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IntroductionThe extent to which sinks are contaminated by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in intensive care units (ICUs) and the association between these contaminated sinks and hospital-acquired CRAB infections during the non-cluster period remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a prospective multicenter study in 16 ICUs at 11 tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China.MethodsWe sampled sinks, collected CRAB clinical isolates, and conducted whole-genome sequencing and analysis.ResultsA total of 789 swabs were collected from 158 sinks, and 16 CRAB isolates were recovered from 16 sinks, resulting in a contamination rate of 10.16%. Twenty-seven clinical isolates were collected during the study period. The majority (97.67%, 42/43) of the CRAB isolates belonged to ST2, and 36 (83.72%) of them had both blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66. The 43 strains belonged to 12 clones. One certain clone caused multiple contaminations of seven sinks in one GICU. Two clones of ST2 blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66-carrying sink strains were likely the sources of the two clusters in the two GICUs, respectively. Five ST2 blaOXA-23-carrying isolates were found to be common clones but were recovered from two hospitals.ConclusionThe contamination rate of CRAB in handwashing sinks is high in some local ICUs, and the contaminated sinks can serve as environmental reservoirs for CRAB clusters.

IntroductionThe crown clade is one of two major groups in the Russula subg. Russula.Methods/materialAn analysis of Chinese samples was performed based on the morphology, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and multi-gene phylogenies of 28S nrLSU, 16S mtSSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α.ResultsThe results supported the independence of six new species: Russula alboflava (sect. Amethystinae), R. chrysantha (subsect. Chamaeleontinae), R. liyui (subsect. Laricinae), R. lutescens (subsect. Olivaceinae), R. paraxerampelina, and R. prunicolor (subsect. Xerampelinae) from Fagaceae forest habitats. Subsect. Alboflavinae was newly proposed in sect. Amethystinae. Members of the new subsection include R. alboflava, R. burlinghamiae, and possibly R. ballouii.DiscussionOur analyses also supported the claim that two species of R. fulvograminea (subsect. Laricinae) and R. subrubens (subsect. Xerampelinae) have a Eurasian distribution. The habitat and primary hosts of the main phylogenetic clades within related subsections were summarized and discussed.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective alternative for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). It reduces low-grade duodenal inflammation and improves the symptoms of FD by downregulating the expression of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3, but its mechanism needs to be elucidated. To examine the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on intestinal flora and NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway in FD rats. The FD rat model was established via multi-factor stress intervention for two weeks. The rats were randomly divided into the NC group, model group, NF-kB inhibitor group (NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11–7082 was administered), EA group, and EA + NF-kB inhibitor group. After 14 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and the protein and mRNA levels of NF-κB p65, IκB, and NLRP3 in the duodenum were evaluated by Western blotting assays and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform was used to analyze the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of intestinal flora and predict functional genes. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces was assessed by metabolomics. EA can decrease low-grade duodenal inflammation and promote gastrointestinal motility in FD rats. This effect is mediated by inhibition of the NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway, an increase in the alpha and beta diversity of gut microbiota in the duodenum, an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria at the phylum and genus levels, and an increase in the content of SCFAs. The protective effect of EA against FD might involve multiple hierarchy and pathways. EA may remodel intestinal flora by inhibiting the NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway, thereby improving low-grade duodenal inflammation in FD rats.

BackgroundEarly-onset sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of muscle mass and function that occurs at an early age. This condition perpetuates the vicious cycle of muscle loss and is associated with adverse outcomes. It is important to identify the contributing factors for early intervention and prevention. While diet is known to impact muscle mass, the association of B vitamins with early-onset sarcopenia remains unexplored.ObjectivesTo investigate the association of B vitamins intake with early-onset sarcopenia risk in a cross-sectional study.MethodsWe conducted data analysis on a total of 8,711 participants aged between 20 and 59 years who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Early-onset sarcopenia was defined as a SMI measured by DXA that was one standard deviation below the sex-specific mean of the reference population. B vitamins intake (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12) was assessed by 24-h dietary recall. We used weighted multiple logistic regression and RCS models to estimate the OR and 95% CI of sarcopenia by B vitamins intake, adjusting for demographic, physical, lifestyle, comorbidities, and nutritional covariates.ResultsHigher intake of vitamin B1 was associated with a 22% lower sarcopenia risk (OR = 0.78, CI = 0.63–0.97, p = 0.022), and higher intake of vitamin B2 with a 16% lower risk (OR = 0.84, CI = 0.74–0.97, p = 0.012) in both genders. Gender-specific analyses showed a 28% reduction in sarcopenia risk among males with each additional mg of vitamin B1 intake (OR = 0.72, CI = 0.52–0.97, p = 0.038), and a 26% decrease among females with each additional mg of vitamin B2 intake (OR = 0.74, CI = 0.57–0.96, p = 0.021). No significant differences were found between vitamin B2 and males, or between vitamin B1 and females. The RCS model suggested a nonlinear relationship between vitamin B2 intake and sarcopenia risk (POverall = 0.001, PNonlinear = 0.033), with a plateau effect above 3 mg/d.ConclusionHigher intake of vitamin B1 and B2 may lower the risk of early-onset sarcopenia, with gender differences. This suggests the potential of nutritional intervention by increasing these vitamins intake through diet and supplements. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and design targeted interventions.

