Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral incision for the treatment of ureterocele in infants.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 28 cases of ureterocele admitted from March 2012 to May 2023 were reviewed, all of which were less than 1 year old, 16 male and 12 female, with an average age of(5.7±3.5)months. The ureterocele was located on the left side in 8 cases, on the right side in 15 cases, and bilaterally in 5 cases. There were 12 cases of single system ureterocele, of which 7 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral. Duplex system ureterocele was observed in 16 cases, all of which were unilateral. Clinical manifestations: urinary tract infection in 13 cases, 11 cases of ureterocele or hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation were found during antenatal examination, and 4 cases of ureterocele were found after birth. Urological ultrasound, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) were performed in all children, and 17 cases underwent magnetic resonance urolography (MRU), and confirm the diagnosis of ureterocele preoperatively. All of the cases were performed the transurethral incision.The ureterocele was punctured and incised 1-2 mm at the base of the bulge, and 2-4 points were punctured according to the bulge atrophy. Bilateral ureteroceles were punctured and incised simultaneously. Postoperative urine routine test, urinary tract color ultrasound and VCUG were performed to determine if there is urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation and bulging, and whether a second surgery is needed.Results:All operations were conducted successfully. The intraoperative bleeding was less than 3 ml and no intraoperative complications. The operative time was (28.4±10.3) min. The median postoperative follow-up was 34 (32, 36) months. Six cases underwent postoperative VCUG examination. Eleven children were recovered well with single systemic ureterocele. One child developed grade Ⅳ vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)and combined with bladder diverticulum, and ureterocele underwent open diverticulotomy and ureteral reimplantation six months after surgery. Nine children were recovered well with duplex systemic ureterocele. Six cases of children developed infection, of which 2 cases had an infection once within one month after TUI, and the other four cases still had intermittent infections after six months and VCUG was performed, and one case showed grade Ⅲ VUR of the lower ureter, which was observed conservatively, while the other three cases had enlarged cysts but no VUR, and upper heminephrectomy was performed, and the patients recovered well after surgery. Except for these 6 exceptions, in another case, after ten years of follow-up, the ureterocele became larger but no VUR, and the results were good after a second transurethral incision. There was no significant difference in the postoperative infections, new VUR cases, and secondary surgeries between the two groups.Conclusions:Transurethral incision has good surgical effect on children with single system ureterocele and duplex system ureterocele, and has advantages of easy operation, less trauma, safety and effectiveness, and few complications. It deserves to be recommended as the treatment of choice, especially for infants and young children.

Objective To investigate the influence factors of complications of CT-guided preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules.Methods The clinical data of 84 patients with preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules were retrospectively analyzed,including age,gender,lesion size,localization time,needle injection time and so on.The influence factors of complications of Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results All patients were successfully completed preoperative localization.It was found that 7 patients had locator needle decoupling.The incidences of irritating cough,pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax were 26.19％(22/84),22.62％(19/84)and 27.38％(23/84),respec-tively,all of which were relieved after symptomatic treatment.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that"risk period"time was the risk factor for locator needle decoupling[odds ratio(OR)=1.053,95％confidence interval(CI)1.011-1.113,P＜0.05].Localization time was the risk factor for irritating cough(OR=1.289,95％CI 1.096-1.575,P＜0.05)and pneumothorax(OR=1.271,95％CI 1.079-1.553,P＜0.05).Needle injection time was a risk factor for pulmonary hemorrhage(OR=28.58,95％CI 3.177-1 272,P＜0.05).Conclusion CT-guided preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules is safe and feasible."risk period"time,localization time and needle injection time are the influence factors of complications.

