It is demonstrated that carbon quantum dots derived from curcumin (Cur‐CQDs) through one‐step dry heating are effective antiviral agents against enterovirus 71 (EV71). The surface properties of ...Cur‐CQDs, as well as their antiviral activity, are highly dependent on the heating temperature during synthesis. The one‐step heating of curcumin at 180 °C preserves many of the moieties of polymeric curcumin on the surfaces of the as‐synthesized Cur‐CQDs, resulting in superior antiviral characteristics. It is proposed that curcumin undergoes a series of structural changes through dehydration, polymerization, and carbonization to form core–shell CQDs whose surfaces remain a pyrolytic curcumin‐like polymer, boosting the antiviral activity. The results reveal that curcumin possesses insignificant inhibitory activity against EV71 infection in RD cells half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) >200 µg mL−1 but exhibits high cytotoxicity toward RD cells (half‐maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) <13 µg mL−1). The EC50 (0.2 µg mL−1) and CC50 (452.2 µg mL−1) of Cur‐CQDs are >1000‐fold lower and >34‐fold higher, respectively, than those of curcumin, demonstrating their far superior antiviral capabilities and high biocompatibility. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of Cur‐CQDs significantly decreases mortality and provides protection against virus‐induced hind‐limb paralysis in new‐born mice challenged with a lethal dose of EV71.
Biocarbon quantum dots: a simple one‐step dry heating allows the synthesis of carbon quantum dots derived from curcumin. The obtained carbon quantum dots possess strong antiviral activity against enterovirus 71 through different mechanisms.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by directing mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. miRNAs play multiple roles in the growth, ...development and stress responses in plants. However, little is known of the wounding-responsive miRNAs and their regulation.
Here, we investigated the expression patterns of microR828 (miR828) on wounding in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv Tainung 57). The expression of miR828 was only detected in leaves, and was induced by wounding rather than by ethylene, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), methyl jasmonate or nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was necessary for miR828 accumulation in leaves on wounding.
Two miR828 target candidates, named IbMYB and IbTLD, were obtained by cDNA cloning, and their mRNA cleavage caused by miR828 was confirmed by cleavage site mapping, agro-infiltration and transgenics studies. The reduction in IbMYB and IbTLD expression coincided with the induction of miR828, demonstrating thatIbMYB and IbTLD might be miR828 targets. Furthermore, transgenic sweet potato overexpressing miR828 precursor affected lignin and H2O2 contents.
These results showed that cGMP could regulate wounding-responsive miR828, which repressed the expression of IbMYB and IbTLD. Subsequently, lignin and H2O2 were accumulated to participate in defense mechanisms.
Monitoring the levels of potentially toxic metal (PTM) ions (e.g., Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+)) in aquatic ecosystems is important because these ions can have severe effects on human health and the ...environment. Gold (Au) nanomaterials are attractive sensing materials because of their unique size- and shape-dependent optical properties. This review focuses on optical assays for Hg(2+), Pb(2+), and Cu(2+) ions using functionalized Au nanomaterials. The syntheses of functionalized Au nanomaterials are discussed. We briefly review sensing approaches based on changes in absorbance resulting from metal ion-induced aggregation of Au nanoparticles (NPs) or direct deposition of metal ions onto Au NPs. The super-quenching properties of Au NPs allow them to be employed in 'turn on' and 'turn off' fluorescence approaches for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg(2+), Pb(2+), and Cu(2+) ions. We highlight approaches based on fluorescence quenching through analyte-induced aggregation or the formation of metallophilic complexes of Au nanodots (NDs). We discuss the roles of several factors affecting the selectivity and sensitivity of the nanosensors toward the analytes: the size of the Au nanomaterial, the length and sequence of the DNA or the nature of the thiol, the surface density of the recognition ligand, and the ionic strength and pH of the buffer solution. In addition, we emphasize the potential of using new nanomaterials (e.g., fluorescent silver nanoclusters) for the detection of PTM ions.
Restenosis remains a significant problem in endovascular therapy for hemodialysis vascular access. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty decreases restenosis in peripheral and coronary artery ...diseases. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the patency outcomes following DCB angioplasty, as compared to conventional balloon (CB) angioplasty for the stenosis of hemodialysis vascular access.
A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases was conducted in order to identify eligible randomized controlled trials evaluating DCB angioplasty for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction. The primary endpoint was the 6-month target lesion primary patency and the secondary endpoints were 12-month target lesion primary patency and procedure-related complications. Risk ratios (RR) were pooled and relevant subgroups were analyzed separately.
