Development of a sample preparation method for micro-proteomics analysis of the formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded liver tissue samples.

Liver micro-proteomics based on the routinely used formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples is valuable for innovative research, but the technical approach for sample preparation is often challenging. In this study, we aimed to develop a method for sample preparation for micro-proteomics on using the FFPE liver samples. We collected 2000 individual cells per batch from FFPE liver slices with laser capture microdissection and used them as test samples. We used the microscale fresh-frozen liver samples or HepG2 cells as control samples. For the FFPE samples, we first established a procedure for protein extraction. 2 h incubation at 95 °C in alkaline amine buffer supplemented with 4% sodium dodecyl sulfate allows improved production, efficiency, and quality of protein extraction. Then, we developed a dedicated protocol HDMSP for the micro-concentrated (<0.05 µg/µL) protein preparation for mass spectrometry (MS) based analysis, in which 2 µg/µL carboxyl magnetic beads and 70% acetonitrile are used to induce protein precipitation. For the 0.01 µg/µL protein control samples, protein recovery rate (PRR) by HDMSP is 72.1%, while the PRR is 5.9% if using a standard method solid phase-enhanced sample preparation. For the FFPE samples, the HDMSP PRR is 88.8%, and the subsequent MS analysis demonstrates increased depth, robustness, and quantitation accuracy for HDMSP relative to the control of in-gel digestion. Moreover, the physicochemical properties and subcellular location of the FFPE liver micro-proteome are comparable to those of the fresh-frozen control samples processed with filter-aided sample preparation (FASP). HDMSP is also comparable to FASP in terms of reproducibility and physicochemical properties in liver subcellular proteomes, and meanwhile reduces the sample preparation time by 15.9% and the experimental cost by 30.8%. Overall, the new method is simple and highly effective for preparing the microscale FFPE liver protein samples for MS analysis. This study provides a useful solution for FFPE liver micro-proteomics.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation of media-milled black rice particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion: Phenolic release, bioactivity and prebiotic potential.

This is a pioneer study that investigated the digestive characteristics of Pickering emulsions stabilized by media-milled black rice particles during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Free fatty acid release of the emulsions improved from 28.42 ± 3.13% to 33.68 ± 4.05% after media milling. The phenolics released from media-milled sample were close to those from unground sample. Media-milled sample exhibited higher DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability and α-glucosidase inhibition rate than unground sample. Media milling increased the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during colonic fermentation, especially acetic acid (23% improvement in media-milled sample over unground sample). It also inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria namely Escherichia Shigella and Streptococcus, and promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Blautia. These findings revealed that media-milled black rice particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions possessed intrinsic bioactivity and prebiotic potentials in the gastrointestinal tract for the first time.

Shenqisherong pill ameliorates neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the JNK/caspase-3 signaling pathway in a rat model of cervical cord compression.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Shenqisherong (SQSR) pill is an empirical prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which originated from the National Chinese Medical Science Master, Shi Qi. It has been widely used in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and promote the recovery of spinal cord function, but underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to confirm the neuroprotective effects of the SQSR pill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of chronic compression at double-level cervical cord was used in vivo. The protective role of SQSR pill on CSM rats was measured by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale, inclined plane test, forelimb grip strength assessment, hindlimb pain threshold assessment, and gait analysis. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay, and apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of apoptosis proteins was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. RESULTS: SQSR pill could facilitate locomotor function recovery in rats with chronic cervical cord compression, reduce local ROS in the spinal cord and downregulate the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)/caspase-3 signaling pathway. In addition, the SQSR pill could protect primary rat cortical neurons from glutamate-treated toxicity in vitro by reducing the ROS and downregulating the phosphorylation of JNK and its downstream factors related to neuronal apoptosis meditated by the caspase cascade. Then, the neuroprotective effect was counteracted by a JNK activator. CONCLUSIONS: Together, SQSR pill could ameliorate neuronal apoptosis by restraining ROS accumulation and inhibiting the JNK/caspase-3 signaling pathway, indicating that SQSR pill could be a candidate drug for CSM.

