Risk assessment and classification prediction for water environment treatment PPP projects.

Water treatment public-private partnership (PPP) projects are pivotal for sustainable water management but are often challenged by complex risk factors. Efficient risk management in these projects is crucial, yet traditional methodologies often fall short of addressing the dynamic and intricate nature of these risks. Addressing this gap, this comprehensive study introduces an advanced risk classification prediction model tailored for water treatment PPP projects, aimed at enhancing risk management capabilities. The proposed model encompasses an intricate evaluation of crucial risk areas: the natural and ecological environments, socio-economic factors, and engineering entities. It delves into the complex relationships between these risk elements and the overall risk profile of projects. Grounded in a sophisticated ensemble learning framework employing stacking, our model is further refined through a weighted voting mechanism, significantly elevating its predictive accuracy. Rigorous validation using data from the Jiujiang City water environment system project Phase I confirms the model's superiority over standard machine learning models. The development of this model marks a significant stride in risk classification for water treatment PPP projects, offering a powerful tool for enhancing risk management practices. Beyond accurately predicting project risks, this model also aids in developing effective government risk management strategies.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of the zoonotic parasites Bolbosoma nipponicum and Corynosoma villosum (Acanthocephala: Polymorphida) and the molecular phylogeny of the order Polymorphida.

Acanthocephalans of the order Polymorphida mainly parasitic in birds and mammals, are of veterinary, medical and economic importance. However, the evolutionary relationships of its 3 families (Centrorhynchidae, Polymorphidae and Plagiorhynchidae) remain under debate. Additionally, some species of Polymorphida (i.e. Bolbosoma spp. and Corynosoma spp.) are recognized as zoonotic parasites, associated with human acanthocephaliasis, but the mitochondrial genomes for representatives of Bolbosoma and Corynosoma have not been reported so far. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genomes B. nipponicum and C. villosum (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) are reported for the first time, which are 14 296 and 14 241 bp in length, respectively, and both contain 36 genes [including 12 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes] and 2 non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2). The gene arrangement of some tRNAs in the mitogenomes of B. nipponicum and C. villosum differs from that found in all other acanthocephalans, except Polymorphus minutus. Phylogenetic results based on concatenated amino acid (AA) sequences of the 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) strongly supported that the family Polymorphidae is a sister to the Centrorhynchidae rather than the Plagiorhynchidae, and also confirmed the sister relationship of the genera Bolbosoma and Corynosoma in the Polymorphidae based on the mitogenomic data for the first time. Our present findings further clarified the phylogenetic relationships of the 3 families Plagiorhynchidae, Centrorhynchidae and Polymorphidae, enriched the mitogenome data of the phylum Acanthocephala (especially the order Polymorphida), and provided the resource of genetic data for diagnosing these 2 pathogenic parasites of human acanthocephaliasis.

Postpartum stress urinary incontinence: a clinical study of 6,302 cases in Jiangsu Province.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) within 6-8 weeks postpartum in Jiangsu Province. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a multi-center cross-sectional study involving seven hospitals in Jiangsu province, and enrolled women who underwent postpartum examination at 6-8 weeks in these hospitals between July 2019 and June 2021. According to the presence or absence of SUI, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the SUI group and the non-SUI group, respectively. We assessed the general health status, noted the details of delivery, and checked the pelvic floor electromyographic parameters of the postpartum women in both groups. RESULTS: Among 6,302 cases of postpartum women in Jiangsu province, there were 1,579 cases of SUI, with a prevalence of 25.06%. The prevalence of SUI increased significantly with age, BMI, increasing parity, coexisting constipation, organ prolapse, and diastasis recti abdominis. Compared to the non-SUI group, the SUI group had a lower mean value of the pre-baseline rest phase, shorter rise and fall times of fast muscle contractions, and a lower mean value of the endurance contraction phase. Multiple regression analysis revealed associations with weight (especially overweight and obesity), coexisting organ prolapse, constipation, parity, gestational week of delivery, mode of delivery, and mean value of endurance contraction phase. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of postpartum stress urinary incontinence in Jiangsu Province was 25.06%, and was linked to being overweight, parity > 2, coexisting organ prolapse, constipation, and a decrease in the mean value of the endurance contraction phase of the electromyograph. In this report, we offer a theoretical basis for the effective prevention of postpartum SUI clinically.