Eleven randomized controlled trials comprised of 487 patients treated with DCB angioplasty and 489 patients treated with CB angioplasty were included. There were no significant differences in the target lesion primary patency at 6 months RR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56, 1.01; p = 0.06 and at 12 months (RR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79, 1.00; p = 0.06). The absence of benefit for the DCB group remained, even in the arteriovenous fistula subgroup or the subgroup of studies excluding central vein stenosis. The risk of procedure-related complication did not differ between the two groups (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.98, 1.02; p = 0.95).
DCB angioplasty did not demonstrate significant patency benefit for the treatment of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction. Wide variations in patency outcomes across studies were noted. Further studies focusing on specific types of access or lesions are warranted to clarify the value of DCB for hemodialysis vascular access. (PROSPERO Number CRD42019119938).
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This paper presents an adaptive control using radial-basis-function neural networks (RBFNNs) for a two-wheeled self-balancing scooter. A mechatronic system structure of the scooter driven by two dc ...motors is briefly described, and its mathematical modeling incorporating two frictions between the wheels and the motion surface is derived. By decomposing the overall system into two subsystems (yaw motion and mobile inverted pendulum), one proposes two adaptive controllers using RBFNN to achieve self-balancing and yaw control. The performance and merit of the proposed adaptive controllers are exemplified by conducting several simulations and experiments on a two-wheeled self-balancing scooter.
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS), a disease that has led to severe mortality rates in cultured shrimp all over the world. The WSSV is a large, ...ellipsoid, enveloped double-stranded DNA virus with a wide host range among crustaceans. Currently, the main antiviral method is to block the receptor of the host cell membrane using recombinant viral proteins or virus antiserum. In addition to interference with the ligand-receptor binding, disrupting the structure of the virus envelope may also be a means to combat the viral infection. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are carbonaceous nanoparticles that have many advantageous characteristics, including small size, low cytotoxicity, cheap, and ease of production and modification. Polyamine-modified CQDs (polyamine CQDs) with strong antibacterial ability have been identified, previously. In this study, polyamine CQDs are shown to attach to the WSSV envelope and inhibit the virus infection, with a dose-dependent effect. The results also show that polyamine CQDs can upregulate several immune genes in shrimp and reduce the mortality upon WSSV infection. This is first study to identify that polyamine CQDs could against the virus. These results, indeed, provide a direction to develop effective antiviral strategies or therapeutic methods using polyamine CQDs in aquaculture.
Sepsis is a life‐threatening condition that can progress to septic shock as the body's extreme response to pathogenesis damages its own vital organs. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) accounts for ...50% of nosocomial infections, which are clinically treated with antibiotics. However, methicillin‐resistant strains (MRSA) have emerged and can withstand harsh antibiotic treatment. To address this problem, curcumin (CCM) is employed to prepare carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) through mild pyrolysis. Contrary to curcumin, the as‐formed CCM‐CPDs are highly biocompatible and soluble in aqueous solution. Most importantly, the CCM‐CPDs induce the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from the neutrophils, which entrap and eliminate microbes. In an MRSA‐induced septic mouse model, it is observed that CCM‐CPDs efficiently suppress bacterial colonization. Moreover, the intrinsic antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticoagulation activities resulting from the preserved functional groups of the precursor molecule on the CCM‐CPDs prevent progression to severe sepsis. As a result, infected mice treated with CCM‐CPDs show a significant decrease in mortality even through oral administration. Histological staining indicates negligible organ damage in the MRSA‐infected mice treated with CCM‐CPDs. It is believed that the in vivo studies presented herein demonstrate that multifunctional therapeutic CPDs hold great potential against life‐threatening infectious diseases.
The biocompatible curcumin‐derived carbonized polymer dots (CCM‐CPDs) stimulate neutrophils to release traps that capture and eradicate harmful microbes. Tested on mice with MRSA‐induced sepsis, CCM‐CPDs notably curtailed bacterial growth, prevents severe septic developments, and significantly reduces mortality rates. Histological analysis reveals minimal organ damage in treated mice. Harnessing the power of natural phytochemicals to create carbonized nanomaterials to boost immune responses, offers promising potential against severe infectious diseases, marking a significant stride in combating antibiotic‐resistant pathogens.
Patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease (DKD) behave differently to diabetic patients without kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the associations of hypoglycemia and outcomes after ...initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced DKD on dialysis.
