Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 61 in total

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  1. Li M, Li W, Guan Q, Dai X, Lv J, Xia Z, et al.
    ACS Nano, 2021 12 28;15(12):19194-19201.
    PMID: 34797635 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03882
    Dry adhesives that combine strong adhesion, high transparency, and reusability are needed to support developments in emerging fields such as medical electrodes and the bonding of electronic optical devices. However, achieving all of these features in a single material remains challenging. Herein, we propose a pressure-responsive polyurethane (PU) adhesive inspired by the octopus sucker. This adhesive not only showcases reversible adhesion to both solid materials and biological tissues but also exhibits robust stability and high transparency (>90%). As the adhesive strength of the PU adhesive corresponds to the application force, adhesion could be adjusted by the preloading force and/or pressure. The adhesive exhibits high static adhesion (∼120 kPa) and 180° peeling force (∼500 N/m), which is far stronger than those of most existing artificial dry adhesives. Moreover, the adhesion strength is effectively maintained even after 100 bonding-peeling cycles. Because the adhesive tape relies on the combination of negative pressure and intermolecular forces, it overcomes the underlying problems caused by glue residue like that left by traditional glue tapes after removal. In addition, the PU adhesive also shows wet-cleaning performance; the contaminated tape can recover 90-95% of the lost adhesion strength after being cleaned with water. The results show that an adhesive with a microstructure designed to increase the contribution of negative pressure can combine high reversible adhesion and long fatigue life.
  2. Zhan SZ, Liu YL, Cai H, Li MD, Huang Q, Wang XD, et al.
    Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2023 Oct 23;62(43):e202312698.
    PMID: 37682089 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312698
    The first coordination-saturated buckyball with a C60 molecule totally encased in an icosidodecahedral Cu30 in a (μ30 -(η2 )30 )-fashion, namely C60 @Cu30 @Cl36 N12 , has been successfully realized by a C60 -templated assembly. The 48 outmost coordinating atoms (36Cl+12N) comprise a new simple polyhedron that is described by a ccf topology. Charge transfer from (CuI , Cl) to C60 explains the expansion of the light absorption up to 700 nm, and accounts for an ultrafast photophysical process that underpins its high photothermal conversion efficiency. This work makes a giant step forward in exohedral metallofullerene (ExMF) chemistry.
  3. Liu YL, Zhan SZ, Sun JX, Cai H, Yuan ZL, Zhang HF, et al.
    Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2023 Aug 14;62(33):e202306748.
    PMID: 37366116 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306748
    Two metallofullerene frameworks (MFFs) constructed from a penta-shell Keplerate cuprofullerene chloride, C60 @Cu24 @Cl44 @Cu12 @Cl12 , have been successfully prepared via a C60 -templated symmetry-driven strategy. The icosahedral cuprofullerene chloride is assembled on a C60 molecule through [η2 -(C=C)]-CuI and CuI -Cl coordination bonds, resulting in the penta-shell Keplerate with the C60 core canopied by 24 Cu, 44 Cl, 12 Cu and 12 Cl atoms that fulfill the tic@rco@oae@ico@ico penta-shell polyhedral configuration. By sharing the outmost-shell Cl atoms, the cuprofullerene chlorides are connected into 2D or 3D (snf net) frameworks. TD-DFT calculations reveal that the charge transfer from the outmost CuI and Cl to C60 core is responsible for their light absorption expansion to near-infrared region, implying anionic halogenation may be an effective strategy to tune the light absorption properties of metallofullerene materials.
  4. Jeevaratnam K, Salvage SC, Li M, Huang CL
    Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2018 Dec;1433(1):18-28.
