Development of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots-based oxygen self-sufficient platforms for enhanced corneal crosslinking.

Keratoconus, a disorder characterized by corneal thinning and weakening, results in vision loss. Corneal crosslinking (CXL) can halt the progression of keratoconus. The development of accelerated corneal crosslinking (A-CXL) protocols to shorten the treatment time has been hampered by the rapid depletion of stromal oxygen when higher UVA intensities are used, resulting in a reduced cross-linking effect. It is therefore imperative to develop better methods to increase the oxygen concentration within the corneal stroma during the A-CXL process. Photocatalytic oxygen-generating nanomaterials are promising candidates to solve the hypoxia problem during A-CXL. Biocompatible graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) quantum dots (QDs)-based oxygen self-sufficient platforms including g-C3N4 QDs and riboflavin/g-C3N4 QDs composites (RF@g-C3N4 QDs) have been developed in this study. Both display excellent photocatalytic oxygen generation ability, high reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield, and excellent biosafety. More importantly, the A-CXL effect of the g-C3N4 QDs or RF@g-C3N4 QDs composite on male New Zealand white rabbits is better than that of the riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium (RF) A-CXL protocol under the same conditions, indicating excellent strengthening of the cornea after A-CXL treatments. These lead us to suggest the potential application of g-C3N4 QDs in A-CXL for corneal ectasias and other corneal diseases.

Porphyrin-based porous organic polymers synthesized using the Alder-Longo method: the most traditional synthetic strategy with exceptional capacity.

Porphyrin is a typical tetrapyrrole chromophore-based pigment with a special electronic structure and functionalities, which is frequently introduced into various porous organic polymers (POPs). Porphyrin-based POPs are widely used in various fields ranging from environmental and energy to biomedicine-related fields. Currently, most porphyrin-based POPs are prepared via the copolymerization of specific-group-functionalized porphyrins with other building blocks, in which the tedious and inefficient synthesis procedure for the porphyrin greatly hinders the development of such materials. This review aimed to summarize information on porphyrin-based POPs synthesized using the Alder-Longo method, thereby skipping the complex synthesis of porphyrin-bearing monomers, in which the porphyrin macrocycles are formed directly via the cyclic tetramerization of pyrrole with monomers containing multiple aldehyde groups during the polymerization process. The representative applications of porphyrin-based POPs derived using the Alder-Longo method are finally introduced, which pinpoints a clear relationship between the structure and function from the aspect of the building blocks used and porous structures. This review is therefore valuable for the rational design of efficient porphyrin-based porous organic polymer systems that may be utilized in various fields from energy-related conversion/storage technologies to biomedical science.

Characterization and genomic analysis of a lytic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia short-tailed phage A1432 revealed a new genus of the family Mesyanzhinovviridae.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that exhibits resistant to a majority of commonly used antibiotics. Phages have the potential to serve as an alternative treatment for S. maltophilia infections. In this study, a lytic phage, A1432, infecting S. maltophilia YCR3A-1, was isolated and characterized from a karst cave. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that phage A1432 possesses an icosahedral head and a shorter tail. Phage A1432 demonstrated a narrow host range, with an optimal multiplicity of infection of 0.1. The one-step growth curve indicated a latent time of 10 min, a lysis period of 90 min, a burst size of 43.2 plaque-forming units per cell. In vitro bacteriolytic activity test showed that phage A1432 was capable to inhibit the growth of S. maltophilia YCR3A-1 in an MOI-dependent manner after 2 h of co-culture. BLASTn analysis showed that phage A1432 genome shares the highest similarity (81.46%) with Xanthomonas phage Xoo-sp2 in the NCBI database, while the query coverage was only 37%. The phage contains double-stranded DNA with a genome length of 61,660 bp and a GC content of 61.92%. It is predicted to have 79 open reading frames and one tRNA, with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. Phylogenetic analysis using terminase large subunit and DNA polymerase indicated that phage A1432 clustered with members of the Bradleyvirinae subfamily but diverged into a distinct branch. Further phylogenetic comparison analysis using Average Nucleotide Identity, proteomic phylogenetic analysis, genomic network analysis confirmed that phage A1432 belongs to a novel genus within the Bradleyvirinae subfamily, Mesyanzhinovviridae family. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the so far isolated S. maltophilia phages revealed significant genetic diversity among these phages. The results of this research will contribute valuable information for further studies on their morphological and genetic diversity, will aid in elucidating the evolutionary mechanisms that give rise to them.

