Microplastics' toxic effects and influencing factors on microorganisms in biological wastewater treatment units.

Prior to entering the water body, microplastics (MPs) are mostly collected at the sewage treatment plant and the biological treatment unit is the sewage treatment facility's central processing unit. This review aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the detrimental impacts of MPs on the biological treatment unit of a sewage treatment plant and it covers how MPs harm the effluent quality of biological treatment processes. The structure of microbial communities is altered by MPs presence and additive release, which reduces functional microbial activity. Extracellular polymers, oxidative stress, and enzyme activity are explored as micro views on the harmful mechanism of MPs on microorganisms, examining the toxicity of additives released by MPs and the harm caused to microorganisms by harmful compounds that have been adsorbed in the aqueous environment. This article offers a theoretical framework for a thorough understanding of the potential problems posed by MPs in sewage treatment plants and suggests countermeasures to mitigate those risks to the aquatic environment.

Fractionated lignin as a green compatibilizer to improve the compatibility of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) /polylactic acid composites.

Blending poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA) is a cost-effective strategy to obtain biodegradable plastic with complementary properties. However, the incompatibility between PBAT and PLA is a great challenge for fabricating high-performance composite films. Herein, the ethyl acetate fractionated lignin with the small glass transition temperature and low molecular weight was achieved and incorporated into the PBAT/PLA composite as a compatibilizer. The fractionated lignin can be uniformly dispersed within the PBAT/PLA matrix through a melt blending process and interact with the molecular chain of PBAT and PLA as a bonding bridge, which enhances the intermolecular interactions and reduces the interfacial tension of PBAT/PLA. By adding fractionated lignin, the tensile strength of the PBAT/PLA composite increased by 35.4 % and the yield strength increased by 37.7 %. Owing to lignin, the composite films possessed the ultraviolet shielding function and exhibited better water vapor barrier properties (1.73 ± 0.08 × 10-13 g·cm/cm2·s·Pa). This work conclusively demonstrated that fractionated lignin can be used as a green compatibilizer and a low-cost functional filler for PBAT/PLA materials, and provides guidance for the application of lignin in biodegradable plastics.

Color construction of multi-colored carbon fibers using glucose.

Carbon fibers (CFs) have attracted attention in the automotive, aviation, and aerospace industries. However, the coloration of CFs is challenging due to their brittleness, inertness, complexity, and time/energy-intensive processes. Herein, inspired by the naturally grown protrusive nanostructures on the green central surface of peacock back feathers, we report an in-situ self-growing strategy for developing carbon spheres (CSs) on the CFs surface to achieve color tuning. This is achieved via the dynamic growth of CSs using glucose as the feeding material. Combined with the coloration process, the interaction between CSs and CFs promotes stable interfacial forces in integrated molding. This strategy allows the coloring system to continuously vary its color in a designated manner, thereby, endowing it with satisfactory mechanical robustness, acid durability, and light fastness. We anticipate this developed approach can be potentially competitive in the color construction of CFs with multi-colors due to its low-cost manufacturing.

The intervention of cannabinoid receptor in chronic and acute kidney disease animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Cannabinoid receptors are components of the endocannabinoid system that affect various physiological functions. We aim to investigate the effect of cannabinoid receptor modulation on kidney disease. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science databases, and EMBASE were searched. Articles selection, data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. The SYRCLE's RoB tool was used to assess the risk of study bias, and pooled SMD using a random-effect model and 95% CIs were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted in preselected subgroups, and publication bias was evaluated. We compared the effects of CB1 and CB2 antagonists and/or knockout and agonists and/or genetic regulation on renal function, blood glucose levels, body weight, and pathological damage-related indicators in different models of chronic and acute kidney injury. RESULTS: The blockade or knockout of CB1 could significantly reduce blood urea nitrogen [SMD,- 1.67 (95% CI - 2.27 to - 1.07)], serum creatinine [SMD, - 1.88 (95% CI - 2.91 to - 0.85)], and albuminuria [SMD, - 1.60 (95% CI - 2.16 to - 1.04)] in renal dysfunction animals compared with the control group. The activation of CB2 group could significantly reduce serum creatinine [SMD, - 0.97 (95% CI - 1.83 to - 0.11)] and albuminuria [SMD, - 2.43 (95% CI - 4.63 to - 0.23)] in renal dysfunction animals compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that targeting cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 antagonists and CB2 agonists, can improve kidney function and reduce inflammatory responses, exerting a renal protective effect and maintaining therapeutic potential in various types of kidney disease.

