Objective: To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children. Methods: From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices. Results: The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05). Conclusions School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.

BACKGROUND:Precision therapy based on multifunctional nanomaterials is a novel therapeutic model for malignancies that can integrate multiple imaging and therapeutic models into one nanoscale platform to achieve visual combination treatment. OBJECTIVE:To prepare novel nanoparticles loaded with Cu2(OH)PO4 nanoparticles(CuNPs)and nuciferine(NF)(h-PCuNF),and to explore their ability to mediate combined photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy for malignancy. METHODS:The h-PCuNF nanoparticles were synthesized through a double-emulsion procedure,through which the CuNPs and NF were loaded into the shell of hollow poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid nanocarriers.The morphology,structure,particle size,and zeta potential of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles were characterized.In deionized water,the magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal conversion performances of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles,as well as their capability to implement reactive oxygen species production by mediating photocatalysis and Fenton-like reactions,were evaluated.In liver malignant tumor cell line HepG2 cells,the effectiveness of the photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy combination therapy mediated by the nanoparticles was detected by employing fluorescence imaging and MTT assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The h-PCuNF nanoparticles possessed a hollow spherical structure in which the CuNPs(drug loading rate and encapsulation rate were 26.3%and 63.2%,respectively)and NF(drug loading rate and encapsulation rate were 11.0%and 52.6%,respectively)were loaded into the shell.The average particle size of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles was(309.2±10.0)nm,while the zeta potential was determined to be(-12.5±0.9)mV.In physiological environments,the nanoparticles possess favorable suspension stability.(2)In deionized water,the h-PCuNF nanoparticles could markedly enhance T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging images.The h-PCuNF nanoparticles showed remarkable photothermal conversion and photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation capabilities under near infrared laser irradiation.In addition,the h-PCuNF nanoparticles could consume glutathione and mediate Fenton-like reactions to produce·OH.(3)The h-PCuNF nanoparticles could be taken up by HepG2 tumor cells and were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm.The synergistic therapeutic effect was demonstrated after the nanoparticles were activated by near infrared laser irradiation,because CuNPs mediated photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy and NF mediated chemotherapy could synergistically eliminate the tumor cells.

BACKGROUND:Hydrogels have become a research hotspot due to their unique advantages in the biomedical field due to their superior mechanical and biological properties.At present,related research involves tissue engineering,wound dressing and so on. OBJECTIVE:To review the advantages and properties of hydrogels and the research progress of their application in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects,discuss the current limitations and challenges of hydrogels in application and promotion,and provide new ideas for future research directions. METHODS:Relevant literature was searched in PubMed,CNKI,and WanFang database by computer.The search terms were"hydrogel,oral and maxillofacial defects,mechanical properties,tissue engineering,wound dressing"in Chinese and"hydrogel,oral and maxillofacial defects,mechanical properties,guided tissue regeneration,wound dressing"in English.Preliminary screening was carried out by reading titles and abstracts,and articles not related to the topic of the article were excluded.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,108 articles were finally included for the result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The hydrogel has good biological activity,mechanical controllability,and stimulation response.(2)Polymer,metal,and ceramic hydrogel composites have appropriate mechanical properties,biodegradability,and controlled release rate,which are suitable for maxillofacial bone tissue engineering.(3)Fibrin-based hydrogel could fill the hollow nerve conduit through the nerve defect area and promote the regeneration and growth of axons to restore the function of maxillofacial nerve.(4)Controlling the interaction between nanomaterials and hydrogels can improve the formation of muscle fiber oriented structure to promote maxillofacial muscle tissue regeneration.(5)Polysaccharide hydrogel has gradually become the first choice for repairing irregular periodontal defects due to its ability to control drug delivery,carry bioactive molecules,and combine with other materials to produce the best scaffold matching the extracellular matrix.(6)Calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate-based hydrogels can be used to fill irregular or fine tissue defects and remineralize hard tissues.The self-assembled hydrogels are simple to prepare and have good biological activity.(7)Salivary gland-derived extracellular matrix-like gel is expected to participate in the treatment of many salivary gland diseases.(8)Hydrogels can be used as wound dressings in combination with biological adhesives,acellular biomaterials,antimicrobials,antioxidants,or stem cells to treat various wounds.(9)Fibrin-based hydrogel has the most potential in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.It has excellent biocompatibility,flexibility,and plasticity.It can combine with cells,extracellular matrix proteins,and various growth factors,and promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells,axon regeneration and growth,angiogenesis,myotube differentiation,salivary gland tissue regeneration,and periodontal tissue regeneration.It has a broad prospect in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.However,its therapeutic effect depends on the function of the substance carried.The complex preparation process,its safety and long-term efficacy,and the special anatomical oral and maxillofacial structure is the problem that hinders its promotion,which also provides directions for future research.