Background: Thromboelastogram (TEG) is an effective indicator that monitors the dynamic changes of blood coagulation in real-time. It still remains controversial about the performance and influence of coagulation at high altitude. The present study intends to describe comprehensively the clinical features of TEG in populations exposed to or transferring from high altitude. Methods: Two groups were recruited in the present study. Group A included young males who worked at high-altitude (4888 m or 5418 m) areas for some time, while Group B included young males who had recently returned from high-altitude (4888 m or 5418 m) areas. Medical examinations were performed using portable devices. Spearman's test was used to evaluate the correlations between thromboelastogram (TEG) variables and other variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting various abnormal TEG variables. Results: A total of 51 adult males were included in the two groups. Significantly increased reaction time (R) and decreased maximum amplitude (MA) were found in group B (P

From the perspective of positive psychology, academic enjoyment, a positive achievement emotion, positively impacts school outcomes. However, studies have yet to explore the mediating mechanism between academic enjoyment and achievement. This research investigated the direct and indirect effects of academic enjoyment on foreign language (FL) proficiency. Specifically, this study endeavored to test the role of FL enjoyment on FL elaboration strategies and whether FL elaboration strategies, in turn, affects FL proficiency. Data were collected from 505 Chinese secondary school students aged 12 to 15 using convenience sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analyses found that FL elaboration strategies partially mediated the relationship between FL enjoyment and FL proficiency. Implications, shortcomings, and directions for further studies are also discussed.

Aims: Mechanical stimulation is a key factor in the development and healing of tendon-bone insertion. Treadmill training is an important rehabilitation treatment. This study aims to investigate the benefits of treadmill training initiated on postoperative day 7 for tendon-bone insertion healing. Methods: A tendon-bone insertion injury healing model was established in 92 C57BL/6 male mice. All mice were divided into control and training groups by random digital table method. The control group mice had full free activity in the cage, and the training group mice started the treadmill training on postoperative day 7. The quality of tendon-bone insertion healing was evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, micro-CT, micro-MRI, open field tests, and CatWalk gait and biomechanical assessments. Results: Our results showed a significantly higher tendon-bone insertion histomorphological score in the training group, and the messenger RNA and protein expression levels of type II collagen (COL2A1), SOX9, and type X collagen (COL10A1) were significantly elevated. Additionally, tendon-bone insertion resulted in less scar hyperplasia after treadmill training, the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) were significantly improved, and the force required to induce failure became stronger in the training group. Functionally, the motor ability, limb stride length, and stride frequency of mice with tendon-bone insertion injuries were significantly improved in the training group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Treadmill training initiated on postoperative day 7 is beneficial to tendon-bone insertion healing, promoting biomechanical strength and motor function. Our findings are expected to guide clinical rehabilitation training programmes. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(5):339–351.

The six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) micromotion mechanism is a key component in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) projection lithography objectives to compensate for wavefront aberration and ensure performance stability. It is required to have high precision and high reliability. A 6-DOF mirror micromotion mechanism of an EUV lithography objective lens with Stewart configuration is proposed, and based on the RPY (Roll-Pitch-Yaw) angular rotation method and the second-type Lagrange method, the kinematic and dynamic models of the mechanism are constructed to realize the decoupling of the mechanism’s kinematics and the solution of the driving force. Comparative verification with finite element transient analysis shows that the response value of the dynamic model and the finite element method (FEM) differs by 4.8% in a specific posture. A hybrid optimization method, combining genetic algorithms and particle-swarm optimization (GA-PSO), was proposed to optimize the structural parameters of the initial design of the motion outriggers in a micromotion mechanism. The results demonstrate a 15.1% reduction in maximum driving force, significantly enhancing outrigger driving smoothness.