The level of discomfort during the use of different circuits of the mechanical ventilator.

Objectives: Endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation is a life-saving procedure in patients with respiratory failure. However, the presence of an ETT can cause significant discomfort. A tracheostomy tube is used to administer a mechanical ventilator, resulting in a more stable airway and fewer serious injuries. Noninvasive ventilators (NIPPVs) administer ventilation through masks and must be tightly fixed to the face. ETT, tracheostomy, and NIPPV are the most common methods of ventilator maintenance. However, these interventions often cause discomfort to patients. This study aimed to compare discomfort associated with ETT, tracheostomy, and NIPPV. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine conscious patients with postextubation NIPPV and eight conscious patients who underwent postextubation tracheotomy were evaluated for discomfort. A questionnaire survey on discomfort was performed before and after NIPPV or tracheostomy. These patients reported their level of discomfort on a visual analog scale. Results: The levels of sore throat, nasal pain, body pain, activity limitation, respiratory discomfort, oral discomfort, difficulty coughing sputum, worry about respiratory tube disconnection, back pain, anxiety, worry about long-term admission, sleep disturbance, and general discomfort during ETT intubation were higher than during tracheostomy or NIPPV (all P < 0.05). The mean level of discomfort was approximately 5-6 points (moderate) in patients with ETT and 2-3 points (mild) in patients with NIPPV or tracheostomy. Conclusion: The level of discomfort was higher in patients who underwent ETT intubation than in those who underwent NIPPV or tracheostomy. However, the level of discomfort was similar between the patients with NIPPV and those who underwent tracheostomy.

A portable smartphone detection of ctDNA using MnB2 nanozyme and paper-based analytical device.

The development of point-of-care testing (POCT) for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is meaningful for the non-invasive cancers screening and diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings. The microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) provides an ideal platform, its application in ctDNA assays remains underexplored. In this work, a multifunctional µPAD was manufactured, which can enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost of ctDNA sensing. Additionally, a smartphone-based application analysis was fabricated for convenient, portable detection and colorimetric signal readout. Moreover, the novel oxidase-like MnB2 nanozyme was introduced in the sandwiches sensing strategy, utilizing its catalytic properties to effectively generate a colorimetric signal. The use of MnB2 nanozyme in sensing application is relatively novel, and its catalytic performance and mechanism was thoroughly evaluated via experiment and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. After optimizing the detection conditions, the proposed biosensor exhibited satisfactory results. Furthermore, the method was successfully used to detect ctDNA in tumor cell lysates and peripheral blood samples from tumor-bearing mice. The results were consistent with standard qPCR method, affirming the reliability of our POCT analysis device in ctDNA detection. Thus, this work not only provides a paper-based POCT device and intelligent analysis tool for portable cancers diagnosis, but it also paves a new application path for MnB2 nanozyme in the sensing filed.

Draft genome sequence of ectomycorrhizal edible mushroom Phlebopus portentosus strain YAF023.

Phlebopus portentosus is a favorite ectomycorrhizal edible mushroom in tropical China. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of P. portentosus strain YAF023. The genome resource will support subsequent research into the relationship between ectomycorrhizal fungi and trees.

Co-infection of Four Novel Mycoviruses from Three Lineages Confers Hypovirulence on Phytopathogenic Fungus Ustilaginoidea virens.

