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Fulltext An exotic fruit with high nutritional value: Kadsura coccinea fruit

Sun, J., Jiang, Y., Amin, I., Li, Z., Prasad, K.N., Duan, X., et al.

International Food Research Journal, 2011;18(2):651-657.
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This research was to determine nutritional composition, essential and toxic elemental content, and major phenolic acid with antioxidant activity in Kadsura coccinea fruit. The results indicated that Kadsura coccinea fruit exhibited the high contents of total protein, total fat, ash and essential elements such as calcium (Ca), ferrum (Fe) and phosphorus (P). The levels of four common toxic elements, i.e. cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), were lower than legal limits. By high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, gallic acid was identified as major phenolic acid in peel and pulp tissues. Its contents were no significant difference in both tissues. In comparison with two commercial antioxidants, the major phenolic acid extracted from Kadsura coccinea exhibited stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity and reducing power. Kadsura coccinea fruit is a good source of nutrition and natural antioxidant. It is worthwhile to popularize this exotic fruit around the world.
Fulltext Construction of a nomogram to predict urethral stricture after transurethral resection of the prostate: A retrospective cohort study

Wan Mokhter WM, Duan X, Yang J, Mohamed Daud MA

PLoS One, 2025;20(2):e0313557.
PMID: 39937772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313557

BACKGROUND: To investigate the risk factors for urethral stricture (US) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and to construct a nomogram model with predictive features.
METHODS: Clinical data of 400 patients with BPH who underwent TURP between June 2020 and June 2023 at Chengdu University Hospital were retrospectively collected. The data were divided into US group and no US group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed sequentially to identify independent risk factors associated with US. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a nomogram model predicting the risk of US was constructed. We assessed the discriminatory power and calibration of the models using the C index, ROC curves, and calibration plots. In addition, we performed a decision curve analysis to validate the clinical utility of the model.
RESULTS: Data from a total of 400 patients were included in this study, and 35 (8.75%) were diagnosed with US. The results of univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the following five factors age, prostate size, Preoperative indwelling catheter, Preoperative urethral dilation, Postoperative indwelling catheter time were independent influences on the risk of US. Nomogram model of US was constructed using these independent influences. The area under the curve (AUC) of the subject's operating characteristic was 0.916 (95% CI: 0.868-0.959), and after internal validation, the corrected C-index remained at 0.916. This further validates the accuracy and reliability of the predictive model. Calibration plots and decision curve analyses demonstrated the good clinical value of the column-line diagram model.
CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram model we constructed can have some guidance in clinical work.
Nanostructured Co-Mn containing perovskites for degradation of pollutants: Insight into the activity and stability

Miao J, Sunarso J, Duan X, Zhou W, Wang S, Shao Z

J Hazard Mater, 2018 May 05;349:177-185.
PMID: 29425884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.01.054

The efficient oxidative removal of persistent organic components in wastewater relies on low-cost heterogeneous catalysts that offer high catalytic activity, stability, and recyclability. Here, we designed a series of nanostructured Co-Mn containing perovskite catalysts, LaCo1-xMnxO3+δ (LCM, x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0), with over-stoichiometric oxygen (δ > 0) to show superior catalytic activity for the degradation of a variety of persistent aqueous organic pollutants by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The nature of LCM for catalysis was comprehensively investigated. A "volcano-shaped" correlation was observed between the catalytic activity and electron filling (eg) of Co in LCM. Among these compounds, LaCo0.5Mn0.5O3+δ (LCM55) exhibited an excellent activity with eg = 1.27. The high interstitial oxygen ion diffusion rate (DO2- = 1.58 ± 0.01 × 10-13 cm2 s-1) of LCM55 also contributes to its catalytic activity. The enhanced stability of LCM55 can be ascribed to its stronger relative acidity (3.22). Moreover, an increased solution pH (pH ≥ 7) generated a faster organic degradation rate and a decrease in metal leaching (0.004 mM) for LCM55 perovskite, justifying it as a potential material for environmental remediation.
Recent progress on phytoremediation of urban air pollution

Duan X, Gu H, Lam SS, Sonne C, Lu W, Li H, et al.

