A novel synthesized Vanillin-Based Deep Eutectic Agent (V-DEA) mitigates postharvest fungal decay and improve shelf life and quality of cherry tomatoes

Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea are the main pathogens that cause fruit decay and reduce the postharvest shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Boosting the potency of natural products requires implementing structural modification to combat postharvest pathogens. Herein, we developed a novel Vanillin-Deep Eutectic Agent (V-DEA) from natural compounds and evaluated its effectiveness against tomato fruit rot pathogens. The results demonstrated that V-DEA suppressed mycelium growth and spore germination of F. oxysporum and B. cinerea by enhancing cell membrane permeability, increasing lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting enzyme activities. Importantly, using 8-mM V-DEA successfully prevented postharvest decay in cherry tomatoes, while 4-mM significantly extended their shelf life by reducing weight loss and shriveling, and enhancing key fruit qualities such as total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, and lycopene. In conclusion, V-DEA exhibits dual properties as a potent pathogen inhibitor and antioxidant activity, thus prolonging the shelf life of cherry tomatoes.

[Analysis of influenza vaccination status and immunization strategy in high-risk population]

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, and the burden of severe disease is commonly seen in high risk populations. Influenza vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, especially for high risk populations. Although some countries have included influenza vaccine in their national immunization programs, influenza vaccination rates remain low globally in high risk populations. The influenza vaccine in China is still a non-immunization program vaccine that is voluntarily vaccinated at its own expense, and the influenza vaccine immunization strategy is different across the country. There is still a gap between the vaccination rate of the influenza vaccine and that of developed countries. It is an urgent problem to further optimize the whole population immunization strategy of influenza vaccine in China, strengthen the publicity of the whole population immunization strategy of influenza vaccine, and reduce the disease burden of influenza in China.

Dietary Dihydromyricetin Zinc Chelate Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Magang Geese

To fulfill the nutritional requirements of poultry, effective Zn supplementation is required due to Zn deficiency in basic feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of DMY-Zn (dihydromyricetin zinc chelate) on the growth performance, morphology, and biochemical indices; the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes; the intestinal microflora; and the cecum metabolome of Magang geese. A total of 300 14-day-old Magang geese (equal number of males and females) with an average body weight of 0.82 ± 0.08 kg were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet; these groups were given DMY-Zn (low, medium, or high level of DMY-Zn with 30, 55, or 80 mg/kg Zn added to the basal diet) or ZnSO4 (80 mg/kg Zn added) for 4 weeks. Our results revealed that DMY-Zn significantly impacts growth and biochemical indices and plays a significant role in regulating the intestinal barrier and microflora. DMY-Zn is involved in the upregulation of intestinal barrier gene (ZO1 and MUC2) expression, as well as upregulated Zn-related gene expression (ZIP5). On the other hand, a low concentration of DMY-Zn increased the ɑ diversity index and the abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium. Additionally, a cecal metabolomics study showed that the main metabolic pathways affected by DMY-Zn were the pentose phosphate pathway, the biosynthesis of different alkaloids, and the metabolism of sphingolipids. In conclusion, DMY-Zn can reduce feed intake, increase the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, help maintain the intestinal microflora balance, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine to improve intestinal immunity.

Morpho-physiological growth performance and anti-oxidative capabilities of Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica upon exposure to Co3O4 Nbs in lead-contaminated soil

Immense crowd of heavy metal in cultivated land is evolving as a global concern as a result of boosted level of soil toxicity. Amongst various metals, Lead (Pb) contamination has become alarming for plant and human heath through ingesting of polluted soils and food crops. To counterfeit this, a nanotechnological neutralizer effective in form of soiling of cobalt oxide Co3O4 Nbs to Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica with various meditations as 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm). A Substantial result was observed on growth of plants but premium results were got by applications of cobalt oxide Nbs at 75 ppm. By this means, enhanced root length (39%), fresh weight (32%), shoot length (58%), as well as dry weight (28%) in selected Acacia species compared to control. Chlrophy contents in A. jacquemontii were estimated to be 0.23, 2.73 and 3.19 mg/L with treated with different concentrations of cobalt Nbs while in A. nilotica, the contents were 0.51, 2.93 and 3.12 mg/L respectively on same concentration. The atomic absorption (AAS), antioxidant activity and defendable positive comeback by using Co3O4 Nbs. Hence, the greenly synthesized Co3O4 Nbs counter acts lead toxicity to override and preserving the growth of plant. Such nanotechnological kits can consequently enhance the alternative system to stunned toxicity for distinguish the yield demand end to end with the progress of agronomic management approaches.

Advancing Nanoscale Science: Synthesis and Bioprinting of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 for Enhanced Anti-Infectious Therapeutic Efficacies

Bacterial infectious disorders are becoming a major health problem for public health. The zeolitic imidazole framework-8 with a novel Cordia myxa extract-based (CME@ZIF-8) nanocomposite showed variable functionality, high porosity, and bacteria-killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli strains have been created by using a straightforward approach. The sizes of synthesized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and CME@ZIF-8 were 11.38 nm and 12.44 nm, respectively. Prepared metal organic frameworks have been characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An antibacterial potential comparison between CME@ZIF-8 and zeolitic imidazole framework-8 has shown that CME@ZIF-8 was 31.3%, 28.57%, 46%, and 47% more efficient than ZIF-8 against Staphylococcus aureus and 43.7%, 42.8%, 35.7%, and 70% more efficient against Escherichia coli, while it was 31.25%, 33.3%, 46%, and 46% more efficient than the commercially available ciprofloxacin drug against Staphylococcus aureus and 43.7%, 42.8%, 35.7%, and 70% more efficient against Escherichia coli, respectively, for 750, 500, 250, and 125 μg mL-1. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of CME@ZIF-8 for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 15.6 and 31.25 μg/mL respectively, while the value of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 alone was 62.5 μg/mL for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The reactive oxygen species generated by CME@ZIF-8 destroys the bacterial cell and its organelles. Consequently, the CME@ZIF-8 nanocomposites have endless potential applications for treating infectious diseases.

[Analysis of China's influenza vaccination policy based on the model of "behavioural and social drivers of vaccination"]

This article uses the "behavioural and social drivers of vaccination" model released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 to analyze influenza vaccine policy documents issued by the state and governments. This indicates that the current influenza vaccination policy in China has paid some attention to "publicity and mobilization", but it still pays insufficient attention to "vaccination convenience". It is recommended to continue to strengthen publicity and mobilization, explore ways to improve the convenience of vaccination, formulate corresponding plans to improve the convenience of vaccination, scientifically set vaccination rate targets, and encourage areas with conditions to carry out free vaccination projects for key populations.