Rice false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens has become one of the most important diseases of rice. Mycoviruses are viruses that can infect fungi with the potential to control fungal diseases. However, little is known about the biocontrol role of hypoviruses in U. virens. In this study, we revealed that the hypovirulence-associated U. virens strain Uv325 was co-infected by four novel mycoviruses from three lineages, designated Ustilaginoidea virens RNA virus 16 (UvRV16), Ustilaginoidea virens botourmiavirus virus 8 (UvBV8), Ustilaginoidea virens botourmiavirus virus 9 (UvBV9), and Ustilaginoidea virens narnavirus virus 13 (UvNV13), respectively. The U. virens strain co-infected by four mycoviruses showed slower growth rates, reduced conidial yield, and attenuated pigmentation. We demonstrated that UvRV16 was not only the major factor responsible for the hypovirulent phenotype in U. vriens, but also able to prevent U. virens to accumulate more mycotoxin, thereby weakening the inhibitory effects on rice seed germination and seedling growth. Additionally, we indicated that UvRV16 can disrupt the antiviral response of U. virens by suppressing the transcriptional expression of multiple genes involved in autophagy and RNA silencing. In conclusion, our study provided new insights into the biological control of rice false smut.

Developmental dyslexia genes are selectively targeted by diverse environmental pollutants.

BACKGROUND: Developmental dyslexia, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, not only affects children's academic performance but is also associated with increased healthcare costs, lower employment rates, and reduced productivity. The pathogenesis of dyslexia remains unclear and it is generally considered to be caused by the overlap of genetic and environmental factors. Systematically exploring the close relationship between exposure to environmental compounds and susceptibility genes in the development of dyslexia is currently lacking but high necessary. METHODS: In this study, we systematically compiled 131 publicly reported susceptibility genes for dyslexia sourced from DisGeNET, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database was used to explore the overlap between susceptibility genes and 95 environmental compounds, including metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Chemical bias towards the dyslexia risk genes was taken into account in the observation/expectation ratios > 1 and the corresponding P value obtained by hypergeometric probability test. RESULTS: Our study found that the number of dyslexia risk genes targeted by each chemical varied from 1 to 109. A total of 35 chemicals were involved in chemical reactions with dyslexia-associated genes, with significant enrichment values (observed/expected dyslexia risk genes) ranging from 1.147 (Atrazine) to 66.901 (Dibenzo(a, h)pyrene). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that dyslexia-associated genes were implicated in certain chemical reactions. However, these findings are exploratory, and further research involving animal or cellular experiments is needed.

Red-light-excited TiO2/Bi2S3 heterojunction nanotubes and photoelectric hydrogels mediate epidermal-neural network reconstruction in deep burns.

Inspired by the strong light absorption of carbon nanotubes, we propose a fabrication approach involving one-dimensional TiO2/Bi2S3 QDs nanotubes (TBNTs) with visible red-light excitable photoelectric properties. By integrating the construction of heterojunctions, quantum confinement effects, and morphological modifications, the photocurrent reached 9.22 µA/cm2 which is 66 times greater than that of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs). Then, a red light-responsive photoelectroactive hydrogel dressing (TBCHA) was developed by embedding TBNTs into a collagen/hyaluronic acid-based biomimetic extracellular matrix hydrogel with good biocompatibility, aiming to promote wound healing and skin function restoration. This approach is primarily grounded in the recognized significance of electrical stimulation in modulating nerve function and immune responses. Severe burns are often accompanied by extensive damage to epithelial-neural networks, leading to a loss of excitatory function and difficulty in spontaneous healing, while conventional dressings inadequately address the critical need for nerve reinnervation. Furthermore, we highlight the remarkable ability of the TBCHA photoelectric hydrogel to promote the reinnervation of nerve endings, facilitate the repair of skin substructures, and modulate immune responses in a deep burn model. This hydrogel not only underpins wound closure and collagen synthesis but also advances vascular reformation, immune modulation, and neural restoration. This photoelectric-based therapy offers a robust solution for the comprehensive repair of deep burns and functional tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We explore the fabrication of 1D TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes with visible red-light excitability and high photoelectric conversion properties. By integrating heterojunctions, quantum absorption effects, and morphological modifications, the photocurrent of TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes could reach 9.22 µA/cm², which is 66 times greater than that of TiO2 nanotubes under 625 nm illumination. The efficient red-light excitability solves the problem of poor biosafety and low tissue penetration caused by shortwave excitation. Furthermore, we highlight the remarkable ability of the TiO2/Bi2S3 nanotubes integrated photoelectric hydrogel in promoting the reinnervation of nerve endings and modulating immune responses. This work proposes an emerging therapeutic strategy of remote, passive electrical stimulation, offering a robust boost for repairing deep burn wounds.

