The role of Pleistocene dispersal in shaping species richness of sky island wintergreens from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains.

In addition to topography and climate, biogeographic dispersal has been considered to influence plant diversity in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (HHM), yet, the mode and tempo of sky island dispersal and its influence on species richness has been little explored. Through phylogenetic analysis of Gaultheria ser. Trichophyllae, a sky island alpine clade within the HHM, we test the hypothesis that dispersal has affected current local species richness. We inferred the dynamics of biogeographic dispersal with correlation tests on direction, distance, occurrence time, and regional species richness. We found that G. ser. Trichophyllae originated at the end of the Miocene and mostly dispersed toward higher longitudes (eastward). In particular, shorter intra-regional eastward dispersals and longer inter-regional westward dispersals were most frequently observed. We detected a prevalence of eastward intra-region dispersals in both glacial periods and interglacials. These dispersals may have been facilitated by the reorganization of paleo-drainages and monsoon intensification through time. We suggest that the timing of dispersal corresponding to glacial periods and the prevalence of intra-region dispersal, rather than dispersal frequency, most influenced the pattern of species richness of G. ser. Trichophyllae. This study facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity in the sky islands within the HHM.

Dose-response study of propofol combined with two different doses of esketamine for laryngeal mask airway insertion in women undergoing hysteroscopy.

Objective: To prospectively determine the median effective dose (ED50) of propofol for inhibiting a response to laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion when combined with different doses of esketamine in female patients. Methods: A total of 58 female patients (aged 20-60 years, ASAⅠ-Ⅱ) scheduled for elective hysteroscopy were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups, one of which was administered 0.2 mg/kg of esketamine (K1 group, n = 28) and the other 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine (K2 group, n = 30). The 2 groups received the corresponding doses of esketamine intravenously, followed by an intravenous injection of propofol (injection time was 30 s). The initial dose of propofol was 2 mg/kg, and the dose ratio of propofol in the adjacent patients was 0.9. If a positive reaction occurred due to LMA insertion, the dose ratio in the next patient was increased by 1 gradient; if not, the dose ratio was decreased by 1 gradient. The ED50, 95 % effective dose (ED95) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) of propofol for inhibiting a response to LMA insertion in the 2 esketamine groups were calculated using probit analysis. Results: The ED50 of propofol for inhibiting a response to LMA insertion in female patients was 1.95 mg/kg (95 % CI, 1.82-2.08 mg/kg) in the K1 group and 1.60 mg/kg (95 % CI, 1.18-1.83 mg/kg) in the K2 group. The ED95 of propofol for inhibiting a response to LMA insertion in female patients was 2.22 mg/kg (95 % CI, 2.09-2.86 mg/kg) in the K1 group and 2.15 mg/kg (95 % CI, 1.88-3.09 mg/kg) in the K2 group. Conclusion: Propofol combined with 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine has low ED50 and ED95 effective doses for inhibiting an LMA insertion response in female patients undergoing hysteroscopy and surgery. There were no significant adverse effects, but the additional dose of propofol and airway pressure were significantly higher than those in the group administered 0.2 mg/kg of esketamine. Based on the results, we recommend the combination of propofol with 0.2 mg/kg esketamine for optimal conditions during LMA insertion in women undergoing hysteroscopy.

Case report: Anesthetic management for removal of tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery in renal cell carcinoma.

Anesthetic management of patients with renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) is challenging. This paper reports the experience of anesthesia management in a patient with advanced renal cell carcinoma with thrombus accumulation in the IVC, right atrium, and pulmonary artery who underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombus removal assisted by cardiopulmonary bypass. The emboli, measuring approximately 3 × 6 cm in the left inferior pulmonary artery and 4 × 13 cm in the right main pulmonary artery, were removed completely. During incision of the IVC under systemic heparinization, significant blood loss occurred in the surgical field. The surgery took 724 min, and cardiopulmonary bypass took 396 min. Intraoperative blood loss was 22,000 ml. The patient was extubated 39 hours after surgery and stayed in intensive care unit for 3 days. At 1 year follow-up, the patient was in good health and leading a normal life.

Global trends in research of pseudomyxoma peritonei: a bibliometric and visualization analysis.