Analysis of the value of echocardiographic parameters in the early diagnosis of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of echocardiographic parameters in diagnosing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and a weight less than 1.5 kg, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital between January 2020 and January 2021, were selected for the study. The study subjects were divided into two groups: a BPD group (54 cases, observation group) and a non-BPD group (36 cases, control group). The correlation between tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity and BPD was investigated by detecting the cardiac function of preterm infants in both groups using a color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument and analyzing the cardiac ultrasound results. The early prediction efficiency of TR velocity (m/s) for BPD was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The levels of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shorting fraction (LVFS) were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the observation group were not significantly different from the control group (p > 0.05). The proportion of tricuspid regurgitation in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the TR velocity was significantly higher than that in the control group. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that TR velocity (m/s) was positively correlated to BPD severity (r = 0.379, p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting BPD with TR velocity was 0.735. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.0% and 62.6%, respectively, when the TR velocity was 1.45 m/s.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography is useful for understanding the degree of impaired cardiac function in preterm infants and for early detection of PH, which may reduce the mortality rate to a certain extent. The risk of BPD is significantly increased when TR velocity is higher than 1.45 m/s.

[Adult vaccination immunization strategies and research progress worldwide]

Vaccination is the most cost-effective measure to prevent infectious diseases in both children and adults. At present, the global burden of infectious diseases in adults is still heavy. With the continuous development and improvement of vaccines, vaccination has shown great potential to prevent infectious diseases, further reduce the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases in adults and improve people's life quality. This article summarizes the current status of adult immunization, immunization strategies of representative countries, different adult vaccination strategies, and the advantages and challenges of adult immunization to provide reference for further exploring adult immunization strategies and improving adult vaccination recommendations. More attention should be paid to the immunization strategies for different adult populations, and effective measures should be taken to improve the vaccination coverage for the better protection of people's life and health.

Bioinspired Cobalt Oxide Nanoball Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Potential as Metal Stress Absorbants

Massive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural land as a result of enhanced levels of toxicity in the soil is an emerging global concern. Among various metals, zinc contamination has severe effects on plant and human health through the food chain. To remove such toxicity, a nanotechnological neutralizer, cobalt oxide nanoballs (Co₃O₄ Nbs) were synthesized by using the extract of Cordia myxa. The Co₃O₄ Nbs were well characterized via UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Green-synthesized Co₃O₄ Nbs were exposed over Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica at different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). Highly significant results were observed for plant growth by the application of Co₃O₄ Nbs at 100 ppm, thereby increasing the root length (35%), shoot length (48%), fresh weight (44%), and dry weight (40%) of the Acacia species with respect to the control. Furthermore, physiological parameters including chlorophyll contents, relative water contents, and osmolyte contents like proline and sugar showed a prominent increase. The antioxidant activity and atomic absorption supported and justified the positive response to using Co₃O₄ Nbs that mitigated the heavy-metal zinc stress by improving the plant growth. Hence, the biocompatible Co₃O₄ Nbs counteract the zinc toxicity for governing and maintaining plant growth. Such nanotechnological tools can therefore step up the cropping system and overcome toxicity to meet the productivity demand along with the development of agricultural management strategies.

[Research progress of influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination among cancer patients]

This article reviews the relevant studies on the efficacy and safety of influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination among tumor patients worldwide in recent years. By combing and analyzing the retrieved literature, the results show that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination can significantly reduce the morbidity and hospitalization rate of infectious diseases in tumor patients, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death, and significantly improve survival prognosis. COVID-19 vaccination can also protect tumor patients, especially those who have completed full dose vaccination. Authoritative guidelines and consensuses worldwide all recommend that tumor patients receive influenza, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines. We should carry out relevant researches, as well as take effective measures to strengthen patient education, so that tumor patients can fully experience the health protection brought by the vaccine to this specific group.

Casting Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Fagonia Blend Microbial Arrest

Physical and chemical methods for production of nanoparticles (NPs) are not only harmful for environment but also toxic for living organism. The present study attempts to synthesize ZnO NPs using the natural plant extract of Fagonia cretica. The phytochemical screening of F. cretica water extract was performed to check the presence of biologically active compounds like alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and steroids. Well-prepared ZnO NPs given sharp absorption peak at 362 were confirmed by UV-visible. XRD analysis showed the ZnO NPs having wurtzite hexagonal structure with crystalline form. TEM analysis endorses flower-shaped ZnO nanoparticles ~ 100-1000 nm. FTIR spectrum suggested the involvement of phenolic groups and amino acids and amide linkages in protein performs as the stabilizing agent in the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs showed strong antibacterial behavior against two bacterial strains Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In addition, ZnO NPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity of 79%:85.6%:89.9% at 5 μg/mL:10 μg/mL:5 μg/mL concentration of ZnO NPs respectively. This work indicates that Fagonia is considered to be appropriate and promising candidate for extending the innovative applications in the field of medicine and industry and also helpful and useful to the scientific communities.

Incubating Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanorods for Proteomics-Derived Motif Exploration: A Fusion to Deep Learning Oncogenesis

The nanotechnological arena has revolutionized the diagnostic efficacies by investigating the protein corona. This displays provoking proficiencies in determining biomarkers and diagnostic fingerprints for early detection and advanced therapeutics. The green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared via Withania coagulans and were well characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nano-LC mass spectrophotometry. Iron oxides were rod-shaped with an average size of 17.32 nm and have crystalline properties. The as-synthesized nanotool mediated firm nano biointeraction with the proteins in treatment with nine different cancers. The resultant of the proteome series was filtered oddly that highlighted the variant proteins within the differentially expressed proteins on behalf of nano-bioinformatics. Further magnification focused on S13_N, RS15, RAB, and 14_3_3 domains and few abundant motifs that aid scanning biomarkers. The entire set of variant proteins contracting to common proteins elucidates the underlining mechanical proteins that are marginally assessed using the robotic nanotechnology. Additionally, the iron rods indirectly possess a prognostic effect in manipulating expression of proteins through a smarter route. Thereby, such biologically designed nanotools provide a dual approach for medical studies.