Using National Health Insurance Research Database, 20,845 advanced DKD patients beginning long-term dialysis between 2002 and 2006 were enrolled. We investigated the incidence of severe hypoglycemia episodes before initiation of dialysis. Patients were followed from date of first dialysis to death, end of dialysis, or 2008. Main outcomes measured were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and subsequent severe hypoglycemic episodes after dialysis.
19.18% patients had at least one hypoglycemia episode during 1-year period before initiation of dialysis. Advanced DKD patients with higher adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) scores were associated with more frequent hypoglycemia (P for trend < 0.001). Mortality and subsequent severe hypoglycemia after dialysis both increased with number of hypoglycemic episodes. Compared to those who had no hypoglycemic episodes, those who had one had a 15% higher risk of death and a 2.3-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. Those with two or more episodes had a 19% higher risk of death and a 3.9-fold higher risk of subsequent severe hypoglycemia. However, previous severe hypoglycemia was not correlated with risk of MI after dialysis.
The rate of severe hypoglycemia was high in advanced DKD patients. Patients with higher aDCSI scores tended to have more hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemic episodes were associated with subsequent hypoglycemia and mortality after initiation of dialysis. We studied the associations and further study is needed to establish cause. In addition, more attention is needed for hypoglycemia prevention in advanced DKD patients, especially for those at risk patients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and dementia are both major contributors to the global burden of disease. Despite existing literature on the association between MDD and dementia, there is a lack of a ...nationwide longitudinal cohort study that considers the competing risk of death. Therefore, this study assessed the bidirectional associations between MDD and dementia over an 11-year period in population-based settings, accounting for death as a competing risk.
We conducted two population-based retrospective cohort studies in Taiwan. We identified 80,742 patients diagnosed with MDD in 2009–2010 and matched them with patients without MDD by sex, age, and year of diagnosis to assess the relative risk of dementia. We also identified 80,108 patients diagnosed with dementia in 2009–2010 and matched them with patients without dementia by sex, age, and year of diagnosis to assess the relative risk of MDD. All patients were followed until they received a diagnosis of new onset MDD or new onset dementia, their death, or the end of 2019. Cause-specific hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs).
The incidence density (ID) of dementia was higher in patients with MDD than in patients without MDD (7.63 vs. 2.99 per 1000 person-years), with an aHR of 2.71 (95% confidence interval CI: 2.55–2.88). The ID of MDD was higher in patients with dementia than in patients without dementia (12.77 vs. 4.69 per 1000 person-years), with an aHR of 2.47 (95% CI: 2.35–2.59).
This population-based study found a bidirectional association between MDD and dementia. Our findings suggest the need to identify dementia in patients with MDD and vice versa.
•In MDD-dementia link studies, reliable estimates from a longitudinal design considering death as a competing risk are rare.•This 11-year cohort study offers more precise MDD-dementia association estimates by considering death as a competing risk.•MDD could be a risk factor for dementia and vice versa.•Bidirectional associations between MDD and dementia were observed regardless of age, sex, and disease duration.
We have developed a one-step method to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQDPAs) from biogenic polyamines (PAs) as an antibacterial agent for topical treatment of bacterial keratitis (BK). CQDs ...synthesized by direct pyrolysis of spermidine (Spd) powder through a simple dry heating treatment exhibit a solubility and yield much higher than those from putrescine and spermine. We demonstrate that CQDs obtained from Spds (CQDSpds) possess effective antibacterial activities against non-multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis bacteria and also against the multidrug-resistant bacteria, methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CQDSpds is ∼2500-fold lower than that of spermidine alone, demonstrating their strong antibacterial capabilities. Investigation of the possible mechanisms behind the antibacterial activities of the as-synthesized CQDSpds indicates that the super-cationic CQDSpds with small size (diameter ca. 6 nm) and highly positive charge (ζ-potential ca. +45 mV) cause severe disruption of the bacterial membrane. In vitro cytotoxicity, hemolysis, hemagglutination, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress and in vivo morphologic and physiologic cornea change evaluations show the good biocompatibility of CQDSpds. Furthermore, topical ocular administration of CQDSpds can induce the opening of the tight junction of corneal epithelial cells, thereby leading to great antibacterial treatment of S. aureus-induced BK in rabbits. Our results suggest that CQDSpds are a promising antibacterial candidate for clinical applications in treating eye-related bacterial infections and even persistent bacteria-induced infections.
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