Chemosphere, 2024 Feb;349:140821.
PMID: 38042424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140821

The rapid growth of population and economy has led to an increase in urban air pollutants, greenhouse gases, energy shortages, environmental degradation, and species extinction, all of which affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Atmospheric pollution sources are divided into direct and indirect pollutants. Through analysis of the sources of pollutants, the self-functioning of different plants can be utilized to purify the air quality more effectively. Here, we explore the absorption of greenhouse gases and particulate matter in cities as well as the reduction of urban temperatures by plants based on international scientific literature on plant air pollution mitigation, according to the adsorption, dust retention, and transpiration functions of plants. At the same time, it can also reduce the occurrence of extreme weather. It is necessary to select suitable tree species for planting according to different plant functions and environmental needs. In the context of tight urban land use, the combination of vertical greening and urban architecture, through the rational use of plants, has comprehensively addressed urban air pollution. In the future, in urban construction, attention should be paid to the use of heavy plants and the protection and development of green spaces. Our review provides necessary references for future urban planning and research.
Effects of high stocking density on growth performance and expression of MyD88, and its temporal expression under the challenge of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the noble scallop Chlamys nobilis

Feng M, Tan K, Zhang H, Duan X, Li S, Ma H, et al.

Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2023 Oct;141:109059.
PMID: 37678479 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109059

High stocking density has been regarded as an adverse factor in bivalve aquaculture. However, its subsequent molecular response to pathogenic bacteria has been little studied. In order to study the question, a novel MyD88 was first cloned using adult noble scallops Chlamys nobilis (CnMyD88), and its tissue distribution was investigated. Then, 1860 juvenile scallops were divided into two groups with two initial densities of high density (200 individuals/layer, HD) and normal density (110 individuals/layer, ND) and in-situ cultured for three months, in which their growth, survival, and the differential expression of CnMyD88 were examined, respectively. Finally, scallops were injected with the Vibrio parahaemolyticus to assess the temporal expression of CnMyD88. As the results show, CnMyD88 cDNA has a full length of 2241 bp and contains an 1107 bp ORF that encodes a 368-derived protein. It was widely expressed in examined tissues with a significantly higher level in hemolymph, intestine, mantle, and gonad than others. Besides, the HD group showed lower growth (0.39 ± 0.05 mm/day) and survival (37.00 ± 8.49%) than the ND group (0.55 ± 0.02 mm/day and 76.82 ± 5.78%). More importantly, the HD group exhibited significantly lower expression levels of CnMyD88 in their examined tissues than the ND group. After V. parahaemolyticus challenging, CnMyD88 had significantly lower expression levels in the scallops from the HD group than that of the scallops from the ND group at 6th, 24th, and 36th. The present results indicated that high stocking density not only made adverse impacts on growth and survival but also may induce immunosuppression in the noble scallop. Therefore, appropriate low stocking density may be worth considering to adopt in scallop aquaculture.
Fulltext Intrinsic evolution pathway connecting two quasi-steady dissipative soliton states in a pulsating Yb-doped fiber laser

Zhou Y, Duan X, Liu Y, Meng F, Lim KS, Jin L

Opt Express, 2026 Nov 02;34(22):42707-42716.
PMID: 42972819 DOI: 10.1364/OE.616206

The pulsating behavior of dissipative solitons is a typical manifestation of complex nonlinear dynamics in ultrafast fiber lasers. However, the intrinsic evolution of dissipative solitons within a single pulsation cycle remains largely unexplored. Here, we observe a pulsating state in an Yb-doped fiber laser and reveal an intrinsic evolution pathway connecting two quasi-steady dissipative soliton states. Within one pulsation cycle, the system evolves from an initial quasi-steady dissipative soliton state through a sequence of nonlinear regimes associated with period-doubling bifurcation signatures, a period-3 window, and chaotic behavior, and finally evolves into another quasi-steady dissipative soliton state. Real-time spectral measurements further reveal that the transition occurs through continuous spectral reshaping, indicating a gradual transformation between the two quasi-steady dissipative soliton states. These findings provide insights into the intrinsic evolution of dissipative solitons and the emergence of complex evolution pathways in nonequilibrium dissipative systems.
Sub-5 nm Ultra-Fine FeP Nanodots as Efficient Co-Catalysts Modified Porous g-C3N4 for Precious-Metal-Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light

Zeng D, Zhou T, Ong WJ, Wu M, Duan X, Xu W, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2019 Feb 13;11(6):5651-5660.
PMID: 30615433 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b20958

