In situ growth of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on pure chitosan nanofibrous membranes for efficient antimicrobial wound dressings.

Bacterial infections and excessive accumulation of wound exudates remain the main obstacles and clinical challenges to the healing of chronic cutaneous wounds. Conventional dressings are commonly used medical materials for acute wound care, but they do not possess the bacterial infection resistance required for chronic wound treatment. Herein, we prepared pure chitosan nanofibrous membranes (C) by electrospinning with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a sacrificial additive and then loaded with zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) as a novel antimicrobial wound dressing.

Clostridioides difficile infection and recurrence in cancer patients (CIRCA): a multicentre, international study.

Objectives: We aimed to describe the characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in cancer patients, analysing risk factors for 90-day recurrence and attributable mortality.

Methods: Retrospective analysis on all CDI episodes from 2020 to 2022 in three Australian hospitals and one Spanish hospital. Logistic regression analyses were performed.

Establishing quality assurance for COVID-19 antigen tests in the Indo Pacific Region: A multi-site implementation study.

Background: Quality assurance programs (QAPs) are used to evaluate the analytical quality of a diagnostic test and provide feedback to improve quality processes in testing. Rapid diagnostic tests were used in both laboratory and non-laboratory settings to diagnose COVID-19, although varied in reported performance. We aimed to design and implement a QAP for antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for COVID-19 in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Papua New Guinea.

Circulating tumour DNA in predicting and monitoring survival of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing multimodal treatment: long-term results from a prospective multicenter study.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is the standard for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, distant metastasis remains the primary cause of treatment failure. Early identification of high-risk individuals for personalized treatment may offer a solution.

EEG microstate analysis and machine learning classification in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Background: Microstate characterization of electroencephalogram (EEG) is a data-driven approach to explore the functional changes and interrelationships of multiple brain networks on a millisecond scale. This study aimed to explore the pathological changes of whole-brain functional networks in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) through microstate analysis and further to explore its potential value as an auxiliary diagnostic index.

Methods: Forty-eight OCD patients (33 with more than moderate anxiety symptoms, 15 with mild anxiety symptoms) and 52 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited.

Cognitive function differs across healthy lifestyle behavior profiles: a 10-year population-based prospective cohort study.

Background: Modifiable lifestyle behaviors significantly influence the risk of cognitive impairment. However, the cumulative effects of multidimensional lifestyle profiles on cognitive function remain poorly understood, as most studies examine individual lifestyle behaviors in isolation. This study aimed to identify distinct profiles of individuals based on healthy lifestyle behaviors and to examine associations between these profiles and cognitive function in older Chinese adults.

Readiness for hospital discharge and associated factors in patients with oral cancer: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To evaluate the current status of discharge readiness among postoperative oral cancer patients and identify the primary associated factors.

Methods: Information from 713 oral cancer patients was collected using questionnaire surveys. One-way ANOVA or t-tests were employed to compare differences in discharge readiness across various demographic characteristics.

Framework Nucleic Acid-Based and Neutrophil-Based Nanoplatform Loading Baicalin with Targeted Drug Delivery for Anti-Inflammation Treatment.

Targeted drug delivery is a promising strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, with recent research focusing on the combination of neutrophils and nanomaterials. In this study, a targeted nanodrug delivery platform (Ac-PGP-tFNA, APT) was developed using tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) along with a neutrophil hitchhiking mechanism to achieve precise delivery and anti-inflammatory effects. The tFNA structure, known for its excellent drug-loading capacity and cellular uptake efficiency, was used to carry a therapeutic agent─baicalin.

Triune Engineering Approach for (+)-valencene Overproduction in Yarrowia lipolytica.

The sesquiterpene (+)-valencene, with its flavor and diverse biological functions, holds promise for applications in the food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the low concentration in nature and high cost of extraction limit its application. This study aimed to construct a microbial cell factory to efficiently produce (+)-valencene.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles in tissue repair and regeneration.

This article reviews plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs), and highlights their potential in regenerative medicine. Various extraction techniques, including ultracentrifugation and ultrafiltration, and their impact on ELN purity and yield were discussed. Characterization methods such as microscopy and particle analysis are found to play crucial roles in defining ELN properties.

Crafting Hollow Spheres via Bulk Ice Melting with ppb-Level Gas Sensing Performance.

Ice melting, a common yet complex phenomenon, remains incompletely understood. While theoretical studies suggest that preexisting defects in ice generate "off-lattice" water molecules, triggering bulk ice melting, direct experimental evidence of their form has been lacking as the transparent and transient nature of ice poses significant challenges for observation with current techniques. Here, we introduce an ice-melting-induced lyophilization (IMIL) technique that employs graphene-based nanoprobes to replicate and track liquid evolution within melting bulk ice.

Inhibition of aortic CX3CR1+ macrophages mitigates thoracic aortic aneurysm progression in Marfan syndrome in mice.

The pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) in Marfan syndrome (MFS) is generally attributed to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) pathologies. However, the role of immune cell-mediated inflammation remains elusive. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified a subset of CX3CR1+ macrophages mainly located in the intima in the aortic roots and ascending aortas of Fbn1C1041G/+ mice, further validated in MFS patients.

Mitochondrial DNA Mutations as a Factor in the Heritability of Atherosclerosis and Other Diseases.

This review discusses the possibility of inheritance of some diseases through mutations in mitochondrial DNA. These are examples of many mitochondrial diseases that can be caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Symptoms and severity can vary widely depending on the specific mutation and affected tissues.

A Scoping Review of Electronic Health Records-Based Screening Algorithms for Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder that is strongly associated with premature cardiovascular disease. Effective diagnosis and appropriate treatment of FH can reduce cardiovascular disease risk; however, FH is underdiagnosed. Electronic health record (EHR)-based FH screening tools have been previously described to enhance the detection of FH.

Preference for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Access Among Men who Have Sex With Men in China: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective but not widely used by men who have sex with men (MSM; 27%) in China.

Methods: In June 2023, an online cross-sectional survey with a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was distributed to PrEP-eligible MSM in China who were at least 18 years old. The DCE explored attributes of PrEP modality (daily pill, on-demand pill, injections, implants), clinical care model (same-day, 2-visit, telehealth prescription), medication pickup (clinic, community health center, pharmacy, MSM-focused community-based organization, home delivery), enhanced support (self-management, smartphone app, text reminder, anonymous peer support group), and cost.

Predicting Time to First Rejection Episode in Lung Transplant Patients Using a Comprehensive Multi-Indicator Model.

Background: Rejection hinders long-term survival in lung transplantation, and no widely accepted biomarkers exist to predict rejection risk. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model using laboratory data to predict the time to first rejection episode in lung transplant recipients.

Methods: Data from 160 lung transplant recipients were retrospectively collected.

Tsunami modelling over global oceans.

Tsunamis are massive waves generated by sudden water displacement on the ocean surface, causing devastation as they sweep across the coastlines, posing a global threat. The aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami led to the establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS). Predicting real-time tsunami heights and the resulting coastal inundation is crucial in ITEWS to safeguard the coastal communities.

Surface Composition Impacts Selectivity of ZnTe Photocathodes in Photoelectrochemical CO Reduction Reaction.

Light-driven reduction of CO into chemicals using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach is considered as a promising way to meet the carbon neutral target. The very top surface of the photoelectrode and semiconductor/electrolyte interface plays a pivotal role in defining the performance for PEC CO reduction. However, such impact remains poorly understood.

Diagnostic accuracy of folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells in differentiating between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.

Background: Currently, traditional blood biomarkers such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) etc. are mostly elevated in the late stage of tumour, and patients have already lost the chance of tumour eradication when the relevant indexes are found to be elevated. Therefore, there is a need for blood biomarkers with higher sensitivity, better specificity, and better accessibility.

Strategies to Enhance Nanocrystal Formulations for Overcoming Physiological Barriers Across Diverse Routes of Administration.

Poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability limit the translation of new drug candidates into clinical applications. Nanocrystal formulations offer a promising approach for improving the dissolution rate and saturation solubility. These formulations are applicable for various routes of administration, with each presenting unique opportunities and challenges posed by the physiological barriers.

Early Enteral Nutrition May Improve Survival in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock.

International guidelines recommend early enteral nutrition (EEN) for critically ill patients. However, evidence supporting the optimal timing of EN in patients diagnosed with cardiogenic shock (CS) is lacking. As such, this study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of EEN versus delayed EN in patients diagnosed with CS.

Epidemiology and population-based incidence of influenza in two communities, Bandung district, West Java, Indonesia, 2008-2011.

Influenza surveillance is important for monitoring influenza virus circulation and disease burden to inform influenza prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and to estimate the incidence of influenza in two communities in West Java, Indonesia, before and after the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. A population-based surveillance study in the community health care setting was conducted to estimate the annual incidence of influenza.

Leptin increases chemosensitivity by inhibiting in colorectal cancer cells.

Background: Chemoresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), severely impacting patient survival and quality of life. While conventional chemotherapy regimens can somewhat control tumor progression, their effectiveness is frequently compromised by the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. The aim of this study is to verify and elucidate the specific mechanisms by which leptin enhances chemosensitivity in CRC, providing valuable insights for the development of new combination chemotherapy options.

Oncoproteins E6/E7 of the human papillomavirus types 16 & 18 synergize in modulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor proteins in colorectal cancer.

Objective: Our study presents a novel analysis of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor proteins directly modulated by E6/E7 of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: HCT 116 (KRAS mutant) & HT-29 (TP53 mutant) cell models of CRC were transduced with E6/E7 of HPV16 and HPV18, individually and in combination. Further, we utilized a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach to analyze and compare the proteomes of both CRC cell models.