Preparation and Characteristics of Na2HPO4·12H2O-K2HPO4·3H2O/SiO2 Composite Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage

In this paper, a series of eutectic hydrated salts was obtained by mixing Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O (DHPD) with K₂HPO₄·3H₂O (DHPT) in different proportions. With the increase in the content of DHPT, the phase transition temperature and melting enthalpy of eutectic hydrated salts decreased gradually. Moreover, the addition of appropriate deionized water improved the thermal properties of eutectic hydrated salts. Colloidal silicon dioxide (SiO₂) was selected as the support carrier to adsorb eutectic hydrated salts, and the maximum content of eutectic hydrated salts in composite PCMs was 70%. When the content of the nucleating agent (Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O) was 5%, the supercooling degree of composite PCMs was reduced to the minimum of 1.2 °C. The SEM and FT-IR test results showed that SiO₂ and eutectic hydrated salts were successfully combined, and no new substances were formed. When the content of DHPT was 3%, the phase transition temperature and melting enthalpy of composite PCMs were 26.5 °C and 145.3 J/g, respectively. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and heating-cooling cycling test proved that composite PCMs had good thermal reliability and stability. The application performance of composite PCMs in prefabricated temporary houses was investigated numerically. The results indicated that PCM panels greatly increased the Grade I thermal comfort hours and reduced energy consumption. Overall, the composite PCM has great development potential building energy conservation.

Crest to Trough Cellular Drifting of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles

Green nanotechnology facilitates the blooming of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with distinct flowerlike and spherical morphologies, respectively. The well-characterized NPs with an average size of 35 nm (ZnO) and 25 nm (Ag) were functionalized on the cresty plates for antibacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the flowerlike ZnONPs exhibiting 90.9% inhibition and AgNPs exhibiting 100% inhibition. Further, the in vivo underwater troughs for hematological, immunological, and serological analysis in Labeo rohita exhibited 102 > 575 > 104 and 206 > 109 > 81% at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg/L with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively, over ZnONPs. However, AgNPs exhibited 257 > 408 > 124 and 86 > 202 > 43% with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively, at the same concentrations. The classical ZnNPs and AgNPs exhibited excellent inhibition potential and significant transfiguration of hematological, enzymological, and protein parameters as safe nanomedicine, but ZnONPs were found to be 58, 69, 29 and 34, 51, 70% more active than AgNPs with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively. Therefore, the onset of ROX and antioxidant arena favors beneficial cellular drifting of NPs.

[The effect of pregnant rats exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the hippocampal morphology and nerve growth factor of offspring rats]

Objective: To explore the effects of exposure of pregnant rats to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the ultrastructure of hippocampus and the levels of obesity related protein (FTO) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in offspring rats. Methods: In September 2019, 36 healthy 7-week-old Wistar rats were selected, including 24 female rats (150-200 g) and 12 male rats (200-250 g) . The male and female mice were mated in the cage at 2: 1 ratio at 18: 00 every night. The smear results showed that the sperm was positive and the mating was successful. The day was regarded as the 0 day of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and 3 control groups, with 4 rats in each group. The experimental group was exposed to 1 800 MHz, Wi-Fi and 1 800 MHz+Wi-Fi respectively, and the three control groups were exposed to virtual exposure. 12 hours a day for 21 days in three batches. After the end of exposure, the offspring of each group were raised for 7 weeks. The ultrastructural changes of the hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy, the FTO level in the hippocampus was determined by Western blot, and the NGF level in the brain tissue was determined by ELISA. Results: Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of female and male rats in the 1800 MHz group were slightly contracted, the cytoplasm was slightly edema, and the nuclei of male rats were obviously irregular. In the offspring of male and female rats in the Wi-Fi group, the nucleus of hippocampal tissue contracted seriously, the cell membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm appeared obvious edema. In the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group, the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of both male and female offspring rats were severely contracted, the nuclear membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm was severely edema. there was no significant difference in FTO level among the groups (P>0.05) . Compared with other groups, NGF content in hippocampus of offspring rats in the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group was significantly higher (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields will damage the morphological structure of hippocampal tissue of offspring and stimulate the increase of NGF expression in the hippocampus.

[Progress in research of influenza vaccine and 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine immunization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

A comprehensive review of the research of the effectiveness of influenza vaccine and 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) both at home and abroad in recent years showed that influenza vaccine and PPV23 immunization can significantly reduce the risk for influenza and pneumonia in COPD patients, and reduce the acute exacerbation of disease and related hospitalization. In particular, the influenza vaccination can also reduce the risk for ischemic heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, ventricular arrhythmia, lung cancer, dementia and death in the patients, and the immunization of both vaccines has a more significant protective effect. It is recommended by authoritative guidelines both at home and abroad that COPD patients can receive influenza vaccine and PPV23. At present, the coverage of domestic influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are low, and there are less studies in the applications of both vaccines in patients with COPD. Effective measures should be taken to strengthen the health education and increase the vaccination coverage. Additionally, the clinical research of influenza vaccine and PPV23 for COPD patients, especially the analysis on clinical benefit of immunization of both vaccines, should be further strengthened to effectively improve the survival and prognosis of COPD patients.

Trident Nano-Indexing the Proteomics Table: Next-Version Clustering of Iron Carbide NPs and Protein Corona

Protein corona composition and precise physiological understanding of differentially expressed proteins are key for identifying disease biomarkers. In this report, we presented a distinctive quantitative proteomics table of molecular cell signaling differentially expressed proteins of corona that formed on iron carbide nanoparticles (NPs). High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization coupled with ion trap mass analyzer (HPLC/ESI-Orbitrap) and MASCOT helped quantify 142 differentially expressed proteins. Among these proteins, 104 proteins showed upregulated behavior and 38 proteins were downregulated with respect to the control, whereas 48, 32 and 24 proteins were upregulated and 8, 9 and 21 were downregulated CW (control with unmodified NPs), CY (control with modified NPs) and WY (modified and unmodified NPs), respectively. These proteins were further categorized on behalf of their regularity, locality, molecular functionality and molecular masses using gene ontology (GO). A STRING analysis was used to target the specific range of proteins involved in metabolic pathways and molecular processing in different kinds of binding functionalities, such as RNA, DNA, ATP, ADP, GTP, GDP and calcium ion bindings. Thus, this study will help develop efficient protocols for the identification of latent biomarkers in early disease detection using protein fingerprints.

