Synergistic effect of protein foams and polysaccharide on the invisible hemostasis of acellular dermal matrix sponges.

Efficient management of hemorrhage is vital for preventing hemorrhagic shock and safeguarding wounds against infection. Inspired by the traditional Chinese steamed bread-making process, which involves kneading, foaming, and steaming, we devised a hemostatic sponge by amalgamating an acellular dermal matrix gel, hydroxyethyl starch, and rice hydrolyzed protein. The integration of hydroxyethyl starch bolstered the sponge's mechanical and hemostatic attributes, while the inclusion of rice hydrolyzed protein, acting as a natural foaming agent, enhanced its porosity This augmentation facilitated rapid blood absorption, accelerated clot formation, and stimulated the clotting cascade. Experimental findings underscore the exceptional biocompatibility and physicochemical characteristics of the hemostatic sponge, positioning it on par with commercially available collagen hemostatic sponges for hemorrhage control. Mechanistically, the sponge fosters aggregation and activation of red blood cells and platelets, expediting coagulation kinetics both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, this hemostatic sponge activates the clotting cascade sans crosslinking agents, offering a premium yet cost-effective biomaterial with promising clinical applicability.

Frontier in gellan gum-based microcapsules obtained by emulsification: Core-shell structure, interaction mechanism, intervention strategies.

As a translucent functional gel with biodegradability, non-toxicity and acid resistance, gellan gum has been widely used in probiotic packaging, drug delivery, wound dressing, metal ion adsorption and other fields in recent years. Because of its remarkable gelation characteristics, gellan gum is suitable as the shell material of microcapsules to encapsulate functional substances, by which the functional components can improve stability and achieve delayed release. In recent years, many academically or commercially reliable products have rapidly emerged, but there is still a lack of relevant reports on in-depth research and systematic summaries regarding the process of microcapsule formation and its corresponding mechanisms. To address this challenge, this review focuses on the formation process and applications of gellan gum-based microcapsules, and details the commonly used preparation methods in microcapsule production. Additionally, it explores the impact of factors such as ion types, ion strength, temperature, pH, and others present in the solution on the performance of the microcapsules. On this basis, it summarizes and analyzes the prospects of gellan gum-based microcapsule products. The comprehensive insights from this review are expected to provide inspiration and design ideas for researchers.

Identification of secretory pathway-related genes based on Random Forest algorithm to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The dysfunction of secretory pathways may represent biomarkers or therapeutic targets of cancer. The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) phenotype was studied in relation to the genes in the secretory pathway and to screen for a combination of genes that may be a viable therapeutic target for HCC and connected to the pathophysiological features of the tumor. METHODS: Using the HCC information from The Cancer Genome Atlas, somatic mutation and prognostic association analysis were performed on the secretory pathway genes. Based on prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, the samples were consensus clustered, and a Random Forest model was built. The clinical characteristics, tumor mutation burden, functional status and potential responses to immunotherapy and tumor suppressor medications of various subtypes and risk groups were discussed. RESULTS: Of the 84 genes for secretory pathway, 32 were prognostic genes related to HCC, which divided HCC into two categories: C1 and C2. By comparing the two types of HCC samples, it was found that the survival outcome of C1 was inferior, with stronger adaptive and innate immunity, but less sensitive to immunotherapy than C2. The constructed prognostic signature included seven of the 32 prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, which showed significant correlation with the prognosis, somatic mutation, biological pathway status, potential response to immunotherapy and sensitivity of 72 tumor suppressor drugs from different HCC cohorts, and had a feasible prognostic effect for 31 types of cancer and immunotherapy cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HCC was divided into two molecular subtypes according to prognostic genes in the secretory pathway, and seven of them were combined into one signature, which produced significant results in evaluating the prognosis of different HCC cohorts, pan-cancer cohorts and immunotherapy cohorts, and had potential guiding significance for prophylactic immunotherapy in patients with HCC.

Understanding the multi-scale structure and physicochemical properties of millet starch with varied amylose content.

The multi-scale structure and physicochemical properties of starch from five indigenous millet varieties were investigated and their correlations were revealed. Results showed that apparent amylose content (AAC) ranged from 12.3% to 27.4%, and as the amylose increasing, the ordered degree of starch double-helical, ordered molecular structure and crystalline structures displayed a declined trend. All millet starches showed polygonal, spherical or irregular shapes varied with size, but XIN-3 starch granules (highest AAC) presented higher granule rigidity, compactness and bulk intensity. Specifically, the ordered molecular structure (e.g., higher double-helix content, short-range ordered degree and relative crystallinity) of millet starch with low amylose limited the swelling degree of starch granules and in turn decreased the characteristic viscosity. However, rapidly digestible starch (RDS) was significantly negatively correlated with AAC and ordered molecular structure. The information obtained in this study would be significant in the rational utilization of these millet starches in food industry fields.