Development of high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by egg yolk and carboxymethylcellulose complexes to improve ß-carotene bioaccessibility for the elderly.

The work aimed to develop the multi-protein mixture of egg yolk as natural particles to stabilize high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) to improve the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene in the elderly. The results showed that the depletion attraction drove the adsorption of egg yolk protein particles at the oil-water interface and the formation of osmotic droplet clusters due to the attachment of particle-coated droplets in the dispersed phase, leading to kinetic blocking and stable gelation of HIPPEs. Rheological measurements showed that HIPPEs had shear thinning, low shear stress, viscoelastic properties, and structural recovery properties, which facilitated easy consumption for the elderly. The stability of HIPPEs was verified by ionic and centrifugal stability tests, demonstrating their potential for application to complex gastric environments. HIPPEs have been applied to the International Dysphagia Dietary Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) test and simulated in vitro digestion in older adults, demonstrating their safe swallowability and high ß-carotene bioaccessibility. Our findings suggest solutions for food practitioners facing the aging problem and provide new insights for preparing age-friendly foods.

Effect of the substitution of butter by double cross-linked egg yolk granules/sodium alginate emulsion gel on properties of baking dough during frozen storage.

In this study, double cross-linked egg yolk granules (EYGs)/sodium alginate (SA) emulsion gel was constructed and used as butter substitute. The water binding capacity, rheology properties and microstructure of EYGs/SA emulsion gel showed that the network structure tended to be complete when the concentration of SA reached 1% (m/v). SA stabilized the EYGs/SA droplets and enhanced the spatial network structure of emulsion gel. After substitution for butter, the network structure of EYGs/SA emulsion gel with more water bounded and the polyhydroxy structure of SA molecules endowed dough with more water retention capacity. Meanwhile, the destruction of the microstructure of the replaced dough with EYGs/SA emulsion gel was significantly inhibited compared with the un-substituted dough after freezing. The baking ability results showed a satisfactory baking effect after substitution. Overall, this study provides a new avenue in the field of fat replacement and the application of EYGs/SA emulsion gels.

Enhanced mechanic properties of calcium phosphate cements via mussel-inspired adhesive as bone substitute: Highlights of their interactions.

BACKGROUND: Inspired by natural bones, many organic components were added to Calcium Phosphate Cements (CPCs) to improve their mechanical strength. However, the strength of these composite CPCs is limited by the low strength of organic components itself and the weak interaction between organic components and CPCs. OBJECTIVE: Firstly, a composite CPC containing mussel-inspired adhesive, Poly-(Dopamine Methacrylamide-co-2-methoxy Ethylacrylate) (pDM) was developed. Secondly, the interactions between pDM and CPC and their effect on mechanical properties were investigated. METHODS: The interactions between pDM and CPC were performed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Laser Raman, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Analysis. RESULTS: The toughness and compressive strength of pDM-CPC scaffold were both significantly enhanced, because of the enhanced interface binding strength among CPC and pDM due to their interaction and the improved mechanical strength of pDM owing to its self-oxidation cross-linking. The toughness of pDM-CPC scaffolds increased with the increased contents of pDM, while pDM-CPC scaffold containing 35 wt.% pDM had the highest compressive strength of all, which the latter was more than five times compared to that of CPC. CONCLUSION: The mechanically strong pDM-CPC scaffolds has potential application in bone regeneration as well as in craniofacial and orthopedic repair.

Predictors of futile recanalization after endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke: a multi-center study.

