A Yeast Cell Wall Derived Hybrid Hydrogel with Photothermal and Immune Combined Modality Therapy for Enhanced Anti-Melanoma Efficacy.

Introduction: The effect of traditional treatment for melanoma is quite limited, especially for its recurrence. As the major components of yeast cell wall, chitin and ß-glucan exhibit good immune activation effect and are promising candidates for adjuvant. Therefore, melanoma cell membrane (CM) and indocyanine green (ICG) was loaded in a chitin and ß-glucan hybrid hydrogel to achieve an enhanced anti-melanoma therapy. Methods: The novel hybrid hydrogel was prepared, and its physicochemical properties were examined. Its effect towards melanoma prevention and treatment was evaluated via a melanoma-bearing mice model. Results: The CM-ICG-hybrid hydrogel was successfully prepared with excellent injectability, self-healing, drug loading, rheological, in vitro and in vivo photothermal stability, and retention properties. It also exhibited good cellular and in vivo safety profiles. In the primary melanoma mice model, it quickly ablated the in-situ melanoma, effectively inhibited the tumor growth, increased the survival rate of melanoma-bearing mice, and increased the level of IFN-γ and TNF-α. In the distal secondary melanoma model, it efficiently prevented the reoccurrence of melanoma and activated the memory T cells. In both models, a synergistic effect of photothermal therapy and immune therapy was found. The hydrogel effectively recruited CD3+ CD4+ T cells and CD3+ CD8+ T cells, inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells, and induced the apoptosis of melanoma cells. Conclusion: The hybrid hydrogel was successfully prepared, and it showed excellent efficacy towards melanoma prevention and treatment due to its efficient tumor ablation and immune activation capability.

Mesoporous Hollow Manganese Doped Ceria Nanoparticle for Effectively Prevention of Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury.

Introduction: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is the main reason for liver dysfunction or failure after liver resection and liver transplantation. As excess accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the leading factor, ceria nanoparticle, a cyclic reversible antioxidant, is an excellent candidate for HIRI. Methods: Manganese doped mesoporous hollow ceria nanoparticles (MnOx-CeO2 NPs) were prepared, and the physicochemical characteristics, such as particle size, morphology, microstructure, etc. were elucidated. The in vivo safety and liver targeting effect were examined after i.v. injection. The anti-HIRI was determined by a mouse HIRI model. Results: MnOx-CeO2 NPs with 0.40% Mn doped exhibited the strongest ROS-scavenging capability, which may due to the increased specific surface area and surface oxygen concentration. The nanoparticles accumulated in the liver after i.v. injection and exhibited good biocompatibility. In the HIRI mice model, MnOx-CeO2 NPs significantly reduced the serum ALT and AST level, decreased the MDA level and increased the SOD level in the liver, prevent pathological damages in the liver. Conclusion: MnOx-CeO2 NPs were successfully prepared and it could significantly inhibit the HIRI after i.v. injection.

A hybrid hydrogel composed of chitin and ß-glucan for the effective management of wound healing and scarring.

Non-functional scars commonly form after cutaneous injuries. At present, most clinical treatments for scar eradication typically have long treatment courses, low curative effects, and are expensive. In this research, three hydrogels, namely chitin hydrogel, ß-glucan hydrogel, and hybrid hydrogel composed of chitin and ß-glucan, were successfully prepared, and they exhibited good shear thinning property and bioadhesiveness. In a full-thickness skin defect mouse model, the three hydrogels were found to effectively promote wound closure and inhibit scar formation. Through the immunohistochemistry staining and immunofluorescence staining of the wound tissues, the hydrogels could significantly promote the formation of collagen III, the regeneration of hair follicles, and the expression of keratin K14 and K15. They could also regulate the production of VEGF and immune factors such as IL-10 and IL-12, and inhibit the expression of the fibroblast regulatory factor En-1 in the wound site, which correlated well with their improved wound healing promoting effect and anti-scarring effect. Among all the hydrogels, the hybrid hydrogel was the best to promote wound healing and inhibit scarring. This study, for the first time, proved the excellent therapeutic effect of chitin and ß-glucan hydrogels in the management of wound healing and skin regeneration without scar formation, which will lay a solid foundation for the development of skin regeneration medication and future clinical transformation.

Modulation of intestinal morphology and microbiota by dietary Macleaya cordata extract supplementation in Xuefeng Black-boned Chicken.

Antibiotics are commonly overused to prevent livestock from diseases and to increase production performance. As potential substitutes of antibiotics, plant extracts have attracted the attention of researchers. It was known to all that addition of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) to the food could advance immunity, intestinal health and animal performance. Thus, it was conducted to investigate the influence of MCE (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg, with six replicate pens/treatment and 24 hens/pen) on intestinal morphology and microbial diversity in different intestinal segments in Xuefeng black-boned chicken in this study. The results showed that MCE supplement (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly diminished (P < 0.05) the crypt depth of the jejunum as compared to basal diet group. The 100 mg/kg group displayed a marked increase (P < 0.05), compared with 0 and 200 mg/kg group, in ileum microbial diversity as represented by the Shannon's index. In the cecum, treatment of MCE significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the Firmicutes, but Deferribacteres in 200 mg/kg MCE group were significantly raised (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that MCE improved intestinal morphology and reduced the crypt depth in jejunum. Together, addition of 200 mg/kg MCE modulated intestinal microbiota, increased beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Adding 100 mg/kg MCE to diet increased bacterial community diversity and relative abundance in jejunum and ileum, but had no effect on cecum microbial diversity.

Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation.

(1) Background: Sleep problems have become one of the current serious public health issues. Pillow height affects the alignment of the cervical spine and is closely related to the mechanical environment of the cervical spine. An appropriate pillow height can provide adequate support for the head and neck to reduce the stress in the cervical spine and relax the muscles of the neck and shoulder, thereby relieving pain and improving sleep quality. (2) Methods: We reviewed the current trends, research methodologies, and determinants of pillow height evaluation, summarizing the evidences published since 1997. In particular, we scrutinized articles dealing with the physiological and mechanical characteristics of the head-neck-shoulder complex. (3) Results: Through the investigation and analysis of these articles, we presented several quantitative and objective determinants for pillow height evaluation, including cervical spine alignment, body dimension, contact pressure, and muscle activity. The measurement methods and selection criteria for these parameters are described in detail. However, the suggested range for achieving optimal cervical spine alignment, appropriate pressure distribution, and minimal muscle activity during sleep cannot yet be identified considering the lack of sufficient evidence. Moreover, there remain no firm conclusions about the optimal pillow height for the supine and lateral positions. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation combining the above determinants provides a unique solution for ergonomic pillow design and proper pillow height selection, which can effectively promote the public sleep health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reasonable algorithm to weigh multiple determinants.

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal Modulates Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota in Xuefeng Black-Bone Chickens.

The addition of Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) to the feed could contribute to particular antimicrobial and intestinal health in animal husbandry. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of HILM on intestinal morphology and microbial diversity in different intestinal segments of Xuefeng black-bone chickens. All of 432 birds (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four equal groups with six replicates and 18 hens in each replicate: (A) basal diet, (B) basal diet with 1% HILM, (C) basal diet with 3% HILM, and (D) basal diet with 5% HILM. The results showed that, compared with the basal diet group, the HILM supplement significantly increased the abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) and Chao index in cecum (p < 0.05). Diet with 1% HILM significantly increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum (p < 0.05) and cecum microbial diversity as represented by the Simpson index (p < 0.05). In particular, 1% HILM displayed a markedly increase in the genus unclassified Bacteroidales (cecum, p < 0.05). A basal diet with 3% HILM markedly increased the beneficial genus Romboutsia (jejunum, p < 0.05). Also, principal component analysis (PCA) cluster analysis showed that 3% of HILM was more individual than other groups (p < 0.05). However, 5% HILM decreased the VH and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) of the jejunum and increased beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus (p < 0.05), which was regarded as pathogenetic genera. In conclusion, we found that HILM improved intestinal morphology and increased microbiological diversity and species abundance. Together, dietary supplementation of 1 or 3% HILM might benefit the intestinal morphology and intestinal microbiota of Xuefeng black-bone chicken. However, the addition of 5% HILM could decrease VH and the ratio of VH/CD of the jejunum and increased pathogenetic genera. HILM was an excellent protein substitute for Xuefeng black-bone chickens, which could meet the nutritional requirements under the condition of less feed. These results provide information for HILM meal as an alternative source of soybean meal in Xuefeng black-bone chickens' feed.

Effects of Macleaya cordata extract on laying performance, egg quality, and serum indices in Xuefeng black-bone chicken.

The abuse of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in feed has led to drug resistance and ecological damage would threaten human health eventually. Natural plants have become a hotspot in the research and application of substituting AGPs because of their advantages of safety, efficiency, and availability. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) in the diet of Xuefeng black-bone chicken on laying performance, egg quality, and serum indices. In this study, 576 birds (47-week-old) were evenly distributed between 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 24 hens each. The control group was fed a basal diet without MCE and the remaining groups received 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg MCE for 84 d. Results revealed that the strength and thickness of the eggshell increased significantly with the dietary addition of MCE (P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase increased in the MCE groups (P < 0.01). Simultaneously, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol as well as serum luteinizing hormone levels also increased with the addition of MCE (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, supplementation of MCE significantly decreased the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.01). In summary, it was concluded that diet addition of 200 mg/kg MCE ameliorated egg quality, enhanced anti-oxidation and immune activity, and regulated hormone secretion of Xuefeng black-bone chicken.

An Airway Network Flow Assignment Approach Based on an Efficient Multiobjective Optimization Framework.

Considering reducing the airspace congestion and the flight delay simultaneously, this paper formulates the airway network flow assignment (ANFA) problem as a multiobjective optimization model and presents a new multiobjective optimization framework to solve it. Firstly, an effective multi-island parallel evolution algorithm with multiple evolution populations is employed to improve the optimization capability. Secondly, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II is applied for each population. In addition, a cooperative coevolution algorithm is adapted to divide the ANFA problem into several low-dimensional biobjective optimization problems which are easier to deal with. Finally, in order to maintain the diversity of solutions and to avoid prematurity, a dynamic adjustment operator based on solution congestion degree is specifically designed for the ANFA problem. Simulation results using the real traffic data from China air route network and daily flight plans demonstrate that the proposed approach can improve the solution quality effectively, showing superiority to the existing approaches such as the multiobjective genetic algorithm, the well-known multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition, and a cooperative coevolution multiobjective algorithm as well as other parallel evolution algorithms with different migration topology.