Facet-selective growth of halide perovskite/2D semiconductor van der Waals heterostructures for improved optical gain and lasing.

The tunable properties of halide perovskite/two dimensional (2D) semiconductor mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures offer high flexibility for innovating optoelectronic and photonic devices. However, the general and robust growth of high-quality monocrystalline halide perovskite/2D semiconductor heterostructures with attractive optical properties has remained challenging. Here, we demonstrate a universal van der Waals heteroepitaxy strategy to synthesize a library of facet-specific single-crystalline halide perovskite/2D semiconductor (multi)heterostructures. The obtained heterostructures can be broadly tailored by selecting the coupling layer of interest, and can include perovskites varying from all-inorganic to organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts, individual transition metal dichalcogenides or 2D heterojunctions. The CsPbI2Br/WSe2 heterostructures demonstrate ultrahigh optical gain coefficient, reduced gain threshold and prolonged gain lifetime, which are attributed to the reduced energetic disorder. Accordingly, the self-organized halide perovskite/2D semiconductor heterostructure lasers show highly reproducible single-mode lasing with largely reduced lasing threshold and improved stability. Our findings provide a high-quality and versatile material platform for probing unique optoelectronic and photonic physics and developing further electrically driven on-chip lasers, nanophotonic devices and electronic-photonic integrated systems.

Research progress of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a single-stranded RNA virus with a capsid membrane that causes acute infectious gastrointestinal disease characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in swine. Piglets are more susceptible to PEDV than adults, with an infection rate reaching 90% and a fatality rate as high as 100%. Moreover, PEDV has a rapid transmission rate and broad transmission range. Consequently, PEDV has caused considerable economic losses and negatively impacted the sustainability of the pig industry. The surface spike (S) glycoprotein is the largest structural protein in PEDV virions and is closely associated with host cell fusion and virus invasion. As such, the S protein is an important target for vaccine development. In this article, we review the genetic variation, immunity, apoptosis-induction function, virulence, vaccine potential, and other aspects of the PEDV S protein. This review provides a theoretical foundation for preventing and controlling PEDV infection and serves as a valuable resource for further research and development of PEDV vaccines.

Effect of the combined intervention of low-FODMAPs diet and probiotics on IBS symptoms in Western China: A randomized controlled trial.

The effect of low-FODMAPs diet on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Western China has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the effect of low-FODMAPs diet on IBS patients in the area and whether low-FODMAPs diet-induced alterations of microbiota could be improved through probiotics. IBS patients were randomized to the control group, low-FODMAPs diet group, probiotics group, or combined group. IBS Symptom Severity Score questionnaire (IBS-SSS) and IBS Quality of Life Score questionnaire (IBS-QOL) were completed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks to evaluate the severity of symptoms. Fresh feces were collected for analyses of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention. Seventy-three patients were included in the per protocol analysis. After intervention, there was significant improvement in IBS-SSS in the low-FODMAPs group (37.5%, 44.2%), probiotics group (51.4%, 62.0%), and combined group (34.1%, 40.4%) at both 2 weeks and 4 weeks, compared with the baseline (p < .05). In the low-FODMAPs group, the abundance of several microbiota (Lachnoclostridium, Enterococcus, etc.) was significantly decreased. Furthermore, after the supplementation of probiotics in the combined group, the abundance of Genus_Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, Acidaminococcus, Ruminiclostridium, Akkermansia, Eggerthella, and Oxalobacter was significantly increased, which was associated with the improvements of symptoms score in the Pearson correlation analysis. Our study confirmed the effectiveness and safety of short-term low-FODMAPs diet in IBS symptoms based on the Chinese diet in Western China. The combination of low-FODMAPs and probiotics plays a beneficial role in gut microbiota in IBS.

