A synthetic cyclic peptide for promoting antigen presentation and immune activation.

Cyclic peptides are often used as scaffolds for the multivalent presentation of drug molecules due to their structural stability and constrained conformation. We identified a cyclic deca-peptide incorporating lipoamino acids for delivering T helper and B cell epitopes against group A Streptococcus (GAS), eliciting robust humoral immune responses. In this study, we assessed the function-immunogenicity relationship of the multi-component vaccine candidate (referred to as VC-13) to elucidate a mechanism of action.

Concentrations, spatial distribution, and human exposure of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in indoor dust from ten provinces in China.

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in diverse industries due to their exceptional antioxidant characteristics. However, human exposure to SPAs may cause health problems. In this study, 226 dust samples were collected from 10 provinces in China, and six SPAs (three parent SPAs and their three transformation products) were analyzed.

Long-Term Straw Returning Enhances Phosphorus Uptake by L. through Mediating Microbial Biomass Phosphorus Turnover and Root Functional Traits.

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in China to maintain high crop yields has led to significant environmental degradation and destabilized crop production. Returning straw to soil presents a potential alternative to reduce chemical fertilizer requirements and enhance soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of different nitrogen (N) input levels and straw additions on crop phosphorus (P) uptake and soil P availability based on a long-term N-fertilizer trial.

Sub-180-nanometer-thick ultraconformable high-performance carbon nanotube-based dual-gate transistors and differential amplifiers.

There is increased interest in ultrathin flexible devices with thicknesses of <1 micrometers due to excellent conformability toward advanced laminated bioelectronics. However, because of limitations in materials, device structure, and fabrication methodology, the performance of these ultrathin devices and circuits is insufficient to support higher-level applications. Here, we report high-performance carbon nanotube-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) and differential amplifiers on ultrathin polyimide films with a total thickness of <180 nanometers.

Autoimmune thyroid disease modifies the clinical expression of hand osteoarthritis in older people: a third National Health and nutrition examination survey study.

Introduction: The risk factors linked to hand osteoarthritis (OA) that contribute to its distinct symptoms and clinical presentation are not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to examine whether the autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) autoantibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), associate with hand OA and symptomatic hand OA in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

Materials And Methods: We included 2,429 persons from NHANES III ≥60 years of age.

Racial distribution of molecularly classified brain tumors.

Background: In many cancers, specific subtypes are more prevalent in specific racial backgrounds. However, little is known about the racial distribution of specific molecular types of brain tumors. Public data repositories lack data on many brain tumor subtypes as well as diagnostic annotation using the current World Health Organization classification.

Development of a NIR Iridium(III) Complex-Based Probe for the Selective Detection of Iron(II) Ions.

As a commonly used metal ion, iron(II) (Fe) ions pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop analytical techniques for the rapid and accurate detection of Fe ions. However, the development of near-infrared (NIR) luminescence probes with good photostability for Fe ions remain challenging.

Impact of delirium on acute stroke outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Delirium is a common complication in acute stroke patients. A 2011 meta-analysis showed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and mortality within 12 months post-stroke, longer hospitalization durations, and increased likelihood of being discharged to a nursing home for patients experiencing post-stroke delirium. There is a need for an updated meta-analysis with several new studies having been since published.

Comparison of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: To explore the comparative effectiveness of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method: Randomized controlled clinical trials on the effects of nutritional supplements in PCOS patients were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their establishments to March 15, 2023. Then, literature screening, data extraction, and network meta-analysis were performed.

Curative effect of medicine cake sticking ultrasound drug penetration combined with body training on hemiplegia after stroke: An in vitro ultrasound targeted drug controlled release technology.

To explore the efficacy of ultrasound drugs in the treatment of hemiplegia after stroke. The evaluation included clinical symptoms and signs, the Stroke Scale, activities of daily living, sensory disorder Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark, electromyography sensory nerve amplitude, and conduction velocity indexes in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improved Fugl-Meyer and Lindmark score between treatment (26.

Antioxidant Peptides from Monkfish Swim Bladders: Ameliorating NAFLD In Vitro by Suppressing Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress via Regulating AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway.

In this study, we investigate the ameliorating functions of QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) from monkfish swim bladders on an FFA-induced NAFLD model of HepG2 cells. The lipid-lowering mechanisms revealed that these five oligopeptides can up-regulate the expression of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (-AMPK) proteins to inhibit the expression of the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) proteins on increasing lipid synthesis and up-regulating the expression of the PPAP-α and CPT-1 proteins on promoting the β-oxidation of fatty acids. Moreover, QDYD (MSP2), ARW (MSP8), DDGGK (MSP10), YPAGP (MSP13) and DPAGP (MSP18) can significantly inhibit reactive oxygen species' (ROS) production, promote the activities of intracellular antioxidases (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-PX; and catalase, CAT) and bring down the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) derived from lipid peroxidation.

The P-body component DECAPPING5 and the floral repressor SISTER OF FCA regulate FLOWERING LOCUS C transcription in Arabidopsis.