Sphingobium nicotianae sp. nov., isolated from tobacco soil.

Bacterial strain H33T was isolated from tobacco plant soil and was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Strain H33T was a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and strictly aerobic bacterium. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of the up-to-date bacterial core gene set (92 protein clusters) indicated that H33T belongs to the genus Sphingobium. Strain H33T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sphingobium xanthum NL9T (97.2%) and showed 72.3-80.6 % average nucleotide identity and 19.7-29.2 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity with the strains of other species of the genus Sphingobium. Strain H33T grew optimally at 30°C, pH 7 and could tolerate 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The isoprenoid quinones were ubiquinone-9 (64.1%) and ubiquinone-10 (35.9%). Spermidine was the major polyamine. The major fatty acids of H33T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified lipids, two unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified aminoglycolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of H33T was 64.9 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, H33T was considered a representative of a novel species in the genus Sphingobium. We propose the name Sphingobium nicotianae sp. nov., with H33T (=CCTCC AB 2022073T=LMG 32569T) as the type strain.

Phylomitogenomic Analyses Provided Further Evidence for the Resurrection of the Family Pseudoacanthocephalidae (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchida).

The phylum Acanthocephala is an important monophyletic group of parasites, with adults parasitic in the digestive tracts of all major vertebrate groups. Acanthocephalans are of veterinary, medical, and economic importance due to their ability to cause disease in domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. However, the current genetic data for acanthocephalans are sparse, both in terms of the proportion of taxa surveyed and the number of genes sequenced. Consequently, the basic molecular phylogenetic framework for the phylum is still incomplete. In the present study, we reported the first complete mitochondrial genome from a representative of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae Petrochenko, 1956. The mitogenome of Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis (Shipley, 1903) is 14,056 bp in length, contains 36 genes (12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (lacking atp8), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes (rrnL and rrnS)) and two non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2), and displayed the highest GC-skew in the order Echinorhynchida. Phylogenetic results of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) using the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes in different models provided further evidence for the resurrection of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae and also supported that the order Echinorhynchida is paraphyletic. A monophyletic clade comprising P. bufonis and Cavisoma magnum suggests a close affinity between Pseudoacanthocephalidae and Cavisomatidae. Our phylogenetic analyses also showed that Polymorphidae has a closer relationship with Centrorhynchidae than Plagiorhynchidae in the monophyletic order Polymorphida.

Cytohesin-4 Upregulation in Glioma-Associated M2 Macrophages Is Correlated with Pyroptosis and Poor Prognosis.

Cytohesin-4 (CYTH4) is a member of the PSCD family. Members of this family appear to mediate the regulation of protein sorting and membrane trafficking. In previous studies, CYTH4 has been linked with multiple brain diseases, but not glioma, the most common type of brain tumor. We utilized multiple glioma single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and bulk data from the TCGA and CGGA and conducted GSEA and KEGG and GO analyses. Biomarker potential was tested via ROC curve analysis. Radar plots were used to study TMB and MSI correlations. Immune cell studies were conducted using CIBERSORT. All statistical analyses were performed in R software and GraphPad Prism 9. CYTH4 was overexpressed in the glioma macrophage population in several single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and was most correlated with M2 macrophages. CYTH4 expression was higher in tumor tissues and was correlated with survival and WHO grade. ROC curves suggested CYTH4 overexpression to be a potential glioma biomarker. GSEA results indicated a relationship between CYTH4 and apoptosis, and PPI analysis supported a pyroptosis correlation. KEGG and GO analysis results linked CYTH4 with antigen processing and presentation and neutrophil activities. In summary, the study identified a CYTH4/pyroptosis/M2 macrophage axis. CYTH4 was upregulated in M2 macrophages in glioma and affected pyroptosis. CYTH4 overexpression is a potential biomarker predicting a poor prognosis.

