related to indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid signal transduction and plant-pathogen interaction were up-regulated or down-regulated in both omics. We also used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to combine physiological and biochemical data (superoxide dismutase and catalase activity changes) with transcriptome and proteome data and finally identified three hub genes/proteins (SAG113, SRK2A, and ABCB1) that play an important role in plant hormone signal transduction. This work was the first study of gene/protein changes in resistant and susceptible mango varieties, and its results improved our understanding of the molecular mechanism of mango resistance to Xcm.

Biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction: Replacement or regeneration?

Reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelids remains challenging due to their delicate structure, highly specialized function, and cosmetic concerns. Current clinically available techniques for posterior lamellar reconstruction mainly focus on reconstructing the contour of the eyelids. However, the posterior lamella not only provides structural support for the eyelid but also offers a smooth mucosal surface to facilitate globe movement and secrete lipids to maintain ocular surface homeostasis. Bioengineered posterior lamellar substitutes developed via acellular or cellular approaches have shown promise as alternatives to current therapies and encouraging outcomes in animal studies and clinical conditions. Here, we provide a brief reference on the current application of autografts, biomaterials, and tissue-engineered substitutes for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction. We also shed light on future challenges and directions for eyelid regeneration strategies and offer perspectives on transitioning replacement strategies to regeneration strategies for eyelid reconstruction in the future.

Body fluid-derived stem cells - an untapped stem cell source in genitourinary regeneration.

Somatic stem cells have been obtained from solid organs and tissues, including the bone marrow, placenta, corneal stroma, periosteum, adipose tissue, dental pulp and skeletal muscle. These solid tissue-derived stem cells are often used for tissue repair, disease modelling and new drug development. In the past two decades, stem cells have also been identified in various body fluids, including urine, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, synovial fluid, breastmilk and menstrual blood. These body fluid-derived stem cells (BFSCs) have stemness properties comparable to those of other adult stem cells and, similarly to tissue-derived stem cells, show cell surface markers, multi-differentiation potential and immunomodulatory effects. However, BFSCs are more easily accessible through non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches than solid tissue-derived stem cells and can be isolated without enzymatic tissue digestion. Additionally, BFSCs have shown good versatility in repairing genitourinary abnormalities in preclinical models through direct differentiation or paracrine mechanisms such as pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, antifibrotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, optimization of protocols is needed to improve the efficacy and safety of BFSC therapy before therapeutic translation.

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Correction of Upper Eyelid Retraction in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.

Upper lid retraction (ULR) is the most common and earliest symptom in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients. Surgical correction is effective for ULR in stable diseases. However, non-invasive treatment is also required for the TAO patient in active phase. Here, we reported a complex case with TAO and unilateral ULR simultaneously. The patient had a history of progressive ptosis in the left eyelid and underwent anterior levator aponeurotic-Muller muscle resection to correct the ptosis. However, the patient gradually developed bilateral proptosis and ULR, mainly in the left eyelid. The patient was finally diagnosed with TAO with left ULR. Then, the patient was treated with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in the left eyelid. The effect of BTX-A treatment started 7 days after injection, peaked at one month, and lasted for approximately 3 months. This study highlighted the therapeutic effect of BTX-A injection for the treatment of ULR-related TAO.

[Moxibustion of 45 ℃ at "Zusanli" (ST36) improves vascular endothelial oxidative stress in hyperlipidemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the antioxidant effect of moxibustion on vascular endothelial function and the under-lying mechanism. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank, model, moxibustion and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor groups, with 10 rats in each group. Hyperlipidemia rat model was established by high fat diet for 8 weeks. Rats in the moxibustion group received 45 ℃ moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) for 10 min once daily for consecutive 4 weeks. Rats in the eNOS inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of eNOS inhibitor L-NAME (1 mg/100 g) at the same time of moxibustion intervention. The morphology of abdominal aorta endothelium was observed by HE staining. Lipid deposition in abdominal aorta was observed by oil red O staining. The contents of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum and reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidized LDL lipoprotein (ox-LDL), endothelin-1 (ET-1), eNOS, malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and abdominal aorta were determined by ELISA. The expression of eNOS in abdominal aorta was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: HE staining of the abdominal aorta showed no significant pathological abnormality in the blank group; the endovascular cortex was rough, and the inner, media and outer membrane were rough in the model group; the nucleus and surrounding tissue structure were clear and the vascular wall was smooth in the moxibustion group; abdominal aorta texture was rough in the eNOS inhibitor group. Compared with the blank group, the area of oil red O staining in abdominal aorta increased (P<0.05); the contents of serum TC, TG and LDL-C increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) while HDL-C decreased (P<0.05); the contents of ET-1 in serum and abdominal aorta were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) while the contents of NO and eNOS were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.001); the contents of ROS, ox-LDL and MDA in serum and abdominal aorta were increased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.000 1) while the content of SOD in abdominal aorta was decreased (P<0.000 1); the expression level of eNOS in abdominal aorta was decreased (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the area of oil red O staining in abdominal aorta decreased (P<0.05); the contents of TC, TG and LDL-C in serum decreased (P<0.05) while HDL-C increased (P<0.05); the contents of ET-1 in serum and abdominal aorta were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05) while the contents of NO and eNOS in abdominal aorta were increased (P<0.001, P<0.01); the contents of ROS and MDA in serum and abdominal aorta were decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05), the content of ox-LDL was decreased (P<0.01) and the content of SOD was increased (P<0.000 1) in abdominal aorta; the expression level of eNOS in abdominal aorta was increased (P<0.05) in the moxibustion group. Compared with the moxibustion group, the contents of serum TC, LDL-C and MDA in the eNOS inhibitor group were increased (P<0.05); the contents of ET-1, ROS, ox-LDL and MDA in abdominal aorta were increased (P<0.05), the contents of NO, eNOS and SOD were decreased (P<0.05); the expression level of eNOS in abdominal aorta was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 45 ℃ moxibustion at ST36 can protect and repair vascular endothelial injury in abdominal aorta of hyperlipidemia rats and improve the oxidative stress of vascular endothelium.