Objective: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was a complex disease that had attracted increasing attention. However, there had been no bibliometric analysis of this disease so far. This study aimed to explore the current situation and frontier trend of PMP through bibliometric and visualization analysis, and to indicate new directions for future research. Methods: The original research articles and reviews related to the PMP research were downloaded from Web of Science Core Collection on September 11, 2023. CiteSpace (6.2.R4) and VOSviewer(1.6.18) were used to perform bibliometric analysis of the publications, and establish the knowledge map. The data collected was analyzed using the Online Analysis Platform of Bibliometric to evaluate the cooperation of countries in this field. Results: We identified 1449 original articles and reviews on PMP published between 1998 and 2023. The number of publications on PMP increased continuously. The United States, the United Kingdom and China were the top contributors. The most productive organization was the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Sugarbaker, Paul H. was the most prolific author and the most cited. Keyword analysis showed that "Pseudomyxoma peritonei", "cancer", "cytoreductive surgery", and "hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy" were the most common keywords. The earliest and latest used keywords were "mucinous tumors" and "impact", respectively. "classification", "cytoreductive surgery", "appendiceal" were the top 3 strongest citation bursts. The reference "Carr NJ, 2016, AM J SURG PATHOL" had the highest co-citations. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis showed an increasing trend in literature related to PMP. The research trends and hotspots identified in this study could guide the future research directions in this field, in order to promote the development of PMP.

Correlation between peri-implant bone mineral density and primary implant stability based on artificial intelligence classification.

Currently, the classification of bone mineral density (BMD) in many research studies remains rather broad, often neglecting localized changes in BMD. This study aims to explore the correlation between peri-implant BMD and primary implant stability using a new artificial intelligence (AI)-based BMD grading system. 49 patients who received dental implant treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Fujian Medical University were included. Recorded the implant stability quotient (ISQ) after implantation and the insertion torque value (ITV). A new AI-based BMD grading system was used to obtain the distribution of BMD in implant site, and the bone mineral density coefficients (BMDC) of the coronal, middle, apical, and total of the 1 mm site outside the implant were calculated by model overlap and image overlap technology. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between primary implant stability and BMDC values obtained from the new AI-based BMD grading system. There was a significant positive correlation between BMDC and ISQ value in the coronal, middle, and total of the implant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between BMDC and ISQ values in the apical (P > 0.05). Furthermore, BMDC was notably higher at implant sites with greater ITV (P < 0.05). BMDC calculated from the new AI-based BMD grading system could more accurately present the BMD distribution in the intended implant site, thereby providing a dependable benchmark for predicting primary implant stability.

Feasibility study of intubation in lateral position using Viva-sight double-lumen tube combined with video laryngoscope in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Double-lumen tube (DLT) intubation in lateral decubitus position is rarely reported. We designed this study to evaluate the feasibility of VivaSight double-lumen tube (VDLT) intubation assisted by video laryngoscope in lateral decubitus patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung lobectomy were assessed for eligibility between January 2022 and December, 2022. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into supine intubation group (group S) and lateral intubation group (group L) by a computer-generated table of random numbers. The prime objective was to observe whether the success rate of VDLT intubation in lateral position with the aid of video laryngoscope was not inferior to that in supine position. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were assessed, and 88 eligible patients were randomly divided into group L (n = 44) and group S (n = 44). The success rate of the first attempt intubation in the L group was 90.5%, lower than that of S group (97.7%), but there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Patients in both groups were intubated with VDLT for no more than 2 attempts. The mean intubation time was 91.98 ± 26.70 s in L group, and 81.39 ± 34.35 s in S group (p > 0.05). The incidence of the capsular malposition in the group L was 4.8%, less than 36.4% of group S (p < 0.001). After 24 h of follow-up, it showed a higher incidence of sore throat in group S, compared to that in group L (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Our study shows the comprehensive success rate of intubation in lateral decubitus position with VDLT assisted by video laryngoscope is not inferior to that in supine position, with less risk of intraoperative tube malposition and postoperative sore throat. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trail Register (ChiCTR2200062989).