Responses of two marine fish to organically complexed Zn: Insights from microbial community and liver transcriptomics

The diversity and adjustability of metal-organic complex enhance the function of metals and promote the burgeoning fields of chemical biology. In the present study, we chose two marine fish to explore the effects of a dihydromyricetin (DMY)-Zn(II) complex on the intestinal microbiome composition and liver biological function using high-throughput sequencing technology. Two economic fish species commonly found in Southern China (golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus and pearl gentian grouper ♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus) were exposed to dietary DMY-Zn complex for 4-week. Our study found that DMY-Zn performed a vital function on the improved anti-oxidative ability of both fish species. The Zn complex improved the stability of microbial community structure of the golden pompano by enhancing the α-diversity, but its impacts on the composition and diversity of intestine microorganisms of grouper were insignificant. BugBase results showed that the intestine microbiota following DMY-Zn exposure contained a lower abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria and higher abundance of aerobic bacteria. Intestine health and utilization of carbohydrates were improved in the golden pompano, and unclassified bacteria were significantly enriched in the grouper. Liver transcriptome indicated that DMY-Zn affected the oxidative phosphorylation process (OXPHOS). Specifically, the OXPHOS process (map00190) was activated by promoting the glucose uptake (map04251, map04010) in golden pompano and lipid metabolism (map00071, map00140, map00062 and map00564) in grouper. Such difference in the responses of intestine microbiome and liver metabolism may be possibly explained by their different Zn basal requirements. Our study demonstrated that different fish species may have different responses to dietary DMY-Zn complex. The results provided a reference for the application of new additives in aquatic animal feed, and new insights into the roles of metal-organic complex in their biological impacts on fish.

[Analysis of China's influenza vaccine application policy based on the macro model of the health system]

This article uses the analysis framework of the macro model of the health system to analyze the influenza vaccine policy documents issued by the state and governments at all levels from three perspectives: structure, process and results, and provides a scientific basis for improving the application strategy of influenza vaccine. It is suggested that on the basis of continuing to strengthen publicity, mobilization and organizational guarantee, measures to promote the application of influenza vaccine in China by exploring multi-channel financing mechanisms, combining the experience of new crown vaccination to improve the convenience of influenza vaccination, and scientifically setting vaccination rate targets, improve preparedness for an influenza pandemic.

Self-assembly CuO-loaded nanocomposite involving functionalized DNA with dihydromyricetin for water-based efficient and controllable antibacterial action

With the antibiotic crisis intensifies, the defense and treatment of pathogen infections in safe and effective fashion has become a critical issue. Herein, we report a novel and advanced type of sterilization agent designed via the functionalization DNA nanocarriers based on dihydromyricetin and CuO-loaded nanoparticles (DNA/DMY-CuO). Firstly, a pure dihydromyricetin (DMY) isolated from Ampelopsis grossedentata is used as a bridge to the stimulate the construction of DNA cross-linking networks by hydrogen bonding. Subsequently, a 3D spherical CuO-loaded nanocomposite (204.39 nm) is customized using the DNA/DMY network as a biological template through a simple coordination-assisted self-assembly method, which exhibits a high dispersibility, water-solubility and physiological stability. The reversible physical interactions in nanocarriers allows the selective separation and automatic release of CuO NPs from DNA/DMY-CuO in neutral and wound exudate environments, thereby extending the survival period of CuO NPs by nearly 24 h. Meanwhile, the nanocarriers system relied on the strong binding ability of DMY to the outer membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) achieves controlled drug delivery onto the pathogen wall. The advanced antibacterial action of DNA/DMY-CuO also reflected in membrane destruction, cytoplasmic constituent leakages and ATP synthetic pathway cessation, thereby halting cytosolic metalloregulatory mechanisms and minimizing drug-resistant bacteria. In summary, such multi-functional CuO-loaded nanocomposite provides a water-dispersibility, controllable, low cytotoxicity and long-effective platform to address the ever-growing threats of bacterial infections.

Multi-omics reveals the regulatory mechanisms of zinc exposure on the intestine-liver axis of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

Metal zinc (Zn) has been the focus of many environmental toxicological studies, but there are limited studies on its potential dietary molecular toxicity and physiology. The present study was the first to use multi-omics-based approaches to explore the fish intestine-liver axis under dietary Zn exposure. Golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus were exposed to different dietary concentrations (78.4, 134.6, and 161.4 mg/kg as the control, low-dose Zn, and high-dose Zn groups, respectively) of Zn for 4-week. Low-dose Zn exposure significantly promoted the fish growth, whereas the high-dose Zn exposure reduced the fish growth. Co-analysis of 16S diversity, metagenome and transcriptome showed that the low-dose Zn enriched the intestinal microflora and changed the dominant microflora abundances (Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes), as well as activated the growth hormone metabolism in the liver. Meanwhile, the high-dose of Zn caused the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, activated the Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs), and further triggered the oxidative stress response, immunity, and antiviral function of the liver. Multi-omics revealed the interference of long-term Zn dietary exposure on the intestine-liver axis. There was an apparent homeostasis of Zn accumulation in the fish tissues, but the window of dietary Zn nutritional requirements versus toxicity appeared to be narrow for the golden pompano. These results provided new insight into the adverse effects and regulatory mechanisms of dietary Zn requirements and toxicity in marine fish.

High-Content Lithium Aluminum Titanium Phosphate-Based Composite Solid Electrolyte with Poly(ionic liquid) Binder

Solid electrolytes have been regarded as the most promising electrolyte materials for the next generation of flexible electronic devices due to their excellent safety and machinability. Herein, composite solid electrolytes (CSE) with “polymer in ceramic” are prepared by using lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) as a matrix and modified poly(ionic liquid) as a binder. The results revealed that adding a poly(ionic liquid)-based binder not only endowed good flexibility for solid electrolytes, but also significantly improved the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes. When the content of LATP in the CSE was 50 wt.%, the electrolyte obtained the highest ionic conductivity (1.2 × 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹), which was one order of magnitude higher than that of the pristine LATP. Finally, this study also characterized the compression resistance of the composite solid-state electrolyte by testing the Vickers hardness, and the results showed that the hardness of the composite solid-state electrolyte can reach 0.9 ± 0.1 gf/mm² at a LATP content of 50 wt.%.