Bardoxolone methyl ameliorates osteoarthritis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and protecting the extracellular matrix against degradation.

Inflammation and oxidative damage are closely related to the development of osteoarthritis. Bardoxolone methyl (CDDO-Me), a semisynthetic oleanane triterpenoid, plays a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role. The purpose of our research was to explore fundamental mechanisms of CDDO-Me in orthopaedics development. The results showed that CDDO-Me inhibited nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways and inhibiting NF-κB pathway activation and excess ROS production. In vivo, CDDO-Me significantly attenuated articular cartilage proteoglycan loss and the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts in a destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model of OA. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CDDO-Me inhibits osteoclastogenesis and ECM degradation, underscoring its potential therapeutic value in treating OA.

FTY720 Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Bone Loss by Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis via the NF-κB and HDAC4/ATF Pathways.

Osteoclast (OC) abnormalities lead to many osteolytic diseases, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory bone erosion, and tumor-induced osteolysis. Exploring effective strategies to remediate OCs dysregulation is essential. FTY720, also known as fingolimod, has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Here, we found that FTY720 inhibited osteoclastogenesis and OC function by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling. Interestingly, we also found that FTY720 inhibited osteoclastogenesis by upregulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) expression levels and downregulating activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression levels. In vivo, FTY720 treatment prevented lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced calvarial osteolysis and significantly reduced the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase- (TRAP-) positive OCs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FTY720 can inhibit osteoclastogenesis and ameliorate inflammation-induced bone loss. Which may provide evidence of a new therapeutic target for skeletal diseases caused by OC abnormalities.

Enhancing the student learning experience: Co-teaching biochemistry and clinical sciences within the dental curriculum.

Basic knowledge of biochemistry underpins oral and dental care. Undergraduate dental students do not always engage well with basic science teaching due to not appreciating its clinical relevance. Co-teaching provides one approach to overcome students' disengagement and involves two lecturers, with complementary expertise, presenting the curriculum together. This study investigated student experiences and engagement using co-teaching to integrate biochemistry with clinical sciences in the students' second-year dental curriculum. Two successive second year dental student cohorts were co-taught. Content was delivered by a biochemist and an oral biologist, either online (during the 2020 COVID lockdown) or in-person (2021). Each cohort was surveyed at the end of the teaching module using an online questionnaire containing both interval scale and free-text questions. Responses were received from 39 (42%) and 64 (85%) of students in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Students from both cohorts preferred the co-teaching approach with a mean of 8.74 on a 10-point interval scale. In 2020 and 2021, 77% and 76% of participants, respectively, preferred a combined biochemistry and clinical dentistry delivery, either in-person (37%), via Zoom (19%) or via video recording (14%). Thematic analysis of responses revealed students experienced enhanced engagement when co-taught and they attributed this to integration of the curriculum making the content more relevant and stimulating. Students preferred co-teaching to individual subjects being taught by a single teacher. Co-teaching established the relevance of theoretical biochemistry to clinical dental sciences and enhanced the students' learning experience.

Morphology, molecular characterization and phylogeny of Bolbosoma nipponicum Yamaguti, 1939 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae), a potential zoonotic parasite of human acanthocephaliasis.