Study on the Thermal Stabilizing Process of Layered Double Hydroxides in PVC Resin.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is widely used in various fields and requires the use of thermal stabilizers to enhance its thermal stability during processing because of its poor thermal stability. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are widely considered to be one kind of highly efficient and environmentally friendly PVC thermal stabilizer. To investigate the thermal stabilizing process of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in PVC resin, PVC and MgAl-LDHs powders with different interlayer anions (CO32-, Cl-, and NO3-) were physically mixed and aged at 180 °C. The structure of LDHs at different aging times was studied using XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. The results show that the thermal stabilizing process of LDHs on PVC mainly has three stages. In the first stage, the layers of LDHs undergo a reaction with HCl, which is released during the thermal decomposition of PVC. Subsequently, the ion exchange process occurs between Cl- and interlayer CO32-, resulting in the formation of MgAl-Cl-LDHs. Finally, the layers of MgAl-Cl-LDHs react with HCl slowly. During the thermal stabilizing process of MgAl-Cl-LDHs, the peak intensity of XRD reduces slightly, and no new XRD peak emerges. It indicates that only the first step happens for MgAl-Cl-LDHs. The TG-DTA analysis of LDHs indicates that the interaction of LDHs with different interlayer anions has the following order: NO3- < CO32- < Cl-, according to the early coloring in the thermal aging test of PVC composites. The results of the thermal aging tests suggest that LDHs with a weak interaction between interlayer anions and layers can enhance the early stability of PVC significantly. Furthermore, the thermal aging test demonstrates that LDHs with high HCl absorption capacities exhibit superior long-term stabilizing effects on PVC resin. This finding provides a valuable hint for designing an LDHs/PVC resin with a novel structure and excellent thermal stability.

A patient with acute myocardial infarction with acute lower extremity arterial embolization underwent amputation under general anesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute peripheral and coronary artery embolism are common complications of diabetes mellitus and greatly affect the clinical outcome of patients with diabetes; however, there are few reports about the symptoms and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and concurrent acute lower extremity arterial embolism (ALEAE). CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old man with a history of 4 years of type 1 diabetes was admitted to hospital after suddenly experiencing severe pain in his right lower limb and feeling tightness in the left anterior chest area. Ultrasonography revealed distal occlusion of the right superficial femoral artery, and an electrocardiogram showed acute anterior interstitial myocardial infarction. After conservative treatment for 2 days, the patient had severe necrosis of the lower limbs and secondary injury of multiple organs. Haemodialysis and heparin anticoagulant therapy were performed before amputation. Twelve days after the operation, the patient's condition was stable, and he was transferred out of the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: If patients with ALEAE miss the opportunity for early treatment, even with AMI, emergency amputation under general anaesthesia is the right strategy to save lives.

BNTA attenuates temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis progression by directly targeting ALDH3A1: An in vivo and in vitro study.

BNTA is known to have a therapeutic effect on knee osteoarthritis and inflammatory osteoclastogenesis. However, the protective effect of BNTA regarding temporomandibular mandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and its underlying mechanism and physiological target remains unclear. In the present study, BNTA ameliorated cartilage degradation and inflammation responses in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced TMJOA in vivo. In IL-1ß-induced condylar chondrocytes, BNTA prevents oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and increasing synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix through activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling. Suppression of NRF2 signaling abolishes the protective effect of BNTA in TMJOA. Notably, BNTA may bind directly to ALDH3A1 and act as a stabilizer, as evidenced by drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and molecular docking results. Further investigation of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanism infers a positive correlation of ALDH3A1 regulating NRF2 signaling. In conclusion, BNTA may attenuate TMJOA progression via the ALDH3A1/NRF2 axis, inferring that BNTA is a therapeutic target for treating temporomandibular mandibular joint osteoarthritis.

WITHDRAWN: Expression and Clinical Significance of Cat B and sICAM-1 in the GCF of Patients with Peri-implantitis

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal Recent Patents on Nanotechnology.Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may caused.The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policiesmain.php BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.

