An antioxidative injectable chitosan hydrogel based on tannic acid modified dialdehyde polyurethane nano-crosslinker targeting RIPK1 to regulate neuroinflammation for amelioration of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, the treatment of PD is mainly based on surgery and medication, and there is a pressing necessity to develop a new generation of strategies incorporating biomaterials for treating PD. Herein, an antioxidative injectable chitosan hydrogel crosslinked with tannic acid-modified dialdehyde polyurethane nanoparticles (TA@DAP) to target RIPK1 is produced for ameliorating PD.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of histone H3K27 demethylase during development.

Spatiotemporal gene expression is fundamental to cellular identity and function, ensuring proper development and tissue homeostasis. Histone modifications, such as H3K4 methylation (associated with active transcription) and H3K27 methylation (linked to repression), act as molecular switches that fine-tune gene expression. However, it remains largely unclear whether and how the histone modifying enzymes are regulated during normal development.

Soft, Deformable Polyurethane-Boronic Acid Nanoparticles as Dynamic Cross-Linkers to Construct 3D-Bioprintable Hydrogels.

Addition of nanoparticles in a hydrogel can enhance its three-dimensional (3D) printability. However, the role of soft, deformable nanoparticles in the 3D printability of a hydrogel network has not been explored so far. In this study, two boronic acid-functionalized polyurethane (PU) nanoparticles PUB and PUB' are synthesized as soft dynamic nanocross-linkers to construct a 3D bioprintable hydrogel.

Regulation of Notch signaling by miR-79 in Drosophila eye development.

The Notch signaling pathway is crucial for cell fate determination and tissue morphogenesis. In Drosophila, Notch signaling regulates eye size, but the mechanisms that fine-tune its activity during eye development remain unclear. Here, we established a Notch-sensitized Drosophila model to identify novel regulators of this pathway.

Self-assembled chitosan‑boronic acid hydrogel as dynamic crosslinker to produce 3D-printable glucose-sensitive hydrogel.

Chitosan-based hydrogels have attracted interest in biofabrication. However, their poor water solubility and brittleness cause weak mechanical stability, limiting their use in 3D printing. In this study, we synthesized carboxylphenylboronic acid-grafted chitosan (CB) polymer with ~25 % substitution degree.

Biodegradable, electroconductive self-healing hydrogel based on polydopamine-coated polyurethane nano-crosslinker for Parkinson's disease therapy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons, causing motor and neurological impairments. Current treatments offer only temporary symptom relief without halting progression. Herein, a fully biodegradable, electroconductive self-healing hydrogel (CPUD gel) is developed, incorporating electroconductive polydopamine-coated polyurethane nanoparticles (PUD) as crosslinker.

Safety and antioxidant assessments of BLR-E50, 50% ethanolic extract from red beans co-fermented by Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Since red beans have poor textural properties, fermentation is commonly used to help produce better pulse products. To obtain BLR-E50, red beans are fermented using a co-culture of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, followed by extraction with 50% ethanol. The present data demonstrate that BLR-E50 did not exhibit mutagenicity, genotoxicity, or subacute oral toxicity.

Nickel-Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheet-Decorated 3D Interconnected Porous Ni/SiC Skeleton for Supercapacitor.

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous Ni/SiC skeleton (3D Ni/SiC) was synthesized by binder-free hydrogen bubble template-assisted electrodeposition in an electrolyte containing Ni ions and SiC nanopowders. This 3D Ni/SiC skeleton served as a substrate for directly synthesizing nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets via electrodeposition, allowing the formation of a nickel-cobalt LDH nanosheet-decorated 3D Ni/SiC skeleton (NiCo@3D Ni/SiC). The multiscale hierarchical structure of NiCo@3D Ni/SiC was attributed to the synergistic interaction between the pseudocapacitor (3D Ni skeleton and Ni-Co LDH) and electrochemical double-layer capacitor (SiC nanopowders).

Expressing miR-282 mitigates Aβ42-induced neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's model in Drosophila.

Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and impaired autonomous behavior. Despite extensive research, an effective treatment remains elusive. The buildup of amyloid beta plaques (Aβ42) in the brain causes oxidative stress and disrupts normal molecular signaling, adversely affecting neuron function.

Bactofencin YH, a novel bacteriocin with high inhibitory activity against clinical Streptococcus species.

Strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum D1 with bacteriocin producing ability was found in the intestine of Gambusia affinis. The bacteriocin was found to have high inhibitory activity against multiple Streptococcus species and several other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteriocin was purified from culture supernatant by ion-exchange chromatography, Sep-Pak C cartridge, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).

Development of a Predictive Nomogram for Sepsis in Patients with Urolithiasis-Related Obstructive Pyelonephritis.