Low glycemic index noodle and pasta: Cereal type, ingredient, and processing.

The consumption of noodles with a high glycemic index (GI) can affect health, prompting the need for dietary adjustments to manage abnormal blood glucose levels. This review delves into recent progress in low GI noodles and their potential effect for human well-being. Diverse approaches, encompassing the incorporation of soluble dietary fiber, modified starches, proteins, and plant polyphenols, have shown encouraging outcomes in diminishing the GI of noodles. Furthermore, variations in processing, storage, and cooking techniques can influence the GI of noodles, yielding both positive and negative impacts on their glycemic response. Soluble dietary fiber, protein cross-linkers, and plant polyphenols play a pivotal role in reducing the GI of noodles by hindering the interaction between digestive enzymes and starch, thereby curbing enzymatic activity. Future research spotlighting ingredients, processing methodologies, and the underlying mechanisms of low GI noodles will contribute substantively to the development of functional foods boosting enhanced nutritional profiles.

Qishen granule attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by protecting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress through regulation of Sirtuin3.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs available today. However, the adverse effect of cardiotoxicity limits its clinical application. New approaches are being investigated for the treatment of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). Doxorubicin is enriched in mitochondria and it could induce imbalance of protein modification, including acetylation of mitochondria proteins, thereby inducing DIC. Restoration of mitochondria function is an effective way to attenuate DIC. The formula for traditional Chinese medicine Granules of Qishen (QSG) was derived from the classic formula "Zhen-Wu-Tang" which has been extensively used in the treatment of myocardial infarction. It consists of six traditional Chinese medicines, including Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge) P.K.Hsiao (Fabaceae), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae), Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux (Ranunculaceae), Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. (Scrophulariaceae), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Fabaceae). QSG is a potential anti-DIC formula. A better understanding of the effectiveness and pharmacological mechanisms of QSG will aid in the prevention and treatment of DIC. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this research was to explore the effectiveness of QSG in the treatment of DIC and to explore whether QSG could protect mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative damage by activating Sirtuin3(SIRT3)/Acetylated-superoxide dismutase 2(Ac-SOD2) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DOX was injected into mice through the tail vein to construct a mouse model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity to explore the therapeutic effect of QSG in animals. Meanwhile, the H9C2 cell model was used to study the mechanism of QSG. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and measurement of serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Oxidative damage was evaluated by 2',7'-dichlorodihydro fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and Mito-SOX Red staining. Levels of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured by following the instructions of commercially available kits. In order to detect the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, cells were stained using the mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit (JC-1). Western blot analysis was applied to detect protein expressions of SIRT3, Ac-SOD2, Acetylation Lysine (Ac-Lys), Bax and Bcl-2. H9C2 cells were treated with SIRT3 inhibitor, in order to determine if QSG had effects via the SIRT3/Ac-SOD2 pathway. RESULTS: In vivo studies showed that QSG ameliorated doxorubicin-induced damage of cardiac function in DIC mice model. The ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were all up-regulated by QSG treatment. QSG decreased MDA levels and increased SOD activity. Meanwhile, doxorubicin induced high level of protein acetylation and QSG restored the acetylated protein back to normal levels. In particular, QSG upregulated expression of SIRT3 and downregulated Ac-SOD level. In vitro study demonstrated that QSG restored mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP level and reduced mitochondrial ROS production. When H9C2 cells were co-incubated with SIRT3 inhibitor, the efficacies of QSG on mitochondrial function were abrogated. Meanwhile, the regulative effects of QSG on SIRT3/Ac-SOD2 pathway were also abolished. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that QSG is effective in treating DIC. QSG ameliorates oxidative damage and protects mitochondrial function partly by restoring protein acetylation level and by activating the SIRT3/Ac-SOD2 pathway.