Sub-5 nm ultra-fine iron phosphide (FeP) nano-dots-modified porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) heterojunction nanostructures are successfully prepared through the gas-phase phosphorization of Fe3O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites. The incorporation of zero-dimensional (0D) ultra-small FeP nanodots co-catalysts not only effectively facilitate charge separation but also serve as reaction active sites for hydrogen (H2) evolution. Herein, the strongly coupled FeP/g-C3N4 hybrid systems are employed as precious-metal-free photocatalysts for H2 production under visible-light irradiation. The optimized FeP/g-C3N4 sample displays a maximum H2 evolution rate of 177.9 μmol h-1 g-1 with the apparent quantum yield of 1.57% at 420 nm. Furthermore, the mechanism of photocatalytic H2 evolution using 0D/2D FeP/g-C3N4 heterojunction interfaces is systematically corroborated by steady-state photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical results. Additionally, an increased donor density in FeP/g-C3N4 is evidenced from the Mott-Schottky analysis in comparison with that of parent g-C3N4, signifying the enhancement of electrical conductivity and charge transport owing to the emerging role of FeP. The density functional theory calculations reveal that the FeP/g-C3N4 hybrids could act as a promising catalyst for the H2 evolution reaction. Overall, this work not only paves a new path in the engineering of monodispersed FeP-decorated g-C3N4 0D/2D robust nanoarchitectures but also elucidates potential insights for the utilization of noble-metal-free FeP nanodots as remarkable co-catalysts for superior photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-diformylfuran using manganese dioxide with different crystal structures: A comparative study

Lin KA, Oh WD, Zheng MW, Kwon E, Lee J, Lin JY, et al.

J Colloid Interface Sci, 2021 Jun 15;592:416-429.
PMID: 33691223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.02.030

Aerobic oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-Diformylfuran (DFF) using O2 gas represents a sustainable approach for valorization of lignocellulosic compounds. As manganese dioxide (MnO2) is validated as a useful oxidation catalyst and many crystalline forms of MnO2 exist, it is critical to explore how the crystalline structures of MnO2 influence their physical/chemical properties, which, in turn, determine catalytic activities of MnO2 crystals for HMF oxidation to DFF. In particular, six MnO2 crystals, α-MnO2, β-MnO2, γ-MnO2, δ-MnO2, ε-MnO2, and λ-MnO2 are prepared and investigated for their catalytic activities for HMF oxidation to DFF. With different morphologies and crystalline structures, these MnO2 crystals possess very distinct surficial chemistry, redox capabilities, and textural properties, making these MnO2 exhibit different catalytic activities towards HMF conversion. Especially, β-MnO2 can produce much higher DFF per surface area than other MnO2 crystals. β-MnO2 could achieve the highest CHMF = 99% and YDFF = 97%, which are much higher than the reported values in literature, possibly because the surficial reactivity of β-MnO2 appears to be highest in comparison to other MnO2 crystals. Especially, β-MnO2 could exhibit YDFF > 90% over 5 cycles of reusability test, and maintain its crystalline structure, revealing its advantageous feature for aerobic oxidation of HMF to DFF. Through this study, the relationship between morphology, surface chemistry, and catalytic activity of MnO2 with different crystal forms is elucidated for providing scientific insights into design, application and development of MnO2-based materials for aerobic oxidation of bio-derived molecules to value-added products.
Novel strategy for optimizing of corn starch-based ink food 3D printing process: Printability prediction based on BP-ANN model

Jiao X, Ren G, Law CL, Li L, Cao W, Luo Z, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep;276(Pt 2):133921.
PMID: 39025175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133921

Although starch has been intensively studied as a raw material for 3D printing, the relationship between several important process parameters in the preparation of starch gels and the printing results is unclear. In this study, the relationship between different processing conditions and the gel printing performance of corn starch was evaluated by printing tests, rheological tests and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) tests, and a back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model for predicting gel printing performance was developed. The results revealed that starch gels exhibited favorable printing performance when the gelatinization temperature ranged from 75 °C to 85 °C, and the starch content was maintained between 15 % and 20 %. The R2adj of the BP-ANN models were all reached 0.894, which indicated good predictive ability. The results of the study not only provide theoretical support for the application of corn starch gels in 3D food printing, but also present a novel approach for predicting the printing performance of related materials. This method contributes to the optimization of printing parameters, thereby enhancing printing efficiency and quality.
Fulltext The Evolution of Mechanical Properties and Cellular Structure of Apples During Freeze Drying Combined with Hot Air Drying (FD-HAD) Process

Li L, Yang M, Zhu L, Liu W, Li L, Cao W, et al.

Foods, 2024 Dec 07;13(23).
PMID: 39683023 DOI: 10.3390/foods13233951

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world and have a significant share in domestic and international fruit production. Drying is a common method used to extend the shelf life of apples. However, it also induces irregular morphological changes in apples, which are essential to maintaining the structural integrity of the material. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effect of cellular changes at the microscopic level on the macroscopic deformation of the material during drying. In this paper, the evolution of cell wall pectin fractions and viscoelastic properties of apples during freeze drying combined with hot air drying was investigated. The findings indicated that during the HAD stage, a decrease in the relaxation modulus (E1) of the samples was observed in the compression tests when the sample temperature was significantly higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg). As the difference between the two decreased, the samples exhibited increased stiffness and higher E1. The results of the pectin content analysis showed that the HAD process accelerated the loss and degradation of water-soluble pectin in the samples with high moisture content at the transition point. Simultaneously, the esterification degree of chelator-soluble pectin increased, leading to a reduction in the support provided to the cellular structure of the samples, which consequently affected their mechanical properties. These findings may provide valuable information for the application of freeze drying combined with hot air drying in the efficient processing of dried fruit and vegetable products.
Fulltext Flexible Ureteroscopy with a Tip-bendable Suction Ureteral Access Sheath Versus Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Treatment of 2-3-cm Renal Stones: Study Protocol for an International, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-group, Noninferiority Trial