Preparation and characterization of vanillin-chitosan Schiff base zinc complex for a novel Zn2+ sustained released system

In this work, a novel sustained released system (VCSB-Zn(II)) for zinc supplements was built by vanillin-chitosan Schiff base (VCSB) chelated with Zn²⁺ to improve the zinc trace element utilization ratio. Samples were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, XRD, SEM, and TGA. The results showed that VCSB exhibited a more excellent chelation capacity of Zn²⁺ than chitosan. The chelation capacity of VCSB was about 1.7 times more than that of chitosan, corresponding to 50.96 mg/g and 29.91 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, VCSB-Zn(II) showed excellent sustained released performance at simulated gastric fluid because of the acid slow-dissolving ability. And the higher the CN content of VCSB, the higher the cumulative release rate (R_i) of Zn²⁺, the highest R_i reached 77.81%. The sustained released curves were described by the first-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas equation, which described the Zn²⁺ sustained released performance caused by the dissolution of VCSB-Zn(II) and Fick diffusion. This Zn²⁺ sustained released system shows great potential in the application in the field of trace elements supplements for animals.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of Oral Exercises on Masticatory Function

The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize and to evaluate the available information on the effectiveness of oral exercise in improving the masticatory function of people ≥18 y. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to December 2020) for relevant randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment was adopted for collective grading of the overall body of evidence. Of the 1,576 records identified, 18 studies (21 articles) were included in the analysis. Results of meta-analysis indicated that oral exercise could significantly improve the mean bite force of the participants (parallel comparison: MD, 41.2; 95% CI, 11.6-70.7, P = 0.006; longitudinal comparison: MD, 126.5; 95% CI, 105.2-144.9, P < 0.001). However, the improvement in masticatory performance was not significant (parallel comparison: SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.42, P = 0.48; longitudinal comparison: SMD, 0.4; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.91, P = 0.13). Results of meta-regression showed that greater improvements in bite force can be achieved among younger adults and with more intensive exercise. Chewing exercise is the most effective oral exercise, followed by clenching exercise, while simple oral exercise may not have a significant effect. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and GRADE assessment, a weak recommendation for people with declined masticatory function to practice oral exercise is made.

Synthesis, Characterization, Immune Regulation, and Antioxidative Assessment of Yeast-Derived Selenium Nanoparticles in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Rats

This article introduces an environmentally friendly and more economical method for preparing red selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) with high stability, good biocompatibility, and narrow size using yeast as a bio-reducing agent with high antioxidant, immune regulation, and low toxicity than inorganic and organic Se. The yeast-derived Se-NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed spherical-shaped particles of Se-NPs with an average diameter of 71.14 ± 18.17 nm, an amorphous structure, and surface enhancement with an organic shell layer, that provide precise geometry and stability in the formation of bio-inert gray or black Se-NPs instead of red Se-NPs. Furthermore, the addition of 0.3-0.8 mg/kg Se-NPs in the feed significantly improved the health of mice. As Se-NPs stimulated the oxidative state of mice, it significantly increased the level of GSH-Px, SOD, and AOC, and decreased the level of MDA. The yeast-derived Se-NPs alleviated the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide, whereas protected the liver, spleen, and kidney of mice, stimulated the humoral immune potential of the mice, and significantly increased the levels of I g M, IgA, and I g G. These results indicated that the yeast-derived Se-NPs, as a trace element feed additive, increased the defense of the animal against oxidative stress and infectious diseases and therefore Se-NPs can be used as a potential antibiotic substitute for animal husbandry.

PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded nanoliposomes coated with tea saponin inhibit bacterial oxidative respiration and energy metabolism

The biofilms produced by the aggregation of bacterial colonies are among the major obstacles of host immune system monitoring and antimicrobial treatment. Herein, we report PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded liposomes coated with tea saponin grafted on chitosan (TS/CTS@DMY-lips) as an efficient cationic antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is supported by their deep penetration into bacterial biofilms and broad pH-stable release performance of dihydromyricetin (DMY). The successful construction of the drug delivery system relied on tea saponin grafted on chitosan (TS/CTS) via formatted ester bonds or amido bonds as a polyelectrolyte layer of PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded liposomes (DMY lips), which achieved controlled release of DMY in weak acidic and neutral physiological environments. The micromorphology of TS/CTS@DMY-lips was observed to resemble dendritic cells with an average size of 266.49 nm, and they had excellent encapsulation efficiency (41.93%), water-solubility and stability in aqueous solution. Besides, TS/CTS@DMY-lips displayed effective destruction of bacterial energy metabolism and cytoplasmic membranes, resulting in the deformation of the cell wall and leaking of cytoplasmic constituents. Compared to free DMY, DMY lips and chitosan-coated dihydromyricetin liposomes (CTS@DMY-lips), TS/CTS@DMY-lips has more thorough killing activity against E. coli and S. aureus, which is related to its excellent sustained release performance of DMY under the protection of the TS/CTS coating.

[Evaluation of safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use. Methods: Based on the "Vaccination Information Collection System", the incidence data of adverse reactions in the population vaccinated with the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines developed by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, respectively, in emergency use were collected, and the relevant information were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological and statistical methods. Results: By December 1, 2020, the vaccination information of 519 543 individuals had been collected. The overall incidence rate of adverse reactions was 1.06%, the incidence rate of systemic adverse reactions was 0.69% and the incidence rate of local adverse reactions was 0.37%. The main systemic adverse reactions included fatigue, headache, fever, cough and loss of appetite with the incidence rates of 0.21%, 0.14%, 0.06%, 0.05% and 0.05%, respectively; the main local adverse reactions were injection site pain and injection site swelling with the incidence rates of 0.24% and 0.05%, respectively. Conclusion: The two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd showed that in the large-scale emergency use, the incidence rate of general reactions was low and no serious adverse reactions were observed after the vaccinations, demonstrating that the vaccines have good safety.

Ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of formaldehyde via an adenine-based biological metal–organic framework

We demonstrate a successful design of an adenine-based BioMOF for highly sensitive formaldehyde recognition without the interference of other VOCs by utilizing its reactivity on Watson–Crick sites and MOF compartmentalization.

Mutations in CHMP4C cause dilated cardiomyopathy via dysregulation of autophagy

Background

Gene mutations have been implicated in DCM. However, due to the difficulty of clinical genetic diagnosis, more causal genes potentially related to DCM remain to be discovered.

Methods

We screened for gene mutations in more than 400 cases from families with hereditary cardiovascular disease using whole-exome sequencing. Then we validated biological functions of CHMP4C mutations in zebrafish models. To further assess the mechanism of CHMP4C mutations, we evaluated the potential signaling pathway in the cells.

Results

We identification of CHMP4C variants that segregated with DCM variants in four families from a total of 411 families via whole-exome sequencing. We further validate the function of CHMP4C in heart function in zebrafish models and found that over-expression of CHMP4C variants in zebrafish resulted in cardiac malformation, pericardial edema and increased heart rate, consistent with CHMP4C mutation-associated findings in DCM patients. Furthermore, we found that mutations in CHMP4C impaired autophagy and activated apoptosis in HEK293T cells, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of CHMP4C is involved in heart development.

Conclusions

CHMP4C is a novel candidate gene for DCM and may play a critical role in cardiac development by regulating autophagy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Non-invasive myocardial workiIndices derived from left ventricular pressure-strain loops in predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background

Non-invasive left ventricular (LV) pressure-strain loops (PSLs) which generated by combining LV longitudinal strain with brachial artery blood pressure, provide a novel method of quantifying global and segmental myocardial work (MW) indices with potential advantages over conventional echocardiographic strain which is load-dependent. The method has been introduced in echocardiographic software recently, making MW calculations more effectively and rapidly. The aim was to evaluate the role of non-invasive MW indices derived from LV PSLs in the prediction of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response.

Methods

106 heart failure (HF) patients scheduled for CRT were included for MW analysis. Global and segmental (septal and lateral at the mid-ventricular level) MW indices were accessed before CRT. Response to CRT was defined as ≥15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume at 6-month follow-up in comparison with baseline value.

Results

CRT response was observed in 78 (74%) patients. At baseline, global work index (GWI) and global constructive work (GCW) were significant higher in CRT responders than in non-responders (both P&lt;0.05). Besides, responders exhibited a significantly higher Mid Lateral MW and Mid Lateral constructive work (CW) (both P&lt;0.001) but a significantly lower Mid Septal MW and Mid Septal myocardial work efficiency (MWE), as well as a significantly higher Mid Septal wasted work (WW) than non-responders (all P&lt;0.01). Baseline Mid Septal MWE (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0.959–0.990, P=0.002) and Mid Lateral MW (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.002–1.004, P&lt;0.001) were identified as independent predictors of CRT response in multivariate regression analysis. Mid Septal MWE ≤42% combined with Mid Lateral MW ≥740 mm Hg% predicted CRT response with the optimal sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 82% (AUC = 0.830, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

Mid Septal MWE and Mid Lateral MW can successfully predict response to CRT, and their combination can further improve the prediction accuracy. Assessment of MW indices before CRT could identify the marked misbalance in LV myocardial work distribution and has the potential to be widely used as a reliable complementary tool for guiding patient selection in clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Synthesis and Efficacy of the N-carbamoyl-methionine Copper on the Growth Performance, Tissue Mineralization, Immunity, and Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Immunogenic, methionine copper-induced response had proven to be precedent in providing resistance against certain diseases in fish. This study allocates the fitness strategy for Oreochromis niloticus by introducing and incorporating the well-designed, stabilized, and biocompatible N-carbamoyl-methionine copper (NCM-Cu) as a Cu potent source in diet that enhances the bioavailability and fitness. The synchronized NCM-Cu complex was characterized by directing ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Results revealed blue columnar crystalline, NCM-Cu complex with an empirical formula as C₁₂H₃₀CuN₄O₁₀S₂. Anonymously, the overall growth performance of the fish remained unaltered with NCM-Cu adjunct feed. NCM-Cu significantly raised the Cu accumulation in the fish muscles, liver, gill, and intestine in contrast to the basic Cu-rich feed. The serum antioxidant enzyme activity elevated up to (ceruloplasmin: 19.38 U/L) and the lowest liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content (8.81 nmol/mg prot.) and triglyceride content (0.39 nmol/g prot.) were observed in the NCM-Cu group as compared to the basic Cu and CuSO₄ groups, suggesting that NCM-Cu promoted antioxidative responses and alleviated lipid peroxidation of O. niloticus. Overweening, the synthesized complex, NCM-Cu significantly regulated the expression levels of lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, complement 4, and complement 3 up to 10.93 U/mL, 0.72, 0.77, and 1.18 mg/mL in serum, respectively. Thus, such endorsed results reveal the preeminence of NCM-Cu-supplemented diet for the fitness in O. niloticus.

Physiological and anti-oxidative response of biologically and chemically synthesized iron oxide: Zea mays a case study

The synthesis methodology, particle size and shape, dose optimization, and toxicity studies of nano-fertilizers are vital prior to their field application. This study investigates the comparative response of chemically synthesized and biologically synthesized iron oxide nanorods (NRs) using moringa olefera along with bulk FeCl3 on summer maize (Zea mays). It is found that FeCl3 salt and chemically synthesized iron oxides NRs caused growth retardation and impaired plant physiological and anti-oxidative activities at a concentration higher than 25 mg/L due to toxicity by over accumulation. While iron released form biologically synthesized NRs have shown significantly positive results even at 50 mg/L due to their low toxicity, an improved leaf area (13%), number of leaves per plant (26%), total chlorophyll content (80%) and nitrate content (6%) with biologically synthesized NRs are obtained. Moreover, the plant anti-oxidative activity also increased on treatment with biologically synthesized NRs because of their ability to form a complex with metal ions. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized iron oxides NRs are an efficient iron source and can last for a long time. Thus, proving that nanofertilizer are required to have specific surface chemistry to release the nutrient in an appropriate concentration for better plant growth.

Fractionation of Biomolecules in Withania coagulans Extract for Bioreductive Nanoparticle Synthesis, Antifungal and Biofilm Activity

Withania coagulans contains a complex mixture of various bioactive compounds. In order to reduce the complexity of the plant extract to purify its phytochemical biomolecules, a novel fractionation strategy using different solvent combination ratios was applied to isolate twelve bioactive fractions. These fractions were tested for activity in the biogenic synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, biofilm and antifungal activities. The results revealed that plant extract with bioactive fractions in 30% ratio for all solvent combinations showed more potent bioreducing power, according to the observed color changes and the appearance of representative absorption peaks at 500-510 nm in the UV-visible spectra which confirm the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs). XRD diffraction was used to define the crystal structure, size and phase composition of the products. The fractions obtained using 90% methanol/hexane and 30% methanol/hexane showed more effectiveness against biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus so these fractions could potentially be used to treat bacterial infections. The 90% hexane/H2O fraction showed excellent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, while the 70% methanol/hexane fraction showed good antifungal activity for C. albicans, so these fractions are potentially useful for the treatment of various fungal infections. On the whole it was concluded that fractionation based on effective combinations of methanol/hexane was useful to investigate and study bioactive compounds, and the active compounds from these fractions may be further purified and tested in various clinical trials.