Endurance training associated with a hypocaloric diet in obese university students / Treino aeróbico associado a dieta hipocalórica em universitários obesos / Entrenamiento aeróbico asociado a dieta hipocalórica en universitarios obesos

ABSTRACT Introduction: The long-term energy imbalance between intake and consumption is the main reason for obesity in college students. Therefore, weight loss should also combine an inversely proportional intervention. Based on this premise, a growing number of studies combine physical training and diet to restore physical health in this population group. Objective: Study the impacts of endurance training associated with a low-calorie diet on the constitution and metabolism of obese college students. Methods: Through a questionnaire survey and a 4-week experimental endurance training program and hypocaloric diet, 20 obese college students volunteered for the intervention project. The exercise protocol for the training composition and the diet menu followed the updated recommendations in the scientific literature. At the end of the experiment, the relevant data collected were statistically analyzed and discussed. Results: After the diet intervention associated with endurance training, the BMI index of college students reduced from 28,075 to 26,378; the basal metabolic rate increased from 1581,046 kcal to 1681,317 kcal. Conclusion: Endurance training associated with a hypocaloric diet significantly reduced fat in obese college students. The efficacy of this association promoted a better joint effect on the outcome, compared to individual weight loss plans. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O desequilíbrio energético entre ingestão e consumo a longo prazo é o principal motivo da obesidade nos universitários, portanto, a perda de peso também deve combinar uma intervenção inversamente proporcional. Valendo-se dessa premissa, são crescentes os estudos que combinam treinos físicos e dietas com o propósito de restaurar a saúde física nessa parcela da população. Objetivo: Estudar os impactos do treino aeróbico associado a dieta hipocalórica sobre a constituição e o metabolismo de estudantes universitários obesos. Métodos: Através de uma pesquisa por questionário e um programa experimental com duração total de 4 semanas de treino aeróbico e dieta hipocalórica, 20 universitários obesos voluntariaram-se para o projeto de intervenção. O protocolo de exercícios para a composição do treino e o cardápio da dieta seguiram as recomendações atualizadas da literatura científica. Ao final do experimento, os dados relevantes coletados foram analisados estatisticamente e discutidos. Resultados: Após a intervenção da dieta associada ao treino aeróbico, o índice IMC de estudantes universitários reduziu de 28.075 para 26.378; o índice metabólico basal aumentou de 1581.046 kcal para 1681.317 kcal. Conclusão: O treino aeróbico associado à dieta hipocalórica demonstrou um efeito significativo na diminuição da gordura dos universitários obesos. A eficácia dessa associação promoveu um melhor efeito conjunto no resultado, em comparação a planos individuais de emagrecimento. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Resumen Introducción: El desequilibrio energético entre la ingesta y el consumo a largo plazo es la razón principal de la obesidad en los estudiantes universitarios, por lo tanto, la pérdida de peso también debe combinar una intervención inversamente proporcional. Aprovechando esta premisa, cada vez son más los estudios que combinan entrenamiento físico y dietas con el fin de restablecer la salud física en esta parte de la población. Objetivo: Estudiar los impactos del entrenamiento aeróbico asociado a dieta hipocalórica sobre la constitución y el metabolismo de estudiantes universitarios obesos. Métodos: Mediante una encuesta con cuestionario y un programa experimental con una duración total de 4 semanas de entrenamiento aeróbico y dieta hipocalórica, 20 estudiantes universitarios obesos se presentaron como voluntarios para el proyecto de intervención. El protocolo de ejercicios para la composición del entrenamiento y el menú dietético siguieron las recomendaciones actualizadas de la literatura científica. Al final del experimento, se analizaron y discutieron estadísticamente los datos pertinentes recogidos. Resultados: Tras la intervención dietética asociada al entrenamiento aeróbico, el índice de IMC de los estudiantes universitarios se redujo de 28,075 a 26,378; el índice metabólico basal aumentó de 1581,046 kcal a 1681,317 kcal. Conclusión: El entrenamiento aeróbico asociado a una dieta hipocalórica mostró un efecto significativo en la reducción de grasa en estudiantes universitarios obesos. La eficacia de esta asociación promovió un mejor efecto conjunto sobre el resultado en comparación con los planes individuales de pérdida de peso. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Polydopamine-modified collagen sponge scaffold as a novel dermal regeneration template with sustained release of platelet-rich plasma to accelerate skin repair: A one-step strategy.