Accurate and highly sensitive detection of Alzheimer's disease-related extracellular vesicles via förster resonance energy transfer.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and poses a huge challenge to global healthcare. Early and accurate detection of amyloid-ß (1-42) (Aß42), a key biomarker of AD, is crucial for effective diagnosis and intervention of AD. Specific or overexpressed proteins on extracellular vesicles (EVs) describe a close correlation with the occurrence and development of diseases. EVs are a very promising non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of AD and other diseases. As a sensitive, simple and rapid analytical method, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been widely applied in the detection of EVs. Herein, we developed a dual labelling strategy for simultaneously detecting EV membrane proteins of Aß42 and CD63 based on FRET pair consisting of Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) and polydopamine nanospheres (PDANSs). The constructed nanoprobe, termed EVMPFAP assay, could specifically measure the Aß42 and CD63 on EVs with excellent sensitivity, high specificity and satisfactory accuracy. The limit of detection of EVMPFAP assay was 1.4 × 103 particles mL-1 and the linear range was from 104 to 108 particles mL-1. EVMPFAP assay was successfully used to analyze plasma EVs to distinguish AD and healthy mice. We expect that EVMPFAP assay can be routinely applied for early diagnosis and development-monitoring of AD, thus facilitating the fight against AD.

Evolutionary Diversity of Coxsackievirus A6 Causing Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease - China, 2012-2023.

Introduction: Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as a significant pathogen responsible for severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This study aims to delineate the demographic characteristics and analyze the viral evolution of severe HFMD associated with CVA6, thereby assisting in its surveillance and management. Methods: In this investigation, 74 strains of CVA6 were isolated from samples collected from severe HFMD cases between 2012 and 2023. The VP1 gene sequences of CVA6 were amplified and analyzed to assess population historical dynamics and evolutionary characteristics using BEAST, DnaSP6, and PopART. Results: A significant portion (94.4%) of severe CVA6-associated HFMD cases (51 out of 54, with 20 lacking age information) were children under 5 years old. Among the 74 CVA6 strains analyzed, 72 belonged to the D3a sub-genotype, while only two strains were D2 sub-genotype. The average genetic distance between VP1 sequences prior to 2015 was 0.027, which increased to 0.051 when compared to sequences post-2015. Historical population dynamics analysis indicated three significant population expansions of severe CVA6-associated HFMD during 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2019-2020, resulting in the formation of 65 distinct haplotypes. Consistent with the MCC tree findings, transitioning between regional haplotypes required multiple base substitutions, showcasing an increase in population diversity during the evolutionary process (from 14 haplotypes in 2013 to 55 haplotypes over the subsequent decade). Conclusions: CVA6, associated with severe HFMD, is evolving and presents a risk of outbreak occurrence. Thus, enhanced surveillance of severe HFMD is imperative.

Induction of oxidative stress and cardiac developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos by arsenate at environmentally relevant concentrations.

The contamination of water by arsenic (As) has emerged as a significant environmental concern due to its well-documented toxicity. Environmentally relevant concentrations of As have been reported to pose a considerable threat to fish. However, previous studies mainly focused on the impacts of As at environmentally relevant concentrations on adult fish, and limited information is available regarding its impacts on fish at early life stage. In this study, zebrafish embryos were employed to evaluate the environmental risks following exposure to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 150 µg/L) of pentavalent arsenate (AsV) for 120 hours post fertilization. Our findings indicated that concentrations ≤ 150 µg/L AsV did not exert significant effects on survival or aberration; however, it conspicuously inhibited heart rate of zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, exposure to AsV significantly disrupted mRNA transcription of genes associated with cardiac development, and elongated the distance between the sinus venosus and bulbus arteriosus at 75 µg/L and 150 µg/L treatments. Additionally, AsV exposure enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 50, 75 and 150 µg/L treatments, and increased mRNA transcriptional levels of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD at 75 and 150 µg/L treatments. Concurrently, AsV suppressed metallothionein1 (MT1) and MT2 mRNA transcriptions while elevating heat shock protein70 mRNA transcription levels in zebrafish larvae resulting in elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These findings provide novel insights into the toxic effects exerted by low concentrations of AsV on fish at early life stage, thereby contributing to an exploration into the environmental risks associated with environmentally relevant concentrations.

Safety assessment of tranexamic acid: real-world adverse event analysis from the FAERS database.