    PMID: 29846007 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13861
    Alterations in cellular levels of the second messenger 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate ([cAMP]i ) regulate a wide range of physiologically important cellular signaling processes in numerous cell types. Osteoclasts are terminally differentiated, multinucleated cells specialized for bone resorption. Their systemic regulator, calcitonin, triggers morphometrically and pharmacologically distinct retraction (R) and quiescence (Q) effects on cell-spread area and protrusion-retraction motility, respectively, paralleling its inhibition of bone resorption. Q effects were reproduced by cholera toxin-mediated Gs -protein activation known to increase [cAMP]i , unaccompanied by the [Ca2+ ]i changes contrastingly associated with R effects. We explore a hypothesis implicating cAMP signaling involving guanine nucleotide-exchange activation of the small GTPase Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1) by exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac). Rap1 activates integrin clustering, cell adhesion to bone matrix, associated cytoskeletal modifications and signaling processes, and transmembrane transduction functions. Epac activation enhanced, whereas Epac inhibition or shRNA-mediated knockdown compromised, the appearance of markers for osteoclast differentiation and motility following stimulation by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL). Deficiencies in talin and Rap1 compromised in vivo bone resorption, producing osteopetrotic phenotypes in genetically modified murine models. Translational implications of an Epac-Rap1 signaling hypothesis in relationship to N-bisphosphonate actions on prenylation and membrane localization of small GTPases are discussed.
  5. Klionsky DJ, Abdelmohsen K, Abe A, Abedin MJ, Abeliovich H, Acevedo Arozena A, et al.
    Autophagy, 2016;12(1):1-222.
    PMID: 26799652 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2015.1100356
  6. Klionsky DJ, Abdel-Aziz AK, Abdelfatah S, Abdellatif M, Abdoli A, Abel S, et al.
    Autophagy, 2021 Jan;17(1):1-382.
    PMID: 33634751 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1797280
    In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field.
  7. Chen W, Chen Y, Aslam MS, Shen J, Tong T, Yan S, et al.
    Behav Brain Res, 2023 Oct 18;455:114627.
    PMID: 37619770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114627
    BACKGROUND: Depression is a severe emotional condition that significantly affects the quality of life. Acupuncture exerts preventive effects on depression in rats with post-chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Methods The study involved chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model mice to administer acupuncture as a preventative measure to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture's antidepressant and observe the effect of acupuncture on impact via the Lateral Habenula (LHb) and Gut-Liver-Brain Axis. The researcher investigated molecules correlating with a nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway and assessed inflammation in the LHb and liver. In addition, 16 S rDNA bioinformatics study revealed the quantity and variety of gut microbiota. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), CUMS, CUMS + acupuncture (AP), CUMS + fluoxetine (FX) and CUMS + N(G) -nitro -L- arginine methyl ester (LNAME) group. Except for the CON group, other rats were exposed to CUMS condition for 28 days. Simultaneously, manual acupuncture (at Fengfu and Shangxing acupoints, once every other day) and fluoxetine gavage (2.1 mg/kg, 0.21 mg/mL, daily) were conducted to the groups of AP and FX, respectively, after stressors. Rats in LNAME group were treated with LNAME normal saline (10 mg/kg, 1 mg/mL, i.p.) solution. Behavioural tests and biological detection methods were conducted sequentially to evaluate depressionlike phenotype in rats.