Post-synthetic modifications of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for diverse applications.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are porous and crystalline organic polymers, which have found usage in various fields. These frameworks are tailorable through the introduction of diverse functionalities into the platform. Indeed, functionality plays a key role in their different applications. However, sometimes functional groups are not compatible with reaction conditions or can compete and interfere with other groups of monomers in the direct synthetic method. Also, pre-synthesis of bulky moieties in COFs can negatively affect crystal formation. To avoid these problems a post-synthetic modification (PSM) approach is a helpful tactic. Also, with the assistance of this strategy porous size can be tunable and stability can be improved without considerable effect on the crystallite. In addition, conductivity, hydrophobicity/ hydrophilicity, and chirality are among the features that can be reformed with this method. In this review, different types of PSM strategies based on recent articles have been divided into four categories: (i) post-functionalization, (ii) post-metalation, (iii) chemical locking, and (iv) host-guest post-modifications. Post-functionalization and chemical locking methods are based on covalent bond formation while in post-metalation and host-guest post-modifications, non-covalent bonds are formed. Also, the potential of these post-modified COFs in energy storage and conversion (lithium-sulfur batteries, hydrogen storage, proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, and water splitting), heterogeneous catalysts, food safety evaluation, gas separation, environmental domains (greenhouse gas capture, radioactive element uptake, and water remediation), and biological applications (drug delivery, biosensors, biomarker capture, chiral column chromatography, and solid-state smart nanochannels) have been discussed.

Evaluating the Safety and Operability of Asymmetric Trapezoid and Near-square Side-port Incision in Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy, safety, and consistency of asymmetric trapezoid and near-square side-port incision in cataract surgery. SETTING: Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, China. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent phacoemulsification between January 2022 to August 2022. They were divided into group A and group B using the random number table method. Group A was given a near-square side-port incision and group B was given an asymmetric trapezoid side-port incision. We contrasted the differences in incision length, width, and shape; surgical time; and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) between the two groups. RESULTS: 220 eyes of 220 patients were included. The mean external width of the incision in group A was much smaller than that in group B (p < .01), and the consistency of the incision diameter in group A was better than that in group B. There was no statistically significant difference in incision length between the two groups (p = 0.75). One day after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in incision morphology between the two groups (p = 0.72). The operating time for group A was significantly shorter than that of group B (p < .01). There was no obvious incision leakage in both groups after surgery, and the IOP was generally elevated after surgery, but there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that a near-square side-port results in better consistency of incision width and shorter surgical time.

A nomogram predicting the histological activity of lupus nephritis from clinical parameters.

BACKGROUND: The 2021 clinical guidelines of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes emphasize the importance of the histological activity index (AI) in the management of lupus nephritis (LN). Patients with LN and a high AI have poor renal outcomes and high rates of nephritic relapse. In this study, we constructed prediction models for AI in LN. METHODS: The study population comprised 337 patients diagnosed with LN using kidney biopsy. The participants were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts. They were further divided into high- (AI > 2) and low-activity (AI ≤ 2) groups. This study developed two clinical prediction models using logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses with laboratory test results collected at the time of kidney biopsy. The performance of models was assessed using 5-fold cross-validation and validated in the testing cohort. A nomogram for individual assessment was constructed based on the preferable model. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that higher mean arterial pressure, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, lower complement 3 level, higher urinary erythrocytes count, and anti-double stranded DNA seropositive were independent risk factors for high histological activity in LN. Both models performed well in testing cohort regarding the discriminatory ability to identify patients with AI > 2. The average AUC of 5-fold cross-validation is 0.855 in the logistic model and 0.896 in the LASSO model. A webtool based on the LASSO model was created for clinicians to enter baseline clinical parameters to produce a probability score of AI > 2. CONCLUSIONS: The established nomogram provides a quantitative auxiliary tool for distinguishing LN patients with a high histological AI and helps physicians make clinical decisions in the comprehensive assessment.