The control-value theory (CVT) of achievement emotions posits that achievement emotions are significantly associated with the key indicators of academic outcomes, including academic motivation, engagement, and performance. Existing studies have tested the theoretical hypothesis of the CVT in a variety of cultures, disciplines, and samples. However, evidence is limited for whether there are gender and grade differences in achievement emotions, especially in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). 1,460 Chinese secondary school students (male N = 671; female N = 789; seventh-graders N = 731; eighth-graders N = 729) took part in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses and multi-group analyses were conducted to explore the possible gender and grade differences in EFL-related achievement emotions. Results indicated that there are gender or grade differences in EFL-related enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom, while hope and pride did not. Both limitations and implications are discussed.

IntroductionThe healing of tendon-bone injuries is very difficult, often resulting in poor biomechanical performance and unsatisfactory functional recovery. The tendon-bone insertion has a complex four distinct layers structure, and previous studies have often focused on promoting the regeneration of the fibrocartilage layer, neglecting the role of its bone end repair in tendon-bone healing. This study focuses on the role of treadmill training in promoting bone regeneration at the tendon-bone insertion and its related mechanisms.MethodsAfter establishing the tendon-bone insertion injury model, the effect of treadmill training on tendon-bone healing was verified by Micro CT and HE staining; then the effect of CX3CL1 on osteoclast differentiation was verified by TRAP staining and cell culture; and finally the functional recovery of the mice was verified by biomechanical testing and behavioral test.ResultsTreadmill training suppresses the secretion of CX3CL1 and inhibits the differentiation of local osteoclasts after tendon-bone injury, ultimately reducing osteolysis and promoting tendon bone healing.DiscussionOur research has found the interaction between treadmill training and the CX3CL1-C3CR1 axis, providing a certain theoretical basis for rehabilitation training.

Drawing up the control-value theory, the present study attempted to understand the relationships among Chinese secondary school students’ English learning anxiety, behavioural engagement, and English performance. A total of 230 (113 males, 117 females) English as a foreign language (EFL) learners from one Chinese secondary school completed the academic anxiety scale and behavioural engagement scale. Participants final examination scores measured their English achievement. Structural equation model (SEM) analyses demonstrated that EFL-related anxiety could directly affect EFL achievement and indirectly via the mediator of behavioural engagement. EFL-related anxiety was able to explain 44.9% of the variance in behavioural engagement and 22.6% of the variance in English achievement. Implications for English education and limitations and directions for future studies are discussed.

For secondary school students, peer support is an essential component of social support, which might significantly influence their academic achievement. However, the mediating mechanism between peer support and academic achievement needs to be further explored, especially in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). The present study explored the relationship between peer support, foreign language (FL) self-concept, and EFL achievement based on the data of 499 Chinese secondary EFL learners. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and mediation analysis results demonstrated that peer support positively affected EFL achievement. FL self-concept fully mediated the relationship between peer support and EFL achievement after controlling for gender and age. The direction and strength of the mediating effect of FL self-concept between peer support and EFL achievement clarify the complex relationship between peer support and EFL achievement and helps EFL teachers and educators take intervention measures. Implications, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Purpose: There is growing evidence that genetic factors can influence human athletic performance. In many sports performances, excellent coordination and agility are the keys to mastery. However, few studies have been devoted to identifying genetic influences on athletic performance. Methods: We generated a derived measure of coordination and agility from the data of hexagonal jumps and T-runs and conducted genome-wide association and meta-analysis studies focused on coordination and agility. Results: The phenotypic correlation and genetic covariance analysis indicated that hexagonal jumps and T-runs were possibly influenced by the same set of genetic factors (R = 0.27, genetic covariance = 0.59). Meta-analysis identified rs117047321 genome-wide significant association (N = 143, P

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) technology in children after surgery for concomitant strabismus. Methods: A total of 200 children with concomitant exotropia or concomitant esotropia were randomly divided into a training group and a control group according to the single even number random method (100 cases in each group). Patients in the training group received VR intervention training within 1 week after surgery. Patients in the control group did not receive any training. Results: Six months after the surgery, the orthophoria (the far or near strabismus degree was ≤8Δ) rate was significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.001), while the eye position regression rate (compared to the strabismus degree within 1 week after the surgery, the amount of regression >10Δ) was significantly lower in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.001). Six months after the surgery, the number of children with simultaneous vision and remote stereovision was significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.017 and 0.002, respectively). The differences in the number of patients with peripheral stereopsis, macular stereopsis, and stereopsis in macular fovea centralis at 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery between the training and the control groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.916, 0.274, and 0.302, respectively). Conclusion: The intervention of VR technology after strabismus correction effectively improved children's visual function and maintained their eye position.