    RESULTS: The results showed CUMS induced depression-like behaviours, hyper-activation of NO/cGMP signaling pathway, inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. These changes could be prevented and ameliorated by acupuncture to varying extents.

    CONCLUSION: Acupuncture prevented and attenuated depression-like phenotype induced by CUMS, possibly via regulating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and thus improving inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In addition, these can be evidence of the existence of the gut-liver-brain axis.

  8. Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P, Afzalipour Khoshkbejari M, Mohammadi M, Abiri A, Mokhtarian R, Vazifemand R, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2020 Jan;121:109635.
    PMID: 31739165 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109635
    Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Therefore, discovery of new and effective drugs with fewer side effects is necessary to treat it. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an organosulfur compound obtained from cruciferous plants, such as broccoli and mustard, and it has the potential to treat breast cancer. Hence, it is vital to find out how SFN targets certain genes and cellular pathways in treating breast cancer. In this review, molecular targets and cellular pathways of SFN are described. Studies have shown SFN inhibits cell proliferation, causes apoptosis, stops cell cycle and has anti-oxidant activities. Increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) produces oxidative stress, activates inflammatory transcription factors, and these result in inflammation leading to cancer. Increasing anti-oxidant potential of cells and discovering new targets to reduce ROS creation reduces oxidative stress and it eventually reduces cancer risks. In short, SFN effectively affects histone deacetylases involved in chromatin remodeling, gene expression, and Nrf2 anti-oxidant signaling. This review points to the potential of SFN to treat breast cancer as well as the importance of other new cruciferous compounds, derived from and isolated from mustard, to target Keap1 and Akt, two key regulators of cellular homeostasis.
  9. Iyaswamy A, Lu K, Guan XJ, Kan Y, Su C, Liu J, et al.
    Biomedicines, 2023 Jul 21;11(7).
    PMID: 37509695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072056
    Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles (BEVs) possess the capability of intracellular interactions with other cells, and, hence, can be utilized as an efficient cargo for worldwide delivery of therapeutic substances such as monoclonal antibodies, proteins, plasmids, siRNA, and small molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). BEVs additionally possess a remarkable capacity for delivering these therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review summarizes the role and advancement of BEVs for NDs, AD, and their treatment. Additionally, it investigates the critical BEV networks in the microbiome-gut-brain axis, their defensive and offensive roles in NDs, and their interaction with NDs. Furthermore, the part of BEVs in the neuroimmune system and their interference with ND, as well as the risk factors made by BEVs in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway and their potential outcomes on ND, are all discussed. To conclude, this review aims to gain a better understanding of the credentials of BEVs in NDs and possibly discover new therapeutic strategies.
  10. Ma C, Lo PK, Xu J, Li M, Jiang Z, Li G, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2020 Oct;314:123731.
    PMID: 32615447 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123731
    In this study, the differences on the physico-chemical parameters, lignocellulose degradation, dynamic succession of microbial community, gene expression of carbohydrate-active enzymes and antibiotics resistance genes were compared during composting systems of bagasse pith/pig manure (BP) and manioc waste/pig manure (MW). The results revealed that biodegradation rates of organic matter, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin (29.14%, 17.53%,45.36% and 36.48%) in BP were higher than those (15.59%, 16.74%, 41.23% and 29.77%) in MW. In addition, the relative abundance of Bacillus, Luteimonas, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces and expression of genes encoding carbohydrate- active enzymes in BP were higher than those in MW based on metagenomics sequencing. During composting, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes were substantially reduced, but the removal efficiency was divergent in the both samples. Taken together, metagenomics analysis was a potential method for evaluating lignocellulose's biodegradation process and determining the elimination of antibiotic and antibiotic resistance genes from different composting sources of biomass.
  11. Tong T, Hao C, Shen J, Liu S, Yan S, Aslam MS, et al.
    Brain Res Bull, 2024 Jan;206:110838.
    PMID: 38123022 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110838
    BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with lowered mood, anxiety, anhedonia, cognitive impairments, and even suicidal tendencies in severe cases. Yet few studies have directed acupuncture's mechanism toward enhancing axonal repair correlated with synaptic plasticity and anti-inflammatory effects related to oxidative stress in the hippocampus.

    METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group (CON), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, CUMS + electroacupuncture group (EA), and CUMS + fluoxetine group (FLX) (n = 10/group). Rats were given a 28-day treatment at the Shangxing (GV23) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints with electroacupuncture or fluoxetine (2.1 mg/kg).

    RESULTS: Rats exposed to CUMS induced depression-like behaviors and spatial learning-memory impairment, changed the ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), Vglut1, myelin basic protein (MBP), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) level of hippocampal, increased the Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), atypical squamous cell (ASC), Caspase level and hippocampal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prompted the activation of Epha4-mediated signaling and an inflammatory response. Conversely, electroacupuncture administration reduced these changes and prevented depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Electroacupuncture also promoted hippocampal expression of Sirtuin1(SIRT1), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); reduced the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); and prevented neural damage, particularly the synaptic myelin sheath, and neuroinflammation by regulating Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) in the hippocampal.

