Covalently crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan beads containing SiO and ionic polymer for efficient adsorptive removal of methylene blue.

The carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-based porous beads are still criticized for their limited number of binding sites, which impairs their efficacy in removing aqueous pollutants. To overcome this challenge, this work introduces the production of covalently crosslinked CMCS-based beads containing SiO and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS). The porous composite beads not only possess remarkable stability under acidic conditions, but also have abundant active binding sites for adsorption.

The double-edged role of IL-18 in reproductive endocrine and reproductive immune related disorders.

Interleukin (IL)-18 is one of the members of IL-1 family cytokines, it was originally named as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) inducing factor. IL-18 is a pleiotropic immune regulator and has a bidirectional regulatory effect on immunity. It exerts a potent pro-inflammatory effect by inducing the expression of IFN-γ, also has an important anti-inflammatory role.

Fe-Co-Fe prussian blue analogues loaded nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots for effective epinephrine detection.

Epinephrine (Ep) is an important neurotransmitter, which plays an important role in the nervous system and glycogen metabolism of living organisms. Hence, a novel NCQDs/FeCoFe-PBA composite with FeCoFe-Prussian blue analogues (PBA) as the core and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) as the shell was constructed by a one-pot hydrothermal method, and it was used for the efficient detection of Ep. As a good electroactive material, NCQDs in the composite not only improved the weak conductivity of FeCoFe-PBA, but also limited the self-aggregation of FeCoFe-PBA, and formed a uniform shell on FeCoFe-PBA.

Co-delivery of astaxanthin using positive synergistic effect from biomaterials: From structural design to functional regulation.

The powerful antioxidant properties of astaxanthin (AST) face two significant challenges: low water solubility and poor chemical stability. To overcome them, extensive research and development efforts have been directed toward creating effective delivery systems. Among them, the positive synergistic effect between biomaterials can be used to refine the design of delivery systems.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular treatment of carotid blowout syndrome.

Unlabelled: Carotid Blowout Syndrome (CBS) is a rare and life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt intervention to prevent fatal hemorrhage. This study compares the outcomes of two primary endovascular approaches: reconstructive interventions, which aim to preserve carotid artery function using stents or balloon angioplasty, and deconstructive interventions, which involve vessel occlusion to halt bleeding. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching multiple databases for relevant studies published from January 2000 to August 2023.

Will vegetation restoration affect the supply-demand relationship of water yield in an arid and semi-arid watershed?

Natural processes, combined with human activities, determine the inherent quality of regional water supply and demand. However, the interaction between artificial vegetation restoration and water supply-demand dynamics remains insufficiently understood, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study focuses on the Jinghe River Basin (JRB) in the central Loess Plateau, aiming to investigate the changes in supply and demand of ecosystem water yield services and analyze factors affecting the water supply-demand relationship during the vegetation restoration, using the InVEST model, scenario analysis, and the Geodetector.

Comparative analysis of the performance, egg quality and ovarian immune function of fast and slow feather strains in tianfu green shell laying hens at various stages of egg production.

This objective of this experiment was to compare and evaluate the performance, egg quality, and immune function of Tianfu green shell laying hens with varying feather growth rates, in order to provide a reference for their rational utilization. A total of 120 one-day-old healthy Tianfu green shell laying hens were classified into the early-feathering (EF) and late-feathering (LF) groups through phenotypic identification of feather length and qPCR molecular identification. Each group was subdivided into four replicates, with 30 chickens in each replicate.

SEEG seizure onset patterns in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: A cohort study with 76 patients.

Objectives: In the present study with a large cohort, we aimed to characterize intracerebral seizure onset patterns (SOP) of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), with or without hippocampal sclerosis (HS) as identified via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 255 seizures of 76 consecutive patients with mTLE explored by stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), including HS-mTLE (n = 52) and non-HS- mTLE (n = 24). Relevant results were obtained by a combination of spectral analysis and manual review.

Decomposition and comparative analysis of urban-rural differences in eHealth literacy among nursing students: A multisite cross-sectional study.

Background: Investigating the urban-rural differences in eHealth literacy among Chinese nursing students is imperative for enhancing healthcare education and practice. This study aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to urban-rural differences in eHealth literacy among Chinese nursing students and measure their respective contributions.

Design: A multisite cross-sectional study.

Integrated HPLC, pharmacodynamics, and immunoprofiling to explore active components and mechanism of Zhi Bai Heye Fang on glycolipid metabolic disorders in mice.

Zhi Bai Heye Fang (AR-PCC-NF) exerts a positive effect on glycolipid metabolic disorders in the clinical setting; however, its efficacy components and mechanisms of action remain unclear. Glycolipid metabolic disorders in mice were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of AR-PCC-NF and its individual components, and the chemical components of AR-PCC-NF were detected by HPLC. An insulin-resistant cell model was then treated with 12 biological components in vitro, and seven candidate active components were administered to mice with glycolipid metabolic disorders to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of AR-PCC-NF.

Integration of DNA-Decorated Hapten in Emergency Immunoassays for Antibody and Small-Molecule Detection: A Review.

DNA-decorated hapten (DDH)-based immunoassays have emerged, demonstrating supreme advantages in sensing applications because of their excellent sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. DDH combines both a recognition element (hapten) and a signal transduction element (DNA portion) with its highly programmable DNA structure enabling the trigger of signal transduction following a recognition event, thereby introducing a novel signal transduction mechanism to immunoassays. In this review, we provide a critical overview of recent research in the DDH-based immunoassays, which are designed to detect specific small molecules and antibodies.

Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins May Induce Ovarian Damage in Mice via AIM2- and NLRP12-PANoptosome.

Humans may intake 0.02 mg/kg/day of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and no study is available on mammalian ovarian damage caused by low-level SCCPs. In this study, four groups of 5-week-old female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were orally administered 0, 0.

Evolution of Two-Dimensional Perovskite Films Under Atmospheric Exposure and Its Impact on Photovoltaic Performance.

Two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (RPPs) have garnered significant attention due to their enhanced stability compared with their three-dimensional counterparts. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2D perovskite solar cells (2D-PSCs) remains lower than that of 3D-PSCs. Understanding the microstructural evolution of 2D perovskite films during fabrication is essential for improving their performance.

Imidazole-Functionalized Zn-MOFs for One-Step CH Purification from CH/CH/CH Ternary Mixture.

The discovery of new structures is very important for metal-organic framework (MOF) adsorbents and their application in gas separation, where the design of ligands and the selection of metal ions play a decisive role. Herein, we synthesized two isoreticular Zn-MOFs, UPC-250 and UPC-251, composed of imidazole-based tricarboxylic acid ligands and binuclear zinc clusters. The pore environment was regulated via modifying fluorine atoms at different positions of ligands, and one-step purification of ethylene from acetylene/ethylene/ethane ternary mixture was realized in UPC-251.

A small RNA effector conserved in herbivore insects suppresses host plant defense by cross-kingdom gene silencing.

Herbivore insects deploy salivary effectors to manipulate the defense of their host plants. However, it remains unclear whether small RNAs from insects function as effectors in regulating plant-insect interactions. Here, we report that a microRNA (miR29-b) found in the saliva of phloem-feeding whitefly (Bemisa tabaci) can transfer into the host plant phloem during feeding and fine-tune the defense response of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).

Disrupting EDEM3-induced M2-like macrophage trafficking by glucose restriction overcomes resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

Background: Immunotherapy is beneficial for some colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but immunosuppressive networks limit its effectiveness. Cancer-associatedfibroblasts (CAFs) are significant in immune escape and resistance toimmunotherapy, emphasizing the urgent need for new treatment strategies.

Methods: Flow cytometric, Western blotting, proteomics analysis, analysis of public database data, genetically modified cell line models, T cell coculture, crystal violetstaining, ELISA, metabonomic and clinical tumour samples were conducted to assess the role of EDEM3 in immune escape and itsmolecular mechanisms.

Predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in severe pulmonary infection: sex-specific cut-off values needed.

To assess the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune inflammation index in severe post-operative pulmonary infection in haemorrhagic stroke patients based on sex.This retrospective study included 193 male and 129 female patients with haemorrhagic stroke and post-operative pulmonary infection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between inflammatory markers from peripheral blood counts and severe pulmonary infection in these patients.

Learning environment as a predictor for medical students' empathy: a multicenter cross-sectional study from 12 medical schools in China.

Background: Empathy of medical students is crucial, yet it tends to decline as students enter later academic years. Empathy appeared to be affected by the learning environment (LE), which could be a potential contributor. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between LE and empathy.

Melatonin improves endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation via MT2/PI3K/LIF signaling pathway in sows.

Background: Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance. Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success, but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits. The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations.

RNA-binding protein DAZAP1 accelerates the advancement of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting ferroptosis.

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis due to its late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options.

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PC progression and identify potential molecular targets for its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: DAZAP1 expression in PC tissues, normal tissues and cell lines was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting.

Assessing the relationship between wrist synovitis and anxiety: a study using clinical statistics and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: Wrist synovitis often leads to persistent pain, swelling, and limited mobility, causing significant functional impairment and psychological distress, including anxiety. Although arthroscopic synovectomy can alleviate physical symptoms, whether it also improves anxiety and the causal relationship between synovitis and anxiety remains unclear.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with wrist synovitis who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy.

Machine learning based identification of an amino acid metabolism related signature for predicting prognosis and immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive neoplasm characterized by poor diagnosis. Amino acids play a prominent role in the occurrence and progression of pancreatic cancer as essential building blocks for protein synthesis and key regulators of cellular metabolism. Understanding the interplay between pancreatic cancer and amino acid metabolism offers potential avenues for improving patient clinical outcomes.

Transcranial resection of falcine meningiomas by complete endoscopy with the assistance of intraoperative ultrasound.

Transcranial neurosurgery assisted by endoscopy and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has become an effective approach for real-time visualization and guidance during tumor resection. This study explores the application of these techniques in falcine meningioma (FM) resection, assessing their feasibility and safety. Eleven FM patients underwent transcranial endoscopic resection with IOUS assistance.

Iron-Mediated Regulation in Adipose Tissue: A Comprehensive Review of Metabolism and Physiological Effects.

Purpose Of Review: Review the latest data regarding the intersection of adipose tissue (AT) and iron to meet the needs of AT metabolism and the progression of related diseases.

Recent Findings: Iron is involved in fundamental biological metabolic processes and is precisely fine-tuned within the body to maintain cellular, tissue and even systemic iron homeostasis. AT not only serves as an energy storage depot but also represents the largest endocrine organ in the human body, maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis.

Unveiling the mechanism of action of a novel natural dual inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro with molecular dynamics simulations.

In the twenty-first century, we have witnessed multiple coronavirus pandemics. Despite declining SARS-CoV-2 cases, continued research remains vital. We report the discovery of sydowiol B, a natural product, as a dual inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro).