Search Results (47)

Background/Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant pathogenic bacterium. Daptomycin (DAP) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus. However, DAP currently faces clinical limitations due to its short half-life, toxic side effects, and increasingly severe drug resistance issues. This study aimed to develop a biomimetic nano-drug delivery system to enhance targeting ability, prolong blood circulation, and mitigate resistance of DAP. Methods: DAP-loaded chitosan nanocomposite particles (DAP-CS) were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. Macrophage membrane vesicles (MM) were prepared by fusion of M1-type macrophage membranes with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). A biomimetic nano-drug delivery system (DAP-CS@MM) was constructed by the coextrusion process of DAP-CS and MM. Key physicochemical parameters, including particle diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and membrane protein retention, were systematically characterized. In vitro immune escape studies and in vivo zebrafish infection models were employed to assess the ability of immune escape and antibacterial performance, respectively. Results: The particle size of DAP-CS@MM was 110.9 ± 13.72 nm, with zeta potential +11.90 ± 1.90 mV, and encapsulation efficiency 70.43 ± 1.29%. DAP-CS@MM retained macrophage membrane proteins, including functional TLR2 receptors. In vitro immune escape assays, DAP-CS@MM demonstrated significantly enhanced immune escape compared with DAP-CS (p < 0.05). In the zebrafish infection model, DAP-CS@MM showed superior antibacterial efficacy over both DAP and DAP-CS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The DAP-CS@MM biomimetic nano-drug delivery system exhibits excellent immune evasion and antibacterial performance, offering a novel strategy to overcome the clinical limitations of DAP. Full article

Optically pumped magnetometer OPM-MEG has the potential to replace the traditional low-temperature superconducting quantum interference device SQUID-MEG. Coherence analysis can be used to evaluate the functional connectivity and reflect the information transfer process between brain regions. In this paper, a finger tapping movement paradigm based on auditory cues was used to measure the functional signals of the brain using OPM-MEG, and the coherence between the primary motor cortex (M1) and the primary motor area (PM) was calculated and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the coherence of the three frequency bands of Alpha (8–13 Hz), Beta (13–30 Hz), and low Gamma (30–45 Hz) and the selected reference signal showed roughly the same position, the coherence strength and coherence range decreased from Alpha to low Gamma, and the coherence coefficient changed with time. It was inferred that the change in coherence indicated different neural patterns in the contralateral motor cortex, and these neural patterns also changed with time, thus reflecting the changes in the connection between different functional areas in the time-frequency domain. In summary, OPM-MEG has the ability to measure brain coherence during finger movements and can characterize connectivity between brain regions. Full article

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder and a growing global public health challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. While diet and physical activity are well-established contributors, increasing evidence underscores the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating obesity-related processes. Epigenetic modifications—such as DNA methylation, RNA methylation (particularly N6-methyladenosine), histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin remodeling—modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This review aims to provide an overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in obesity, with an emphasis on their molecular functions and regulatory networks. Integrating findings from relevant studies, we discuss how these modifications influence obesity-related outcomes through regulating key processes such as adipocyte differentiation and energy metabolism. Advancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation may pave the way for novel, targeted strategies in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Full article

In the current context of tight constraints on land resources in major Chinese cities, the development of underground space in green spaces (USGSs) has become an important approach to exploit land use potential and alleviate the contradiction between human and land resources. Evaluating USGS development potential scientifically is crucial for project site selection and improving underground space utilization. However, most studies have focused on underground space as a whole, with limited attention to single land use types, and research on USGSs has mainly concentrated on planning and design. This study proposes a two-stage evaluation framework for urban green spaces, identifying suitable development areas while safeguarding ecological functions. The framework evaluates from “restrictiveness” and “suitability”: first extracting developable green spaces by restrictiveness evaluation and then assessing development potential by suitability evaluation. This approach overcomes traditional methods that disregard prerequisite relationships among factors. A case study in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, showed that small green spaces and connectivity were key limiting factors for the development of USGSs. The proposed framework could provide some degree of reference for future development potential evaluation of USGSs, and the results could provide actionable guidance for high-density built environments similar to Binjiang District. Full article

The global rise in obesity and its associated metabolic disorders underscores the need for a deeper investigation into their underlying molecular mechanisms. While genetic factors are well-established contributors, recent research has increasingly focused on epigenetic regulators, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A)—the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotes. This post-transcriptional modification plays a crucial role in RNA metabolism by regulating mRNA stability, splicing, nuclear export, and translation efficiency. Notably, emerging evidence implicates m⁶A in both adipogenesis and metabolic dysregulation. In this review, we systematically examine three key dimensions: (1) the molecular mechanisms of m⁶A modification, including writers, erasers, and readers, in obesity; (2) dysregulated m⁶A patterns in obesity-related pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the glycolysis in cancer cells; and (3) the therapeutic potential of targeting m⁶A and the regulators. By critically assessing recent advancements, we highlight m⁶A’s dual role as both a metabolic sensor and a disease modulator, offering novel insights into potential strategies for combating obesity-related metabolic syndromes. Full article

Diterpenoids from marine-derived organisms represent a prolific source of secondary metabolites, characterized by their exceptionally promising chemical structures and pronounced pharmacological properties. In recent years, marine diterpenoids have garnered considerable attention and are regarded as a prominent area of scientific research. As a vital class of metabolites, diterpenoids show diverse biological activities, encompassing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities, among others. With the rapid advancement of equipment and identified technology, there has been a tremendous surge in the discovery rate of novel diterpenoid skeletons and bioactivities derived from marine fungi over the past decade. The present review compiles the reported diterpenoids from marine fungal sources mainly generated from January 2000 to December 2024. In this paper, 515 diterpenoids from marine organisms are summarized. Among them, a total of 281 structures from various fungal species are included, comprising 55 from sediment, 39 from marine animals (predominantly invertebrates, including 17 from coral and 22 from sponges), and 53 from marine plants (including 34 from algae and 19 from mangrove). Diverse biological activities are exhibited in 244 compounds, and among these, 112 compounds showed great anti-tumor activity (45.90%) and 110 metabolites showed remarkable cytotoxicity (45.08%). Furthermore, these compounds displayed a range of diverse bioactivities, including potent anti-oxidant activity (2.87%), promising anti-inflammatory activity (1.64%), great anti-bacterial activity (1.64%), notable anti-thrombotic activity (1.23%), etc. Moreover, the diterpenoids’ structural characterization and biological activities are additionally elaborated upon. The present critical summary provides a comprehensive overview of the reported knowledge regarding diterpenoids derived from marine fungi, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. The systematic review presented herein offers medical researchers an extensive range of promising lead compounds for the development of marine drugs, thereby furnishing novel and valuable pharmaceutical agents. Full article

Foodborne diseases are a growing public health problem worldwide, and chemical foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) often have serious consequences. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of chemical FBDOs in Zhejiang Province, China, and propose targeted prevention and control measures. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze chemical FBDO data collected from the Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System in Zhejiang Province from 2011 to 2023. From 2011 to 2023, 74 chemical FBDOs were reported in Zhejiang Province, resulting in 461 cases, 209 hospitalizations, and one death. In contrast to other types of FBDOs, the percentage of hospitalized cases in chemical FBDOs was the highest (45.34%) (chi-square = 1047.9, p < 0.001). Outbreaks caused by nitrite accounted for the largest percentage (56.76%), followed by lead (17.57%). Outbreaks caused by nitrite occurred mainly in households (27), followed by restaurants (6), street stalls (5), and work canteens (3). Among all nitrite-related outbreaks, 59.52% (25/42) were caused by cooking food where it was used as a common seasoning, 26.19% (11/42) by eating pickled vegetables, 7.14% (3/42) by eating cooked meat products, and 4.76% (2/42) by eating grain products. Outbreaks caused by the misuse of nitrite in cooking mainly occurred in households (68%, 17/25), street stalls (16%, 4/25), work canteens (8%, 2/25), and restaurants (8%, 2/25). Outbreaks caused by eating pickled vegetables occurred mainly in households (90.91%, 10/11), and one outbreak occurred in a work canteen. Outbreaks caused by lead (n = 13) occurred in households, and liquor was involved in 12 outbreaks where they were caused by residents consuming yellow rice wine stored in tin pots. In view of the frequent outbreaks of chemical foodborne diseases in our province from 2011 to 2023, a variety of prevention and control measures were proposed based on the research results of the temporal and regional distribution, food and food establishments involved, and the etiological agents of the chemical FBDOs. However, the effectiveness of these recommendations needs to be further verified and studied. In general, public health institutions should further strengthen the surveillance and health education of the population. Individuals should store toxic chemicals, such as nitrates, pesticides, and rodenticides correctly to avoid poisoning by ingestion. In view of the chemical FBDOs caused by food in the catering and distribution links, relevant departments should strengthen targeted supervision. Full article

Hollow flower-like multi-metallic nanocrystals have attracted significant research attention due to their exceptional catalytic properties, which stem from their high surface area-to-volume ratio and abundant active sites. Nevertheless, conventional synthesis methods for noble metal nanocrystals typically involve complex procedures or require harsh reaction conditions. In this work, we developed a facile and environmentally benign strategy for fabricating hollow flower-shaped trimetallic nanocrystals at ambient temperature. Our approach employs AgCl nanocubes, derived from AgNO₃ and HAuCl₄, as self-sacrificing templates. Through ascorbic acid-mediated reduction of metal precursors, we successfully synthesized three distinct types of hollow flower-like nanocrystals: AuAgCu, AuAgPt, and AuAgPd. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the well-defined morphology and precise composition control of the as-prepared nanocrystals. The catalytic performance was systematically evaluated through in situ UV–vis spectroscopy monitoring of 4-nitrophenylthiophenol reduction, revealing the following activity trend: AuAgCu > AuAgPt > AuAgPd. This study not only provides a versatile platform for constructing sophisticated multi-metallic nanostructures but also offers valuable insights into the structure–activity relationship of complex catalysts. Full article

Maintenance hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality following COVID-19 infection due to compromised immune function. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac) on cardiac function and survival in this population. Background/Objectives: We aimed to examine whether CoronaVac vaccination affects heart function and survival rates in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Specifically, we assessed changes in heart ultrasound (echocardiographic) measurements, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and survival outcomes by comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 531 maintenance hemodialysis patients, including 79 who received CoronaVac and 452 who did not. We compared the pre- and post-infection changes in heart function (echocardiographic parameters) and BNP levels between the two groups and assessed their association with the survival rates. Results: The vaccinated patients were younger (60.54  ±  13.51 vs. 65.21  ±  13.76 years, p = 0.006) and had shorter dialysis durations (56.04  ±  51.88 vs. 73.73  ±  64.79 months, p = 0.022). The mortality rate was also significantly lower in the vaccinated group (6.33% vs. 14.38%, p = 0.049). After infection, the unvaccinated patients showed significant declines in heart function and increased B-type natriuretic peptide levels, while the vaccinated patients demonstrated no significant deterioration. Older age, coronary artery disease, inflammation levels, and heart abnormalities were identified as the key risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: CoronaVac was linked to lower mortality and better heart function in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The vaccine may help to reduce infection severity, lower strain on the heart, and improve the overall prognosis. Full article

Optically pumped magnetometer magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) represents a novel method for recording neural signals in the brain, offering the potential to measure critical neuroimaging characteristics such as effective brain networks. Effective brain networks describe the causal relationships and information flow between brain regions. In constructing effective brain networks using Granger causality, the noise in the multivariate autoregressive model (MVAR) is typically assumed to follow a Gaussian distribution. However, in experimental measurements, the statistical characteristics of noise are difficult to ascertain. In this paper, a Granger causality method based on a cost-reference particle filter (CRPF) is proposed for constructing effective brain networks under unknown noise conditions. Simulation results show that the average estimation errors of the MVAR model coefficients using the CRPF method are reduced by 53.4% and 82.4% compared to the Kalman filter (KF) and maximum correntropy filter (MCF) under Gaussian noise, respectively. The CRPF method reduces the average estimation errors by 88.1% and 85.8% compared to the MCF under alpha-stable distribution noise and the KF method under pink noise conditions, respectively. In an experiment, the CRPF method recoversthe latent characteristics of effective connectivity of benchmark somatosensory stimulation data in rats, human finger movement, and auditory oddball paradigms measured using OPM-MEG, which is in excellent agreement with known physiology. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and OPM-MEG for measuring effective brain networks. Full article

Background: In 2020, the WHO proposed the global strategic goal of accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer (CC). One of the key strategies is that, by 2030, 90% of girls will complete HPV vaccination by age 15. In 2017, HPV vaccines were first marketed in China. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the changes in parents’ knowledge about CC, HPV, HPV vaccines, and acceptance of HPV vaccination 5 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines into China. Associated factors and reasons for refusal by parents were also explored. Methods: A school-based follow-up study was conducted among parents in China from May 2018 to May 2023. Comparison using Chi-square tests was performed to measure the changes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore factors associated with HPV vaccination among teenage girls. Results: The overall cognitive level in terms of CC- and HPV-related knowledge among parents increased, and they expressed more willingness to vaccinate their daughter (35.4% in 2018 vs. 56.6% in 2023). The HPV vaccination rate among teenage girls remained at a low level (4.4% in 2018, 9.8% in 2023). The main obstacles reported by parents were limited knowledge (42.0%), scarcity of the HPV vaccine (29.2%), waiting until their daughter was older (27.5%), safety concerns (14.7%), high cost (9.0%), and effectiveness concerns (4.6%). Parents who are elderly, local residents, have received HPV vaccines themselves, have had experience of vaccinating their children with influenza vaccines, and have a higher knowledge level of CC, HPV and HPV vaccines are more likely to vaccinate their children with HPV vaccines. Conclusions: Although we observed an increment in parents’ knowledge level in terms of CC, HPV, HPV vaccines, and HPV vaccine uptake over the past 5 years, the HPV vaccine coverage among girls still falls short of the WHO’s 2030 target. Comprehensive intervention strategies, including tailored health education among adolescents and their parents, doctor recommendations, and providing financial subsidies or free HPV vaccines are needed in China. Full article

