Impact of Omicron Variant Infection on Female Fertility and Laboratory Outcomes: A Self-Controlled Study.

Problem: Investigating the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on female fertility and laboratory outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment who were initially uninfected but later became infected.

Methods Of The Study: This self-controlled study included 197 patients who underwent repeated oocyte retrieval before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2021 and April 2023, of which 117 used the same ovarian stimulation protocol within a consistent age range. We evaluated the ovarian reserve, ovarian response, and laboratory outcomes in patients before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Characteristics of survivors enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program is a limited federal health care program that provides medical monitoring and treatment for WTC-related health conditions to responders and survivors impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.This study described the characteristics of the Program survivor members (who lived, worked, went to school, daycare or adult daycare or present in the New York City Disaster Area of 9/11/2001) to stimulate innovative ideas for improving healthcare services, generate new research interest, and serve as a reference for future research on this population. Administrative and medical claims data collected from the Program start date (07/01/2011) through 2022 were used.

Single-cell analysis of nasal epithelial cell development in domestic pigs.

The nasal mucosa forms a critical barrier against the invasion of respiratory pathogens. Composed of a heterogeneous assortment of cell types, the nasal mucosa relies on the unique characteristics and complex intercellular dynamics of these cells to maintain their structural integrity and functional efficacy. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of porcine nasal mucosa was performed, and nineteen distinct nasal cell types, including nine epithelial cell types, five stromal cell types, and five immune cell types, were identified.

Long-term Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Keratopathy Mediated by a Novel NGF Delivery System.

Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a common chronic metabolic disorder that causes ocular surface complications. Among various therapeutic approaches, local delivery of nerve growth factor (NGF) remains the most effective treatment of DK. However, achieving a sustained therapeutic effect with NGF and the frequent drug delivery burden remain challenging during clinical practice.

Occurrence, bioaccumulation, and partitioning of phthalate acid esters in the third largest freshwater lake (Lake Taihu) in China.

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are a category of plasticizers that are ubiquitous in freshwater environments attributable to extensive utilization. We collected water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), surface sediments, phytoplankton, and zooplankton from 23 sampling sites to investigate and complement the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and partitioning of five PAEs including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the third largest freshwater lake (Lake Taihu) of China. PAEs were extracted using Soxhlet extraction and solid phase extraction, and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The association of early pregnancy dyslipidemia with preterm birth in twin pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Maternal lipid metabolism has been implicated in elevating the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, which is a particularly significant concern in twin pregnancies. However, the precise relationship between early pregnancy dyslipidemia and the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in twin pregnancies remains unclear.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women with twin pregnancies between January 2018 and December 2023.

Composition and micromorphological determination of blue honeysuckle fruit (Lonicera caerulea L.) cuticular wax and its effects on fruit post-harvest quality.

The chemical composition and structure of the cuticular wax in blue honeysuckle fruit were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the cuticular wax was dense and uniform, taking on a tubular form. A total of 158 wax components were identified, including alkanes, terpenes, ketones, alcohols, fatty acids, and esters.

Shiitake mushroom-derived extracellular nanovesicles: Preparation, characterization, and inhibition of Caco-2 cells.

In this study, Shiitake mushroom-derived extracellular nanovesicles (SMDENVs) were isolated from fresh Shiitake mushrooms by ultracentrifugation and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The morphological characteristics of SMDENVs were investigated via Transmission Electron Microscopy and Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy. SMDENVs were spherical, hollow, and uniform in size, with an average diameter of 177.

Association of ambient air pollutant mixtures with IVF/ICSI-ET clinical pregnancy rates during critical exposure periods.

Study Question: Does exposure to a mixture of ambient air pollutants during specific exposure periods influence clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer (ET) cycles?

Summary Answer: The specific exposure period from ET to the serum hCG test was identified as a critical exposure window as exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO) or a combination of air pollutants was associated with a decreased likelihood of clinical pregnancy.

What Is Known Already: Exposure to a single pollutant may impact pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing ART. However, in daily life, individuals often encounter mixed pollution, and limited research exists on the effects of mixed air pollutants and the specific exposure periods.

Silk protein: A novel antifungal and edible coating for strawberry preservation.

In this study, an antimicrobial component, silk protease inhibitors (SPIs), was extracted from discarded silkworm cocoons, and a suitable degumming method for obtaining regenerated silk fibroin (SF) was screened. An edible antimicrobial coating was prepared by mixing SPIs with SF for evaluation of potential in strawberries preservation. Results demonstrated that SPI could effectively inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination.

A novel function of benzoic acid to enhance intestinal barrier defense against PEDV infection in Piglets.

The intestinal barrier of newborn piglets is vulnerable and underdeveloped, making them susceptible to enteric virus infections. Benzoic acid (BA), employed as a growth promoter, exhibits the potential to enhance the gut health of piglets by modulating intestinal morphometry and tight junction dynamics. However, the extent to which BA regulates the intestinal mucus barrier through its impact on stem cells remains inadequately elucidated.