Objective To investigate the influence factors of complications of CT-guided preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules.Methods The clinical data of 84 patients with preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules were retrospectively analyzed,including age,gender,lesion size,localization time,needle injection time and so on.The influence factors of complications of Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results All patients were successfully completed preoperative localization.It was found that 7 patients had locator needle decoupling.The incidences of irritating cough,pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax were 26.19％(22/84),22.62％(19/84)and 27.38％(23/84),respec-tively,all of which were relieved after symptomatic treatment.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that"risk period"time was the risk factor for locator needle decoupling[odds ratio(OR)=1.053,95％confidence interval(CI)1.011-1.113,P＜0.05].Localization time was the risk factor for irritating cough(OR=1.289,95％CI 1.096-1.575,P＜0.05)and pneumothorax(OR=1.271,95％CI 1.079-1.553,P＜0.05).Needle injection time was a risk factor for pulmonary hemorrhage(OR=28.58,95％CI 3.177-1 272,P＜0.05).Conclusion CT-guided preoperative Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules is safe and feasible."risk period"time,localization time and needle injection time are the influence factors of complications.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral incision for the treatment of ureterocele in infants.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 28 cases of ureterocele admitted from March 2012 to May 2023 were reviewed, all of which were less than 1 year old, 16 male and 12 female, with an average age of(5.7±3.5)months. The ureterocele was located on the left side in 8 cases, on the right side in 15 cases, and bilaterally in 5 cases. There were 12 cases of single system ureterocele, of which 7 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral. Duplex system ureterocele was observed in 16 cases, all of which were unilateral. Clinical manifestations: urinary tract infection in 13 cases, 11 cases of ureterocele or hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation were found during antenatal examination, and 4 cases of ureterocele were found after birth. Urological ultrasound, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) were performed in all children, and 17 cases underwent magnetic resonance urolography (MRU), and confirm the diagnosis of ureterocele preoperatively. All of the cases were performed the transurethral incision.The ureterocele was punctured and incised 1-2 mm at the base of the bulge, and 2-4 points were punctured according to the bulge atrophy. Bilateral ureteroceles were punctured and incised simultaneously. Postoperative urine routine test, urinary tract color ultrasound and VCUG were performed to determine if there is urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation and bulging, and whether a second surgery is needed.Results:All operations were conducted successfully. The intraoperative bleeding was less than 3 ml and no intraoperative complications. The operative time was (28.4±10.3) min. The median postoperative follow-up was 34 (32, 36) months. Six cases underwent postoperative VCUG examination. Eleven children were recovered well with single systemic ureterocele. One child developed grade Ⅳ vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)and combined with bladder diverticulum, and ureterocele underwent open diverticulotomy and ureteral reimplantation six months after surgery. Nine children were recovered well with duplex systemic ureterocele. Six cases of children developed infection, of which 2 cases had an infection once within one month after TUI, and the other four cases still had intermittent infections after six months and VCUG was performed, and one case showed grade Ⅲ VUR of the lower ureter, which was observed conservatively, while the other three cases had enlarged cysts but no VUR, and upper heminephrectomy was performed, and the patients recovered well after surgery. Except for these 6 exceptions, in another case, after ten years of follow-up, the ureterocele became larger but no VUR, and the results were good after a second transurethral incision. There was no significant difference in the postoperative infections, new VUR cases, and secondary surgeries between the two groups.Conclusions:Transurethral incision has good surgical effect on children with single system ureterocele and duplex system ureterocele, and has advantages of easy operation, less trauma, safety and effectiveness, and few complications. It deserves to be recommended as the treatment of choice, especially for infants and young children.

Abstract: Objective To express Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2626c protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and study the antigenicity of the purified recombinant Rv2626c protein. Methods The amino acid sequence of Rv2626c protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain (accession number: CCP45424.1) in GenBank was retrieved and converted into the corresponding DNA sequence according to the codon preference of E. coli. This DNA sequence was synthesized and cloned into pET24a(+) plasmid to construct pET24a(+)-Rv2626c recombinant plasmid. This plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) cells, and the expression of Rv2626c protein was induced under various conditions of isopropyl β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentrations, temperature, and period. The recombinant Rv2626c protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. The recombinant Rv2626c protein was purified by nickel chelate affinity chromatography and used to immunize violet blue rabbits to prepare anti-Rv2626c anti-serum. The specificity and titer of the serum were respectively detected by Western Blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The recombinant plasmid pET24a(+)-Rv2626c was successfully constructed. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that recombinant Rv2626c was expressed in the recombinant plasmid transformed E. coli with IPTG induction, with a molecular weight of about 14 500, and the size was consistent with the expectation. The optimal expression condition for recombinant Rv2626c protein was at 31 ℃ with 1.0 mmol/L IPTG for 6 hours. The target protein was mainly present in a soluble form, which was consistent with the results of Western blot. The hyperimmunized serum with recombinant Rv2626c protein vaccination showed good specificity, with a titer of 1∶ 256 000 detected by ELISA. Conclusions Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2626c protein is successfully expressed in E. coli, and the purified protein has good purity and antigenic activity, laying the foundation for further reveals of its biological functions.