Background and objectives: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) improves long-term outcomes and decreases mortality in ischemic stroke patients. However, a significant proportion of patients do not benefit from EVT recanalization, a phenomenon known as futile recanalization or reperfusion without functional independence (RFI). In this study, we aim to identify the major stroke risk factors and patient characteristics associated with RFI. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 297 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who received EVT at three academic stroke centers in China from March 2019 to March 2022. Patient age, sex, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), time to treatment, risk factors and comorbidities associated with cerebrovascular diseases were collected, and potential associations with futile recanalization were assessed. RFI was successful reperfusion defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) ≥ 2b without functional independence at 90 days (mRS ≥ 3). Results: Of the 297 initial patients assessed, 231 were included in the final analyses after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided by those who had RFI (n = 124) versus no RFI (n = 107). Older age (OR 1.041, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.073; p = 0.010), chronic kidney disease (OR 4.399, 0.904-21.412; p = 0.067), and higher 24-h NIHSS (OR 1.284, 1.201-1.373; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of RFI. Conversely, an mTICI score of 3 was associated with a reduced likelihood of RFI (OR 0.402, 0.178-0.909; p = 0.029). Conclusion: In conclusion, increased age, higher 24-h NIHSS and lack of an mTICI score of 3 were independently associated with RFI and have potential prognostic values in predicting patients that are less likely to respond to EVT recanalization therapy.

Post-ASPECTS and Post-PC-ASPECTS Predict the Outcome of Anterior and Posterior Ischemic Stroke Following Thrombectomy.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to determine whether post-Alberta Stroke Project Early CT Changes Score (post-ASPECTS) in anterior stroke and post-(posterior circulation) PC-ASPECTS in posterior stroke on CT can predict post-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) functional outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after EVT. Patients and Methods: A total of 247 consecutive patients aged 18 and over receiving EVT for LVO-related AIS were recruited into a prospective database. The data was retrospectively analyzed between March 2019 and February 2022 from two comprehensive tertiary care stroke centers: Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital and First People's Hospital of Foshan in China. Patient parameters included EVT within 24 hr of symptom onset, premorbid modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2, presence of distal and terminal cerebral blood vessel occlusion, and subsequent 24-72-hr post-stroke onset CT scan. Univariate comparisons were performed using the Fisher's exact test or χ2 test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to further analyze for adjusting for confounding factors. A p-value of ≤0.05 was statistically significant. Results: Overall, 236 individuals with 196 anterior circulation ischemic strokes and 40 posterior strokes of basilar artery occlusion were examined. Post-ASPECTS in anterior stroke and post-pc-ASPECTS as strong positive markers of favorable outcome at 90 days post-EVT; and lower rates of inpatient mortality/hospice discharge, 90-day mortality, and 90-day poor outcome were observed. Moreover, patients in the post-ASPECTS ≥ 7 cohort experienced shorter door-to-recanalization time (DRT), puncture-to-recanalization time (PRT), and last known normal-to-puncture time (LKNPT). Conclusion: Post-ASPECTS ≥7 in anterior circulation AIS and post-pc-ASPECTS ≥7 in posterior circulation can serve as strong prognostic markers of functional outcome after EVT.

7-Day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as a surrogate marker predicting ischemic stroke patients' outcome following endovascular therapy.

Background: Early neurological deterioration after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is associated with poor prognosis. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score measured at 24 h after EVT may be a better outcome predictor than other methods that focus on changes in NIHSS. Nevertheless, clinical fluctuations in ischemic stroke patients during the immediate phase after symptoms onset are well recognized. Therefore, a delayed NIHSS evaluation may improve prognostic accuracy. We evaluate the 7-day NIHSS in predicting long-term patient outcomes after EVT. Methods: This was a multi-center retrospective cohort study of 300 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT at three-stroke centers in China from August 2018 to March 2022. NIHSS was recorded on admission, pre-EVT, 24 h, and 7 days after EVT. Results: A total of 236 eligible patients were subdivided into two groups: 7-day NIHSS ≤6 and NIHSS >6 post-EVT. 88.29% achieved a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) in the NIHSS ≤6 group compared to 15.20% in the NIHSS >6 group at 90 days, and an improved favorable outcome in the former group was observed after adjusting for potential confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 39.7, 95% confidence interval, 17.5-89.7, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The 7-day NIHSS score may be a reliable predictor of 90-day stroke patient outcome after EVT.

Predictors of failure of early neurological improvement in early time window following endovascular thrombectomy: a multi-center study.