The problem of seasonal drought has intensified in recent years. Unfortunately, dry seasons can lead to poor water quality due to nitrogen (N) accumulation, which, in turn, may result in the gradual decline or even disappearance of submerged plants. This outdoor study was conducted to determine the morphological, biomass responses and C/N metabolism of Vallisneria spinulosa to the high N content and low water level. We used two N contents (i.e., low and high) and three simulated water levels (i.e., gradual water level increase from 60 cm to 150 cm over four periods (C), low water level of 60 cm maintained for three periods followed by an abrupt increase to 150 cm in the fourth period (CE) and low water levels of 60 ± 30 cm maintained for three periods followed by an abrupt increase to 150 cm in the fourth period (E)). For the low N content, low water levels for CE and E treatments caused increased ramet number and biomass of V. spinulosa. However, for the high N content, the low water levels did not cause such big changes in V. spinulosa. High N contents demonstrated a remarkably negative influence on the biomass of each organ (included leaf, stolon, root and tuber) of V. spinulosa and flowering ramet number. For C water level, the high N content caused an increase in free-amino acid (FAA) content in stolons and leaves, and no difference in soluble carbohydrate (SC) content. For E water level, there was no significant increase in FAA content of V. spinulosa under high N treatment; furthermore, there was no significant change in SC content under high N treatment except for leaves. In conclusion, low water levels exacerbated the damage to V. spinulosa caused by high nitrogen level.

Psychological Capital (PsyCap) has received much attention in industrial-organizational research because it is linked to a broad spectrum of adaptive work-related outcomes. However, few studies have been conducted on PsyCap in non-Western school contexts, especially in the ethnic minority areas of Mainland China. The present study aims to validate the school PsyCap scale, examine the latent mean differences of school PsyCap across Dai and Han groups, and verify the correlation between school PsyCap and academic engagement, achievement emotions, and academic achievement in a sample of 769 Chinese school children (Han students = 249, Dai students = 520) in the seventh and eighth grades. Results demonstrated that the Chinese version of the school PsyCap scale had excellent psychometric properties. Besides, there were no significant differences in the mean level of school PsyCap between the two cultural groups of Chinese Dai and Han. However, the multi-group second-order CFA model showed that the mean level of Dai students’ resilience was lower than that of Chinese Han. The findings also showed that school PsyCap has positive predictive effects on optimal academic outcomes (i.e., academic engagement, enjoyment, and academic achievement) but negatively affect boredom. This study enriches the understanding of school PsyCap from a cross-cultural perspective. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

IntroductionTendinopathy, the most common form of chronic tendon disorder, leads to persistent tendon pain and loss of function. Profiling the heterogeneous cellular composition in the tendon microenvironment helps to elucidate rational molecular mechanisms of tendinopathy.Methods and resultsIn this study, through a multi-modal analysis, a single-cell RNA- and ATAC-seq integrated tendinopathy landscape was generated for the first time. We found that a specific cell subpopulation with low PRDX2 expression exhibited a higher level of inflammation, lower proliferation and migration ability, which not only promoted tendon injury but also led to microenvironment deterioration. Mechanistically, a motif enrichment analysis of chromatin accessibility showed that FOXO1 was an upstream regulator of PRDX2 transcription, and we confirmed that functional blockade of FOXO1 activity induced PRDX2 silencing. The TNF signaling pathway was significantly activated in the PRDX2-low group, and TNF inhibition effectively restored diseased cell degradation.DiscussionWe revealed an essential role of diseased cells in tendinopathy and proposed the FOXO1-PRDX2-TNF axis is a potential regulatory mechanism for the treatment of tendinopathy.