Investigation of the chiral recognition role of cyclodextrin hydroxyl moieties via high performance liquid chromatography.

Cyclodextrin (CD) is known to afford excellent enantioselectivities due to its hydrophobic cavity and external H-bonding sites from hydroxyl moieties. However, there is still a lack of direct and comprehensive evidence clearly illustrating the origin of the important H-bonding effect. Regarding this issue, herein, four allylimidazole CD derivatives by selective substitution of the primary (6-position) and/or secondary (2,3-position) CD were synthesized and clicked onto silica surfaces to afford the corresponding chiral stationary phases (CSPs). The chiral chromatographic performances were systematically evaluated by separating 35 racemic analytes including isoxazolines, dansyl-amino acids, flavonoids and other racemates under reversed-phase HPLC. The chiral selection factors (α) and retention times (k) of the analytes on the as-prepared CSPs were comprehensively compared and it reveals that the enantioseparation ability was significantly altered due to the selective substituents of CD hydroxyl groups. The natural allylimidazole CD CSP (AICDCSP) was superior to the 6-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl AICDCSP (6-TBDMAICDCSP) for most analytes. Dansyl amino acids and Ar-Pys were well separated on AICDCSP and 6-TBDMAICDCSP, where dansyl amino leucine gained the highest resolution up to 4.72 on AICDCSP, and flavonoids and Ar-Oprs were only separated on AICDCSP. These interesting separation results demonstrate that the secondary hydroxyl groups play a pivotal role in the separation of chiral compounds. In addition, the size of the CD cavity and the choice of solute also have an effect on the separation of substances. The mechanism involved in enantioselective discrimination of the selectively substituted CDs was further investigated by the molecular docking simulation.

Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors.

In the microscopic world, synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) can convert a variety of energy sources into driving forces to help humans perform a number of complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency. These tiny machines have attracted tremendous attention in the field of drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, in vivo sampling, and environmental management. By modifying their surface materials and functionalizing them with bioactive agents, these MNMs can also be transformed into dynamic micro/nano-biosensors that can detect biomolecules in real-time with high sensitivity. The extensive range of operations and uses combined with their minuscule size have opened up new avenues for tackling intricate analytical difficulties. Here, in this review, various driving methods are briefly introduced, followed by a focus on intelligent detection techniques based on MNMs. And we discuss the distinctive advantages, current issues, and challenges associated with MNM-based intelligent detection. It is believed that the future advancements of MNMs will greatly impact the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupuncture Point Stimulation Is Cardioprotective for Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease.

We evaluated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan and Ximen on the prognosis of patients with stable ischemic heart disease. A total of 240 patients symptomatic with suspected coronary artery disease referred for coronary angiography were analyzed, and 232 patients (62.3 ± 9.1 years) with stable ischemic heart disease were included. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of recurrent angina requiring hospitalization, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic death, and death from any other causes. Over a mean follow-up of 12 months, 9 patients (8.4%) in the EA treatment group and 22 patients (19.3%) in the control group occurred. Patients treated with EA had a significantly smaller risk of MACE (p = 0.021), recurrence of unstable angina (p = 0.033), and nonfatal myocardial infraction (p = 0.038) than that of those treated without EA. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the EA and control groups began to separate at approximately 5 months and continued to diverge up to study termination. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis showed that treatment with EA was associated with decreased likelihood of MACE within 12 months of follow-up. The circulating levels of cluster of differentiation 40 ligand but hypersensitive C-reactive protein were lower (166.0 ± 92.6 pg/ml vs 197.3 ± 79.2 pg/ml, p = 0.012) in the EA group than in the control group and decreased significantly (-30.6 ± 47.2 pg/ml vs -1.1 ± 50.4 pg/ml, p <0.001) after 12 months of treatment. EA is an effective treatment method for supporting patients with stable ischemic heart disease.

Quantitative analysis using intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in adult-type diffuse gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations: association between hemodynamics and molecular features.

