-
1.
Growth mechanism prediction for nanoparticles via structure matching polymerization.
Liu, YR, Jiang, Y
Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP. 2024;(2):1267-1273
Abstract
Exploring structural and component evolution remains a challenging scientific problem for nanoscience. We propose a novel approach called principle of minimization of structure matching polymerization (SMP) change to rapidly explore the global minimum structure on the potential energy surface (PES). The new method can map low-dimensional stable structures to high-dimensional local minima, and this will make it possible for us to study the growth mechanisms of nanoparticles. Some new lowest-energy structures were found by SMP methods for sulfuric acid (SA)-dimethylamine (DMA) systems relative to previous studies. Additionally, we found that the growth process of boron clusters is mainly that the small-size boron clusters are continuously added to large-size boron clusters by structure matching for Bn (n = 2-36) systems, Bm + Bk → Bn, where m + k = n and 1 ≤ k ≤ 3. The SMP approach can greatly improve the search efficiency of other unbiased global optimization algorithms, such as basin-hopping (BH) and genetic algorithm (GA), with an enhancement of up to 19- and 7-fold relative to traditional BH and GA algorithms for searching the global minima of Bn (n = 14-22) systems. The SMP approach is general and flexible and can be applied to different kinds of problems, such as material structure design, crystal structure prediction, and new drug generation.
-
2.
Short-term effects of ambient gaseous air pollution on blood platelet mitochondrial DNA methylation and myocardial ischemia.
Jiang, Y, Chen, J, Guo, L, Lan, Y, Li, G, Liu, Q, Li, H, Deng, F, Guo, X, Wu, S
Environment international. 2024;:108533
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential effects of short-term exposure to major ambient gaseous pollutants (ozone: O3, carbon monoxide: CO, and sulfur dioxide: SO2) on platelet mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation have been uncertain and no studies have examined whether platelet mtDNA methylation levels could modify the associations between ambient gaseous pollutants and the risks of ST-segment depression (STDE) and T-wave inversion events (TIE), two indicators of myocardial ischemia. METHODS This study used data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study with a standardized 24-hour exposure protocol among 110 participants in Beijing. Absolute changes in platelet mtDNA methylation (ACmtDNAm) levels were determined by two repeated measurements on platelet mtDNA methylation levels in blood samples collected before and after the 24-hour exposure period. A multivariable linear regression model and a generalized linear model with a Poisson link function were used to investigate the associations of ambient gaseous pollutants with platelet mtDNA methylation levels, STDE, and TIE, respectively. RESULTS Short-term O3 exposure was significantly associated with decreased ACmtDNAm at ATP6_P1 but increased ACmtDNAm at mt12sRNA, MT-COX1, and MT-COX1_P2; short-term CO and SO2 exposures were significantly associated with decreased ACmtDNAm at D-loop, MT-COX3- and ATP-related genes. Moreover, short-term O3 exposure was significantly associated with increased risks of STDE and TIE, and ACmtDNAm at MT-COX1 and MT-COX1_P2 modified the association between short-term O3 exposure and STDE events. L-Arg supplementation attenuated the effects of ambient gaseous pollutants, particularly O3, on ACmtDNAm and STDE. CONCLUSIONS Platelet mtDNA methylation levels are promising biomarkers of short-term exposure to ambient gaseous air pollution, and are likely implicated in the mechanism behind the association of ambient O3 pollution with adverse cardiovascular effects. L-Arg supplementation showed the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of ambient O3 pollution.
-
3.
Perioperative oxygenation impairment related to type a aortic dissection.
