Self-assembling peptide hydrogel scaffold integrating stem cell-derived exosomes for infected bone defects.

Infected bone defect (IBD) is a great challenge in orthopedics, which involves in bone loss and infection. Here, a self-assembling hydrogel scaffold (named AMP-RAD/EXO), integrating antimicrobial peptides(AMPs), RADA16 and BMSCs exosomes with an innovative strategy, is developed and applied in IBD treatment for sustained antimicrobial ability, accelerating osteoblasts proliferation and promoting bone regeneration. AMPs present an excellent ability to inhibit infection, RADA16 is a self-assembling peptide hydrogel for AMPs delivery, and BMSCs exosomes can promote the bone regeneration. The prepared AMP-RAD/EXO exhibited a polyporous 3D structure for imbibition of BMSCs exosomes and migration of osteoblasts. In vitro studies indicate AMP-RAD/EXO can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, accelerate the proliferation and migration of BMSCs. More importantly, in vivo results also prove that AMP-RAD/EXO exhibit an excellent effect on IBD treatment. Thus, the prepared AMP-RAD/EXO provides a multifunctional scaffold concept for bone tissue engineering technology.

Risk factors for diaphragmatic injury in subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a safe and feasible operation for anterior mediastinal mass resection. However, diaphragmatic injury, presented as tearing or puncturing, may occur during subxiphoid VATS despite of low incidence. This study aims to explore risk factors for diaphragmatic injury in subxiphoid VATS, as well as strategies to reduce occurrence of the injury. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 44 consecutive adult patients who underwent subxiphoid VATS. These patients were divided into two groups: diaphragmatic injury group and non-injury group. Perioperative outcomes and anatomic features derived from 3D CT reconstructions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in operation time (223.25 ± 92.57 vs. 136.28 ± 53.05, P = 0.006), xiphoid length (6.47 ± 0.85 vs. 4.79 ± 1.04, P = 0.001) and length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm (24.86 ± 12.02 vs. 14.61 ± 9.25, P = 0.029). Odds ratio for the length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm was 1.09 (1.001-1.186), P = 0.048 by binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the length of the xiphoid below the attachment point on the diaphragm as an independent risk factor for diaphragm injury during subxiphoid VATS. Prior to subxiphoid VATS, a 3D chest CT reconstruction is recommended to assess the patients' anatomic variations within the xiphoid process. For patients with longer xiphoid process, a higher incision at the middle and upper part of the xiphoid process, and partial xiphoid process resection or xiphoidectomy is preferred.

Application of multiplanar reconstruction and 3D printing in anterior cruciate ligament revision. / 多平面重建及3D打印在前交叉韧带翻修术中的应用.

OBJECTIVES: Anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most common type of knee joint ligament injury. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has a high failure rate, with bone tunnel abnormalities as the most significant factor in these failures. Digital orthopedic technology can effectively develop implementation plans for the revision, thus increasing the success rate. This study aims to develop a surgical plan for anterior cruciate ligament revision by employing multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) for measuring bone tunnel position and diameter, and simulating bone tunnel creation via 3D printing preoperatively. METHODS: A total of 12 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament revision at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively studied. The data included patient demographics, preoperative formulated knee joint 3D printing models, and preoperative knee CT scans. The study measured the bone tunnel's diameter and position to guide the establishment of revision bone tunnels during surgery, reassessed the postoperative bone tunnels, and evaluated knee joint functional scores [including International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner exercise level score]. RESULTS: Preoperative measurements revealed suboptimal femoral tunnels positions in 4 patients and tibial tunnels positions in 2 patients. MPR and 3D printing technology were used to guide the establishment of a new bone canal during surgery, and postoperative measurements were satisfactory for all patients. Preoperative measurements demonstrated the interclass correlation coefficient for femoral tunnels and tibial tunnels diameters were 0.843 (P<0.05) and 0.889 (P<0.001), respectively. Meanwhile, the intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.811 (P<0.05) and 0.784 (P<0.05), respectively. The intraoperative diameter of femoral and tibial tunnels showed excellent correlation with postoperative CT measurements, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.995 (P<0.001) and 0.987 (P<0.001), respectively. All bone tunnel positions were within the normal range. At the final follow-up, knee joint function scores in all 12 patients improved significantly compared to pre-surgery (P<0.001), and the reoperation rate was zero. CONCLUSIONS: MPR and 3D printing technology can accurately measure the parameters of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament bone tunnels. Personalized revision plans for patients with reconstruction failure enhances the success rate of revision surgery and improves patient prognosis.