PURPOSE: The relationship between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) hemodynamics and the molecular biomarkers of adult-type diffuse gliomas, particularly isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), remains unclear. This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive description of the vascularization of adult-type diffuse gliomas using quantitative indicators. Additionally, it was designed to identify any variables with the potential to intraoperatively predict IDH mutation status. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas between November 2021 and September 2022. Intraoperative CEUS was performed, and CEUS videos were recorded for 90-second periods. Hemodynamic parameters, including the peak enhancement (PE) difference, were calculated based on the time-intensity curve of the region of interest. A differential analysis was performed on the CEUS parameters with respect to molecular biomarkers and grades. Receiver operating characteristic curves for various parameters were analyzed to evaluate the ability of those parameters to predict IDH mutation status. RESULTS: Sixty patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas were evaluated. All hemodynamic parameters, apart from rising time, demonstrated significant differences between IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype adult-type diffuse gliomas. The PE difference emerged as the optimal indicator for differentiating between IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant gliomas, with an area under the curve of 0.958 (95% confidence interval, 0.406 to 0.785). Additionally, the hemodynamic parameters revealed significant differences across both grades and types of adult-type diffuse gliomas. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic parameters can be used intraoperatively to effectively distinguish between IDHwildtype and IDH-mutant adult-type diffuse gliomas. Additionally, quantitative CEUS equips neurosurgeons with dynamic perfusion information for various types and grades of adult-type diffuse gliomas.

[Spectral Characteristics and Source Analysis of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter in Surface Water of Taihu Lake Before Cyanobacterial Blooming].

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is an important part of the nutrient biogeochemical cycle in aquatic ecosystems. To explore the characteristics and sources of CDOM components in the surface water of Taihu Lake, UV-visible spectroscopy and excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy-parallel factor analysis were used to analyze CDOM components in surface water. Combined with CDOM optical parameters (a355, SUVA254, a250/a365, FI, BIX, and HIX), the spatial differences and pollution sources were identified, and a preliminary comparison was made between this study and the historical data of CDOM components in Taihu Lake. According to the results, a355, SUVA254, and a250/a365 showed the characteristics of high concentration, high aromatic ability, and low relative molecular weight of CDOM in the surface water of the eastern part of Taihu Lake; however, the northern part showed the opposite characteristics. Four components were isolated from CDOM using parallel factor analysis:one tyrosine-like (C1), two types of tryptophan (C2 and C4), and one fulionic acid (C3). The main component C1 had a strong linear relationship with the C2 and C3 components, suggesting that different components originated from similar pollution sources. The fluorescence index showed that CDOM in different areas of Taihu Lake were differently affected by endogenous and terrestrial inputs; however, the overall humification degree was low. This indicated that the CDOM components in Taihu Lake were primarily protein-like (C1, C2, and C4) (>85%) and autogenous, with good biochemical availability.

Hybrid biodegradable materials from starch and hydrocolloid: fabrication, properties and applications of starch-hydrocolloid film, gel and bead.

The potential for utilizing starch and hydrocolloids as sustainable biomaterials has garnered significant attention among researchers. The biodegradability and functional properties of composite films, gels, and beads, as well as their environmental friendliness, make them attractive options for a variety of applications. However, the hydrophilicity, brittleness, and regeneration limitations of starch materials can be addressed through the incorporation of non-starch hydrocolloids. This article summarizes the formation mechanisms and interactions of starch-hydrocolloid films, gels, and gel beads, evaluates the factors that affect their structural and functional properties, and presents an overview of the progress made in their physicochemical and functional applications. The structure of starch-hydrocolloid composites is primarily formed through hydrogen bond interactions, and the source, proportion, and preparation conditions of the components are critical factors that affect the properties of the biomaterials. Starch-hydrocolloid films are primarily used for extending the shelf life of food products and detecting food freshness. Starch-hydrocolloid gels are utilized as adsorption materials, wound dressings, and flexible sensors, and starch-hydrocolloid beads are primarily employed for the controlled release of bioactive substances. It is clear that starch-hydrocolloid composites have the potential to develop novel advanced materials for various applications in the food, biological, and materials industries.