Liu, Q, Guan, Y, Yang, X, Jiang, Y, Hei, F
Perfusion. 2024;:2676591231224997
Abstract
Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and poor prognosis, usually treated by surgery. There are many complications in its perioperative period, one of which is oxygenation impairment (OI). As a common complication of TAAD, OI usually occurs throughout the perioperative period of TAAD and requires prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and other supportive measures. The purpose of this article is to review the risk factors, mechanisms, and treatments of type A aortic dissection-related oxygenation impairment (TAAD-OI) so as to improve clinicians' knowledge about it. Among risk factors, elevated body mass index (BMI), prolonged extracorporeal circulation (ECC) duration, higher inflammatory cells and stored blood transfusion stand out. A reduced occurrence of TAAD-OI can be achieved by controlling these risk factors such as suppressing inflammatory response by drugs. As for its mechanism, it is currently believed that inflammatory signaling pathways play a major role in this process, including the HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway, gut-lung axis and macrophage, which have been gradually explored and are expected to provide evidences revealing the specific mechanism of TAAD-OI. Numerous treatments have been investigated for TAAD-OI, such as nitric oxide (NO), continuous pulmonary perfusion/inflation, ulinastatin and sivelestat sodium, immunomodulation intervention and mechanical support. However, these measures are all aimed at postoperative TAAD-OI, and not all of the therapies have shown satisfactory effects. Treatments for preoperative TAAD-OI are not currently available because it is difficult to correct OI without correcting the dissection. Therefore, the best solution for preoperative TAAD-OI is to operate as soon as possible. At present, there is no specific method for clinical application, and it relies more on the experience of clinicians or learns from treatments of other diseases related to oxygenation disorders. More efforts should be made to understand its pathogenesis to better improve its treatments in the future.
-
4.
A comprehensive review of phytochemicals targeting macrophages for the regulation of colorectal cancer progression.
Yang, Y, Zhao, M, Kuang, Q, You, F, Jiang, Y
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2024;:155451
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytochemicals are natural compounds derived from plants, and are now at the forefront of anti-cancer research. Macrophage immunotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the context of colorectal cancer, which remains highly prevalent and difficult to treat, it is of research value to explore the potential mechanisms and efficacy of phytochemicals targeting macrophages for CRC treatment. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to gain insight into the role of phytochemical-macrophage interactions in regulating CRC and to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the future. STUDY DESIGN This review discusses the potential immune mechanisms of phytochemicals for the treatment of CRC by summarizing research of phytochemicals targeting macrophages. METHODS We reviewed the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases from their initial establishment to July 2023 to classify and summaries phytochemicals according to their mechanism of action in targeting macrophages. RESULTS The results of the literature review suggest that phytochemicals interfere with CRC development by affecting macrophages through four main mechanisms. Firstly, they modulate the production of cytotoxic substances, such as NO and ROS, by macrophages to exert anticancer effects. Secondly, phytochemicals polarize macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, inhibit M2 polarisation and enhance the anti-tumour immune responses. Thirdly, they enhance the secretion of macrophage-derived cytokines and alter the tumour microenvironment, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Finally, they activate the immune response by targeting macrophages, triggering the recruitment of other immune cells, thereby enhancing the immune killing effect and exerting anti-tumor effects. These findings highlight phytochemicals as potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in colorectal cancer development by modulating macrophage activity, providing a strong theoretical basis for future clinical applications. CONCLUSION Phytochemicals exhibit potential anti-tumour effects by modulating macrophage activity and intervening in the colorectal cancer microenvironment by multiple mechanisms.
-
5.