Although employed to release growth factors (GFs) for regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been hindered by issues like burst effect. Based on collagen sponge scaffolds (CSSs) modified with polydopamine (pDA), a novel dermal regeneration template (DRT) was designed. However, whether it could efficiently deliver PRP and even foster wound healing remained unclear. In this work, after PRP was prepared and pDA-modified CSSs (pDA-CSSs) were fabricated, microscopic observation, GFs release assay and in-vitro biological evaluations of pDA-CSSs with PRP (pDA-CSS@PRP) were performed, followed by BALA-C/nu mice full-thickness skin defects implanted with pDA-CSS@PRP covered by grafted skins (termed as a One-step strategy). As a result, scanning electron microscope demonstrated more immobilized platelets on pDA-CSS' surface with GFs' controlled release via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, compared with CSSs. In line with enhanced in-vitro proliferation, adhesion and migration of keratinocytes & endothelial cells, pDA-CSS@PRP were histologically revealed to accelerate wound healing with less scar via rapid angiogenesis, arrangement of more mature collagen, guiding cells to spread, etc. In conclusion, pDA-CSSs have potential to serve as a novel DRT capable of delivering PRP, which may foster full-thickness skin defect healing by means of a One-step strategy.

[Comparison of different methods for drug delivery via the lumbar spinal subarachnoid space in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 commonly used methods for drug delivery via the lumbar spinal subarachnoid space in rats. METHODS: We compared the effects of 3 methods for drug delivery via the lumbar spinal subarachnoid space in Sprague Dawley rats, namely acute needle puncture, chronic catheterization via laminectomy, and non-laminectomized catheterization. Body weight changes of the rats were measured, and their general and neurological conditions were assessed after the surgeries. The motor function of the rats was examined using rota rod test both before and after the surgeries. Nociceptive tests were performed to assess nociception of the rats. HE staining was used to examine local inflammation caused by the surgeries in the lumbar spinal cord tissue, and lidocaine paralysis detection and toluidine blue dye assay were used to confirm the precision of drug delivery using the 3 methods. RESULTS: Both needle puncture and catheterization via laminectomy resulted in a relatively low success rate of surgery and caused neurological abnormalities, severe motor dysfunction, hyperalgesia, allodynia and local inflammation. Catheterization without laminectomy had the highest success rate of surgery, and induced only mild agitation, slight cerebral spinal fluid leakage, mild sensory and motor abnormalities, and minimum pathology in the lumbar spinal cord. Catheterization without laminectomy produced less detectable effects on the behaviors in the rats and was well tolerated compared to the other two methods with also higher precision of drug delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Catheterization without laminectomy is a safe, accurate and effective approach to lumbar drug delivery in rats.

Wnt/ß-Catenin, Carbohydrate Metabolism, and PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway-Related Genes as Potential Cancer Predictors.

Predicting the outcome after a cancer diagnosis is critical. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies provide physicians with vast amounts of data, yet prognostication remains challenging because the data are greatly dimensional and complex. We evaluated Wnt/ß-catenin, carbohydrate metabolism, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway-related genes as predictive features for classifying tumors and normal samples. Using differentially expressed genes as controls, these pathway-related genes were assessed for accuracy using support-vector machines and three other recommended machine learning models, namely, the random forest, decision tree, and k-nearest neighbor algorithms. The first two outperformed the others. All candidate pathway-related genes yielded areas under the curve exceeding 95.00% for cancer outcomes, and they were most accurate in predicting colorectal cancer. These results suggest that these pathway-related genes are useful and accurate biomarkers for understanding the mechanisms behind cancer development.

Silencing of microRNA-708 promotes cell growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by activating the SPHK2/AKT/ß-catenin pathway in glioma.

Aberrant microRNA-708 (miR-708) expression is frequently reported in cancer studies; however, its role in glioma has not been examined in detail. We investigated miR-708 function in glioma and revealed that miR-708 expression was significantly down-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Restoration of miR-708 inhibited glioma cell growth and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. The oncogene SPHK2 (sphingosine kinase 2) was identified as a downstream target of miR-708 using luciferase and western blot assays. miR-708 inhibited AKT/ß-catenin signaling, which is activated by SPHK2. In addition, we revealed that miR-708 was transcriptionally repressed by EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2)-induced histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation and promoter methylation. In summary, our findings revealed that miR-708 is a glioma tumor suppressor and suggest that miR-708 is a potential therapeutic target for glioma patients.