When Ascites Is Not Ascites!

Patients presenting with ascites should be properly evaluated to differentiate potential etiologies. Then, based on the evaluation, we can tailor more accurate treatment plans for patients. Cirrhosis is the most common cause, and others include cancer, heart failure, and, in our case, rarely a visceral artery rupture. Rupture of the splenic artery aneurysm can be lethal and should be considered as a possible differential in a patient with no previous history of heart failure, cancer, or cirrhosis. Our patient was identified after an initial misdiagnosis of possible ascites secondary to cirrhosis. However, input from an interventional radiologist led to proper identification and tailored management. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications, including death.

Obscure Small Bowel Bleeding Related to a Ventral Hernioplasty Mesh Perforation Visualized With Video Capsule Endoscopy.

We report a case of a 76-year-old female presenting with intermittent obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding originating from the small intestine secondary to a delayed complication related to mesh hernioplasty. The mesh was eroding into the small bowel causing intermittent transfusion-dependent GI bleeding. Multiple upper and lower endoscopic investigations were sought over the last two years, but they were noncontributory. Finally, video capsule endoscopy (VCE) revealed mesh invasion into the small bowel wall associated with bleeding. This case emphasizes the significance of an early sufficient differential diagnosis in patients with obscure GI bleeding. Meanwhile, being cognizant of rare causes of GI bleeding in patients who have had hernioplasty is very important.

Novel Fixable Instruments Used in Strabismus Surgery.

PURPOSE: To introduce the application of novel fixable instruments in strabismus surgery without surgical assistants. METHODS: Patients with strabismus requiring surgical treatment were recruited. Under general anesthesia all patients underwent surgery with the three novel kinds of fixable instruments without assistants. The operation time of each muscle was recorded separately. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 34 lateral rectus muscles, 22 medial rectus muscles, 2 superior rectus muscles, 2 inferior rectus muscles, and 14 inferior oblique muscles. The amount of recession and resection of the lateral rectus muscle was 6 to 11 and 4 to 6 mm, respectively, and the operation time of each muscle was between 8 and 12 minutes (mean ± standard deviation: 9.88 ± 1.59 minutes). The amount of recession and resection of the medial rectus muscle was 5 to 6.5 and 4 to 6 mm, respectively, and the operation time of each muscle was 7 to 14 minutes (mean ± standard deviation: 10.59 ± 2.38 minutes). Two superior rectus muscles were recessed 7 and 9 mm and the operation time was 8 and 10 minutes, respectively. Two inferior rectus muscles were recessed 4 and 5 mm and the operation time was 7 and 9 minutes, respectively. In addition, the operation time of each oblique muscle was 6 to 10 minutes (mean ± standard deviation: 8.57 ± 1.40 minutes). All patients recovered ocular alignment with no adverse reaction in eyes on the first day after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: With the assistance of the novel fixable instruments, the surgeon can easily perform routine strabismus surgeries even without surgical assistants. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XX-XX.].

A ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetry dual-signal sensing strategy based on o-phenylenediamine and AuNCs for determination of Cu2+ and glyphosate.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensing strategy has been developed for the determination of Cu2+ and glyphosate with high sensitivity and specificity based on OPD (o-phenylenediamine) and glutathione-stabilized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs). Water-soluble 1.75-nm size GSH-AuNCs with strong red fluorescence and maximum emission wavelength at 682 nm were synthesized using GSH as the template. OPD was oxidized by Cu2+, which produced the bright yellow fluorescence oxidation product 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) with a maximum fluorescence emission peak at 570 nm. When glyphosate existed in the system, the chelation between glyphosate and Cu2+ hindered the formation of DAP and reduced the fluorescence intensity of the system at the wavelength of 570 nm. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity at the wavelength of 682 nm remained basically stable. It exhibited a good linear relationship towards Cu2+ and glyphosate in water in the range 1.0-10 µM and 0.050-3.0 µg/mL with a detection limit of 0.547 µM and 0.0028 µg/mL, respectively. The method was also used for the semi-quantitative determination of Cu2+ and glyphosate in water by fluorescence color changes visually detected by the naked eyes in the range 1.0-10 µM and 0.30-3.0 µg/mL, respectively. The sensing strategy showed higher sensitivity, more obvious color changes, and better disturbance performance, satisfying with the detection demands of Cu2+ and glyphosate in environmental water samples. The study provides a reliable detection strategy in the environment safety fields.