Background and objective: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has become the gold standard in the treatment of acute stroke patients. However, not all patients respond well to this treatment despite successful attempts. In this study, we aimed to identify variables associated with the failure of improvements following EVT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of 292 ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT at three academic stroke centers in China from January 2019 to February 2022. All patients were above 18 years old and had symptoms onset ≤6 h. A decrease of more than 4 points on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 24 h compared with admission or an NIHSS of 0 or 1 after 24 h was defined as early neurological improvement (ENI), whereas a lack of such improvement in the NIHSS was defined as a failure of early neurological improvement (FENI). A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-2 after 90 days. Results: A total of 183 patients were included in the final analyses, 126 of whom had FENI, while 57 had ENI. Favorable outcomes occurred in 80.7% of patients in the ENI group, in contrast to only 22.2% in the FENI group (p < 0.001). Mortality was 7.0% in the ENI group in comparison to 42.1% in the FENI group (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression model showed that diabetes mellitus [OR (95% CI), 2.985 (1.070-8.324), p = 0.037], pre-stroke mRS [OR (95% CI), 6.221 (1.421-27.248), p = 0.015], last known well to puncture time [OR (95% CI), 1.010 (1.003-1.016), p = 0.002], modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction = 3 [OR (95% CI), 0.291 (0.122-0.692), p = 0.005], and number of mechanical thrombectomy passes [OR (95% CI), 1.582 (1.087-2.302), p = 0.017] were the predictors of FENI. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus history, pre-stroke mRS, longer last known well-to-puncture time, lack of modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction = 3, and the number of mechanical thrombectomy passes are the predictors of FENI. Future large-scale studies are required to validate these findings.

Analysis of potential biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease based on single-cell RNA-sequencing integrated with a single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a renal microvascular disease caused by hyperglycemia that involves metabolic remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors. The mechanism is complex and not fully unraveled. We performed an integrated single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses of kidneys from db/db and db/m mice to identify differential open chromatin regions and gene expression, particularly in genes related to proximal tubular reabsorption and secretion. We identified 9,776 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 884 cell type-specific transcription factors (TFs) across 15 cell types. Glucose and lipid transporters, and TFs related to the circadian rhythm in the proximal tubules had significantly higher expression in db/db mice than in db/m mice (P<0.01). Crosstalk between podocytes and tubular cells in the proximal tubules was enhanced, and renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis pathways were activated in db/db mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining results showed that Wfdc2 expression in the urine and kidneys of DKD patients was higher than that in non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) controls. The revealed landscape of chromatin accessibility and transcriptional profiles in db/db mice provide insights into the pathological mechanism of DKD.

Identification of urinary extracellular vesicles differentially expressed RNAs in diabetic nephropathy via whole-transcriptome integrated analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common systemic microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs), which are natural nanoscale vesicles that protect RNA from degradation, have the potential to serve as an invasive diagnostic biomarker for DN. METHODS: We enrolled 24 participants, including twelve with renal biopsy-proven T2DN and twelve with T2DM, and isolated uEVs using ultracentrifugation. We performed microarrays for mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in parallel, and Next-Generation Sequencing for miRNAs. Differentially expressed RNAs (DE-RNAs) were subjected to CIBERSORTx, ssGSEA analysis, GO enrichment, PPI network analysis, and construction of the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Candidate genes and potential biomarker RNAs were validated using databases and machine learning models. RESULTS: A total of 1684 mRNAs, 126 lncRNAs, 123 circRNAs and 66 miRNAs were found in uEVs in T2DN samples compared with T2DM. CIBERSORTx revealed the involvement of uEVs in immune activity and ssGSEA explored possible cell or tissue sources of uEVs. A ceRNA co-expression and regulation relationship network was constructed. Candidate genes MYO1C and SP100 mRNA were confirmed to be expressed in the kidney using Nephroseq database, scRNA-seq dataset, and Human Protein Atlas database. We further selected 2 circRNAs, 2 miRNAs, and 2 lncRNAs from WGCNAs and ceRNAs and demonstrated their efficacy as potential diagnostic biomarkers for T2DN using machine learning algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported, for the first time, the whole-transcriptome genetic resources found in urine extracellular vesicles of T2DN patients. The results provide additional support for the possible interactions, and regulators between RNAs from uEVs themselves and as potential biomarkers in DN.