A Nomogram Including Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Score for Predicting Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Total cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden score is an important predictor of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). However, few predictive models of VCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have included the total CSVD burden score, especially in the early stage of VCI. Objective: To develop and validate a nomogram that includes the total CSVD burden score to predict mild VCI in patients with T2DM. Methods: A total of 322 eligible participants with T2DM who were divided into mild and normal cognitive groups were enrolled in this retrospective study. Demographic data, laboratory data and imaging markers of CSVD were collected. The total CSVD burden score was calculated by combining the different CSVD markers. Step-backward multivariable logistic regression analysis with the Akaike information criterion was applied to select significant predictors and develop a best-fit predictive nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed in terms of discriminative ability, calibrated ability, and clinical usefulness. Results: The nomogram model consisted of five variables: age, education, hemoglobin A1c level, serum homocysteine level, and total CSVD burden score. A nomogram with these variables showed good discriminative ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.801 in internal verification). In addition, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 =9.226, P=0.417) and bootstrap-corrected calibration plot indicated that the nomogram had good calibration. The Brier score of the predictive model was 0.178. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that when the threshold probability ranged between 16% and 98%, the use of the nomogram to predict mild VCI in patients with T2DM provide a greater net benefit. Conclusions: The nomogram, composed of age, education, stroke, HbA1c level, Hcy level, and total CSVD burden score, had good predictive accuracy and may provide clinicians with a practical tool for predicting the risk of mild VCI in T2DM patients.

CD146, a therapeutic target involved in cell plasticity.

Since its identification as a marker for advanced melanoma in the 1980s, CD146 has been found to have multiple functions in both physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis disease, and inflammations. Subsequent research has revealed that CD146 is involved in various signaling pathways as a receptor or co-receptor in these processes. This correlation between CD146 and multiple diseases has sparked interest in its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. To better comprehend the versatile roles of CD146, we have summarized its research history and synthesized findings from numerous reports, proposing that cell plasticity serves as the underlying mechanism through which CD146 contributes to development, regeneration, and various diseases. Targeting CD146 would consequently halt cell state shifting during the onset and progression of these related diseases. Therefore, the development of therapy targeting CD146 holds significant practical value.

Triazine-Carbazole-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks as Efficient Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for the Oxidation of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted growing interests as new material platform for a range of applications. In this study, a triazine-carbazole-based covalent organic framework (COF-TCZ) was designed as highly porous material with conjugated donor-acceptor networks, and  feasibley synthesized by the Schiff condensation of 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)trianiline (TAPB) and 9-(4-formylphenyl)-9H-carbazole-3,6-dicarbaldehyde (CZTA) under the solvothermal condition. Considering the effect of linkage, the imine-linked COF-TCZ was further oxidized to obtain an amide-linked covalent organic framework (COF-TCZ-O). The as-synthesized COFs show high crystallinity, good thermal and chemical stability, and excellent photoactive properties. Two π-conjugated triazine-carbazole-based COFs with tunable linkages are benefical for light-harvesting capacity and charge separation efficiency, which are empolyed as photocatalysts for the oxidation reaction of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline. The COFs catalyst systems exhibit the outstanding photocatalytic performance with high conversion, photostability and recyclability. Photoelectrochemical tests were employed to examine the behavior of photogenerated charge carriers in photo-illumination system. The control experiments provide further insights into the nature of photocatalysis. In addition, the current research also provided a valuable approach for developing photofunctional COFs to meet challenge in achieving the great potential of COFs materials in organic conversion.

Shenqi Fuzheng injection alleviates chemotherapy-induced cachexia by restoring glucocorticoid signaling in hypothalamus.

Image 1.