The traditional method for synthesizing NH3 is the Haber–Bosch process which results in high‐fuel consumption and environmental pollution. Therefore, ecofriendly electrochemical synthesis of NH3 through nitrate (NO3−) reduction is a good choice. Herein, an integral Au/Cu electrode to catalyze NO3− reduction to NH3 is introduced. The catalyst exhibits not only the highest NH3 yield rate (73.4 mg h−1 cm−2) up to now but also a very high Faradaic efficiency of 98.02% at −0.7 V at room temperature. It is commonly believed that the transformation of NO3− to nitrite (NO2−) is an obstacle to the NH3 generation from NO3− reduction. Surprisingly, unlike most of the other catalysts, Au/Cu exhibits better activity for NO3− reduction than that for NO2− reduction. Based on the detailed experimental and density functional theory calculations, the excellent performance of Au/Cu for selective NO3− reduction lies in the enhanced adsorption capabilities of Au/Cu to NO3− in the alkaline environment and the lower energy barriers of the electrochemical reduction reaction.

BackgroundCytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is the standard treatment for patients with peritoneal cancer (PC). Following CRS-HIPEC, patients may also face risks caused by whole body hyperthermia. This study analyzed the incidence of temperature increases following CRS-HIPEC and identified the attendant risk factors.MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out among 458 patients who received CRS-HIPEC at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between August 2018 and January 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to post-HIPEC axillary temperature (≥38°C), with the demographics and the laboratory test results subsequently analyzed and compared, and the risk factors pertaining to temperature increases analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsDuring CRS-HIPEC, 32.5% (149/458) of the patients with a temperature increase had an axillary temperature of not lower than 38°C, and 8.5% (39/458) of the patients with hyperpyrexia had an axillary temperature of not lower than 39°C. Female gender, gynecological malignancies, type of chemotherapy drug, increased postoperative neutrophil percentage, and a sharp drop in postoperative prealbumin were associated with the incidence of a temperature increase and axillary temperatures of >38°C. Among these factors, the type of chemotherapy drug was identified as an independent risk factor for a temperature increase during CRS-HIPEC.ConclusionBy determining the risk factors pertaining to temperature increases during CRS-HIPEC, medical staff can identify the attendant risks among the patients and thus take preventive measures in a timely manner to maintain the patient’s body temperature at a stable level. This suggests that further clinical research should be conducted to build a risk-prediction model for temperature increases following CRS-HIPEC.

Abstract Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of cesarean section. S-ketamine given intravenously during surgery can help prevent PPD. However, whether S-ketamine in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) can reduce the incidence of PPD is unknown. This study assessed the effect of S-ketamine as an adjuvant in PCIA for preventing PPD in women undergoing cesarean delivery. Methods A total of 375 parturients scheduled to undergo cesarean section and then receive PCIA were recruited from a single center and were randomly assigned to control (C) group (sufentanil 2 μg/kg + tropisetron 10 mg) or S-ketamine (S) group (S-ketamine 0.5 mg/kg + sufentanil 2 μg/kg + tropisetron 10 mg). The primary outcome was the incidence of PPD measured by the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) after surgery. The secondary outcomes were EPDS scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) scores, and the rate of adverse events, including headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and vomit. Results A total of 275 puerperal women were included in the study. The rate of depression in parturient on postoperative days 3, 14, 28 in the C group and S group were 17.6 and 8.2% (p

Abstract As an effective scale for the condition assessment of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI), the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) is the most widely used scale, and its original version is written in English. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to apply the CAIT to Chinese patients and evaluate its responsiveness, reliability, and validity in terms of Chinese patients with CAI. First, we adapted the CAIT into the Chinese edition (CAIT-C), through which cross-cultural adaptation and translation can be carried out in a five-step procedure. Next, recruited patients completed the three periods of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), CAIT-C, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) scales. Afterward, to assess the responsiveness, reliability, and validity, we calculated the standardized response mean (SRM), effect size (ES), Spearman's correlation coefficient (r s), minimal detectable change (MDC), standard error of measurement (SEM), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cronbach’s alpha. Generally, in the use of CAI, 131, 119, and 86 patients favorably completed the three periods of the scales. The CAIT-C was proven to have good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.930) and fine internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.845–0.878). The low-value of MDC (0.04–2.28) and SEM (1.73) show it is possible to detect clinical changes when we take advantage of CAIT-C. Good or moderate correlations (r s = 0.422–0.738) were gained from the physical subscales of the SF-36 and the subscales of the FAAM and the CAIT-C. Fair or poor correlations (r s = 0.003–0.360) were gained between the mental subscales of the SF-36 and the CAIT-C, which sufficiently indicated that the CAIT-C had good validity. Moreover, good responsiveness was observed in the CAIT-C (ES = 1.316, SRM = 1.418). The CAIT-C scale is an effective, valid, and reliable tool to evaluate Chinese CAI patients.