AIM: To investigate the effect of corneal topography-guided phacoemulsification with transparent corneal incision on cataract patients.METHODS:A total of 92 cataract patients(92 eyes)admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to February 2023 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group(46 eyes)received the conventional 11:00 clear corneal incision scheme, and the study group(46 eyes)received the steepest meridian clear corneal incision scheme. The uncorrected visual acuity, corneal surface morphology indicators, including surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI), and cylinder(CYL), subjective dry eye symptoms questionnaire scoring scale(SDES), tear film break-up time(BUT), and complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:All patients completed the follow-up. The uncorrected visual acuity of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); there were statistical significance in the SAI and CYL of both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the fluctuation levels of SDES and BUT in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at different time points after surgery(all P<0.05); and there was no statistical difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Under the guidance of corneal topography, phacoemulsification through the transparent corneal incision of the steepest meridian of the cornea can improve the uncorrected visual acuity of cataract patients, restore the corneal surface morphology, and have few complications.

AIM: To investigate the effect of corneal topography-guided phacoemulsification with transparent corneal incision on cataract patients.METHODS:A total of 92 cataract patients(92 eyes)admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to February 2023 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group(46 eyes)received the conventional 11:00 clear corneal incision scheme, and the study group(46 eyes)received the steepest meridian clear corneal incision scheme. The uncorrected visual acuity, corneal surface morphology indicators, including surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI), and cylinder(CYL), subjective dry eye symptoms questionnaire scoring scale(SDES), tear film break-up time(BUT), and complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS:All patients completed the follow-up. The uncorrected visual acuity of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); there were statistical significance in the SAI and CYL of both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the fluctuation levels of SDES and BUT in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at different time points after surgery(all P<0.05); and there was no statistical difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Under the guidance of corneal topography, phacoemulsification through the transparent corneal incision of the steepest meridian of the cornea can improve the uncorrected visual acuity of cataract patients, restore the corneal surface morphology, and have few complications.

Antibiotic adjuvants offer a promising strategy for restoring antibiotic sensitivity, expanding antibacterial spectra, and reducing required dosages. Previously, compound 15 was identified as a potential adjuvant for Polymyxin B (PB) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa DK2; however, its clinical utility was hindered by high cytotoxicity, uncertain in vivo efficacy, and an unclear synergetic mechanism. To address these challenges, we synthesized and evaluated a series of novel benzamide derivatives, with A22 emerging as a particularly promising candidate. A22 demonstrated potent synergistic activity to PB, minimal cytotoxicity, improved water solubility, and broad-spectrum synergism of polymyxins against various clinically isolated MDR Gram-negative strains. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse models further confirmed the efficacy of A22. Moreover, A22 effectively suppressed the development of PB resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DK2. Mechanistic investigations revealed that A22 enhances polymyxins activity by inducing reactive oxygen species production, reducing ATP levels, increasing NOX activity, and inhibiting biofilm formation, leading to bacterial death. These findings position A22 as a highly promising candidate for the development of polymyxin adjuvants, offering a robust approach to combating MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Adenosine, a critical molecule regulating cellular function both inside and outside cells, is controlled by two human adenosine deaminases: ADA1 and ADA2. While ADA1 primarily resides in the cytoplasm, ADA2 can be transported to lysosomes within cells or secreted outside the cell. Patients with ADA2 deficiency (DADA2) often suffer from systemic vasculitis due to elevated levels of TNF-α in their blood. Monocytes from DADA2 patients exhibit excessive TNF-α secretion and differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that ADA2 localizes to endolysosomes within macrophages, and its intracellular concentration decreases in cells secreting TNF-α. This suggests that ADA2 may function as a lysosomal adenosine deaminase, regulating TNF-α expression by the cells. Interestingly, pneumonia patients exhibit higher ADA2 concentrations in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), correlating with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Conversely, cord blood has low ADA2 levels, creating a more immunosuppressive environment. Additionally, secreted ADA2 can bind to apoptotic cells, activating immune cells by reducing extracellular adenosine levels. These findings imply that ADA2 release from monocytes during inflammation, triggered by growth factors, may be crucial for cell activation. Targeting intracellular and extracellular ADA2 activities could pave the way for novel therapies in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Humans ; Adenosine Deaminase/deficiency* ; Monocytes/cytology* ; Cell Differentiation ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Pneumonia/metabolism*