Air pollution has become a serious public health problem and there is evidence that air pollution affects the incidence of allergic rhinitis. To further investigate the effect of ambient air pollutants on the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, a prospective follow-up study in patients with allergic rhinitis was conducted. A total of 167 allergic rhinitis patients with a mean age of 35.4 years, who were visiting the hospital, were enrolled. The daily symptom severity of allergic rhinitis and the concentrations of six air pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, O₃ and NO_2, were collected through follow-up investigations. The impact of ambient air pollutants on symptom severity was assessed via multi-pollutant models. Among several typical ambient air pollutants, we observed correlations of allergic rhinitis symptoms with PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO, SO₂ and NO₂, whereas O₃ showed no such correlation. Specifically, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were significantly associated with sneezing and nasal blockage. NO₂ was significantly correlated with symptoms of rhinorrhea, itchy nose and itchy eyes. CO was significantly linked to sneezing and nasal blockage symptoms. These air pollutants not only had a direct impact on allergic rhinitis symptoms but also exhibited a lagging effect. This study indicates that short-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with exacerbation of nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis, leading to a decline in their quality of life. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicle-like structures composed of lipid bilayers, which can be divided into apoptotic bodies, microbubbles and exosomes. They are nanoparticles used for the exchange of information between cells. EVs contains many substances, including protein. With the development of proteomics, we know more about the types and functions of protein in vesicles. The potential functions of proteins in the envelope are mainly discussed, including cell wall construction, fungal virulence transmission, signal transmission and redox reactions, which provides a new perspective for studying the interaction mechanism between fungi and other organisms. The fungal protein markers of EVs are also summarized, which provided an exploration tool for studying the mechanism of vesicles. In addition, the possible role of immune protein in the EVs in the treatment of human diseases is also discussed, which provides new ideas for vaccine development. Full article

The quality of the air exerts considerable effects on human health, and meteorological factors affect air quality. The relationships between meteorological factors and air quality parameters are complex dependency correlations. This article is based on the air quality monitoring data and meteorological monitoring data obtained from a monitoring station in Binjiang District, Hangzhou City, China, spanning from 01:00 on 14 April 2021 to 23:00 on 31 December 2021. The Informer model was used to explore the air quality parameters’ response to meteorological factors. By analyzing 12 different kinds of 2-Minute Average Wind Speed (2-MAWSP), 10-Minute Average Wind Speed (10-MAWSP), and Maximum Wind Speed (MXSPD); 16 different kinds of Hourly Precipitation (HP) and Air Temperature (AT); 11 different kinds of Relative Humidity (RH); and 8 different kinds of Station Pressure (STP), the following results were obtained: (1) The influence of wind speed on various air quality parameters is multifaceted and lacks a standardized form, potentially influenced by factors like wind direction and geographical location. One clear effect of wind speed is evident in the levels of particulate matter 10 (with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm, PM₁₀), as the values of this parameter first decrease and then increase with increasing wind speed. (2) HP has an evident reducing effect on most air quality parameters, including particulate matter (including PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), as well as nitrogen oxides (NO_x). (3) The increase in AT has a clear reducing effect on the concentration of NO₂, while the trend for the concentrations of PM₁₀ and NO_x is one of initial decrease followed by a gradual rise. (4) RH only reduces the concentrations of SO₂ and PM₁₀. (5) With the rise in STP, the concentrations of most air quality parameters generally rise as well, except for the decrease in NO_x concentration. This can give some indications and assistance to meteorological and environmental departments for improving air quality. This model can be used for a performance analysis and the forecasting of multi-parameter non-correlated systems. Full article

This study analyzed 550 hemodialysis patients, 469 unvaccinated and 81 vaccinated against COVID-19, to assess the impact on infection rates, mortality, and clinical/laboratory parameters. Gender distribution was similar (p = 0.209), but the vaccinated group’s median age was significantly lower (p = 0.005). Hospitalization rates showed no significant difference (p = 0.987), while mortality was lower in the vaccinated group (p = 0.041). Only uric acid levels were significantly higher in the vaccinated group (p = 0.009); other parameters, including creatinine and B-type natriuretic peptide, showed no significant differences. Age was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 1.07, p < 0.001). Peak mortality occurred in December 2022 and January 2023, predominantly among unvaccinated patients. Although vaccination lowered mortality, it did not significantly affect long-term survival rates (p = 0.308). Logistic regression identified age and dialysis duration as significant mortality factors. Monthly death counts indicated higher mortality among unvaccinated patients during peak pandemic months, suggesting that vaccination provides some protection, though no significant long-term survival benefit was found. Full article