New Method for Extracting and Purifying Dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a kind of flavone. It has a variety of physiological effects, and its content in Ampelopsis grossedentata is as high as 35%. There are two shortcomings in the traditional batch extraction process commonly used in a laboratory: long extraction time and low extraction rate. In this study, a new chelating extraction method was proposed, that is, Zn2+ was introduced into the extraction and purification process to chelate with DMY, and the yield and purity were taken as evaluation indices for a comparative study with the traditional batch extraction method. In addition, 1H NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and UV were used to analyze the product structure; thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis was utilized to examine the thermal stability of DMY. The results were shown as follows. Compared with the batch extraction method, the chelation extraction method could effectively avoid the oxidation of DMY by air during the extraction and purification process, and the yield of the DMY also increased. Furthermore, this method was time-saving. Through investigating the extraction process and characterizing the structure and thermal stability of DMY, the chelating extraction method could be considered to provide a reference for commercial applications of DMY.

High-Performance Flocculants for Purification: Solving the Problem of Waste Incineration Bottom Ash and Unpurified Water

The silicon-aluminum-iron flocculant (PAFSi) combines the most abundant resources of waste incineration bottom ash and unpurified water, being regarded as one of the most promising approaches toward water purification. Herein, in this research, waste incineration bottom ash was employed to produce a cost-effective and highly efficient flocculant. PAFSi with a particle size of 214 nm and a zeta potential of 8.63 mV reached the optimum performance using a dosage of 2 mL/50 mL at pH from 8 to 11. The results with the copolymer exhibited the following: (1) a good flocculation efficiency over a wide pH range, (2) superior flocculation performance compared to those of polyaluminum chloride and polyferric sulfate, (3) three-dimensional branching structure of PAFSi micelles with a high aggregation degree, (4) charge neutralization and bridging as the main flocculation mechanism, and (5) recycling the floc. Thus, this work provides an attractive solution to the pressing global clean water shortage problem.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Eudragit FS30D Nanohybrids: Structure, Characterization, and Their Application as an Intestinal Drug Delivery System

The present study was designed to develop multifunctional zinc oxide-encapsulated Eudragit FS30D (ZnO/EFS) nanohybrid structures as a biodegradable drug delivery system and as a promising successful carrier for targeting sites. The solvent evaporation method was used to fabricate the ZnO/EFS nanohybrids and the size, shape, stability, and antioxidant activity were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and an antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)). Zinc oxide-encapsulated Eudragit FS30D (ZnO/EFS) nanohybrid structures consisted of irregularly shaped, 297.65 nm-sized ZnO/EFS microcapsule, enduring thermal stability from 251.17 to 385.67 °C. Nano-ZnO was encapsulated in EFS through the formation of hydrogen bonds, and the average encapsulation efficiency for nano-ZnO was determined to be 96.12%. In vitro intestinal-targeted drug release assay provided 91.86% with free nano-ZnO, only 9.5% in acidified ZnO/EFS nanohybrid structure but the rate ZnO/EFS nanohybrids reached 93.11% in succus entericus resultantly modified nano-ZnO was proven proficient intestinal-specific delivery system. The stability of the ZnO/EFS nanohybrid structures was confirmed using ζ-potential and antioxidant activity analysis. Hence, the EFS nanoencapsulation strategy of ZnO provided a stable, nontoxic, and pharmacokinetically active intestine-specific system that can become the best choice for an effective oral feed additive in future.

Lipid-coated ZnO nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies in cancer cell

ZnO nanoparticles are widely used in biological, chemical, and medical fields, but their toxicity impedes their wide application. In this study, pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm) and lipid-coated ZnO NPs (~ 13 nm; ~ 22 nm; ~ 52 nm) with different morphologies were prepared by chemical method and characterized by TEM, XRD, HRTEM, FTIR, and DLS. Our results showed that the lipid-coated ZnO NPs (~ 13 nm; ~ 22 nm; ~ 52 nm) groups improved the colloidal stability, prevented the aggregation and dissolution of nanocrystal particles in the solution, inhibited the dissolution of ZnO NPs into Zn²⁺ cations, and reduced cytotoxicity more efficiently than the pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm). Compared to the lipid-coated ZnO NPs, pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm) could dose-dependently destroy the cells at low concentrations. At the same concentration, ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. These results could provide a basis for the toxicological study of the nanoparticles and direct future investigations for preventing strong aggregation, reducing the toxic effects of lipid-bilayer and promoting the uptake of nanoparticles by HeLa cells efficiently.

Preparation of TTO/UF resin microcapsule via in situ polymerisation and modelling of its slow release

For slow release of tea tree oil (TTO), TTO were encapsulated by urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin via in situ polymerisation. The effects of curing time and drying condition on particle size, and TTO loading of the TTO/UF microcapsules were investigated. The results indicated that TTO/UF resin microcapsules with curing time of 80 min had narrow size distribution and good wall cover. Drying at ambient was better to maintain the TTO content than drying at oven. The loading of TTO with curing time of 80 min can be up to 45 wt.% of the mass-proportion to the prepared microcapsules, and more than 90 wt.% of the loaded TTO could be sustainably released in about 5 days. Moreover, the release kinetics of TTO/UF microcapsules was well described by Ritger-Peppas model, revealing non-Fickian diffusion. Promisingly, TTO/UF microcapsules with good stability can be used as a slow release vehicle for antibacterial application.

Partially charged platinum on aminated and carboxylated SBA-15 as a catalyst for alkene hydrosilylation

Pt^δ+ was uniformly dispersed in aminated and carboxylated SBA-15 as a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrosilylation reaction.

Association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate susceptibility: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms are thought to be involved in the development of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), but published results are contradictory. We therefore designed an updated meta-analysis to pool eligible studies and to evaluate further the possible relations between MTHFR polymorphisms (c.677C>T and c.1298A>C) and susceptibility to NSCL/P. A comprehensive search based on PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases was made up to February 2018. Twenty-three case-control and 10 case-parent trio studies (including 1149 cases and 1161 controls) were retrieved. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were used to estimate the pooled strength of association under different genetic models. The Q test and I² test were used to estimate heterogeneity among studies, the quality of which was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In the MTHFR c.677C>T polymorphism group, there were significant overall results for the recessive (OR 1.231, 95%CI 1.092 to 1.387) and homozygote (OR 1.252, 95%CI 1.078 to 1.456) models. Subgroup analysis by subjects and ethnicity identified only associations in European mothers for the recessive model and the homozygote model. For the c.1298A>C group, there were no significant results for either European or Asian patients for all genetic models. The MTHFR c.677C>T polymorphism might increase susceptibility to NSCL/P in European mothers, but was negatively associated in Asian patients, and the MTHFR c.1298A>C polymorphism is not involved in the development of NSCL/P in either European or Asian patients.