A universal electrochemical biosensor based on CRISPR/Cas12a and a DNA tetrahedron for ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection.

Herein, a universal nucleic acid analysis platform was constructed for sensitive and accurate detection of miRNA-155 and ctDNA using isothermal amplification-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a and a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN) supported sensing interface. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the prepared sensor achieved specific detection of miRNA-155 and ctDNA at as low as aM levels in 2.6 h. Furthermore, the platform was also successfully applied to human serum sample recovery experiments and cancer cell lysates, demonstrating outstanding reliability and accuracy. We firmly believe that this work provides a universal, sensitive, and practical tool for early clinical diagnosis.

Efficacy of the efficacy between dexamethasone versus triamcinolone acetonide after cataract surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effects between dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation among cataract patients. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published up to August 2020. The primary outcome was intraocular pressure. The secondary outcomes were the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), anterior chamber cell, and anterior chamber flare. The pooled effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) of 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale criteria were used for the quality assessment of included studies. RESULTS: Seven relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. For the primary outcome, there was no significant difference between TA injection and dexamethasone in comparing intraocular pressure (IOP) (SMD = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.29, 0.73], P = .408; I²â€…= 86.9%) in the first day after treatment and last day of assessment. For the secondary outcomes, the logMAR (WMD = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.06, 0.08]) and the anterior chamber flare (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.18], P = .087; I²â€…= 0%) showed no differences. However, the amount of anterior chamber cells (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.01], P = .044; I²â€…= 0%) in the TA injection on the first day postoperative was higher than for dexamethasone. After treatment, there was no difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that there were no differences in IOP, logMAR, and anterior chamber flare between TA injection and dexamethasone among cataract patients. TA injection treatment on the first day showed higher amounts of anterior chamber cells than with dexamethasone.

Role of Gpr124 in the Migration and Proliferation of Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Microangiopathies in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Retinal microangiopathies, such as neovascularization and preretinal and vitreous hemorrhages, are the primary pathological features of diabetic retinopathy (DR). These conditions can worsen visual impairment and may result in blindness. Furthermore, multiple metabolic pathways are associated with microangiopathy in DR. However, the specific underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Several studies have demonstrated the important role of G protein-coupled receptor 124 (Gpr124) in cerebral vascular endothelial cells, but its effect on the retinal endothelium has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that Gpr124 is expressed in both pathological retinal fibrous vascular membranes of DR patients and retinal blood vessels of mice, with elevated protein expression specifically observed in the retinas of DR model mice. Furthermore, Gpr124 expression was elevated after high-glucose treatment of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). Inhibition of Gpr124 expression affected the high glucose-induced proliferation, migration, and tube-forming ability of HRMECs. We concluded that Gpr124 expression was upregulated in DR and promoted HRMECs angiogenesis in a high-glucose environment. This finding may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of DR and provide a critical research basis for identifying effective treatments.

Syngeneic mesenchymal stem cells loaded with telomerase-dependent oncolytic adenoviruses enhance anti-metastatic efficacy.