Background: In recent years, with the continuous expansion of the application scope of Tranexamic acid (TXA), its usage has surged. Despite numerous studies demonstrating its powerful efficacy, concerns regarding its adverse reactions persist, necessitating comprehensive safety assessment. This study analyzed real-world data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate TXA-related adverse events, aiming to elucidate its safety and optimize patient treatment. Methods: The adverse drug event data concerning TXA from 2004 Q1 to 2023 Q3 were collected. Following data standardization, a variety of signal quantification techniques, including the reporting odds ratios, proportional reporting ratios, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and empirical Bayes geometric mean were used for analysis. Results: After analyzing 16,692,026 adverse event reports, a total of 1,574 cases of adverse events related to TXA were identified, spanning 23 system organ classes and 307 preferred terms. In addition to the common thrombosis-related Vascular disorders (n = 386) and Cardiac disorders (n = 377), adverse reactions in the Nervous system disorders category were also observed (n = 785), including Myoclonus (n = 70), Status epilepticus (n = 43), and Myoclonic epilepsy (n = 17). Furthermore, this study uncovered adverse effects such as Renal cortical necrosis, Hepatic cyst rupture, and Vascular stent stenosis, which were not previously mentioned in the instructions. Although these occurred infrequently, they exhibited high signal strength. Both Retinal artery occlusion and Vascular stent thrombosis disorder were frequent and exhibited high signal strength as well. It is worth noting that 78 cases of adverse reactions were caused by confusion between incorrect product administration. Conclusion: Our research suggests that TXA has some adverse reactions that are being overlooked. As a cornerstone medication in hemorrhage treatment, it's crucial to monitor, identify, and address these adverse reactions effectively.

Effect of Mn-HA on ARGs and MRGs in nitrogen-culturing sludge.

The simultaneous escalation in ARGs (antibiotic resistance genes) and MRGs (metal resistance genes) further complicates the intricate network of factors contributing to the proliferation of microbial resistance. Manganese, which has been reported to affect the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and metals, plays a vital role in microbial nitrogen metabolism. Moreover, nitrifying and denitrifying populations are potential hosts for ARGs. In this study, manganese was introduced in its prevalent organic chelated form in the environment (Manganese humus chelates, Mn-HA) to a N metabolism sludge to explore the effect of manganese on MRGs and ARGs dissemination. Metagenomics results revealed that manganese availability enhances nitrogen metabolism, while a decrease in ARGs was noted which may be attributed to the inhibition of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), reflected in the reduced integrase -encoded gene int. Population analysis revealed that nitrifier and denitrifier genus harbor MRGs and ARGs, indicating that nitrifier and denitrifier are hosts of MRGs and ARGs. This raises the question of whether the prevalence of ARGs is always increased in metal-contained environments.

Evolution, recombination and geographic spreading of global Coxsackievirus A6.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) associated with Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has become a very significant public health problem. The aim of this study is to investigate the recombination, geographic transmission, and evolutionary characteristics of the global CVA6. METHODS: From 2019 to 2022, 73 full-length CVA6 sequences were obtained from HFMD patients in China and analyzed in combination with 1032 published whole genome sequences. Based on this dataset, the phylogenetic features, recombinant diversity, Bayesian phylodynamic characteristics, and key amino acid variations in CVA6 were analyzed. RESULTS: The four genotypes of CVA6, A, D, E, and F, are divided into 24 recombinant forms (RFs, RF-A - RF-X) based on differences in the P3 coding region. The eastern China region plays a key role in the dissemination of CVA6 in China. VP1-137 and VP1-138 are located in the DE loop on the surface of the CVA6 VP1 protein, with the former being a highly variable site and the latter having more non-synonymous substitutions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on whole genome sequences, this study contributes to the CVA6 monitoring, early warning, and the pathogenic mechanism by studying recombination diversity, geographical transmission characteristics, and the variation of important amino acid sites.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of an avivorous bat species (Nyctalus aviator).