Identification of the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) MYB family in fruit development and abiotic stress, and functional analysis of PeMYB87 in abiotic stresses.

Environmental stresses are ubiquitous in agricultural cultivation, and they affect the healthy growth and development of edible tissues in passion fruit. The study of resistance mechanisms is important in understanding the adaptation and resistance of plants to environmental stresses. In this work, two differently resistant passion fruit varieties were selected, using the expression characteristics of the transcription factor MYB, to explore the resistance mechanism of the MYB gene under various environmental stresses. A total of 174 MYB family members were identified using high-quality passion fruit genomes: 98 2R-MYB, 5 3R-MYB, and 71 1R-MYB (MYB-relate). Their family information was systematically analyzed, including subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, phylogeny at the genomic level, promoter function, encoded proteins, and reciprocal regulation. In this study, bioinformatics and transcriptome sequencing were used to identify members of the PeMYB genes in passion fruit whole-genome data, and biological techniques, such as qPCR, gene clone, and transient transformation of yeast, were used to determine the function of the passion fruit MYB genes in abiotic stress tolerance. Transcriptomic data were obtained for differential expression characteristics of two resistant and susceptible varieties, three expression patterns during pulp development, and four induced expression patterns under abiotic stress conditions. We further focused on the resistance mechanism of PeMYB87 in environmental stress, and we selected 10 representative PeMYB genes for quantitative expression verification. Most of the genes were differentially induced by four abiotic stresses, among which PeMYB87 responded significantly to high-temperature-induced expression and overexpression of the PeMYB87 gene in the yeast system. The transgenic PeMYB87 in yeast showed different degrees of stress resistance under exposure to cold, high temperatures, drought, and salt stresses. These findings lay the foundation for further analysis of the biological functions of PeMYBs involved in stress resistance in passion fruit.

Engineered M13 phage as a novel therapeutic bionanomaterial for clinical applications: From tissue regeneration to cancer therapy.

Bacteriophages (phages) are nanostructured viruses with highly selective antibacterial properties that have gained attention beyond eliminating bacteria. Specifically, M13 phages are filamentous phages that have recently been studied in various aspects of nanomedicine due to their biological advantages and more compliant engineering capabilities over other phages. Having nanofiber-like morphology, M13 phages can reach varied target sites and self-assemble into multidimensional scaffolds in a relatively safe and stable way. In addition, genetic modification of the coat proteins enables specific display of peptides and antibodies on the phages, allowing for precise and individualized medicine. M13 phages have also been subjected to novel engineering approaches, including phage-based bionanomaterial engineering and phage-directed nanomaterial combinations that enhance the bionanomaterial properties of M13 phages. In view of these features, researchers have been able to utilize M13 phages for therapeutic applications such as drug delivery, biodetection, tissue regeneration, and targeted cancer therapy. In particular, M13 phages have been utilized as a novel bionanomaterial for precisely mimicking natural tissue environment in order to overcome the shortage in tissue and organ donors. Hence, in this review, we address the recent studies and advances of using M13 phages in the field of nanomedicine as therapeutic agents based upon their characteristics as novel bionanomaterial with biomolecules displayed. This paper also emphasizes the novel engineering approach that enhances M13 phage's bionanomaterial capabilities. Current limitations and future approaches are also discussed to provide insight in further progress for M13 phage-based clinical applications.

Mediating effect of resilience between social support and compassion fatigue among intern nursing and midwifery students during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To examine the mediating effect of resilience between social support and compassion fatigue among intern nursing and midwifery students during COVID-19. BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue has become exceedingly common among intern nursing and midwifery students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support and resilience can help intern nursing and midwifery students control their negative emotions, reduce compassion fatigue, and increase their well-being. However, the mediating effect of resilience between social support and compassion fatigue remains unclear. DESIGN: A multicentre cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A total of 307 intern nursing and midwifery students were recruited from November 2020 to February 2021 in tertiary grade A hospitals in China. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the mediating effects of resilience between social support and compassion fatigue. The Social Support Rating Scale, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Chinese version of the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale were used to collect data. The hypothetical path model was tested by using IBM SPSS version 26.0 and AMOS version 26.0 software. RESULTS: Intern nursing and midwifery students had moderate compassion fatigue. Social support positively affected resilience (ß = 0.514, p < 0.01). Social support negatively affected compassion fatigue (ß = - 0.310, p < 0.01), while resilience negatively affected compassion fatigue (ß = - 0.283, p < 0.01). Resilience played a mediating role between social support and compassion fatigue. CONCLUSION: Social support can directly affect the compassion fatigue of intern nursing and midwifery students during COVID-19 and indirectly through resilience. Stronger resilience can reduce compassion fatigue. Accordingly, resilience-based interventions should be developed to reduce compassion fatigue.