Zhu W, Ann Chai C, Ma J, İlker Gökce M, Gadzhiev N, Kalathia J, et al.

Eur Urol Open Sci, 2024 Dec;70:167-173.
PMID: 39559532 DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2024.10.014

Guidelines recommend percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger renal stones, but advances in flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) with a tip-bendable suction ureteral access sheath (S-UAS) have prompted further investigation. Our multicenter, international, randomized controlled trial is investigating whether f-URS with S-UAS is noninferior to mini-PCNL (mPCNL) for renal stones of 2-3 cm. The primary objective is the immediate stone-free rate (SFR). Secondary outcomes include the 3-mo SFR, complication rates, surgical time, hospital stay, auxiliary procedures, and improvements in quality of life. A total of 720 patients from 12 urological centers will be randomized to either f-URS with S-UAS or PCNL. Statistical analyses will include intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, with specific methods for normally and non-normally distributed data. Subgroup analyses will focus on stone location and lithotripter types. The significance threshold will be set at p
Effect of moisture migration on texture and viscoelasticity of Chinese yam during multi-phase microwave drying (MMD) - focusing on the evaporation-dehydration stage

Yang M, Chen X, Wang L, Ren X, Liu W, Li L, et al.

Food Chem X, 2025 Feb;26:102314.
PMID: 40115502 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102314

This study aimed to assess the correlation between moisture migration and texture, as well as viscoelasticity of Chinese yam during the evaporation stage of multiphase microwave drying (MMD). A comparison of different drying strategies (Scheme I, Scheme II, and Scheme III) revealed that the water molecule mobility decreased as drying proceeded. In samples with higher water content at the transition point, the rapid migration of water during evaporation stage could result in a more pronounced collapse of the cellular and pore structure, leading to a denser product with increased hardness. Additionally, changes in the samples' textural and viscoelastic properties were significantly correlated with the moisture states. As water mobility decreased, the movement of molecular chains was restricted, leading to increased rigidity in the sample. These findings can provide theoretical guidance for the process optimization of MMD to meet consumers' demand for high-quality dried products.
Dosage-dependent effects of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae on post-acidification inhibition, protein structure and functional properties of goat milk fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

Wang Q, Nie M, Yang T, Che H, Shi Y, Cui C, et al.

J Sci Food Agric, 2026 Nov 03.
PMID: 42978181 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.71128

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to prepare fermented goat milk yogurt (GMY) with graded Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) supplementation (0.0-2.5 g kg-1), and to explore the regulatory effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of SZS on gel properties, physicochemical quality and protein conformation of GMY co-fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L3 and commercial starter (YO-MIX 883 containing Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus). Physicochemical and antioxidant properties were assayed. Spectroscopic measurements coupled with particle-size and zeta-potential analyses characterized protein-conformational and colloidal-structure variations.
RESULTS: All GMY exhibited post-acidification during storage. The amount of 0.5-1.0 g kg-1 SZS raised titratable acidity, while 1.5-2.5 g kg-1 restrained acid accumulation. SZS dose-dependently increased hardness and consistency and reduced cohesiveness and adhesiveness; 2.0-2.5 g kg-1 groups showed the densest gel. SZS decreased particle size and raised absolute zeta potential to stabilize casein micelles, reduced L* and elevated total color difference (ΔE), turning samples creamy yellow. It remarkably improved DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity, with the 2.5 g kg-1 group hitting 93.30 g 100 g-1. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy verified protein secondary structure rearrangement and reconstructed intermolecular forces. It was found 2.0 g kg-1 was the optimal dosage; overdose disrupted colloidal and protein conformational stability. SZS optimized casein polysaccharide networks through hydrogen, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions.
CONCLUSION: Appropriate SZS supplementation achieved optimal quality regulation of GMY with substantially enhanced storage stability, gel texture and antioxidant activity. This study uncovered the molecular mechanism by which natural plant bioactive compounds improve fermented milk quality via regulating protein conformation and non-covalent interactions, providing theoretical support for the targeted formulation design of functional fermented dairy products. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fulltext Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1

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.

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