Anticancer effect of Dihydroartemisinin via dual control of ROS-induced apoptosis and protective autophagy in prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a natural agent, exhibits potent anticancer activity. However, its biological activity on prostate cancer (PCa) 22Rv1 cells has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we demonstrate that DHA induces anticancer effects through the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. METHODS: Cell viability and proliferation rate were assessed using the CCK-8 assay and cell clone formation assay. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by flow cytometry. The molecular mechanism of DHA-induced apoptosis and autophagy was examined using Western blot and RT-qPCR. The formation of autophagosomes and the changes in autophagy flux were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy. The effect of DHA combined with Chloroquine (CQ) was assessed using the EdU assay and flow cytometry. The expressions of ROS/AMPK/mTOR-related proteins were detected using Western blot. The interaction between Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 was examined using Co-IP. RESULTS: DHA inhibited 22Rv1 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. DHA exerted its anti-prostate cancer effects by increasing ROS levels. DHA promoted autophagy progression in 22Rv1 cells. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of DHA. DHA-induced autophagy initiation depended on the ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway. After DHA treatment, the impact of Beclin-1 on Bcl-2 was weakened, and its binding with Vps34 was enhanced. CONCLUSION: DHA induces apoptosis and autophagy in 22Rv1 cells. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of ROS/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways and the interaction between Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 proteins. Additionally, the combination of DHA and CQ may enhance the efficacy of DHA in inhibiting tumor cell activity.

N-acetyl-L-leucine protects MPTP-treated Parkinson's disease mouse models by suppressing Desulfobacterota via the gut-brain axis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and communication between the gut and brain (the gut-brain axis) has been found to be essential in behavior and cognitive function. However, the exact mechanisms underlying microbiota dysbiosis in PD progression have not yet been elucidated. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between gut microbiota disturbances and feces metabolic disorders in PD. We used 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce PD models and observed mice's motor symptoms, dopaminergic (DA) neuron death, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. To identify alterations in microbiota and metabolome, feces were collected from mice and analyzed using 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing feces metabolomics. Pearson analysis was utilized to investigate correlations between the abundances of gut microbiota components and the levels of gut microbiota metabolites, displaying their interaction networks. Our findings revealed a significant increase in Desulfobacterota in the PD mouse model and 151 differentially expressed fecal metabolites between PD and vehicle mice. Moreover, Pearson correlation analysis suggested that the protective factor N-acetyl-L-leucine (NALL) may be associated with neuroinflammation in the striatum and substantia nigra, which also had a negative relationship with the concentration of Desulfobacterota. Additionally, we found that oral administration of NALL alleviated MPTP-induced Motor Impairments and DA neuronal deficits. All in all, we concluded that the decrease of NALL might lead to a significant increase of Desulfobacterota in the MPTP model mouse and subsequently result in the damage of DA neurons via the gut-brain aix pathway.

Effect of atrial fibrillation on outcomes in patients with anterior circulation occlusion stroke receiving endovascular therapy.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation is one of the major risk factors of ischemic stroke. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. However, data regarding the impact of AF on the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy are controversial. The aim of our study was to determine whether atrial fibrillation modifies the functional outcome of patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke receiving EVT. Methods: We reviewed 273 eligible patients receiving EVT from January 2019 to January 2022 from 3 comprehensive Chinese stroke centers, of whom 221 patients were recruited. Demographics, clinical, radiological and treatment characteristics, safety outcomes, and functional outcomes were collected. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 2 at 90 days was defined as a good functional outcome. Results: In our cohort, 79 patients (35.74%) were eventually found to have AF. Patients with AF were elder (70.08 ± 11.72 vs. 61.82 ± 13.48 years, p = 0.000) and less likely to be males (54.43 vs. 73.94%, p = 0.03). The significant reperfusion rate (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3) was 73.42 and 83.80% in patients with and without AF, respectively (p = 0.064). The good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale: 0 to 2) rate was 39.24 and 44.37% in patients with and without AF, respectively (p = 0.460) after adjusting multiple confounding factors. There was no difference in the presence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage between the two groups (10.13 vs. 12.68%, p = 0.573). Conclusion: Despite their older age, AF patients achieved similar outcomes as non-AF patients with anterior circulation occlusion treated with endovascular therapy.

pH-Responsive Hexa-Histidine Metal Assembly (HmA) with Enhanced Biocatalytic Cascades as the Vehicle for Glucose-Mediated Long-Acting Insulin Delivery.