Currently, three carnivorous bat species, namely Ia io, Nyctalus lasiopterus, and Nyctalus aviator, are known to actively prey on seasonal migratory birds (hereinafter referred to as "avivorous bats"). However, the absence of reference genomes impedes a thorough comprehension of the molecular adaptations of avivorous bat species. Herein, we present the high-quality chromosome-scale reference genome of N. aviator based on PacBio subreads, DNBSEQ short-reads and Hi-C sequencing data. The genome assembly size of N. aviator is 1.77 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 102 Mb, of which 99.8% assembly was anchored into 21 pseudo-chromosomes. After masking 635.1 Mb repetitive sequences, a total of 19,412 protein-coding genes were identified, of which 99.3% were functionally annotated. The genome assembly and gene prediction reached 96.1% and 96.1% completeness of Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO), respectively. This chromosome-level reference genome of N. aviator fills a gap in the existing information on the genomes of carnivorous bats, especially avivorous ones, and will be valuable for mechanism of adaptations to dietary niche expansion in bat species.

Clinical research progress on intrathecal glucocorticoids in the treatment of infections: A review.

In some infectious diseases, pathogenic microorganisms can directly or indirectly cause significant inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological dysfunction, such as suppurative meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and febrile infections. related epilepsy syndrome, etc. In these diseases, adjuvant administration of glucocorticoids is necessary to inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and intrathecal administration can deliver the drug more directly to the target. In this article, the authors studied intrathecal glucocorticoids for the treatment of infectious inflammatory reactions in terms of pharmacological effects and mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, clinical application, and safety. The authors concluded that the article could help provide new treatment strategies for infectious diseases.

High Concentration of Iron Ions Contributes to Ferroptosis-Mediated Testis Injury.

In order to explore the effect of excessive iron supplementation on ferroptosis in mouse testes, Kunming mice received injections of varying concentrations of iron. The organ weight, sperm density, and malformation rate were measured. Observations of pathological and ultrastructural alterations in spermatogenic tubules were conducted using haematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Transcript levels of related genes and serum biochemical indicators were measured in mouse testicular tissue. The results showed that higher iron concentration inhibited the growth of mice; reduced the organ coefficients of the testis, heart, and liver; and increased the rate of sperm malformation and mortality. Supplementation with high levels of iron ions can adversely affect the male reproductive system by reducing sperm count, damaging the structure of the seminiferous tubules and causing sperm cell abnormalities. In addition, the iron levels also affected the immune response and blood coagulation ability by affecting the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The results showed that iron ions can affect mouse testicular tissue and induce ferroptosis by altering the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. However, the degree of effect was different for the different concentrations of iron ions. The study also revealed the potential role of deferoxamine in inhibiting the occurrence of ferroptosis. Nevertheless, the damage caused to the testis by deferoxamine supplementation suggests the need for further research in this direction. This study provides reference for reproductive toxicity induced by environmental iron exposure and clarifies the mechanism of reproductive toxicity caused by iron overload and the important role of iron in the male reproductive system.

Explorative Study on Volatile Organic Compounds of Cinnamon Based on GC-IMS.

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices worldwide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are its main metabolic products. The misuse or mixing of cinnamon on the market is quite serious. This study used gas chromatography-ion migration spectroscopy (GC-IMS) technology to analyze the VOCs of cinnamon samples. The measurement results showed that 66 VOCs were detected in cinnamon, with terpenes being the main component accounting for 45.45%, followed by aldehydes accounting for 21.21%. The content of esters and aldehydes was higher in RG-01, RG-02, and RG-04; the content of alcohols was higher in RG-01; and the content of ketones was higher in RG-02. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least squares regression analysis can be performed on the obtained data to clearly distinguish cinnamon. According to the VIP results of PLS-DA, 1-Hexanol, 2-heptanone, ethanol, and other substances are the main volatile substances that distinguish cinnamon. This study combined GC-IMS technology with chemometrics to accurately identify cinnamon samples, providing scientific guidance for the efficient utilization of cinnamon. At the same time, this study is of great significance for improving the relevant quality standards of spices and guiding the safe use of spices.

Drug screening on digital microfluidics for cancer precision medicine.