Human acanthocephaliasis is a rare parasitic zoonosis mainly caused by acanthocephalans belonging to the genera Acanthocephalus, Bolbosoma, Corynosoma, Macracanthorhynchus, and Moniliformis. In the present paper, the juveniles of Bolbosoma nipponicum Yamaguti, 1939 collected from the northern fur seal Callorhinus ursinus (Linnaeus) (Mammalia: Carnivora) in Alaska, USA were precisely identified based on morphological characters and genetic data. Their detailed morphology was studied using light and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy. The molecular characterization of the nuclear genes [small ribosomal subunit (18S) and large ribosomal subunit (28S)] and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequence data of B. nipponicum are provided for the first time. Moreover, in order to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Bolbosoma and the other genera in the family Polymorphidae, phylogenetic analyses were performed integrating different nuclear (18S + ITS+28S) and mitochondrial (cox1) sequence data using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). The phylogenetic results showed that Bolbosoma has a sister relationship with Corynosoma, and also revealed that Southwellina is sister to Ibirhynchus + Hexaglandula. Our molecular phylogeny also indicated a possible host-switch pattern during the evolution of the polymorphid acanthocephalans. The ancestors of polymorphid acanthocephalans seem to have originally parasitized fish-eating waterfowl in continental habitats, then extended to fish-eating marine birds in brackish water and marine habitats, and finally, opportunistically infected the marine mammals.

The Level of Histone Deacetylase 4 is Associated with Aging Cartilage Degeneration and Chondrocyte Hypertrophy.

Purpose: To determine the role of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4)-controlled chondrocyte hypertrophy in the onset and development of age-related osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Morphological analysis of human knee cartilages was performed to observe structural changes during cartilage degeneration. HDAC4 expression was deleted in adult aggrecan (Acan)-CreERT2; HDAC4fl/fl transgenic mice. The onset and development of age-related OA were investigated in transgenic and control mice using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Safranin O staining. Furthermore, the progression of ACLT-induced OA following adenovirus-mediated HDAC4 overexpression was explored in rats. The expression levels of genes related to hypertrophy, cartilage matrix and its digestion, and chondrocyte proliferation were investigated using qPCR. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to explore the mechanisms underlying HDAC4-controlled age-related changes in OA progression. Results: In human cartilage, we performed morphological analysis and IHC, the results showed that hypertrophy-related structural changes are related to HDAC4 expression. Age-related OA was detected early (OARSI scores 2.7 at 8-month-old) following HDAC4 deletion in 2-month-old mice. Furthermore, qPCR and IHC results showed changes in hypertrophy-related genes Col10a1, Runx2 and Sox9 in chondrocytes, particularly in the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2, 13.29±0.99 fold). The expression of the main cartilage matrix-related genes Col2a1 and Acan decreased, that of cartilage matrix digestion-related gene MMP-13 increased, while that of chondrocyte proliferation-related genes PTHrP, Ihh and Gli1 changed. In contrast, rat cartilage's qPCR and IHC results showed opposite outcomes after HDAC4 overexpression. Conclusion: Based on the results above, we concluded that HDAC4 expression regulates the onset and development of age-related OA by controlling chondrocyte hypertrophy. These results may help in the development of early diagnosis and treatment of age-related OA.

Inactivation of Ihh in Sp7-Expressing Cells Inhibits Osteoblast Proliferation, Differentiation, and Bone Formation, Resulting in a Dwarfism Phenotype with Severe Skeletal Dysplasia in Mice.

Indian hedgehog (Ihh) is an indispensable paracrine factor for proper tissue patterning, skeletogenesis, and cellular proliferation. Recent genetic studies have revealed critical roles of chondrocyte-derived Ihh in regulating chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy and cartilage ossification. However, the functions of Sp7-expressing cell-derived Ihh in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation remain unclear. Sp7 is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. In the current study, we generated Sp7-iCre; Ihhfl/fl mice, in which the Ihh gene was specifically deleted in Sp7-expressing cells to investigate the roles of Ihh. Ihh ablation in Sp7-expressing cells resulted in a dwarfism phenotype with severe skeletal dysplasia and lethality at birth, but with normal joint segmentation. Sp7-iCre; Ihhfl/fl mice had fewer osteoblasts, almost no cortical and trabecular bones, smaller skulls, and wider cranial sutures. Additionally, the levels of osteogenesis- and angiogenesis-related genes, and of major bone matrix protein genes were significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that Ihh regulates bone formation in Sp7-expressing cells. Ihh deficiency in primary osteoblasts cultured in vitro inhibited their proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization ability, and reduced the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Moreover, the deletion of Ihh also attenuated the Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway in E18.5 tibial and primary osteoblasts. The activity of primary osteoblasts in mutant mice was rescued after treatment with rhBMP2. In summary, our data revealed that Ihh in Sp7-expressing cells plays an indispensable role in osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and embryonic osteogenesis, further implicated that its pro-osteogenic role may be mediated through the canonical Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway.