Abstract Background To investigate the effect of lactic acid (LA) on the progression of bone metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) and its regulatory effects on primary CD115 (+) osteoclast (OC) precursors. Methods The BrdU assay, Annexin-V/PI assay, TRAP staining and immunofluorescence were performed to explore the effect of LA on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of OC precursors in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry was performed to sort primary osteoclast precursors and CD4(+) T cells and to analyze the change in the expression of target proteins in osteoclast precursors. A recruitment assay was used to test how LA and Cadhein-11 regulate the recruitment of OC precursors. RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to analyze the changes in the mRNA and protein expression of genes related to the PI3K-AKT pathway and profibrotic genes. Safranin O-fast green staining, H&E staining and TRAP staining were performed to analyze the severity of bone resorption and accumulation of osteoclasts. Results LA promoted the expression of CXCL10 and Cadherin-11 in CD115(+) precursors through the PI3K-AKT pathway. We found that CXCL10 and Cadherin-11 were regulated by the activation of CREB and mTOR, respectively. LA-induced overexpression of CXCL10 in CD115(+) precursors indirectly promoted the differentiation of osteoclast precursors through the recruitment of CD4(+) T cells, and the crosstalk between these two cells promoted bone resorption in bone metastasis from CRC. On the other hand, Cadherin-11 mediated the adhesion between osteoclast precursors and upregulated the production of specific collagens, especially Collagen 5, which facilitated fibrotic changes in the tumor microenvironment. Blockade of the PI3K-AKT pathway efficiently prevented the progression of bone metastasis caused by lactate. Conclusion LA promoted metastatic niche formation in the tumor microenvironment through the PI3K-AKT pathway. Our study provides new insight into the role of LA in the progression of bone metastasis from CRC. Video Abstract

Motivated by the positive psychology movement in the English as Foreign Language (EFL), existing studies have demonstrated that subject-related enjoyment has a positive correlation with academic achievement. However, quite a few studieshave examined why academic enjoyment can predict positive academic achievement. This study aimed to investigate whether behavioral engagement, self-concept, and organizational strategy mediated relations between academic enjoyment and achievement in EFL setting. 528 Chinese secondary school students (Male: N = 280; Female: N = 248) participated in the survey and completed the questionnaires on EFL-related enjoyment, behavioral engagement, self-concept, organizational strategy, and academic performance. Structural equation model (SEM) analyses showed that students' academic enjoyment positively predicted their English achievement. Academic engagement, self-concept, and organizational strategy had parallel multiple mediating effects between academic enjoyment and English achievement. Multi-group SEM analysis demonstrated that the model had invariance across genders, indicating that the model is applicable to both male and female students. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Objective: Disease-related metabolic brain patterns have been verified for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to explore and validate the pattern derived from cognitively normal controls (NCs) in the Alzheimer’s continuum. Methods: This study was based on two cohorts; one from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the other from the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline (SILCODE). Each subject underwent [18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]florbetapir-PET imaging. Participants were binary-grouped based on β-amyloid (Aβ) status, and the positivity was defined as Aβ+. Voxel-based scaled subprofile model/principal component analysis (SSM/PCA) was used to generate the “at-risk AD-related metabolic pattern (ARADRP)” for NCs. The pattern expression score was obtained and compared between the groups, and receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn. Notably, we conducted cross-validation to verify the robustness and correlation analyses to explore the relationships between the score and AD-related pathological biomarkers. Results: Forty-eight Aβ+ NCs and 48 Aβ- NCs were included in the ADNI cohort, and 25 Aβ+ NCs and 30 Aβ- NCs were included in the SILCODE cohort. The ARADRPs were identified from the combined cohorts and the two separate cohorts, characterized by relatively lower regional loadings in the posterior parts of the precuneus, posterior cingulate, and regions of the temporal gyrus, as well as relatively higher values in the superior/middle frontal gyrus and other areas. Patterns identified from the two separate cohorts showed some regional differences, including the temporal gyrus, basal ganglia regions, anterior parts of the precuneus, and middle cingulate. Cross-validation suggested that the pattern expression score was significantly higher in the Aβ+ group of both cohorts (p 0.23). Conclusions: ARADRP exists for NCs, and the acquired pattern expression score shows a certain ability to discriminate Aβ+ NCs from Aβ- NCs. The SSM/PCA method is expected to be helpful in the ultra-early diagnosis of AD in clinical practice.