Drug screening based on in-vitro primary tumor cell culture has demonstrated potential in personalized cancer diagnosis. However, the limited number of tumor cells, especially from patients with early stage cancer, has hindered the widespread application of this technique. Hence, we developed a digital microfluidic system for drug screening using primary tumor cells and established a working protocol for precision medicine. Smart control logic was developed to increase the throughput of the system and decrease its footprint to parallelly screen three drugs on a 4 × 4 cm2 chip in a device measuring 23 × 16 × 3.5 cm3. We validated this method in an MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft mouse model and liver cancer specimens from patients, demonstrating tumor suppression in mice/patients treated with drugs that were screened to be effective on individual primary tumor cells. Mice treated with drugs screened on-chip as ineffective exhibited similar results to those in the control groups. The effective drug identified through on-chip screening demonstrated consistency with the absence of mutations in their related genes determined via exome sequencing of individual tumors, further validating this protocol. Therefore, this technique and system may promote advances in precision medicine for cancer treatment and, eventually, for any disease.

Single center clinical analysis of macrophage activation syndrome complicating juvenile rheumatic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), an example of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, is a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic diseases. We aimed to study the clinical and laboratory characteristics, treatment schemes, and outcomes of different rheumatic disorders associated with MAS in children. Early warning indicators of MAS have also been investigated to enable clinicians to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with rheumatic diseases complicated by MAS were enrolled between January 2017 and December 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were collected before disease onset, at diagnosis, and after treatment with MAS, and data were compared between patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), Kawasaki disease (KD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A random forest model was established to show the importance score of each variable with a significant difference. RESULTS: Most (81.8%) instances of MAS occurred during the initial diagnosis of the underlying disease. Compared to the active stage of sJIA, the platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen level in sJIA-MAS were significantly decreased, whereas ferritin, ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer levels were significantly increased. Ferritin level, ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelet count had the greatest predictive value for sJIA-MAS. The level of IL-18 in the sJIA-MAS group was significantly higher than in the active sJIA group, whereas IL-6 levels were significantly lower. Most patients with MAS were treated with methylprednisolone pulse combined with cyclosporine, and no deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia, ferritin levels, the ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels can predict the occurrence of MAS in patients with sJIA. Additionally, our analysis indicates that IL-18 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MAS in sJIA-MAS.

Spatiotemporal ATF3 Expression Determines VSMC Fate in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a catastrophic disease with little effective therapy, likely due to the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying AAA development and progression. ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3) has been increasingly recognized as a key regulator of cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of ATF3 in AAA development and progression remains elusive. METHODS: Genome-wide RNA sequencing analysis was performed on the aorta isolated from saline or Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced AAA mice, and ATF3 was identified as the potential key gene for AAA development. To examine the role of ATF3 in AAA development, vascular smooth muscle cell-specific ATF3 knockdown or overexpressed mice by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors carrying ATF3, or shRNA-ATF3 with SM22α (smooth muscle protein 22-α) promoter were used in Ang II-induced AAA mice. In human and murine vascular smooth muscle cells, gain or loss of function experiments were performed to investigate the role of ATF3 in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS: In both Ang II-induced AAA mice and patients with AAA, the expression of ATF3 was reduced in aneurysm tissues but increased in aortic lesion tissues. The deficiency of ATF3 in vascular smooth muscle cell promoted AAA formation in Ang II-induced AAA mice. PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor receptor ß) was identified as the target of ATF3, which mediated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-α) at the early stage of AAA. ATF3 suppressed the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis at the advanced stage by upregulating its direct target BCL2. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation results also demonstrated that the recruitment of NFκB1 and P300/BAF/H3K27ac complex to the ATF3 promoter induces ATF3 transcription via enhancer activation. NFKB1 inhibitor (andrographolide) inhibits the expression of ATF3 by blocking the recruiters NFKB1 and ATF3-enhancer to the ATF3-promoter region, ultimately leading to AAA development. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role of ATF3 in AAA development and progression, and ATF3 may serve as a novel therapeutic and prognostic marker for AAA.

Two-Layer Reinforcement Learning for Output Consensus of Multiagent Systems Under Switching Topology.

In this article, the data-based output consensus of discrete-time multiagent systems under switching topology (ST) is studied via reinforcement learning. Due to the existence of ST, the kernel matrix of value function is switching-varying, which cannot be applied to existing algorithms. To overcome the inapplicability of varying kernel matrix, a two-layer reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed in this article. To further implement the proposed algorithm, a data-based distributed control policy is presented, which is applicable to both fixed topology and ST. Besides, the proposed method does not need assumptions on the eigenvalues of leader's dynamic matrix, it avoids the assumptions in the previous method. Subsequently, the convergence of algorithm is analyzed. Finally, three simulation examples are provided to verify the proposed algorithm.