Microbial dysbiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a scientometric study.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Mounting evidence suggests microbiota dysbiosis augment autoimmune response. This study aims to provide a systematic overview of this research field in SLE through a bibliometric analysis.

Topical ophthalmic instillation of engineered hMSCs-derived exosomes: A novel non-invasive therapeutic strategy for ocular posterior-segment disorder.

Due to the presence of protective mechanisms and blood-ocular barriers in the eye, drugs aimed at treating posterior segment ophthalmic disorder have to be administrated mostly through periocular or intravitreal injection. In the current study, we sought to investigate whether topical ophthalmic instillation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)-derived exosomes can prevent and treat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), a posterior segment ophthalmic disease induced in animals and considered a model of human autoimmune diseases of the eye. Our studies reveal that topical ophthalmic instillation of hMSCs-derived exosomes can effectively ameliorate EAU.

Causal association of plasma circulating metabolites with nephritis: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Nephritis is a pivotal catalyst in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Although epidemiological studies have explored the impact of plasma circulating metabolites and drugs on nephritis, few have harnessed genetic methodologies to establish causal relationships.

Methods: Through Mendelian randomization (MR) in two substantial cohorts, spanning large sample sizes, we evaluated over 100 plasma circulating metabolites and 263 drugs to discern their causal effects on nephritis risk.

Examining starch metabolism in lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) during post-harvest storage at different temperatures.

This study explores the impact of postharvest storage temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) on starch metabolism and textural attributes of glutinous lotus root. While starch metabolism is a well-known factor influencing texture, changes in powdery and sticky qualities have remained unexplored. Our research reveals that storing lotus roots at 4 °C delays water dissipation, amylopectin reduction, and the decline in textural elements such as hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and resilience.

sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium with antimicrobial activity isolated from the rhizospheric soil of D. Don.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CWNU-1, was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of D. Don and examined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The organism developed pale blue aerial mycelia that was simply branched and terminated in open or closed coils of three or more volutions on International Project 3 agar.

The dual function of calcium ion in fruit edible coating: Regulating polymer internal crosslinking state and improving fruit postharvest quality.

The edible coating is proved to be a convenient approach for fruit preservation. Among these published explorations, naturally sourced macromolecules and green crosslinking strategies gain attention. This work centers on edible coatings containing Ca as crosslinker for the first time, delving into crosslinking mechanisms, include alginate, chitosan, Aloe vera gel, gums, etc.

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of walnut protein yields anti-inflammatory peptides.

The impact of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion process on walnut protein and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of its metabolites was studied. Structural changes induced by digestion, notably in α-Helix, β-Turn, and Random Coil configurations, were unveiled. Proteins over 10,000 Da significantly decreased by 35.

Telemedicine Trends and Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic-World Trade Center Health Program, 2020-2021.

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, a limited federal health care program for eligible people exposed to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, expanded telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). We analyzed service use trends from January 2020 through December 2021 to describe how the program implemented telemedicine services. About three-quarters (75%) of telemedicine visits were for mental health-related services.

Effects of Black Raspberry Supplementation on Methylation Pathways in Double Knockout Mice with Early-stage Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a subset of myeloid malignancies defined by clonality of immature hematopoietic stem cells that leads to faulty blood cell development. These syndromes can lead to an increased risk of infection and may transform into acute myeloid leukemia, making it critical to determine effective treatments for the condition. While hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine and decitabine, as well as stem cell transplants, have been delineated as favored treatments for MDS, not all patients are physiologically receptive to these treatments.

Opioid prescriptions among the World Trade Center Health Program population.

Background: The World Trade Center Health Program (Program) provides limited health care to those directly affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Because of physical/mental trauma arising from the 9/11 attacks, Program members might be at high risk of opioid use. To prevent prescription opioid overuse, in 2018 the Program implemented various measures to improve opioid prescribing and expand access to non-opioid pain management among Program members.

NF-κB c-Rel Is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Acute Corneal Transplant Rejection.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) c-Rel during acute corneal transplant rejection and whether targeting c-Rel can reduce corneal transplant rejection.

Methods: Allogeneic corneal transplantation was performed in wild-type and c-Rel-deficient mice. Corneal graft survival rate, opacity, neovascularization, and edema were evaluated by slit-lamp microscopy.

Melatonin treatment delays the softening of blueberry fruit by modulating cuticular wax metabolism and reducing cell wall degradation.

The effects of postharvest melatonin (MT) treatment on cuticular wax and cell wall metabolism in blueberry fruit (Vaccinium spp.) were evaluated. The results revealed that MT treatment maintained the cuticular wax rod-like structure and delayed wax degradation.