: In patients with urolithiasis-related obstructive pyelonephritis (UROP), sepsis represents a critical and concerning complication that can substantially increase the mortality rate. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for sepsis in UROP patients and to develop a predictive nomogram model. : We analyzed data from 148 patients who met the UROP criteria and were admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021.

An Acellular, Self-Healed Trilayer Cryogel for Osteochondral Regeneration in Rabbits.

Osteochondral regeneration remains formidable challenges despite significant advances in microsurgery. Herein, an acellular trilayer cryogel (TC) with injectability, tunable pore sizes (80-200 µm), and appropriate compressive modulus (10.8 kPa) is manufactured from self-healable hydrogel under different gelling times through Schiff reaction between chitosan and difunctionalized polyurethane (DFPU).

Chitosan catechol-tannic acid composite hydrogel and cryogel with antimicrobial and hemostatic properties.

Hydrogels containing catechol group have received attention in the biomedical field due to their robust adhesive/cohesive capabilities, biocompatibility, and hemostatic abilities. Catechol-functionalized chitosan holds promise for preparing self-assembly hydrogels. However, issues of inefficient gelation and instability still persist in these hydrogels.

Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin in adult non-neutropenic cancer patients with suspected infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has garnered attention as a potential diagnostic biomarker for infection in cancer patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT) and to compare it with C-reactive protein (CRP) in adult non-neutropenic cancer patients with suspected infection.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify all relevant diagnostic accuracy studies.

Interaction of vascular endothelial cells with hydrophilic fullerene nanoarchitectured structures in 2D and 3D environments.

The interaction between diverse nanoarchitectured fullerenes and cells is crucial for biomedical applications. Here, we detailed the preparation of hydrophilic self-assembled fullerenes by the liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP) method and hydrophilic coating of the materials as a possible vascularization strategy. The interactions of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) with hydrophilic fullerene nanotubes (FNT-P) and hydrophilic fullerene nanowhiskers (FNW-P) were investigated.

Comparing transfusion reactions between pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelets: an analysis using propensity score matching.

Transfusion reactions induced by platelet transfusions may be reduced and alleviated by leukocyte reduction of platelets. Although leukoreduction of apheresis platelets can be performed either pre-storage or post-storage, seldom studies directly compare the incidence of transfusion reaction in these two different blood products. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the transfusion reactions between pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelets.

Enhancing Electrochemical Non-Enzymatic Dopamine Sensing Based on Bimetallic Nickel/Cobalt Phosphide Nanosheets.

In this study, the successful synthesis of bimetallic nickel/cobalt phosphide nanosheets (Ni-Co-P NSs) via the hydrothermal method and the subsequent high-temperature phosphorization process were both confirmed. Ni-Co-P NSs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical non-enzymatic DA sensing. The surface morphologies and physicochemical properties of Ni-Co-P NSs were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), field-emission scanning (FESEM), field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is rare disease manifested as alveolar macrophage dysfunction and abnormal accumulation of surfactant protein in the alveoli. In this nationwide, population-based study, we investigated the epidemiology of PAP in Taiwan, and discovered the comorbidities and prognostic factors of PAP.

Methods: From the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), we obtained comprehensive information about all patients of PAP in Taiwan between 1995 and 2013.

Local Consolidative Therapy May Have Prominent Clinical Efficacy in Patients with -Mutant Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with First-Line Afatinib.

Afatinib is an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is utilized for the treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer that harbors mutations. No studies have evaluated the clinical efficacy of LCT in patients treated with first-line afatinib. In this study, we retrospectively enrolled patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas harboring susceptible mutations who were diagnosed and treated with first-line afatinib in three hospitals.

Bioactive self-healing hydrogel based on tannic acid modified gold nano-crosslinker as an injectable brain implant for treating Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common long-term neurodegenerative diseases. Current treatments for PD are mostly based on surgery and medication because of the limitation and challenges in selecting proper biomaterials. In this study, an injectable bioactive hydrogel based on novel tannic acid crosslinker was developed to treat PD.

Synthesis of Bimetallic Ni-Co Phosphide Nanosheets for Electrochemical Non-Enzymatic HO Sensing.

NiCoP nanosheets (NSs) were successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal and high-temperature phosphorization process. The obtained NiCoP NSs were immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and used to construct a novel sensing platform for electrochemical non-enzymatic HO sensing. Physicochemical characteristics of NiCoP NSs were obtained by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field-emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Different Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Used in Treating EGFR-Mutant Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma with Brain Metastasis and Intracranial Intervention Have No Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

Brain metastasis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is a factor of poor prognosis. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the optimal treatment strategy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with brain metastasis receiving or not receiving intracranial intervention. A total of 186 patients treated with an EGFR TKI were enrolled in the study, and 79 (42%) received intracranial intervention.