Simultaneously improving the pore structure and electron conductive network of the anode catalyst layer via SnO2 doping for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a promising technology for green hydrogen production. However, its large-scale commercial application is limited by its high precious metal loading, because low catalyst loading leads to reduced electron transport channels and decreased water transportation, etc. Herein, we study the electrode level strategy for reducing Ir loading by the optimization of the micro-structure of the anode catalyst layer via SnO2 doping. The pore structure and electron conductive network of the anode catalyst layer can be simultaneously improved by SnO2 doping, under appropriate conditions. Therefore, mass transfer polarization and ohmic polarization of the single cell are reduced. Moreover, the enhanced pore structure and improved electron conduction network collectively contribute to a decreased occurrence of charge transfer polarization. By this strategy, the performance of the single cell with the Ir loading of 1.5 mg cm-2 approaches the single cell with the higher Ir loading of 2.0 mg cm-2, which means that SnO2 doping saves about 25% loading of Ir. This paper provides a perspective at the electrode level to reduce the precious metal loading of the anode in PEMWE.

Krill Oil and Its Bioactive Components as a Potential Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

Krill oil is extracted from krill, a small crustacean in the Antarctic Ocean. It has received growing attention because of krill oil's unique properties and diverse health benefits. Recent experimental and clinical studies suggest that it has potential therapeutic benefits in preventing the development of a range of chronic conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Krill oil is enriched with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and the potent antioxidant astaxanthin, contributing to its therapeutic properties. The possible underlying mechanisms of krill oil's health benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, maintaining intestinal barrier functions, and modulating gut microbiota. This review aims to provide an overview of the beneficial effects of krill oil and its bioactive components on intestinal inflammation and to discuss the findings on the molecular mechanisms associated with the role of krill oil in IBD prevention and treatment.

Observation on the Analgesic Effect of Different Doses of a Combination of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine Administered for Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) is an effective method for treating lumbar disc herniation, and is typically performed under local anesthesia. However, inadequate analgesia during the procedure remains a concern, prompting the search for a medication that can provide optimal pain control with minimal impact on the respiratory and circulatory systems. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of different doses of esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine on reducing visual analog scale (VAS) scores during surgical interventions. METHODS: One hundred two patients who underwent PETD were randomly divided into a control group (group C: normal saline + dexmedetomidine), an E1 group (0.1 mg kg-1 esketamine + dexmedetomidine), and an E2 group (0.2 mg kg-1 esketamine + dexmedetomidine). The primary outcome was the maximum visual analogue scale (VAS) (score: 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain) at six time points. The secondary outcomes included the Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S) score and mean arterial pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) at 11 time points. The incidence of adverse reactions during and 24 h after the operation and patient satisfaction with the anesthesia were also recorded. RESULTS: Compared with those in group C, the VAS scores of patients in groups E1 and E2 were lower at T6, T7, and T9 (P < 0.05). From T4 to T10, the OAA/S scores of the E1 and E2 groups were both lower than those of group C (P < 0.05), and at the T4-T6 time points, the OAA/S score of the E2 group was lower than that of group E1 (P < 0.05). At T4 and T5, the HR and BP of patients in groups E1 and E2 were greater than those in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with those in group C, the incidences of intraoperative illusion, floating sensation, postoperative dizziness, and hyperalgesia in groups E1 and E2 were significantly greater (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in patient RR, SpO2, or postoperative satisfaction with anesthesia among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine can reduce VAS scores during certain stages of this type of surgery; it has minimal impact on respiration and circulation. However, this approach is associated with increased incidences of postoperative dizziness and psychiatric side effects, which may also affect patients' compliance with surgical instructions from medical staff. Patient satisfaction was not greater with dexmedetomidine combined with esketamine than with dexmedetomidine alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn . Identifier: ChiCTR2300068206. Date of registration: 10 February 2023.