Public trust in general practitioners and its association with primary care contracts: a cross-sectional study of community residents in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the level of public trust in general practitioners (GPs) and its association with primary care contract services (PCCS) in China. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Between September and December 2021, 4158 residents across eastern, central, and western China completed a structured self-administered questionnaire. Trust was assessed using the Chinese version of Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale. Multivariable linear regression models were established to identify predictors of trust. The effect size of PCCS on trust was estimated by the average treatment effect for the treated (ATT) through propensity score matching. RESULTS: The study participants had a mean Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale score of 36.82 (standard deviation = 5.45). Enrollment with PCCS (ß = 0.14, P < 0.01), Han ethnicity (ß = 0.03, P < 0.05), lower educational attainment (ß = -0.06, P < 0.01), higher individual monthly income (ß = 0.03, P < 0.05), better self-rated health (ß = 0.04, P < 0.05), chronic conditions (ß = 0.07, P < 0.01), and higher familiarity with primary care services (ß = 0.12, P < 0.01) and PCCS (ß = 0.21, P < 0.01) were associated with higher trust in GPs. The ATT of PCCS exceeded 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PCCS are associated with higher levels of trust in GPs. PCCS may become an effective tool to attract public trust in GPs, although the relationship between the two may be bi-directional.

SIRT3 rs11246020 Polymorphism Associated Postprandial Triglyceride Dysmetabolism.

Purpose: Energy metabolism is regulated by SIRT3, no research has been done on the connection between lipid metabolism in the oral fat test and SIRT3 polymorphism. Thus, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the connection between postprandial lipid and SIRT3 polymorphism. Patients and Methods: 402 non-obese Chinese subjects were enrolled and their postprandial lipid response to oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) was observed to understand the relationship between rs11246020 gene and postprandial triglyceride metabolism. Results: In a binary logic regression model, a protective effect of the T allele of the rs11246020 SIRT3 for postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was shown (OR=0.417, 95% CI = 0.219-0.794, p=0.008). Compared to the CC genotype, individuals with the TT+CT variant of the rs11246020 SIRT3 gene demonstrated significantly lower levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p=0.04), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) (p=0.037), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p=0.02), and 4-hour triglyceridemia (Tg) (p=0.032). Conclusion: The C allele of rs11246020 SIRT3 gene may be a risk factor to increased possibility of postprandial triglyceridemia after an oral fat test, which involved in the mechanism of glucose and insulin metabolism.

[Accumulation of microbial necromass carbon and their contribution to soil organic carbon in different vegetation types on the Loess Plateau, Northwest China]. / é»„åœŸé«˜åŽŸä¸åŒæ¤è¢«ç±»åž‹åœŸå£¤å¾®ç”Ÿç‰©æ®‹ä½“ç¢³çš„ç§¯ç´¯åŠå ¶å¯¹æœ‰æœºç¢³çš„è´¡çŒ®.

Microbial necromass carbon (MNC) is an important contributor to soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil carbon storage has increased significantly since the return of farmland to forestland (grassland) on the Loess Plateau. However, the contribution of MNC to SOC accumulation in different vegetation types and the influence factors remain unclear. Herein, we used the biomarker (amino sugar) technique to determine the MNC content and analyzed the influencing factors in 0-5 cm and 5-20 cm soil layers of natural grassland, shrubland (Caragana microphylla), and forestland (Quercus liaodongensis) in the Loess Plateau. The results showed that: 1) the soil pH decreased significantly from grassland to shrubland and then to forestland within the same soil layer. However, the SOC, total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) contents showed a reverse trend, with forestland displaying the highest values followed by shrubland and then grassland. The 0-5 cm had significantly higher values than the 5-20 cm depth. 2) The MNC contents varied 0.69-16.41 g·kg-1 in the two soil horizons of the three vegetation types. There were significant increases in the contents of bacterial necromass carbon (BNC), fungal necromass carbon (FNC), and MNC in the 0-5 cm soil from grassland, shrubland to forestland. The contents of MBC were 1.9 times higher in forestland than in shrubland, and 3.2 times higher in shrubland than in grassland. In the 5-20 cm soil layer, the contents of FNC and MBC were significantly higher in the forestland than in the shrubland and grassland. The FNC content was significantly higher than that of the BNC, ranging from 1.16 to 9.83 times greater than the BNC. 3) The contribution of MNC to SOC was 0.6 and 0.7 times higher in shrubland and forestland than in grassland, respectively, with FNC accounting for 15.2%-42.7%, and BNC accounting for 1.4%-7.4%. 4) pH, TN, MBC, and MBN were important factors that influenced MNC accumulation. In summary, the variation in vegetation type altered soil nutrients, microbial activity, and soil pH, resulting in forestland and shrubland being more beneficial to the formation and accumulation of MNC, which was dominated by fungi, compared to grassland.