L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis* ; Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Fermentation ; NADP/biosynthesis*

Objective To screen and analyze the influencing factors of severity in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicating cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods A total of 519 pa-tients with T2DM complicating CSVD admitted and treated in Nanjing Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chi-nese Medicine from June 2018 to May 2023 were selected and divided into the mild group (n=214) and the se-vere group (n=305) according to the CSVD imageological score.The relevant demographic,laboratory and imageological indicators were collected.The influencing factors of T2DM complicating CSVD were screened out by the LASSO and Logistic regression analysis and the predictive model was established.The receiver op-erating characteristic (ROC) curve,goodness of fit evaluation and restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitting curve were drawn to analyze the dose-response relationship between Cys C,albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio with the disease severity.Results The male proportion and age in the severe group were greater than those in the mild group,neutrophil,systemic immune-inflammation index (SII),creatinine (Crea),uric acid (UA),Urea (Ure-a),D-dimer (D-D),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),adenosine deaminase (ADA),globulin (GLB) and Cys C were higher than those in the mild group,lymphocyte,ALT,High density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C),serum cholinesterase (CHE),prealbumin (PAB),and A/G were lower than those in the mild group,and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).LASSO and logistic regression analysis showed that the gender,age,A/G and Cys C were the independent influencing factors in the patients with T2DM complicating CSVD.The area under the curve (AUC) of this model was 0.658 (95%CI:0.610-0.706) with goodness of fit (P=0.520).The RCS fitting curves showed that serum Cys C≥0.618 mg/L had a linear relationship with CSVD imageological score (P=0.035),and A/G≥1.268 had a nonlinear relationship with CSVD imageologi-cal score (P=0.007).Conclusion The advanced age,male,increased Cys C level and decreased A/G in the pa-tients with T2DM complicating CSVD are the independent risk factors for the severity of whole brain damage.

Objective To screen the characteristic factors of renal impairment occurrence in the patients with hyperuricemia,and to analyze its diagnostic value and establish a diagnostic model.Methods A total of 2405 inpatients with diagnosed hyperuricemia in the Nanjing Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medi-cine,Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2018 to December 2022 were selected and divided into the kidney lesion group (n=1343) and the non-kidney lesion group (n=1062) according to eGFR.The characteristic factors of hyperuricemia caused renal impairment were screened and analyzed by Lasso and logistic regression and the diagnostic model was constructed.The diagnostic value of characteristic factors and diagnostic model were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve,and the change rule between the characteristic factors and the results was found by the restricted cubic splines (RCS) fitting.Results The age,uric acid (UA),cystatin-C (Cys-C) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were the characteristic factors of hyperuricemia caused renal impairment.The combined diagnostic model:logit (P)=-8.70+0.602×age (10 years old)+0.033×UA (10 μmol/L)+0.277×Cys-C (0.1 mg/L)+0.189×RBP (10 mg/L),the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the combined diagnosis model was 0.893 (95％CI:0.880-0.905).For every 10 μmol/L increase in blood UA,the risk of renal impairment occurrence in hyperurice-mia was increased by 3％;for every 10 years increase in age,the risk of renal impairment occurrence in hyperu-ricemia was increased by 83％;for every 10 mg/L increase in RBP,the risk of kidney damage occurrence of re-nal impairment in hyperuricemia was increased by 21％;for every 0.1 mg/L increase in Cys-C,the risk of re-nal impairment occurrence in hyperuricemia was increased by 32％.Conclusion The combined diagnostic model for whether the renal impairment in the patients with hyperuricemia occurring has good diagnostic val-ue,and Cys-C deserves more attention.