Kaempferol inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori in a manner distinct from antibiotics.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric disorders. In this study, the anti-H. pylori capacity of natural products from "Winter Red" crabapple flowers were evaluated, including flavonoids, organic acids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Among these products, kaempferol showed the highest antibacterial capacity. Structure-activity relationship assays indicated that all hydroxyls contributed to the antibacterial capacity of kaempferol, with the most important being hydroxyls in the A-ring. Kaempferol had comparable anti-H. pylori capacities to clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Both kaempferol and the two antibiotics might damage the cell membrane of H. pylori. However, the RNA-sequence assay demonstrated that their antibacterial mechanisms were different. The ATP-binding cassette transporters, flagellar assembly, and fatty acid metabolism were the major pathways in H. pylori cells responding to kaempferol treatment. We suggest that crabapple containing abundant kaempferol may benefit humans by inhibiting gastric H. pylori. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The anti-Helicobacter pylori capacity of natural products including flavonoids, organic acids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids from "Winter Red" crabapple flowers were evaluated in the present study. Among these products, kaempferol showed the highest antibacterial capacity. More importantly, kaempferol had comparable anti-H. pylori capacities to clarithromycin and amoxicillin, but in a manner distinct from the antibiotics. We suggest that crabapple flowers containing abundant kaempferol may be processed into various products for the patients who have gastric disorders caused by H. pylori. Or the extracted kaempferol from crabapples or other plants could be tested for the clinical treatment of gastric H. pylori.

Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation of dimensional hard tissue changes following alveolar ridge preservation with leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin techniques: a pilot study / Avaliação tomográfica computadorizada de feixe cônico das alterações dimensionais de tecido duro após preservação de crista alveolar com técnicas de fibrina rica em leucócitos e plaquetas: um estudo piloto

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) techniques used in alveolar ridge preservation on dimensional hard tissue changes of the alveolar ridge assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Material and Methods: Elective alveolar ridge preservation surgeries were performed on seven systemically healthy patients who underwent single posterior tooth extraction. Patients were randomly treated with PRF mixed with a commercial bone xenograft (n = 3) or PRF plug (n = 4). CBCT scans were taken immediately after tooth extraction and then four months later, just before implant surgery. Dimensional alterations in socket height (SH), socket area (SA) and socket volume (SV) were evaluated on CBCT scans by percentage differences before and after treatments. Results: Sockets treated with PRF plus bone xenograft had a tendency to maintain alveolar bone dimensions over time (SH= 11.22% to 82.74%, SA= 1.84% to 48.91% and SV= 9.11% to 203.62%), while sockets treated only with PRF plug technique presented only a modest increase in height (SH= 1.47% to 11.11%) but greater alveolar ridge resorption confirmed by a decrease in socket area and volume dimensions (SA= 0.21% to -24.09% SV= 8.53% to -54.12%). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the maintenance of alveolar socket dimensions was observed when PRF was associated with a xenograft. However, the loss of alveolar ridge dimensions was not entirely prevented by PRF treatment alone.(AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou o efeito das técnicas de fibrina rica em leucócitos e plaquetas (L-PRF) usadas na preservação da crista alveolar em alterações dimensionais de tecido duro da crista alveolar avaliadas por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (CBCT). Material e Métodos: Foram realizadas cirurgias eletivas de preservação da crista alveolar em sete pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis que foram submetidos a uma única extração dentária posterior. Os doentes foram tratados aleatoriamente com PRF misturado com um xenoenxerto ósseo comercial (n = 3) ou com PRF plug (n = 4). CBCT foi realizada imediatamente após a extração dentária e quatro meses depois, imediatamente antes da cirurgia de implante. Alterações dimensionais na altura do alvéolo (SH), área do alvéolo (SA) e volume do alvéolo (SV) foram avaliadas em exames CBCT por diferenças percentuais antes e depois dos tratamentos. Resultados: Os alvéolos tratados com PRF mais xenoenxerto ósseo apresentaram tendência a manter as dimensões ósseas alveolares ao longo do tempo (SH= 11.22% a 82.74%, SA= 1.84% a 48.91% e SV= 9.11% a 203.62%), enquanto alvéolos tratados apenas com a técnica de PRF plug apresentaram apenas um aumento modesto na altura (SH= 1.47% a 11.11%), mas uma maior reabsorção alveolar confirmada pela redução das dimensões de área e volume do alvéolo (SA= 0.21% a -24.09% SV= 8.53% a -54.12%). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações deste estudo, a manutenção das dimensões alveolares foi observada quando o PRF foi associado ao xenoenxerto. No entanto, a perda das dimensões alveolares não foi totalmente evitada pelo tratamento apenas com PRF. (AU)