Synergistically optimized electron and phonon transport in high-performance copper sulfides thermoelectric materials via one-pot modulation.

Optimizing thermoelectric conversion efficiency requires the compromise of electrical and thermal properties of materials, which are hard to simultaneously improve due to the strong coupling of carrier and phonon transport. Herein, a one-pot approach realizing simultaneous second phase and Cu vacancies modulation is proposed, which is effective in synergistically optimizing thermoelectric performance in copper sulfides. Multiple lattice defects, including nanoprecipitates, dislocations, and nanopores are produced by adding a refined ratio of Sn and Se. Phonon transport is significantly suppressed by multiple mechanisms. An ultralow lattice thermal conductivity is therefore obtained. Furthermore, extra Se is added in the copper sulfide for optimizing electrical transport properties by inducing generating Cu vacancies. Ultimately, an excellent figure of merit of ~1.6 at 873 K is realized in the Cu1.992SSe0.016(Cu2SnSe4)0.004 bulk sample. The simple strategy of inducing compositional and structural modulation for improving thermoelectric parameters promotes low-cost high-performance copper sulfides as alternatives in thermoelectric applications.

Relation between Polygenic Risk Score, Vitamin D Status and BMI-for-Age z Score in Chinese Preschool Children.

BACKGROUND: Both genetics and vitamin D deficiency are associated with childhood obesity. However, the role of vitamin D status between polygenic and childhood obesity has been unknown. The current study aimed to determine the relation between genetic factors, vitamin D status, and BMI-for-age z score (zBMI) in Chinese preschool children. METHODS: A total of 1046 participants aged 3.7 to 6.6 years old from the Long-term Health Effects Assessment Project of Infants and Toddlers Nutritional Pack (LHEAPITNP) were included in this study. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was established based on 55 BMI-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) for BMI. Serum 25(OH)D was used as an index of vitamin D status and measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) assay. The Wilcoxon test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences of variables between different groups and Spearman correlation analysis was used for analyzing the correlations between the PRS, 25(OH)D levels, and zBMI. RESULTS: The PRS showed a positive relation to zBMI (rs = 0.0953, p = 0.0022) and 25(OH)D showed a negative relation to zBMI (rs = -0.1082, p = 0.0005) in the full-adjustment model. In addition, the differences in zBMI at different vitamin D statuses in the low-risk PRS group and the intermediate-risk PRS group were both statistically significant (plow = 0.0308, pintermediate = 0.0121), the median zBMI was both higher at vitamin D insufficiency status. And the difference in zBMI between different genetic risk groups was also statistically significant at vitamin D sufficiency status (p = 0.0077). Furthermore, genetic risk showed a positive relation to zBMI at vitamin D sufficiency status, and the p for trend was 0.0028. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that vitamin D was related to zBMI negatively in Chinese preschoolers and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may only contribute to lower the zBMI in preschoolers with low and intermediate genetic susceptibility.

Protein-assisted synthesis of chitosan-coated minicells enhance dendritic cell recruitment for therapeutic immunomodulation within pulmonary tumors.