Genome-wide profiles of metastasis-associated mRNAs and microRNAs in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is often accompanied with poor prognosis due to local recurrence, distant metastasis, and perineural invasion. The mechanism involved in SACC metastasis is not yet fully understood. In this study, we profiled the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) in a SACC cell line, ACC-2, and a highly metastatic SACC cell line, ACC-M, using high-throughput sequencing. We discovered that: (1) differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and DE miRNAs are potentially involved in SACC metastasis; (2) multiple regulatory interactions between DE miRNAs and DE mRNAs exist; and (3) miR-338-5p/3p target LAMC2 to impair motility and invasion of ACC-M and MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, our study integrated the regulatory effects of miRNAs and mRNAs on SACC metastasis and provided a potential application for miRNAs in future therapeutic intervention.

[Screening of biomarkers related with leukocyte responses early after burn injury in mice by differential gene expression profiling].

OBJECTIVE: To screen the genes related with leukocyte responses in mice early after burn injury by bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression profiling data. METHODS: The gene expression profiles were obtained from GEO (GSE7404, Mouse musculus, 25% TBSA, full-thickness) database. T test, fold changes and GO functional enrichment analysis were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to leukocyte responses to burns; the interacting genes were transferred to STRING to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Biological annotation of the sub-networks was executed using the software Cytoscape. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the DEGs in mice. RESULTS: In mice at 1 day post-burn, a total of 658 genes were up-regulated and 1167 were down-regulated. PPI network and module analysis suggested that some of the genes (Stat1, Cdk1, Cd19, Lck and Jun) may play critical roles in the PPI network post-burn. Real-time PCR and Western blotting results in mice were consistent with those of bioinformatic analysis of Stat1, Cdk1 and Jun. CONCLUSION: Stat1, Cdk1 and Jun might be critical players in the development of leukocyte response in mice early after burn injury. Our finding provides new insights into the pathogenesis of leukocyte response to burn injury and identifies several biomarkers as potential targets for burn treatment.

Construction of an immunorelated protein-protein interaction network for clarifying the mechanism of burn.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Severe burn is known to induce a series of pathological responses resulting in increased susceptibility to systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ failure, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear at present. The main aim of this study was to expand our understanding of the events leading to circulating leukocyte response after burn by subjecting the gene expression profiles to a bioinformatic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive gene expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the expression profile GSE7404 (Mus musculus, circulating leukocyte, 25% of total body surface area (TBSA), full thickness) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, followed by the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. In addition, a postburn protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify potential biomarkers. RESULTS: Maximum changes in the gene expression profile were detected 1 day post burn. Separate Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis for upregulated and downregulated DEGs revealed significant alterations of genes related to biological process such as "response to stimuli," "metabolic," "cellular and immune system processes," "biological regulation," and "death" in the leukocyte transcriptome after the burn. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the nodes of immunorelated and signal transduction-related pathways, and the downregulated genes were significantly enriched for the immunorelated pathways. The PPI network and module analysis revealed that, 1 day after the burn, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) (downregulated), Jun (upregulated), Cd19 (downregulated), Stat1 (downregulated), and Cdk1 (upregulated) were located centrally in both the PPI network and modules. CONCLUSIONS: Based on an integrated bioinformatic analysis, we concluded that Lck, Jun, Cd19, Stat1, and Cdk1 may be critical 1 day after the burn. These findings expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this important pathological process. Further studies are needed to support our work, focused on identifying candidate biomarkers with sufficient predictive power to act as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for burn injury.

[Screening genes related with leukocyte responses early after burn injury: analysis of differentially gene expression profiling data in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To screen the genes related with leukocyte responses in mice early after burn injury by bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression profiling data. METHODS: Gene expression profiles were obtained from GEO (GSE7404, Mouse musculus, 25% TBSA, full-thickness) database. After screening of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through paired-sample t-test and fold-change, DAVID online tools were used to select the DEGs related to leukocyte responses to burns by GO functional enrichment analysis; the interacting genes identified through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were transferred to STRING to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Biological annotation of the sub-networks was executed using the software Cytoscape. Real-time PCR was used to verify the DEGs identified in mice. RESULTS: Of the 259 leukocyte response-related DEGs screened at 1 day post-burn, 118 were up-regulated and 141 were down-regulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the pathways were associated with the immune function, cell growth and cell death. PPI network and module analysis suggested that some of genes (such as Lck, Stat1, Myd88, Stat3, and Jun) play critical roles in the PPI network post-burn. RT-PCR results were consistent with those of bioinformatic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Lck, Stat1, Myd88, Stat3, and Jun might be critical players in the development of leukocyte response in mice early after burn injury. Our finding provides new insights into the pathogenesis of leukocyte response to burn injury and identifies several potential biomarkers for burn treatment.