Accuracy and efficiency of robotic dental implant surgery with different human-robot interactions: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the surgical efficiency (preparation and operation time) and accuracy of implant placement between robots with different human-robot interactions. METHODS: The implant robots were divided into three groups: semi-active robot (SR), active robot (AR) and passive robot (PR). Each robot placed two implants (#31 and #36) on a phantom, practising 10 times. The surgical efficiency and accuracy of implant placement were then evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty implants were placed in 30 phantoms. The mean preparation times for the AR, PR and SR groups were 3.85 ± 0.17 min, 2.14 ± 0.06 mins and 1.65 ± 0.19 mins, respectively. The mean operation time of the PR group (3.76 ± 0.59 min) was shorter that of than the AR (4.89 ± 0.70 mins) and SR (4.59 ± 0.56 min) groups (all P < 0.001). The operation time of the AR group in the anterior region (4.47 ± 0.31 min) was longer than that of the SR group (4.07 ± 0.10 min) (P = 0.007). The mean coronal, apical and axial deviations of the PR group (0.40 ± 0.12 mm, 0.49 ± 0.13 mm, 0.96 ± 0.22°) were higher than those of the AR (0.23 ± 0.11 mm, 0.24 ± 0.11 mm, 0.54 ± 0.20 °) (all P < 0.001) and SR (0.31 ± 0.10 mm, 0.36 ± 0.12 mm, 0.43 ± 0.14 °) groups (P = 0.044, P = 0.002, and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Human-robot interactions affect the efficiency of implant surgery. Active and semi-active robots show comparable implant accuracy. However, the implants placed by the passive robot show higher deviations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This in vitro study preliminarily demonstrates that implant placement is accurate when using implant robots with different human-robot interactions. However, different human-robot interactions have variable surgical efficiencies.

Adductor Canal Block Combined with General Analgesia for Patients with Recurrent Patellar Dislocation Undergoing "3-in-1" Procedure Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Patellar dislocation is a common injury in sports medicine. While surgical treatment is an important option, pain is severe after surgery. This study compared the analgesic effect and early rehabilitation quality between adductor canal block combined with general analgesia (ACB + GA) and single general analgesia (SGA) after recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) for "3-in-1" procedure surgery. METHODS: From July 2018 to January 2020, a prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in analgesia management after RPD for "3-in-1" procedure surgery. The 40 patients in the experimental group received ACB (0.3% ropivacaine 30 mL) + GA, while the 38 patients in the control group received SGA. Patients in both groups received "3-in-1" procedure surgery, standardized anesthesia, and analgesia during hospitalization. The outcomes included the visual analog scale (VAS), quadriceps strength, Inpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire (IPSQ), Lysholm scores, and Kujala scores. Total rescue analgesic consumption and adverse events were also recorded. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare continuous variables between groups and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare count data. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H tests evaluated ranked data. RESULTS: No significant differences in resting VAS scores were observed at 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. However, the flexion and moving VAS scores of the ACB + GA group were significantly lower than those of the SGA group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the first triggering of rescue analgesics was advanced in the SGA group (p < 0.0001), and the dose of opioid analgesics was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). The quadriceps strength of the ACB + GA group was higher than that of the SGA group at 8 h postoperatively. The IPSQ of the ACB + GA group was significantly higher 24 h postoperatively. We observed no significant differences in Lysholm and Kujala scores between the two groups at 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Early analgesia management of ACB + GA showed excellent analgesia effectiveness and a positive hospitalization experience for RPD patients undergoing "3-in-1" procedure surgery. Moreover, this management was good for early rehabilitation.

Fibronectin-coated microgroove titanium surface promotes the behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts.

The present study was designed to clarify the activity of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on the fibronectin (FN)-coated silanized microgroove titanium surface. The surface elemental composition of titanium discs was detected using XPS. HGFs' adhesion to the titanium discs was detected by immunofluorescence staining of vinculin. HGFs' number on the titanium discs was detected using the CCK8 assay. HGFs' secretion of type 1 collagen after five days of culturing was detected using ELISA and qPCR. HGFs could proliferate and spread well on the surface. The viability of HGFs in the experimental group was significantly more than in the control group. The HGFs in the experimental group significantly secreted more type 1 collagen than in the control group. Therefore, FN-coated can improve the morphology, viability, and type 1 collagen secretion of HGFs silanized microgroove titanium surface, which might ameliorate the efficacy of implants.