Risk factors for postoperative delirium in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lu, S, Jiang, Y, Meng, F, Xie, X, Wang, D, Su, Y
Journal of cardiothoracic surgery. 2024;(1):16
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is a common postoperative complication among patients who undergo Stanford Type A aortic dissection (TAAD). It is associated with increased mortality, as well as other serious surgical outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for delirium in TAAD patients. METHODS Pubmed, Web of science, Embase, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL were searched by computer to collect literatures on risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) after TAAD. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to September 2022. After literature screening, two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data were extracted according to standard protocols, and then meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software. RESULTS A total of 9 articles, comprising 7 case-control studies and 2 cohort studies, were included in this analysis. The sample size consisted of 2035 patients. POD was associated with increased length of ICU stay (MD 3.24, 95% CI 0.18-6.31, p = 0.04) and length of hospital stay (MD 9.34, 95% CI 7.31-11.37, p < 0.0001) in TAAD patients. Various perioperative risk factors were identified, including age (MD 4.40, 95% CI 2.06-6.73, p = 0.0002), preoperative low hemoglobin levels (MD - 4.44, 95% CI - 7.67 to - 1.20, p = 0.007), body mass index (MD 0.92, 95% CI 0.22-1.63, p = 0.01), history of cardiac surgery (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.20-7.83, p = 0.02), preoperative renal insufficiency (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.04-6.04, p = 0.04), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration (MD 19.54, 95% CI 6.34-32.74, p = 0.004), surgery duration (MD 44.88, 95% CI 5.99-83.78, p = 0.02), mechanical ventilation time (SMD 1.14, 95% CI 0.34-1.94, p = 0.005), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score (MD 2.67, 95% CI 0.37-4.98, p = 0.02), postoperative renal insufficiency (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.40-5.68, p = 0.004), electrolyte disturbance (OR 6.22, 95% CI 3.08-12.54, p < 0.0001) and hypoxemia (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.70-7.44, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS POD can prolong ICU stay and hospital stay in TAAD patients. This study identified a number of risk factors for POD after TAAD, suggesting the possibility of early identification of high-risk patients using relevant data.
-
6.
Phase 1 trial of navitoclax and sorafenib in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors with hepatocellular carcinoma expansion cohort.
Emiloju, OE, Yin, J, Koubek, E, Reid, JM, Borad, MJ, Lou, Y, Seetharam, M, Edelman, MJ, Sausville, EA, Jiang, Y, et al
Investigational new drugs. 2024;(1):127-135
Abstract
Navitoclax (ABT-263) is an oral BCL2 homology-3 mimetic that binds with high affinity to pro-survival BCL2 proteins, resulting in apoptosis. Sorafenib, an oral multi kinase inhibitor also promotes apoptosis and inhibits tumor angiogenesis. The efficacy of either agent alone is limited; however, preclinical studies demonstrate synergy with the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib. In this phase 1 study, we evaluated the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib in a dose escalation cohort of patients with refractory solid tumors, with an expansion cohort in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined using the continual reassessment method. Navitoclax and sorafenib were administered continuously on days 1 through 21 of 21-day cycles. Ten patients were enrolled in the dose escalation cohort and 15 HCC patients were enrolled in the expansion cohort. Two dose levels were tested, and the MTD was navitoclax 150 mg daily plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Among all patients, the most common grade 3 toxicity was thrombocytopenia (5 patients, 20%): there were no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Patients received a median of 2 cycles (range 1-36 cycles) and all patients were off study treatment at data cut off. Six patients in the expansion cohort had stable disease, and there were no partial or complete responses. Drug-drug interaction between navitoclax and sorafenib was not observed. The combination of navitoclax and sorafenib did not increase induction of apoptosis compared with navitoclax alone. Navitoclax plus sorafenib is tolerable but showed limited efficacy in the HCC expansion cohort. These findings do not support further development of this combination for the treatment of advanced HCC. This phase I trial was conducted under ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT01364051.
-
7.
Recent Advances in 2-Keto-l-gulonic Acid Production Using Mixed-Culture Fermentation and Future Prospects.
Liu, Q, Liu, M, Chen, W, Yuan, H, Jiang, Y, Huang, D, Liu, H, Wang, T
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2024;(3):1419-1428
Abstract
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be acquired through our diet. At present, the precursor of vitamin C, 2-keto-l-gulonic acid (2-KGA), is typically produced via a two-step fermentation process utilizing three bacterial strains. The second step of this traditional two-step fermentation method involves mixed-culture fermentation employing 2-KGA-producing bacteria (Ketogulonicigenium vulgare) along with associated bacteria. Because K. vulgare has defects in various metabolic pathways, associated bacteria are needed to provide key substances to promote K. vulgare growth and 2-KGA production. Unlike previous reviews where the main focus was the interaction between associated bacteria and K. vulgare, this Review presents the latest scientific research from the perspective of the metabolic pathways associated with 2-KGA production by K. vulgare and the mechanism underlying the interaction between K. vulgare and the associated bacteria. In addition, the dehydrogenases that are responsible for 2-KGA production, the 2-KGA synthesis pathway, strategies for simplifying 2-KGA production via a one-step fermentation route, and, finally, future prospects and research goals in vitamin C production are also presented.