The MAPS-CRAFITY score: a novel efficacy predictive tool for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with targeted therapy plus immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Body composition parameters (BCPs) are associated with mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our purpose was to develop a practical scoring model by BCP and the CRAFITY score to predict the overall survival (OS) and tumor response of patients with HCC who received targeted therapy plus immunotherapy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 265 patients with HCC who received targeted therapy plus immunotherapy at 2 centers in China from August 2018 to February 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to analyze clinical factors and BCP. A scoring model based on independent risk factors was developed to predict OS and tumor response. Moreover, the model's prediction was further validated by an external cohort. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients (55.5 ± 10.8 years) and 115 patients (55.0 ± 8.9 years) treated with lenvatinib or bevacizumab biosimilar plus anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody were included in training and validation cohorts, respectively. In the training cohort, independent predictive factors for OS included macrovascular invasion (p = 0.016), Child‒Pugh class (A vs. B, p = 0.001; A vs. C, p < 0.001), sarcopenia (p = 0.034), and the CRAFITY score (p = 0.011). Based on independent risk factors (MAcrovascular invasion, Child‒Pugh class, Sarcopenia, and the CRAFITY score) identified by multivariate analysis, a novel efficacy predictive tool named the MAPS-CRAFITY score was developed to predict OS. In all the training and validation cohorts, the OS differed significantly across the three groups based on the MAPS-CRAFITY score (< 2.1, 2.1-2.3, ≥ 2.4; p < 0.001). Moreover, the C-index of the MAPS-CRAFITY score was 0.720 and 0.761 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. In both the validation and training cohorts, the MAPS-CRAFITY score was predictive of tumor response and disease control (p < 0.001). The AUCs of the MAPS-CRAFITY score for predicting disease control were 0.752 in the training cohort and 0.836 in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The MAPS-CRAFITY score based on sarcopenia and the CRAFITY score is a reliable and practical tool for predicting the efficacy of targeted therapy plus immunotherapy in patients with unresectable HCC, and may help hepatologists and oncologists in clinical decision-making.

Unveiling the role of DSF-family quorum sensing signals in regulating behavior of Xanthomonas and Lysobacter.

Diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals represent a unique group of quorum sensing (QS) chemicals that modulate a wide range of behaviors for bacteria to adapt to different environments. However, whether DSF-mediated QS signaling acts as a public language to regulate the behavior of biocontrol and pathogenic bacteria remains unknown. In this study, we present groundbreaking evidence demonstrated that RpfFXc1 or RpfFOH11 could be a conserved DSF-family signals synthase in Xanthomonas campestris or Lysobacter enzymogenes. Interestingly, we found that both RpfFOH11 and RpfFXc1 have the ability to synthesize DSF and BDSF signaling molecules. DSF and BDSF positively regulate the biosynthesis of an antifungal factor (heat-stable antifungal factor, HSAF) in L. enzymogenes. Finally, we show that RpfFXc1 and RpfFOH11 have similar functions in regulating HSAF production in L. enzymogenes, as well as the virulence, synthesis of virulence factors, biofilm formation, and EPS production in X. campestris. These findings reveal a previously uncharacterized mechanism of DSF-mediated regulation in both biocontrol and pathogenic bacteria.

Development and in-vivo validation of a portable phosphorescence lifetime-based fiber-optic oxygen sensor.