The effect of implant surgery experience on the learning curve of a dynamic navigation system: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic navigation systems have a broad application prospect in digital implanting field. This study aimed to explore and compare the dynamic navigation system learning curve of dentists with different implant surgery experience through dental models. METHODS: The nine participants from the same hospital were divided equally into three groups. Group 1 (G1) and Group 2 (G2) were dentists who had more than 5 years of implant surgery experience. G1 also had more than 3 years of experience with dynamic navigation, while G2 had no experience with dynamic navigation. Group 3 (G3) consisted of dentists with no implant surgery experience and no experience with dynamic navigation. Each participant sequentially placed two implants (31 and 36) on dental models according to four practice courses (1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 exercises). Each dentist completed 1-3, 4-6 exercises in one day, and then 7-9 and 10-12 exercises 7 ± 1 days later. The preparation time, surgery time and related implant accuracy were analyzed. RESULTS: Three groups placed 216 implants in four practice courses. The regressions for preparation time (F = 10.294, R2 = 0.284), coronal deviation (F = 4.117, R2 = 0.071), apical deviation (F = 13.016, R2 = 0.194) and axial deviation (F = 30.736, R2 = 0.363) were statistically significant in G2. The regressions for preparation time (F = 9.544, R2 = 0.269), surgery time (F = 45.032, R2 = 0.455), apical deviation (F = 4.295, R2 = 0.074) and axial deviation (F = 21.656, R2 = 0.286) were statistically significant in G3. Regarding preparation and surgery time, differences were found between G1 and G3, G2 and G3. Regarding implant accuracy, differences were found in the first two practice courses between G1 and G3. CONCLUSIONS: The operation process of dynamic navigation system is relatively simple and easy to use. The linear regression analysis showed there is a dynamic navigation learning curve for dentists with or without implant experience and the learning curve of surgery time for dentists with implant experience fluctuates. However, dentists with implant experience learn more efficiently and have a shorter learning curve.

Characterization Techniques of Polymer Aging: From Beginning to End.

Polymers have been widely applied in various fields in the daily routines and the manufacturing. Despite the awareness of the aggressive and inevitable aging for the polymers, it still remains a challenge to choose an appropriate characterization strategy for evaluating the aging behaviors. The difficulties lie in the fact that the polymer features from the different aging stages require different characterization methods. In this review, we present an overview of the characterization strategies preferable for the initial, accelerated, and late stages during polymer aging. The optimum strategies have been discussed to characterize the generation of radicals, variation of functional groups, substantial chain scission, formation of low-molecular products, and deterioration in the polymers' macro-performances. In view of the advantages and the limitations of these characterization techniques, their utilization in a strategic approach is considered. In addition, we highlight the structure-property relationship for the aged polymers and provide available guidance for lifetime prediction. This review could allow the readers to be knowledgeable of the features for the polymers in the different aging stages and provide access to choose the optimum characterization techniques. We believe that this review will attract the communities dedicated to materials science and chemistry.

Addressing the Origin of Single-Atom-Activated Supports Monitored by Electrochemiluminescence.

Currently, much attention has been paid to the efforts to stabilize and regulate single atoms through supports to obtain decent electrocatalytic behaviors. However, little concern was given to the effect of single atoms on modulating the electronic structure of supports, despite the catalytic activities and large quantities of supports in the catalytic reactions. Herein, we have localized Ru single atoms onto two-dimensional layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) and studied the role of Ru single atoms in adjusting the electronic structure of the NiFe-LDH support. Spin polarization of 3d electrons for Fe and electron redistribution in NiFe-LDH were effectively modulated through the interaction between Ru single atoms and NiFe-LDH. As a result, the luminol redox reaction and reactive oxygen revolution were simultaneously promoted by Ru single-atom-modulated NiFe-LDH, manifested as boosted electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Therefore, we have provided valid information to reveal the regulation effect of single atoms on the spin state and electronic structure of the supports. It is anticipated that our strategy may arouse wide interest in manipulating single-atom-modulated supports.