P6501Recurrent genetic aberrations in bicuspid aortic valve disease patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation

Background

The etiology of bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD) is still unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated elevated prevalence of genetic defects in BAV patients with root phenotype, which includes aortic regurgitation and root-predominant dilatation.

Purpose

The present study intended to illustrate the feature of genetic defects among early-onset BAV patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation.

Methods

From June 2015 to December 2017, whole exome sequencing was performed upon 27 BAVD patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation under 45 years in our institution. Patients were categorized into right-left (R-L, n=16) and non-RL (n=11) cusp fusion types, and those with complex cardiac defects were excluded from the present study.

Results

Among 27 patients with a median age of 30.5 (18–44) years, only one was female with a rare left-non-coronary cusp fusion type. The prevalence of root phenotype was markedly higher in RL patients (56.3% vs 9.1%, p=0.018). In RL patients, the numbers of rare genetic variants (RGVs) were 15 in extracellular matrix genes, 8 in TGF-β signaling pathway genes, 2 in smooth muscle cell contraction apparatus genes, and 3 in familiar BAV related genes. In non-RL patients, the number of RGVs were 15, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. On the other hand, the number of RGVs in above gene clusters were 9, 6, 3, 2 in patients with a root phenotype, and 21, 5, 3, 6 in those without. Eight recurrent genetic variants were identified in 6 genes (see Table). An interesting observation was that ADAMTS2 variants were exclusively found among non-RL patients without root phenotype, as FBN2 variants among RL patients with root phenoype.

Recurrent Rare Genetic Variants Gene Reference sequence Variant 1000G 1000G-East Asia Patients TGFBR2 NM_001024847.2 p.Val216Ile/c.646G>A 0.004 0.018 A16, A23 TGFBR2 NM_001024847.2 p.Thr340Met/c.1019C>T 0.003 0.015 A03, A05, A07 ADAMTS2 NM_014244.4 p.Gly1169Val/c.3506G>T 0.0044 0.021 A03, A15 FBN2 NM_001999.3 p.Gly475Val/c.1424G>T 0.0004 0.002 A19, A24 ELN NM_001278939.1 p.Pro93Leu/c.278C>T 0.0014 0.0069 A22, A26 COL4A5 NM_033380.2 p.Gly953Val/c.2858G>T 0.0079 0.03 A11, A17 MYLK NM_053025.3 p.Ser243Trp/c.728C>G 0.0002 0.001 A01, A02 MYLK NM_053025.3 p.Asp717Tyr/c.2149G>T 0.0024 0.011 A04, A21

Conclusion

Recurrent genetic variants could be identified in a cohort of early-onset BAVD patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation and staggering male predominance. The incidence and clinical relevance of these variants should be validated in an extended real-world BAV cohort.

P916The effect of a novel, user-friendly, transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair device in a porcine model of mitral regurgitation

Objective

A new technique has been devised to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) through the transapical route by replicating the edge-to-edge repair surgery. This system encompasses an easy-to-use leaflet clamp and a smaller-sized delivery system (14F–16F). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this device in a porcine model of acute MR.

Methods

Acute MR was induced in 36 anesthetized porcine subjects by severing the major chordae supporting the corresponding segment of the leaflet. This device was then transapically implanted on the prolapsing segment under 3D epicardial echocardiographic guidance. All of the animals were killed 30 days after the procedure to verify the proper location of the implanted devices.

Results

Cutting the major chordae induced an eccentric MR jet (MR grade: 3+, 27.8%/4+, 72.2%) in all of the animals. Every single pig was then successfully implanted with one clamp. The duration of catheterization ranged from 18 to 40 minutes. Overt MR reduction was observed following the procedure through echocardiography; residual MR was mild in 8 cases, trivial in 19 cases, and absent in 9 cases. In terms of hemodynamic parameters, the mean and maximum mitral valve pressure gradients were increased significantly (p<0.01), but these values were less than 4 mmHg in all of the cases. Autopsy demonstrated that all but one device were precisely placed to clip the prolapsing segment of the mitral valve, and there was no evidence of thrombosis, thromboembolism or impairment of the cardiac structure.

Table 1. Changes in hemodynamic parameters, cardiac size, and functional parameters after the procedure Preoperation Postoperation P value MR-maxA (mm2) 7.27±2.13 1.54±1.29 0.000 MVPG-max (mmHg) 1.95±0.47 3.66±0.62 0.000 MVPG-mean (mmHg) 0.87±0.31 1.7±0.28 0.000 LVEDD (mm) 46.08±2.85 46.44±3.53 0.239 LVESD (mm) 29.11±3.44 29.08±3.62 0.940 LVEF (%) 66.53±6.4 67.14±4.93 0.256 LAD (mm) 35.75±2.24 36.42±1.99 0.057 LAA (mm2) 12.95±2.22 12.64±1.55 0.301

Figure 1

Conclusions

Transapical implantation of the novel mitral valve repair device is effective and safe in reducing acutely induced MR in pigs; thus, suggesting that it has great potential for clinical benefit in patients with MR.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Shanghai Science and Technology Committee

Influences of different Fe sources on Fe bioavailability and homeostasis in SD rats

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the enteric coating process affects growth performance, Fe bioavailability, and gene expression levels that maintain iron balance in the body. The test was divided into the control group, ferrous sulfate group, ferrous fumarate group, ferrous glycine chelate(1:1) (Fe-Gly(1:1)) group, ferrous glycine chelate(2:1) (Fe-Gly(2:1)) group, enteric-coated Fe-Gly(1:1) group, and enteric-coated Fe-Gly(2:1) group. The results showed that the growth performance of the rats in each iron supplement group was no significant difference among them. The results of serum biochemical indicators showed that the antioxidant capacity of the rats in the iron supplement group after enteric coating increased. The iron supplementation effect of Fe-Gly(1:1) and Fe-Gly(2:1) was better than that of ferrous sulfate, and the effect of Fe-Gly(1:1) after enteric coating was enhanced. The expression levels of IRP1 and IRP2 in the genes of enteric-coated Fe-Gly(1:1) and enteric-coated Fe-Gly(2:1) were significantly higher than those of ferrous sulfate. The expression levels of IRP1 and IRP2 in the protein of enteric-coated Fe-Gly(1:1) group were significantly higher than those in the Fe-Gly(1:1) group. The above results show that Fe-Gly can improve the bioavailability and antioxidant capacity of iron and reduce the iron output of feces after enteric coating.