-
8.
Inactivation mechanisms on pectin methylesterase by high pressure processing combined with its recombinant inhibitor.
Li, Y, Zhang, W, Jiang, Y, Devahastin, S, Hu, X, Song, Z, Yi, J
Food chemistry. 2024;:138806
Abstract
High pressure processing (HPP) juice often experiences cloud loss during storage, caused by the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME). The combination of HPP with natural pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) could improve juice stability. However, extracting natural PMEI is challenging. Gene recombination technology offers a solution by efficiently expressing recombinant PMEI from Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to investigate changes in activity, structure, and interaction of PME and recombinant PMEI during HPP. The results showed PME retained high residual activity, while PMEI demonstrated superior pressure resistance. Under HPP, PMEI's structure remained stable, while the N-terminus of PME's α-helix became unstable. Additionally, the helix at the junction with the PME/PMEI complex changed, thereby affecting its binding. Furthermore, PMEI competed with pectin for active sites on PME, elucidating. The potential mechanism of PME inactivation through the synergistic effects of HPP and PMEI.
-
9.
Thermophilic cyanobacteria-exciting, yet challenging biotechnological chassis.
Rasul, F, You, D, Jiang, Y, Liu, X, Daroch, M
Applied microbiology and biotechnology. 2024;(1):270
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Thermophilic cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photoautotrophic microorganisms capable of growth between 45 and 73 °C. They are typically found in hot springs where they serve as essential primary producers. Several key features make these robust photosynthetic microbes biotechnologically relevant. These are highly stable proteins and their complexes, the ability to actively transport and concentrate inorganic carbon and other nutrients, to serve as gene donors, microbial cell factories, and sources of bioactive metabolites. A thorough investigation of the recent progress in thermophilic cyanobacteria reveals a significant increase in the number of newly isolated and delineated organisms and wide application of thermophilic light-harvesting components in biohybrid devices. Yet despite these achievements, there are still deficiencies at the high-end of the biotechnological learning curve, notably in genetic engineering and gene editing. Thermostable proteins could be more widely employed, and an extensive pool of newly available genetic data could be better utilised. In this manuscript, we attempt to showcase the most important recent advances in thermophilic cyanobacterial biotechnology and provide an overview of the future direction of the field and challenges that need to be overcome before thermophilic cyanobacterial biotechnology can bridge the gap with highly advanced biotechnology of their mesophilic counterparts. KEY POINTS • Increased interest in all aspects of thermophilic cyanobacteria in recent years • Light harvesting components remain the most biotechnologically relevant • Lack of reliable molecular biology tools hinders further development of the chassis.
-
10.
Astragali Radix: comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical application.
Liu, YX, Song, XM, Dan, LW, Tang, JM, Jiang, Y, Deng, C, Zhang, DD, Li, YZ, Wang, W
Archives of pharmacal research. 2024;(3):165-218
Abstract
Astragali Radix (A. Radix) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., belonging to the family Leguminosae, which is mainly distributed in China. A. Radix has been consumed as a tonic in China for more than 2000 years because of its medicinal effects of invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. Currently, more than 400 natural compounds have been isolated and identified from A. Radix, mainly including saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and others. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that A. Radix has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, and anti-aging effects. It has been clinically used in the treatment of tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular complications associated with diabetes with few side effects and high safety. This paper reviewed the progress of research on its chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, developing applications, and toxicology, which provides a basis for the better development and utilization of A. Radix.