The efficacy of cancer therapies is significantly compromised by the immunosuppressive tumor milieu. Herein, we introduce a previously unidentified therapeutic strategy that harnesses the synergistic potential of chitosan-coated bacterial vesicles and a targeted chemotherapeutic agent to activate dendritic cells, thereby reshaping the immunosuppressive milieu for enhanced cancer therapy. Our study focuses on the protein-mediated modification of bacterium-derived minicells with chitosan molecules, facilitating the precise delivery of Doxorubicin to tumor sites guided by folate-mediated homing cues. These engineered minicells demonstrate remarkable specificity in targeting lung carcinomas, triggering immunogenic cell death and releasing tumor antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns, including calreticulin and high mobility group box 1. Additionally, the chitosan coating, coupled with bacterial DNA from the minicells, initiates the generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial DNA release. These orchestrated events culminate in dendritic cell maturation via activation of the stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathway, resulting in the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and the secretion of interferon-ß, interferon-γ, and interleukin-12. Consequently, this integrated approach disrupts the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, impeding tumor progression. By leveraging bacterial vesicles as potent dendritic cell activators, our strategy presents a promising paradigm for synergistic cancer treatment, seamlessly integrating chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Anthropogenic nitrogen pollution impacts saltmarsh resilience with inhibition of seedling establishment and population dispersal.

Saltmarsh, a prominent buffer ecosystem, has been identified as an important sink for nitrogen (N) pollutants from marine- and land-based anthropogenic activities. However, how the enriched anthropogenic N impacts saltmarsh sustainability has been neglected due to limited understanding of marsh resilience based on seedling establishment and population dispersal under anthropogenic N inputs. This study combined mesocosm experiments and model simulations to quantify the effects of increased anthropogenic N on the seedling-based vegetation expansion of Spartina alterniflora. The results indicated that seedling survivals, growth rates, and morphological indicators were inhibited by 20.08 %, 37.14 %, and > 35.56 %, respectively, under 1.5 gN/kg anthropogenic N. The sensitivity rate of vegetation expansion was increased by 70 % with 1 gN/kg increased N concentration under the scenario of low seedling density (< 15 m/yr). These findings revealed an important unidentified weakness of the marsh development process to anthropogenic N inputs. Finally, we highlighted the importance of appropriate protection measures to control nutrient pollution in salt marshes. Our study provides new insights for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of saltmarsh ecosystems.

Ultrasensitive and label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of the ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 based on CuCo-ONSs@AuNPs nanocomposites.

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is pivotal as a tumor marker in early ovarian cancer prevention and diagnosis. In this work, we introduced an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor tailored for CA125 detection, leveraging nanogold-functionalized copper-cobalt oxide nanosheets (CuCo-ONSs@AuNPs) as nanocomposites. For the inaugural application, copper-cobalt oxide nanosheets delivered the requisite DPV electrochemical response for the immunosensors. Their large specific surface area and commendable electrical conductivity amplify electron transfer and enable significant gold nanoparticle loading. Concurrently, AuNPs offer a plethora of active sites, facilitating easy immobilization of biomolecules via the bond between amino groups and AuNPs. We employed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the nanomaterials' surface morphology and elemental composition. The electrochemical sensor response signals were ascertained using differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a linear detection range from 1×10-7 U/mL to 1×10-3 U/mL and a detection limit of 3.9×10-8 U/mL (S/N=3). The proposed label-free electrochemical immunosensor furnishes a straightforward, dependable, and sensitive approach for CA125 quantification and stands as a promising method for clinical detection of other tumor markers.

Efficacy of home phototherapy versus inpatient phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Home phototherapy (HPT) remains a contentious alternative to inpatient phototherapy (IPT) for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. To guide evidence-based clinical decision-making, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies and assessed the comparative risks and benefits of HPT and IPT. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trial Registry Platform trial were searched from inception until June 2, 2023. We included RCTs and cohort studies and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The outcome measures were phototherapy duration, daily bilirubin level reduction, exchange transfusion, hospital readmission, parental stress scale, and complications. We used fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis models, assessed heterogeneity (I2), conducted subgroup analyses, evaluated publication bias, and graded evidence quality. RESULTS: Nine studies (998 patients) were included (four RCTs, five cohort studies). HPT was associated with longer phototherapy duration (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.06-1.04, P = 0.03). Cohort study subgroup analysis yielded consistent results (SMD = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.11, P < 0.001, I2 = 39%); the RCTs were not significantly different (SMD = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.15 to 0.08, P = 0.54, I2 = 0%). Hospital readmission was higher with HPT (RR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.43-14.86, P = 0.01). Daily bilirubin reduction (WMD = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.68 to 0.44, P = 0.68) or complications were not significantly different (RR = 2.29; 95% CI: 0.31-16.60, P = 0.41). The evidence quality was very low. HPT was associated with lower parental stress (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.16, P = 0.002). None of three included studies reported exchange transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence does not strongly support HPT efficacy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, as high-quality data on long-term outcomes are scarce. Future research should prioritize well-designed, large-scale, high-quality RCTs to comprehensively assess HPT risks and benefits.