Diabetes has been listed as one of the three major diseases that endanger human health. Accurately injecting insulin (Ins) depending on the level of blood glucose (LBG) is the standard treatment, especially controlling LBG in the long-term by a single injection. Herein, the pH-responsive hexa-histidine metal assembly (HmA) encapsulated with enzymes (GOx and CAT) and Ins (HmA@GCI) is engineered as the vehicle for glucose-mediated insulin delivery. HmA not only shows high proteins loading efficiency, but also well retained proteins activity and protect proteins from protease damage. Within HmA, the biocatalytic activities of enzymes and the efficiency of the cascade reaction between GOx and CAT are enhanced, leading to a super response to the change of LBG with insulin release and efficient clearance of harmful byproducts of GOx (H2 O2 ). In the treatment of diabetic mice, HmA@GCI reduces LBG to normal in half an hour and maintains for more than 5 days by a single subcutaneous injection, and nearly 24 days with four consecutive injections. During the test period, no symptoms of hypoglycemia and toxicity to tissues and organs are observed. These results indicate that HmA@GCI is a safe and long-acting hypoglycemic agent with prospective clinical application.

Functional and technical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign treated with endovascular thrombectomy.

Background and objective: The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) is observed in a proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This sign reflects the presence of an intravascular thrombus rich in red blood cells. Several studies have demonstrated that HMCAS increases the risk of poor outcomes in AIS patients treated with IV thrombolysis or no reperfusion therapy; however, whether HMCAS predicts a poor outcome in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is less clear. We aimed to evaluate the functional outcome by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days and technical challenges in patients with HMCAS undergoing EVT. Methods: We studied 143 consecutive AIS patients with middle cerebral artery M1 segment or internal carotid artery + M1 occlusions who underwent EVT. Results: There were 73 patients (51%) with HMCAS. Patients with HMCAS had a higher frequency of cardioembolic stroke (p = 0.038); otherwise, no other baseline difference was observed. No differences in functional outcomes (mRS) at 90 days (p = 0.698), unfavorable outcomes (mRS > 2) (p = 0.929), frequency of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.924), and mortality (mRS-6) (p = 0.736) were observed between patients with and without HMCAS. In patients with HMCAS, EVT procedures were 9 min longer, requiring a higher number of passes (p = 0.073); however, optimal recanalization scores (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction: 2b-3) were equally achieved by both groups. Conclusion: Patients with HMCAS treated with EVT do not have a worse outcome at 3 months compared with no-HMCAS patients. Patients with HMCAS required a greater number of thrombus passes and longer procedure times.

High-performance thermoplastic starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends through synergistic plasticization of epoxidized soybean oil and glycerol.

Utilizing starch, an abundant polysaccharide, as the renewable filler to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a feasible tactic to construct cost-effective and high-performance biodegradable materials. It's worth noting that the thermal processing properties of starch can be manipulated by its plasticized behavior. Herein, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and glycerol were used as the plasticizer for native corn starch and the plasticized starch was integrated with PBAT to manufacture starch-based biodegradable blend films. ESO breaks the hydrogen bonds between starch chains through the fatty chains grafting reaction and increases the distance between starch molecular chains due to the large molecular weight of ESO. Meanwhile, glycerol molecules are incorporated into the starch molecular chains, and fatty chains grafted starch chains, effectively reducing the intermolecular forces of molecular chains. On account of the synergistic plasticization of ESO and glycerol which possess good compatibility with PBAT, the PSG20E10 blend film achieved a tensile strength, an elongation at break of 16.11 MPa and 612.09 %, and the balanced water and oxygen permeability properties.