Oncolytic adenoviruses have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. However, systemic delivery of the viruses to metastatic tumors remains a major challenge. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess tumor tropism property and can be used as cellular vehicles for delivering oncolytic adenoviruses to tumor sites. Since telomerase activity is found in ~90% of human carcinomas, but undetected in normal adult cells, the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (TERT) promoter can be exploited for regulating the replication of oncolytic adenoviruses. Here, we evaluated the antitumor effects of syngeneic murine MSCs loaded with the luciferase-expressing, telomerase-dependent oncolytic adenovirus Ad.GS2 (MSC-Ad.GS2) and Ad.GS2 alone on metastatic MBT-2 bladder tumors. MSCs supported a low degree of Ad.GS2 replication, which could be augmented by coculture with MBT-2 cells or tumor-conditioned medium (TCM), suggesting that viral replication is increased when MSC-Ad.GS2 migrates to tumor sites. MBT-2 cells and TCM enhanced viral replication in Ad.GS2-infected MSCs. SDF-1 is a stem cell homing factor. Our results suggest that the SDF-1/STAT3/TERT signaling axis in MSCs in response to the tumor microenvironment may contribute to the enhanced replication of Ad.GS2 carried by MSCs. Notably, we demonstrate the potent therapeutic efficacy of systemically delivered MSC-Ad.GS2 in pleural disseminated tumor and experimental metastasis models using intrapleural and tail vein injection of MBT-2 cells, respectively. Treatment with MSC-Ad.GS2 significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged the survival of mice bearing metastatic bladder tumors. Since telomerase is expressed in a broad spectrum of cancers, this therapeutic strategy may be broadly applicable.

The safety and efficacy of myomectomy in the treatment of recurrent uterine fibroids after HIFU.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myomectomy for recurrent uterine fibroids (UFs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy (AM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) from January 2018 to December 2021 at the Three Gorges Hospital of Chongqing University were included. Among them, 73 had undergone prior HIFU ablation (Group 1), while 120 had not undergone HIFU (Group 2). Outcome measures included operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, postoperative activity times (PAT), duration of hospital stay (DOHS), and complications. RESULTS: The operating time was 90.0 min (70.5, 115.0) for Group 1 and 110.0 min (81.5, 130.0) for Group 2 (P < 0.05). During all AM pathways, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications; however, operating time was shorter in Group 1. The operating time, EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications were similar in both groups during LM pathway. During the follow-up 40 (range: 24-53) months, the rate of relief, recurrence, and reintervention in Groups 1 and 2 was 78.1% versus 74.1%, 14.6% versus 16.4%, and 3.7% versus 2.6%, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Myomectomy is a safe and effective surgical method for treating recurrent UFs after HIFU. Myomectomy for treating recurrent UFs resulted in a shorter operative and hospital stay, reduced blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and fewer complications, better symptom relief rates, and lower risk of recurrence or reintervention. These findings indicate that previous HIFU ablation does not worsen the outcomes of the subsequent myomectomy.

Construction of Chitosan-Modified Naphthalimide Fluorescence Probe for Selective Detection of Cu2.

A chitosan-based Cu2+ fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized independently using the C-2-amino group of chitosan with 1, 8-naphthalimide derivatives. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the optical properties of the grafted probe. The fluorescence quenching effect was investigated based on the interactions between the probe and common metals. It was found that the proposed probe displayed selective interaction with Cu2+ over other metal ions and anions, reaching equilibrium within 5 min.

Preparation of an injectable zinc-containing hydrogel with double dynamic bond and its potential application in the treatment of periodontitis.

Periodontal tissue regeneration continues to face significant clinical challenges. Periodontitis leads to alveolar bone resorption and even tooth loss due to persistent microbial infection and persistent inflammatory response. As a promising topical drug delivery system, the application of hydrogels in the controlled release of periodontal bioactive drugs has aroused great interest. Therefore, the design and preparation of an injectable hydrogel with self-repairing properties for periodontitis treatment is still in great demand. In this study, polysaccharide-based self-healing hydrogels with antimicrobial osteogenic properties were developed. Zinc ions are introduced into a dynamic cross-linking network formed by dynamic Schiff bases between carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized hyaluronic acid via coordination bonds. The OC-Zn hydrogels exhibited good tissue adhesion, good fatigue resistance, excellent self-healing ability, low cytotoxicity, good broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and osteogenic activity. Therefore, the designed hydrogels allow the development of drug delivery systems as a potential treatment for periodontitis.