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1.
Facilitation of Fenton-Like Reaction of Copper-Nitrogen-Doped Carbon-Based Nanocatalysts by Enhancing Hydroxyl Adsorption on Single-Atom Cu-NxC4- x Sites.
Huang, J, Gao, F, Liu, Q, Gong, P, Li, H, Jiang, Y
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany). 2024;(16):e2309637
Abstract
Copper-nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanocatalysts (Cu-NCs), containing atomically dispersed Cu-NxC4- x sites, are efficient in boosting the Fenton-like reaction. However, the mechanisms of the Fenton-like reaction, including the pH effect on the products and the effect of the coordination environment on catalytic activity, remain controversial, restricting the development of Cu-NCs. Cu-NCs are experimentally synthesized with Cu-N4 sites and prove that the Fenton-like reaction generates mainly hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in the acidic but ·OH and superoxide radicals (·O2 -) in the neutral. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the catalytic activity of Cu-NCs in the Fenton-like reaction is associated with the adsorption strength of ·OH at the Cu site. Further investigation of the effect of the coordination environment of Cu-NCs indicates that the Cu-N2C2 site, which can enhance the ·OH adsorption strength, is an ideal catalyst site for the Fenton-like reaction. These results open the way to facilitating the catalytic activity of Cu-NCs in the Fenton-like reaction.
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2.
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.
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3.
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.
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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.
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[Effects of Exogenous Zinc on Growth and Root Architecture Classification of Maize Seedlings Under Cadmium Stress].
Zhang, HH, Wei, C, Liu, HT, Zhang, JJ, Liu, F, Zhao, Y, Zhang, XH, Li, GZ, Jiang, Y
Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue. 2024;(2):1128-1140
Abstract
To explore the effects of different concentrations of zinc (Zn) on the growth and root architecture classification of maize seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of different concentrations of Zn (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μmol·L-1) on the growth, root architecture and classification characteristics, Cd content, root Cd uptake capacity, and photosynthetic system of maize seedlings under Cd stress (50 μmol·L-1) by using Zhengdan 958 as the experimental material. Principal component analysis and the membership function method were used for comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that the 50 μmol·L-1 Cd stress had a significant toxic effect on maize seedlings, which significantly reduced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters. The main root length, plant height, biomass, root forks, and root tips, including the root length and root surface area of the grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ diameter range and the root volume of the grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ diameter range, decreased significantly, which hindered the normal growth and development of maize seedlings. Compared with that under no Zn application, 100 μmol·L-1 and 200 μmol·L-1 Zn application reduced the uptake of Cd by maize seedlings, significantly reduced the Cd content in shoots and roots and the Cd uptake efficiency. The toxic effect on maize seedlings was alleviated, and the fresh weight, dry weight, tolerance index, and root forks of shoots and roots were significantly increased. The photosynthesis of maize seedlings was significantly enhanced, and the photosynthetic rate and the total chlorophyll content was significantly increased. The RL, SA, and RV in the Ⅰ-Ⅱ diameter range reached the maximum at 100 μmol·L-1 Zn, and the RL, SA, and RV in the Ⅲ diameter range reached the maximum at 200 μmol·L-1 Zn, which were significantly higher than those without Zn treatment. The comprehensive evaluation of the growth tolerance of maize seedlings showed that 100 μmol·L-1 and 200 μmol·L-1 Zn had better effects on alleviating Cd toxicity. Comprehensive analysis showed that the application of appropriate concentration of Zn could reduce the Cd content in maize seedlings, the Cd uptake capacity, and Cd uptake efficiency of roots; increase the biomass accumulation of maize seedlings; reduce the effect of Cd toxicity on root architecture; reduce the effect on the light and system; and improve the tolerance of maize seedlings to Cd.
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Thermophilic cyanobacteria-exciting, yet challenging biotechnological chassis.
Rasul, F, You, D, Jiang, Y, Liu, X, Daroch, M
Applied microbiology and biotechnology. 2024;(1):270
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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.
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Genus Helleborus: a comprehensive review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications.
Li, S, Chen, X, Tang, J, Zhang, D, Jiang, Y, Zhang, H, Song, X, Wang, W, Li, Y
Natural product research. 2024;:1-17
Abstract
The genus Helleborus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, distributed in southeastern Europe and western Asia. In folk medicine, it is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine for rheumatoid arthritis and bruises. Through reviewing recent articles, it was found that two hundred and twenty-six compounds have been isolated and identified from the genus Helleborus. These compounds include steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lignans, anthraquinones, phenolics and others. Among them, the main chemical constituents are steroids. Pharmacological studies show Helleborus has anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This article reviews the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of the genus Helleborus. Hopefully, it will provide a reference for in-depth research and exploitation of the genus Helleborus.
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Impact of a mobile health intervention based on multi-theory model of health behavior change on self-management in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Jiang, Y, Sun, X, Jiang, M, Min, H, Wang, J, Fu, X, Qi, J, Yu, Z, Zhu, X, Wu, Y
Frontiers in public health. 2024;:1327442
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Theoretical models of health behavior are important guides for disease prevention and detection, treatment and rehabilitation, and promotion and maintenance of physical and mental health, but there are no intervention studies related to differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that use theoretical models of health as a guide. In this study, we used a microblogging platform as an intervention vehicle and mobile patient-doctor interactive health education as a means of intervention, with the aim of improving the health behaviors of DTC patients as well as the corresponding clinical outcomes. METHODS This research project is a quantitative methodological study, and the trial will be a single-blind, single-center randomized controlled trial conducted at the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. The study subjects are patients over 18 years of age with differentiated thyroid cancer who were given radioactive iodine-131 therapy as well as endocrine therapy after radical surgery for thyroid cancer. The intervention group will receive MTM-mhealth, and the realization of health education will rely on the smart terminal WeChat platform. Routine discharge education will be given to the control group at discharge. The primary outcome will be change in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up, and secondary outcomes will include change in self-management behavior, social cognitive and psychological, and metabolic control. DISCUSSION This study will explore a feasible mHealth intervention program applied to a population of DTC patients using the Multi-theory model of health behavior change (MTM) as a guide, with the aim of evaluating the MTM-based intervention program for clinical outcome improvement in DTC patients, as well as determining the effectiveness of the MTM-based intervention program in improving self-management skills in DTC patients. The results of this study will indicate the feasibility as well as the effectiveness of the application of health theoretical modeling combined with mHealth applications in disease prognostic health management models, and provide policy recommendations and technological translations for the development of mobility-based health management applications in the field of health management.
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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.
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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.