    CONCLUSION: These results indicate that electroacupuncture prevents depression-like behaviors with cognitive impairment and synaptic and neuronal damage, probably by reducing EphA4, which mediates ROS hyperfunction and the inflammatory response.

  12. Lee KT, Li MK, Cheng WS, Foo KT
    Br J Urol, 1998 May;81(5):705-8.
    PMID: 9634045 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1998.00586.x
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the modified ileal neobladder reconstruction on lifestyle, voiding habits and functional outcome in Asian patients.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven Asian patients (25 men and two women, mean age 59 years, range 41-76) underwent modified ileal neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy for carcinoma of the bladder. The mean (range) follow-up was 21 (3-75) months. All patients were evaluated retrospectively using case notes, reviews, interviews and voiding charts; 18 patients underwent urodynamic studies.

    RESULT: Twenty-five patients (93%) achieved diurnal and 23 (85%) nocturnal continence within 6 months. Of the 19 patients who were in employment before surgery, 15 continued to be economically active afterward; 26 patients (96%) reported no change in their daily living activities. Of 16 men who reported being potent pre-operatively only four retained some residual erectile function. Twenty-three patients were interviewed about their voiding habits and satisfaction with the outcome of surgery. Fourteen patients had no sensation of reservoir fullness and of the 21 men, 13 had to squat or sit to void effectively. The mean (range) voiding frequency was 5 (4-8) during the day and 2 (0-4) during sleep. Twenty-two patients were satisfied with the overall outcome.

    CONCLUSIONS: The modified ileal bladder provides a high urinary continence rate with minimal changes in daily living activities and occupational status. The functional outcome was very satisfactory and accepted well, despite some changes in reservoir sensation, voiding posture and erectile function. The method is a viable option for reconstruction after cystectomy in Asian patients.
  13. Zhan SZ, Li JH, Zhang GH, Liu XW, Li M, Zheng J, et al.
    Chem Commun (Camb), 2019 Oct 03;55(80):11992-11995.
    PMID: 31498358 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc05236d
    A luminescent edge-interlocked heteroleptic metallocage based on Cu3(pyrazolate)3 was prepared through a ligand replacement reaction from a homoleptic metallocage and a new ligand. Its structure was confirmed by XRD and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Theoretical calculations revealed the new ligand was evidently responsible for the bathochromic shift of the optimal excitation. This work provides a heteroleptic strategy to regulate the interlocking fashion and photophysical mechanism of metallocages based on Cu3(pyrazolate)3.
  14. Sun RW, Zhang M, Li D, Zhang ZF, Cai H, Li M, et al.
    Chemistry, 2015 Dec 14;21(51):18534-8.
    PMID: 26459298 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201503656
    A dinuclear gold(I) pyrrolidinedithiocarbamato complex (1) with a bidentate carbene ligand has been constructed and shows potent in vitro cytotoxic activities towards cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells A2780cis. Its rigid scaffold enables a zinc(II)-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) to be used as a carrier in facilitating the uptake and release of 1 in solutions. Instead of using a conventional dialysis approach for the drug-release testing, in this study, a set of transwell assay-based experiments have been designed and employed to examine the cytotoxic and antimigratory activities of 1@Zn-MOF towards A2780cis.
  15. Ma J, Ma NL, Zhang D, Wu N, Liu X, Meng L, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Apr;292:133345.
    PMID: 34922964 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133345
    Zero waste multistage utilization of biomass from Ginkgo biloba branches (GBBs) was achieved through extraction of bioactive components, analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activities, preparation and composition of pyrolyzate, adsorption and reuse of modified biochar. The results showed that GBBs had abundant bioactive components for potential application in the industry of food, chemical raw materials and biomedicine. Especially, the bioactive compounds in acetone extract (10 mg/mL) of GBBs identified by DPPH and ABTS had free radical scavenging abilities of 92.28% and 98.18%, respectively, which are equivalent to Vitamin C used as an antioxidant in food additives. Fourier Transform Infrared and X-Ray Diffraction analysis showed that carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and magnetic Fe3O4 were successfully incorporated into raw biochar (RB) to form CMC-Fe3O4-RB nanomaterial. Scanning electron microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction spectroscopy displayed Fe, C, and O existed on the surface of CMC-Fe3O4-RB. Compared with RB, CMC-Fe3O4-RB had a larger specific surface area, pore volume and pore size. Meanwhile, nanomagnetic CMC-Fe3O4-RB solved the problem of agglomeration in traditional magnetized biochar production, and improved the adsorption capacity of Pb2+, which was 29.90% higher than that of RB by ICP-OES. Further, the Pb2+ (10 mg/L) adsorption capacity of CMC-Fe3O4-RB reached the highest level in 2 h at the dosage of 0.01 g/L, and remained stable at 52.987 mg/g after five cycles of adsorption and desorption. This research aided in the creation of a strategy for GBBs zero waste multistage usage and a circular economic model for GBBs industry development, which can be promoted and applied to the fields of food industry and environment improvement.
  16. Buie MJ, Quan J, Windsor JW, Coward S, Hansen TM, King JA, et al.
    Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2023 Aug;21(9):2211-2221.
    PMID: 35863682 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.06.030
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: The evolving epidemiologic patterns of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) throughout the world, in conjunction with advances in therapeutic treatments, may influence hospitalization rates of IBD. We performed a systematic review with temporal analysis of hospitalization rates for IBD across the world in the 21st century.