Nonlinear differential equations and their application to evaluating the integrated impacts of multiple parameters on the biochemical safety of drinking water.

The present study aimed to narrow such gaps by applying nonlinear differential equations to biostability in drinking water. Biostability results from the integrated dynamics of nutrients and disinfectants. The linear dynamics of biostability have been well studied, while there remain knowledge gaps concerning nonlinear effects. The nonlinear effects are explained by phase plots for specific scenarios in a drinking water system, including continuous nutrient release, flush exchange with the adjacent environment, periodic pulse disinfection, and periodic biofilm development. The main conclusions are, (1) The correlations between the microbial community and nutrients go through phases of linear, nonlinear, and chaotic dynamics. Disinfection breaks the chaotic phase and returns the system to the linear phase, increasing the microbial growth potential. (2) Post-disinfection after multiple microbial peaks produced via metabolism can increase disinfection efficiency and decrease the risks associated with disinfectant byproduct risks. This can provide guidelines for optimizing the disinfection strategy, according to the long-term water safety target or a short management. Limited disinfection and ultimate disinfection may be more effective and have low chemical risk, facing longer stagnant conditions. (3) Periodic biofilm formation and biofilm detachment increase the possibility of uncertainty in the chaotic phase. For future study, nonlinear differential equation models can accordingly be applied at the molecular and ecological levels to further explore more nonlinear regulation mechanisms.

Plasmon-enhanced second harmonic generation of metal nanostructures.

As the most common nonlinear optical process, second harmonic generation (SHG) has important application value in the field of nanophotonics. With the rapid development of metal nanomaterial processing and chemical preparation technology, various structures based on metal nanoparticles have been used to achieve the enhancement and modulation of SHG. In the field of nonlinear optics, plasmonic metal nanostructures have become potential candidates for nonlinear optoelectronic devices because of their highly adjustable physical characteristics. In this article, first, the basic optical principles of SHG and the source of surface symmetry breaking in metal nanoparticles are briefly introduced. Next, the related reports on SHG in metal nanostructures are reviewed from three aspects: the enhancement of SHG efficiency by double resonance structures, the SHG effect based on magnetic resonance and the harmonic energy transfer. Then, the applications of SHG in the sensing, imaging and in situ monitoring of metal nanostructures are summarized. Future opportunities for SHG in composite systems composed of metal nanostructures and two-dimensional materials are also proposed.

Modulation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progression by antioxidant metabolites from Pediococcus pentosaceus: enhancing gut probiotics abundance and the tryptophan-melatonin pathway.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition primarily linked to oxidative stress, poses significant health burdens worldwide. Recent evidence has shed light on the association between the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and COPD, and their metabolites have emerged as potential modulators of disease progression through the intricate gut-lung axis. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of oral administration of the probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus SMM914 (SMM914) in delaying the progression of COPD by attenuating pulmonary oxidative stress. Specially, SMM914 induces a notable shift in the gut microbiota toward a community structure characterized by an augmented abundance of probiotics producing short-chain fatty acids and antioxidant metabolisms. Concurrently, SMM914 synthesizes L-tryptophanamide, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and 3-sulfino-L-alanine, thereby enhancing the tryptophan-melatonin pathway and elevating 6-hydroxymelatonin and hypotaurine in the lung environment. This modulation amplifies the secretion of endogenous anti-inflammatory factors, diminishes macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype, and ultimately mitigates the oxidative stress in mice with COPD. The demonstrated efficacy of the probiotic intervention, specifically with SMM914, not only highlights the modulation of intestine microbiota but also emphasizes the consequential impact on the intricate interplay between the gastrointestinal system and respiratory health.