A methodological study of 2D shear wave elastography for noninvasive quantitative assessment of renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal measurement method of 2D shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for noninvasive quantitative assessment of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: A total of 190 CKD patients were enrolled for 2D-SWE of right kidney. The success rates, coefficients of variation (CV), and pathological correlation of different measurement sites, body positions, and depths were compared. RESULTS: (1) Measurement sites: Success rate in the middle part (100%) was higher than that in the lower pole (97.3%, P > 0.05). CV in the middle part (10.2%) was lower than that in the lower pole (16.4%, P < 0.05). Pathological correlation of the middle part (r = - 0.452, P < 0.05) was higher than that of the lower pole (r = 0.097, P > 0.05). (2) Body positions: Success rate in left lateral decubitus position (100%) was higher than that in supine (99.4%, P > 0.05) and prone position (99.4%, P > 0.05). CV was lowest (11.9%) and pathological correlation was highest (r = -0.256, P < 0.05) in prone position. (3) Measurement depths: Success rate at depth < 4 cm (100%) was higher than that at depth ≥ 4 cm (98.8%, P > 0.05). CV at depth < 4 cm (11.1%) was lower than that at depth ≥ 4 cm (14.4%, P < 0.05). Pathological correlation at depth < 4 cm (r = - 0.303, P < 0.05) was higher than that at depth ≥ 4 cm (r = - 0.156, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The optimal measurement method of 2D-SWE for renal fibrosis assessment was prone position, renal middle part, and measurement depth < 4 cm.

Identification and validation of autophagy-related genes during osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Objectives: Osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is an essential stage in bone formation. Autophagy plays a pivotal role in the self-renewal potential and pluripotency of stem cells. This study aimed to explore the function of autophagy-related genes during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Materials and Methods: The differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were obtained from the GEO and HADb databases. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using R software. The PPI and hub gene mining networks were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Finally, the RT-qPCR was conducted to validate the expression level of ARGs in BMSCs. Results: Thirty-seven differentially expressed ARGs were finally obtained, including 12 upregulated and 25 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that most of these genes were enriched in apoptosis and autophagy. The PPI network revealed strong interactions between differentially expressed ARGs. The expression level of differentially expressed ARGs tested by RT-qPCR showed 6 upregulated ARGs, including FOXO1, MAP1LC3C, CTSB, FOXO3, CALCOCO2, FKBP1A, and 4 downregulated ARGs, including MAPK8IP1, NRG1, VEGFA, and ITGA6 were consistent with the expression of high-throughput sequencing data. Conclusion: We identified 37 ARGs during osteogenic differentiation using bioinformatics analysis. FOXO1, MAP1LC3C, CTSB, FOXO3, CALCOCO2, FKBP1A, MAPK8IP1, NRG1, VEGFA, and ITGA6 may regulate osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by involving autophagy pathway. This study provides new insight into the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and may be available in developing therapeutic strategies for maxillofacial bone defects.

Recombinant human ß-defensin130 inhibited the growth of foodborne bacteria through membrane disruption and exerted anti-inflammatory activity.

Foodborne pathogens causing food poisoning and infections are detrimental to human health, and the abuse of antibiotics induced severe antibiotic resistance in past decades. Thus, it is urgent to develop new antimicrobial agents. In the current study, human ß-defensin 130 (hBD130), which is an antimicrobial peptide identified in human macrophages in 2017, was initially produced in Pichia pastoris. The purified hBD130 demonstrated broad bactericidal spectrum against foodborne pathogens through a membrane disruption, with concentrations ranging from 10 to 45 µg/mL. Moreover, hBD130 showed a low hemolytic effect and nearly no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells with a dosage of 400 µg/mL. In addition, the secretion amounts and mRNA levels of NO, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in LPS-induced mouse macrophage were significantly decreased with 1 mg/mL of hBD130. Taken together, these results showed that hBD130 is a promising antimicrobial agent to treat foodborne bacterial infections and inflammation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01087-y.

Antibacterial activity of antimicrobial peptide gcDefb1 against foodborne pathogenic bacteria and its application in pork storage.

Pork and its products are preferably contaminated by bacteria; thus, it is essential to develop low-cost, high-efficiency and biologically safe preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria during storage. In the current study, grass carp ß-defensin 1 (gcDefb1) was produced and purified from Pichia pastoris through the heterologous expression method. The in vitro antimicrobial assay demonstrated that yeast-derived gcDefb1 possesses a broad antibacterial spectrum, including both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and the MIC values against Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 were as low as 30 µg/mL and showed no cytotoxicity or hemolytic activity. The bactericidal rate of gcDefb1 was less than 60 min by disrupting the cell membranes, and it inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilms. Moreover, gcDefb1 was used as a biopreservative for pork storage, indicating that the physicochemical and sensory qualities were improved. This study provides an efficient method to prepare and utilize gcDefb1 as a novel biopreservative. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01060-9.