[Seawater exposure exacerbates scald burns-induced intestinal injury in rabbits: study of the mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of seawater exposure on intestinal injury in rabbits with scald burns and explore the mechanisms. METHODS: Sixty-three rabbits with scald burns covering 20% total body surface area were randomized equally into scald control group (group A), scald with freshwater exposure group (group B), and scald with seawater exposure group (group C). At 2, 4 and 8 h after scald burns, 7 rabbits from each group were sacrificed for detecting plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels and intestinal contents of prostaglandins (PGs) and for examining the intestinal pathologies; immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in the small intestinal epithelium. RESULTS: The rabbits in group C showed severer intestinal mucosal and barrier function damages than those in groups A and B. The plasma SOD activity and intestinal PGs contents were significantly lowered in group C than in groups A and B at 2, 4, and 8 h postburn (P<0.01) and reduced as the postburn time extended (P<0.01). In group C, plasma LPO content was the highest among the groups (P<0.01) and increased significantly with the seawater exposure time (P<0.01). The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the intestinal mucosal tissues was also the highest in group C (P<0.01) at 4 h and 8 h postburn and increased significantly with time (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Seawater exposure exacerbates scald burn-induced intestinal mucosal and barrier function damages in rabbits mainly by aggravating intestinal inflammation and structural damage, as evidenced by decreased intestinal PGs contents and plasma SOD activity, increased plasma PLO content, and enhanced Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions in the intestinal mucosa.

[Effect of antibacterial peptide LL-37 on the integrity of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of antibacterial peptide LL-37 on the integrity of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm. METHODS: A model of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm in vitro was constructed by plates and crystal violet staining method, and the minimal inhibitory concentration of LL-37 was determined by broth dilution. The biofilm morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and biofilm formation was analyzed by the crystal violet staining of the adherent biofilm in the presence of antibacterial peptide LL-37. RESULTS: In the Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm model, the minimal inhibitory concentration of LL-37 was 64 µg/ml; LL-37 caused structural damage of the biofilm at a low concentration of 2.5 µg/ml. The biofilm was decreased gradually as the concentration of LL-37 increased. CONCLUSION: LL-37 even at a concentration far below its minimal inhibitory concentration can cause structural damage of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm in vitro.

One-stage treatment to condylar osteochondroma combined with secondary jaw bone deformities by sliding vertical ramus osteotomy and mandibular contouring.

Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle could cause secondary facial asymmetry; besides, it could affect the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and occlusion. Conventional treatments include total condylectomy or local resection of the lesion and condylar reconstruction. But it cannot effectively ameliorate the facial asymmetry. Thus, this article presents the application of combination surgeries including condylectomy, sliding vertical ramus osteotomy, and mandibular contouring in the treatments of this kind of disease. From 2007 to 2012, 12 patients with osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle were included. All of them accepted condylectomy, sliding vertical ramus osteotomy, and mandibular contouring at 1 stage. Mandibular contouring included mandibular inferior border ostectomy, mandibular outer cortex ostectomy, and horizontal osteotomy genioplasty according to the characters of jaw deformity. In addition, maximal mouth opening, pain in the TMJ, and numbness of the lower lip were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the therapeutic effects. All of patients obtained satisfactory results; TMJ dysfunction, facial asymmetry, and abnormal occlusion were improved greatly. No patients developed recurrence of the tumor during the follow-up period. In conclusion, after condylectomy, sliding vertical ramus osteotomy and mandibular contouring were operated at 1 stage, which effectively ameliorated the condylar osteochondroma patient's facial asymmetry and abnormal occlusion and achieved good therapeutic effects.

The toxicity and pharmacokinetics of carbon nanotubes as an effective drug carrier.

Carbon nanotubes have shown broad potential in biomedical applications, given their unique mechanical, optical, and chemical properties. Functionalized carbon nanotubes not only can deliver drug into specific organs but also can inherently produce heating by near-infrared laser radiation for cancer therapy. However, the toxicological and pharmacological profile of such carbon nanotube system will have to be determined prior to any clinical study undertaken. For providing a guide to develop safe drug carriers, this review discusses the functionalization, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of carbon nanotubes. Lastly, the drug delivery and thermal ablation on carbon nanotubes are proposed.