    METHODS: We systematically reviewed Medline and Embase for population-based studies reporting hospitalization rates for IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), or ulcerative colitis (UC) in the 21st century. Log-linear models were used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Random-effects meta-analysis pooled country-level AAPCs. Data were stratified by the epidemiologic stage of a region: compounding prevalence (stage 3) in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania vs acceleration of incidence (stage 2) in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America vs emergence (stage 1) in developing countries.

    RESULTS: Hospitalization rates for a primary diagnosis of IBD were stable in countries in stage 3 (AAPC, -0.13%; 95% CI, -0.72 to 0.97), CD (AAPC, 0.20%; 95% CI, -1.78 to 2.17), and UC (AAPC, 0.02%; 95% CI, -0.91 to 0.94). In contrast, hospitalization rates for a primary diagnosis were increasing in countries in stage 2 for IBD (AAPC, 4.44%; 95% CI, 2.75 to 6.14), CD (AAPC, 8.34%; 95% CI, 4.38 to 12.29), and UC (AAPC, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.29 to 6.52). No population-based studies were available for developing regions in stage 1 (emergence).

    CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization rates for IBD are stabilizing in countries in stage 3, whereas newly industrialized countries in stage 2 have rapidly increasing hospitalization rates, contributing to an increasing burden on global health care systems.

  17. Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, Gifford K, Jones L, Jones D, et al.
    Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2020 02;43(1):9-17.
    PMID: 31761738 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2019.11.002
    PURPOSE: A survey in 2015 identified a high level of eye care practitioner concern about myopia with a reported moderately high level of activity, but the vast majority still prescribed single vision interventions to young myopes. This research aimed to update these findings 4 years later.

    METHODS: A self-administrated, internet-based questionnaire was distributed in eight languages, through professional bodies to eye care practitioners globally. The questions examined: awareness of increasing myopia prevalence, perceived efficacy of available strategies and adoption levels of such strategies, and reasons for not adopting specific strategies.