Objective: To analyze the association between different sleep behaviors and overweight and obesity of junior high school students in Yangzhou City, and to provide a basis for policies and interventions related to adolescent health management. Methods: A total of 1 589 students in grades 7-9 from two middle schools in Yangzhou City were selected using the cluster sampling method and were administered with sleep time, bedtime, social jetlag difference, and sleep habits. Results: Totally 64.38% were sleep deprived during the school days, 86.78% went to bed too late, 46.51% had a social jetlag of ≥1 h, and 37.44% took a nap every day(Incluldes holidays and school days). Social jetlag length was statistically different between grades( F =6.97, P < 0.01 ). Girls[(0.95±0.65)h] shown significantly higher social jetlag than the boys[(0.76±0.59)h]( t=6.19, P <0.01). Later bedtime on weekends, later wake up time on weekends and poor sleep behavior were risk factors for overweight and obesity in junior high school students( OR=1.20, 1.14, 1.04, P <0.05). Conclusion Junior high school students had less sleep and later bedtimes with the increase of grade, and weekend bedtimes,wake up times and poor sleep behavior were independently associated with the risk of overweight and obesity in junior high school students. Parents and schools should be instructed to pay attention to their sleep health and carry out adolescent sleep health guidance.

Lipophagy, the selective engulfment of lipid droplets (LDs) by autophagosomes for lysosomal degradation, is critical to lipid and energy homeostasis. Here we show that the lipid transfer protein ORP8 is located on LDs and mediates the encapsulation of LDs by autophagosomal membranes. This function of ORP8 is independent of its lipid transporter activity and is achieved through direct interaction with phagophore-anchored LC3/GABARAPs. Upon lipophagy induction, ORP8 has increased localization on LDs and is phosphorylated by AMPK, thereby enhancing its affinity for LC3/GABARAPs. Deletion of ORP8 or interruption of ORP8-LC3/GABARAP interaction results in accumulation of LDs and increased intracellular triglyceride. Overexpression of ORP8 alleviates LD and triglyceride deposition in the liver of ob/ob mice, and Osbpl8-/- mice exhibit liver lipid clearance defects. Our results suggest that ORP8 is a lipophagy receptor that plays a key role in cellular lipid metabolism.
Animals ; Mice ; Lipid Droplets ; Autophagy ; Autophagosomes ; Homeostasis ; Triglycerides

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is rare in clinic. In the past, routine examination and diagnosis were difficult, easy to be misdiagnosed. The daily operations were mostly completed through the groin area or abdominal incision, the wound is large. The application of laparoscopy can clearly diagnose the abdominoscrotal hydrocele through "springing back ball" sign, and can cure the disease by laparoscopic resection of interperitoneal mass and closure of the internal ring. It is worthy of clinical application. In this article, we summarized and analyzed the clinical experience of 15 cases of children with abdominoscrotal hydrocele diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy, to explore the value of the laparoscopic technology in the diagnosis and treatment of the abdominoscrotal hydrocele.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis are major pathological manifestations observed in left ventricular remodeling induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been reported to ameliorate cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis in myocardial infarction (MI) through mechano-transduction and its downstream pathways. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether LIPUS could exert a protective effect by ameliorating AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and if so, to further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: We used AngII to mimic animal and cell culture models of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. LIPUS irradiation was applied in vivo for 20 min every 2 d from one week before mini-pump implantation to four weeks after mini-pump implantation, and in vitro for 20 min on each of two occasions 6 h apart. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis levels were then evaluated by echocardiographic, histopathological, and molecular biological methods. RESULTS: Our results showed that LIPUS could ameliorate left ventricular remodeling in vivo and cardiac fibrosis in vitro by reducing AngII-induced release of inflammatory cytokines, but the protective effects on cardiac hypertrophy were limited in vitro. Given that LIPUS increased the expression of caveolin-1 in response to mechanical stimulation, we inhibited caveolin-1 activity with pyrazolopyrimidine 2 (pp2) in vivo and in vitro. LIPUS-induced downregulation of inflammation was reversed and the anti-fibrotic effects of LIPUS were absent. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that LIPUS could ameliorate AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis by alleviating inflammation via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway, providing new insights for the development of novel therapeutic apparatus in clinical practice.