Peiminine Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Inhibiting the NFATc1, ERK, and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Osteoclasts (OCs) play an important role in osteoporosis, a disease that is mainly characterized by bone loss. In our research, we aimed to identify novel approach for regulating osteoclastogenesis and thereby treating osteoporosis. Previous studies have set a precedent for screening traditional Chinese herbal extracts for effective inhibitors. Peiminine is an alkaloid extracted from the bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq that reportedly has anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the potential inhibitory effect of peiminine on OC differentiation was investigated via a series of experiments. According to the results, peiminine downregulated the levels of specific genes and proteins in vitro and consequently suppressed OC differentiation and function. Based on these findings, we further investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms and identified the NF-κB and ERK1/2 signaling pathways as potential targets of peiminine. In vivo, peiminine alleviated bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model.

Inhibitory properties of polyphenols in Malus "Winter Red" crabapple fruit on α-glucosidase and α-amylase using improved methods.

To explore the inhibitory activity of polyphenols on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, 16 polyphenols were isolated, identified, and quantified in an edible Malus "Winter Red" crabapple fruit. The limitations of two traditional methods for α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity assay in vitro were assayed. An improved method based on an HPLC assay for α-glucosidase and a colorimetric method coupled with a custom-made mini-column for α-amylase were established. Compared with positive controls, acarbose and miglito, most polyphenols, especially the four aglycones (cyanidin, quercetin, phloretin, and 3-hydroxyphloretin) showed higher inhibition rates on α-glucosidase. None of the polyphenols showed higher inhibition rates on α-amylase than acarbose, but most, especially the four aglycones, showed higher inhibition rates on α-amylase than miglito. The Malus Winter Red fruit has great potential for postprandial blood glucose management as a potential diet therapy for diabetic patients.

Bone Grafts and Substitutes in Dentistry: A Review of Current Trends and Developments.

After tooth loss, bone resorption is irreversible, leaving the area without adequate bone volume for successful implant treatment. Bone grafting is the only solution to reverse dental bone loss and is a well-accepted procedure required in one in every four dental implants. Research and development in materials, design and fabrication technologies have expanded over the years to achieve successful and long-lasting dental implants for tooth substitution. This review will critically present the various dental bone graft and substitute materials that have been used to achieve a successful dental implant. The article also reviews the properties of dental bone grafts and various dental bone substitutes that have been studied or are currently available commercially. The various classifications of bone grafts and substitutes, including natural and synthetic materials, are critically presented, and available commercial products in each category are discussed. Different bone substitute materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, or their combinations, and their chemical, physical, and biocompatibility properties are explored. Limitations of the available materials are presented, and areas which require further research and development are highlighted. Tissue engineering hybrid constructions with enhanced bone regeneration ability, such as cell-based or growth factor-based bone substitutes, are discussed as an emerging area of development.

[Adsorption of Cadmium and Arsenic by Corn Stalk Biochar Solidified Microorganism].