Oxygenation is a crucial indicator of tissue viability and function. Oxygen tension ([Formula: see text]), i.e. the amount of molecular oxygen present in the tissue is a direct result of supply (perfusion) and consumption. Thus, measurement of [Formula: see text] is an effective method to monitor tissue viability. However, tissue oximetry sensors commonly used in clinical practice instead rely on measuring oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]), largely due to the lack of reliable, affordable [Formula: see text] sensing solutions. To address this issue we present a proof-of-concept design and validation of a low-cost, lifetime-based oxygen sensing fiber. The sensor consists of readily-available off-the shelf components such as a microcontroller, a light-emitting diode (LED), an avalanche photodiode (APD), a temperature sensor, as well as a bright in-house developed porphyrin molecule. The device was calibrated using a benchtop setup and evaluated in three in vivo animal models. Our findings show that the new device design in combination with the bright porphyrin has the potential to be a useful and accurate tool for measuring [Formula: see text] in tissue, while also highlighting some of the limitations and challenges of oxygen measurements in this context.

Long-term survival in esophagectomy for early-stage esophageal cancer versus endoscopic resection plus additional chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Esophagectomy is still advised as an additional treatment for patients with superficial esophageal cancer (EC, T1a-T1b) after endoscopic resection (ER). However, esophagectomy often deteriorates the general condition of EC patients. In recent years, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been recognized as a reliable, non-surgical treatment that can improve the prognosis. How to combine ER with adjuvant therapy to bring maximal benefits to patients has become a hot clinical research hot topic. However, the current studies have mostly been conducted retrospectively, in single centers, and with small clinical samples; there have been few prospective and large sample size randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of adjuvant CRT versus esophagectomy in the treatment of early EC, and to provide a reference for clinical research and practice. Methods: A comprehensive and extensive literature search was performed via the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science online and all randomized cohort studies and retrospective cohort studies were collected. The quality of research was evaluated according to Cochrane's quality standards, and statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 13.0 and RevMan 5.3 software and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: A total of 9 cohort studies, including 790 patients, were included for meta-analysis. The long term effects of the esophagectomy group were better than those of the CRT after ER group [odds ratio (OR) =6.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.96 to 18.84, P=0.002] in disease-free survival (DFS) [hazard ratio (HR) =0.24, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.85, P=0.03] and overall survival (OS) (HR =1.02, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.82, P=0.94). Other survival indicators showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions: The 2 groups showed no significant results in OS. Although we found that CRT may be suitable for patients with high-risk of relapse or unable to tolerate surgery, it cannot totally replace surgical treatment; further randomized trials are required to verify this view.

Quantifying the effects of pre-roasting on structural and functional properties of yellow pea proteins.

Roasting could modify the protein structure/conformation, contributing to changes in functional properties. Here we investigated the effects of pre-roasting on the extraction efficiency, structural and functional properties of pea protein concentrates and isolates (PPC and PPI) produced from yellow split peas. The shorter roasting times (150 °C, 10 and 20 min) had little effect on protein yields and could increase the solubility of PPC or PPI by âˆ¼ 12% at pH 7 and enhance the solubility of PPI by âˆ¼ 12% (10-min roasting) and âˆ¼ 24% (20-min roasting) at pH 3. However, a longer duration of pre-roasting (150 °C, 30 min) significantly reduced the extraction efficiency of PPC and PPI by âˆ¼ 30% and âˆ¼ 61%, respectively. Meanwhile, pre-roasting had minor effects on SDS-PAGE profiles and the secondary structures of pea proteins but significantly altered tertiary structures by reducing free sulfhydryl groups, increasing disulfide bonds and surface hydrophobicity. As for the emulsifying properties, pre-roasting improved the emulsion ability index (EAI) of PPC and PPI but decreased the emulsion stability index (ESI) of PPC and had no significant effect on PPI. Moreover, PPC and PPI with shorter pre-roasting duration (10 and 20 min) had endothermic peaks and showed a slight decrease in the denaturation temperature (Td) and the onset temperature (To), respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated that controlled pre-roasting at 150 °C for 10 min and 20 min altered protein structures (mainly tertiary structures), improving the solubility and EAI of pea proteins at pH 7, while retaining their thermal properties in comparison to unroasted samples.