    RESULTS: Of the 1336 respondents, concern was highest (9.0 ± 1.6; p 

  18. Li M, Han N, Zhang X, Wang S, Jiang M, Bokhari A, et al.
    Environ Res, 2022 Apr 01;205:112544.
    PMID: 34902376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112544
    Using solar energy to catalyse photo-driven processes to address the energy crisis and environmental pollution plays a role in the path to a sustainable society. Many oxide-based materials, especially perovskite oxides, have been widely investigated as catalysts for photocatalysis in energy and environment because of the low-cost and earth-abundant and good performance. At this stage, there is a need to present a scientific-based evaluation of the technologies developed so far and identify the most sustainable technologies and the existing limitations and opportunities for their commercialisation. This work comprehensively investigated the outcomes using various scientometric indices on perovskite oxide-based photo(electro)catalysts for water splitting, nitrogen fixation, carbon dioxide conversion, organic pollutant degradation, current trends and advances in the field. According to the results achieved, efforts in both energy and environment based on perovskite oxides have been initiated in the 1990s and accelerated since the 2010s. China and the United States were identified as the most contributing countries. Based on the results achieved in this study, the main milestones and current trends in the development of this field have been identified. The aim of this research is to provide useful guidelines for the further investigation of perovskite oxide-based catalysts for photoelectrocatalysis and photocatalysis both in energy and environment on the applications such as water splitting, nitrogen fixation, carbon dioxide conversion, and wastewater treatment.
  19. Tsubota K, Yokoi N, Watanabe H, Dogru M, Kojima T, Yamada M, et al.
    Eye Contact Lens, 2020 Jan;46 Suppl 1:S2-S13.
    PMID: 31425351 DOI: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000643
    The 2017 consensus report of the Asia Dry Eye Society (ADES) on the definition and diagnosis of dry eyes described dry eye disease as "Dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterized by unstable tear film causing a variety of symptoms and/or visual impairment, potentially accompanied by ocular surface damage." The report emphasized the instability of tear film and the importance of visual dysfunction in association with dry eyes, highlighting the importance of the evaluation of tear film stability. This report also discussed the concept of tear film-oriented therapy, which stemmed from the definition, and which is centered on provision of insufficient components in each tear film layer and ocular surface epithelium. The current ADES report proposes a simple classification of dry eyes based on the concept of tear film-oriented diagnosis and suggests that there are three types of dry eye: aqueous-deficient, decreased wettability, and increased evaporation. It is suggested that these three types respectively coincide with the problems of each layer: aqueous, membrane-associated mucins, and lipid/secretory mucin. Although each component cannot be quantitatively evaluated with the current technology, a practical diagnosis based on the patterns of fluorescein breakup is recommended. The Asia Dry Eye Society classification report suggests that for a practical use of the definition, diagnostic criteria and classification system should be integrated and be simple to use. The classification system proposed by ADES is a straightforward tool and simple to use, only through use of fluorescein, which is available even to non-dry eye specialists, and which is believed to contribute to an effective diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes.
  20. Chen L, Jiang Q, Jiang C, Lu H, Hu W, Yu S, et al.
    Food Funct, 2023 Mar 20;14(6):2870-2880.
    PMID: 36883533 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02524h
    Obesity has been reported to be associated with dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Sciadonic acid (SC) is one of the main functional components of Torreya grandis "Merrillii" seed oil. However, the effect of SC on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SC on lipid metabolism and the gut flora in mice fed with a high-fat diet. The results revealed that SC activates the PPARα/SREBP-1C/FAS signaling pathway and reduces the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but increases the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and inhibits weight gain. Among them, high-dose SC was the most effective; the TC, TG and LDL-C levels were reduced by 20.03%, 28.40% and 22.07%, respectively; the HDL-C level was increased by 8.55%. In addition, SC significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels by 98.21% and 35.17%, respectively, decreased oxidative stress, and ameliorated the pathological damage to the liver caused by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, SC treatment altered the composition of the intestinal flora, promoting the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while simultaneously decreasing the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria such as Faecalibaculum, norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae, and Romboutsia. Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that the gut microbiota was associated with SCFAs and biochemical indicators. In summary, our results suggested that SC can improve lipid metabolism disorders and regulate the gut microbial structure.
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