Immobilization of bacteria on biochar can improve the performance of the soil complex polluted with cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As). In this study, bacteria (Delftia sp. B9, B9), biochar (corn stalks biochar, CSB), and biochar-bacteria complexes (B-CSB) were used as adsorption materials to explore the adsorption characteristics of Cd and As. The effects of pH on the adsorption performance of Cd and As and the ion removal from the aqueous solution were investigated, and the adsorption behaviors were simulated using an isothermal adsorption model. The changes in Cd and As speciation with the addition of B9, CSB, and B-CSB to As and Cd-contaminated soil were explored. The results showed that the Cd-saturated adsorption capacities of B9, CSB, and B-CSB were 49.43, 82.68, and 75.38 mg ·g-1, respectively; the As-saturated adsorption capacities were 24.67, 42.92, and 34.03 mg ·g-1, respectively. The concentration of available Cd and As significantly decreased, whereas the residual fraction increased after the addition of B-CSB. B-CSB was shown to be an effective material for the remediation of soil complexes polluted with Cd and As.

Dihydrochalcones in Malus inhibit bacterial growth by reducing cell membrane integrity.

In recent years, increasing research has evaluated the use of natural products as antimicrobial food additives. In this study, antibacterial activity was evaluated for six dihydrochalcone compounds from Malus. Phloretin and 3-hydroxyphloretin exhibited antibacterial effects on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the antibacterial capacity of these compounds was greater than that of their glycosylated derivatives. Within a certain range, dihydrochalcone hydrophobicity was positively correlated with antibacterial activity. Additionally, glycosylation at the 2'-position of the A-ring and hydroxyl group at the 3-position of the B-ring played a key role in the antibacterial activity of dihydrochalcones. Phloretin and 3-hydroxyphloretin caused damage to bacterial cells by significantly increasing protein and inorganic phosphate leakage. Compared to phloretin, 3-hydroxyphloretin exhibited a smaller effect on Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus and a greater effect on Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, suggesting different antibacterial mechanisms. At a low dihydrochalcone concentration, the respiration of M. luteus did not change, while membrane permeability increased significantly. These results indicate that the antibacterial mechanism of M. luteus was primarily damage to the cell membrane. However, damage to respiration and the cell membrane might occur simultaneously in K. pneumoniae, suggesting that the antibacterial mechanism of dihydrochalcones also depends on strain type. This study demonstrated the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of dihydrochalcone compounds commonly found in the genus Malus to foodborne pathogens and elucidated the antibacterial mechanisms. It provides theoretical guidance for future research and application of dihydrochalcones in the food industry.

[Effect of Conditioning Agent Combined with Flooding Measures on Absorption and Accumulation of Cadmium in Rice].

In order to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of flooding measures, soil conditioner, silicon mineral fertilizer and sprayed foliar fertilizer, gypsum powder, and their multiple treatments for reducing Cd accumulation in rice grown in Cd-contaminated soil. A plot experiment was conducted in three different Cd-contaminated soils. The results showed that flooding measures, a single application of conditioning agents, and combined application and flooding treatment can reduce soil-available Cd and the Cd content in various organs of rice with 6.58%-30.01% reduction in soil available-Cd and 12.64%-68.68% reduction in Cd content in brown rice, respectively. The Cd reduction decreased in the following order:comprehensive treatment (T6) > basic application of gypsum powder (T5) > base Xiangrunbang state soil conditioner (T3) > mineral silicon fertilizer and spray foliar fertilizer (T4) > flood treatment (T2). In addition, the average value of the reduction effect of the Cd content in brown rice was calculated. The five treatments in the experiment reduced the enrichment of various parts of the rice, which is a main reason for the decrease in Cd content in the brown rice. According to the field plot test, the combined application of the basic conditioning agent, mineral silicon fertilizer, and sprayed foliar fertilizer, and gypsum powder and flooding measures can be used as an effective method for Cd pollution control in Cd-contaminated cultivated rice.