Flowering is the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and is critical for plant adaptation and reproduction. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) plays a central role in flowering time control, and dissecting its regulation mechanism provides essential information for crop improvement. Here, we report that DECAPPING5 (DCP5), a component of processing bodies (P-bodies), regulates FLC transcription and flowering time in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).

Association of the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody with chronic hand pain in older adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the commonest autoimmune disease. Although viewed as a classic form of single-organ autoimmunity, AITD is increasingly associated with non-thyroid sequelae including musculoskeletal manifestations and chronic pain syndromes. However, large population-based studies are needed.

Eighteen Novel Bioactive Peptides from Monkfish () Swim Bladders: Production, Identification, Antioxidant Activity, and Stability.

In the study, papain was chosen from five proteases to hydrolyze proteins of monkfish swim bladders for effectively utilizing monkfish () processing byproducts, and the hydrolysis conditions of papain were optimized as hydrolysis temperature of 65 °C, pH 7.5, enzyme dose 2.5% and time 5 h using single-factor and orthogonal experiments.

Nurses' experience with chronic foot pain and their job-the national science foundation foot health survey.

Background: Chronic foot pain (CFP) impacts nurses' ability to provide care at the bedside. Treatment options for CFP were insufficient to address foot pain for nurses who stand or walk for prolonged periods while providing care to patients.

Aims: This study aimed to explore nurses' experience with CFP, current treatment options for foot pain, and the impact of foot pain on nurses' job performance.

Inactivation of RPX1 in Arabidopsis confers resistance to Plutella xylostella through the accumulation of the homoterpene DMNT.

The lepidopteran crop pest Plutella xylostella causes severe constraints on Brassica cultivation. Here, we report a novel role for RPX1 (resistance to P. xylostella) in resistance to this pest in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A novel strategy to reduce the recirculation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Inferior vena cava closure technology.

The recirculation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) will decrease the efficiency of respiratory support. We report a patient with refractory severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Even with the support of ECMO and mechanical ventilation (MV), it is still difficult to correct hypoxemia.

Development and validation of a short-term breast health measure as a supplement to screening mammography.

Background: There is a growing body of evidence to support tears as a non-traditional biological fluid in clinical laboratory testing. In addition to the simplicity of tear fluid processing, the ability to access key cancer biomarkers in high concentrations quickly and inexpensively is significantly enhanced. Tear fluid is a dynamic environment rich in both proteomic and genomic information, making it an ideal medium for exploring the potential for biological testing modalities.

The functional lumbar index: Validation of a novel clinical assessment tool for individuals with low back pain.

Study Design: Retrospective Diagnostic Cohort Study.

Level Of Evidence: Level 3b.

Objectives: To examine the concurrent and predictive validity of a novel clinical assessment tool, the Functional Lumbar Index (FLI).

College Campus Food Pantry Program Evaluation: What Barriers Do Students Face to Access On-Campus Food Pantries?

The purpose of this study was to explore barriers Texas Woman's University (TWU) students face in accessing on-campus food pantries. This cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in Fall 2021. Students' use of the food pantries and barriers to utilization, including qualitative questions, were evaluated using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses.

Linkage mapping combined with GWAS revealed the genetic structural relationship and candidate genes of maize flowering time-related traits.

Background: Flowering time is an important agronomic trait of crops and significantly affects plant adaptation and seed production. Flowering time varies greatly among maize (Zea mays) inbred lines, but the genetic basis of this variation is not well understood. Here, we report the comprehensive genetic architecture of six flowering time-related traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population obtained from a cross between two maize genotypes, B73 and Abe2, and combined with genome-wide association studies to identify candidate genes that affect flowering time.

Organophosphate Esters in Foodstuffs from Multiple Provinces in China: Possible Sources during Food Processing and Implications for Human Exposure.

With increasing application of organophosphate esters (OPEs) as flame retardants and plasticizers in the world, the health and ecological risks posed by these chemicals have raised people's concern over the years. Despite the fact that dietary intake is an important pathway for human exposure to OPEs, monitoring on OPEs in foodstuffs is scarce. In this study, we measured 14 OPEs in both packaged ( = 229) and fresh ( = 58) foodstuffs collected across China with a new method that was developed by two-stage solid-phase extraction.

Consumer Expectation of Flavored Water Function, Sensory Quality, and Sugar Reduction, and the Impact of Demographic Variables and Woman Consumer Segment.

This study aimed to investigate consumer expectation of flavored water and potential consumer segments. The results showed flavored water was ranked the fourth most popular drink, after plain water, tea, and coffee, by 901 participants. Consumers highly expected functional flavored water with refreshing (87.

Occurrence of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in foodstuffs from ten provinces in China and its implications for human dietary exposure.

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used as food additives to delay the oxidation rate of oils and oil products. The concentrations and compositions of SPAs in Chinese residents' most popular daily foods and the resulting exposure risk of SPAs are not clear. Therefore, this study collected food samples in 13 food categories (n = 289) from 10 provinces in China.