Based on the Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), this study examined the interactive relation between expectancy of success and attainment value, and how they predicate students’ Foreign Language (FL) performance via behavioral engagement. Self-report data were collected from 522 Chinese non-English majors aged 18 to 22 years in their sophomore year. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that expectancy of success and attainment value interacted in predicting Chinese sophomores’ FL performance. The expectancy of success had both direct and indirect effects on FL performance when investigating the mediating role of behavioral engagement. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Objective: Inflammatory cytokines are increased during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing lung resection, and this increase can be fatal. Propofol and sevoflurane are the main anesthetics used for these patients. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best choice of an anesthetic agent concerning an inflammatory response in patients undergoing lung resection. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the inflammatory response in patients undergoing lung resection.Methods: We searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of different anesthetics (sevoflurane vs. propofol) on the inflammatory response. The primary outcome concerned the concentration of systemic inflammatory cytokines. The secondary outcomes concerned the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from the dependent and independent lung. Random effects analysis of the meta-analyses were performed to synthesize the evidence and to assess the concentrations of inflammatory factors in the sevoflurane and propofol groups.Results: Eight trials involving 488 participants undergoing lung resection with one-lung ventilation were included. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of systemic interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, or tumor necrosis factor α between the sevoflurane and propofol groups. Compared with the propofol group, BAL levels of IL-6 in the dependent ventilated lung were decreased in the sevoflurane group (three trials, 256 participants; standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.90 to −0.11; p = 0.01; I2 = 46%). The BAL levels of IL-6 in the independent ventilated lung were also decreased by sevoflurane (four trials, 362 participants; SMD, −0.70; 95% [CI], −0.93 to −0.47; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%).Conclusions: There was no difference in the systemic inflammatory response between the sevoflurane and propofol groups. However, compared with propofol, sevoflurane can reduce the local alveolar inflammatory response. Additional research is necessary to confirm whether the inflammatory response is direct or indirect.

This study validated the school psychological capital (PsyCap) scale in the Chinese context and examined the predictive effect of PsyCap resources on academic engagement and achievement emotions. Self-report data for PsyCap resources, student engagement, enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom toward English learning were collected from 1,000 sophomores. Item-level analyses and confirmatory factor analysis were used to verify the validity of the school PsyCap scale, and structural equation modeling was applied to reveal the predictive effect of school PsyCap resources on academic engagement and achievement emotions. Results showed that the school PsyCap scale retained superior psychometric properties. Besides, PsyCap resources were demonstrated to have a positive relationship to academic engagement and enjoyment, and a negative relationship to anxiety and boredom. The effectiveness of the school PsyCap scale was verified among Chinese college students, and besides the traditional predictors, school PsyCap is also critically important for students’ academic engagement and achievement emotions. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Background/Aims: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in clinical practice to relieve fever and pain. Aspirin, as a representative NSAID, has been widely used in the treatment of tendinopathy. Some reports have demonstrated that aspirin can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. However, evidence regarding aspirin treatment for tendinopathy, especially the effect of this treatment on tendon stem cells (TSCs), is lacking. Understanding the effect of aspirin on tendinopathy may provide a basis for the rational use of NSAIDs in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to determine whether aspirin induces apoptosis in rat TSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Methods: First, we used flow cytometry and fluorescence to detect TSC apoptosis. Protein expression of the apoptosis-related caspase-3 pathway was investigated via western blot analysis. Next, we used western blotting to determine the effect of aspirin on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We used immunostaining to detect the levels of Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3, and P-β-catenin in the Achilles tendon. Finally, we used flow cytometry, fluorescence, and western blotting to investigate the aspirin-induced apoptosis of TSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results: Aspirin induced morphological apoptosis in rat TSCs via the mitochondrial/caspase-3 pathway and induced cellular apoptosis in the Achilles tendon. Apoptosis was partly reversed after adding the Wnt signaling activator Wnt3a and lithium chloride (LiCl, a GSK-3β inhibitor). Aspirin administration led to a dose-dependent increase in COX-2 expression. Apoptosis was promoted after adding the COX-2 inhibitor NS398. Conclusion: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a vital role in aspirin-induced apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial/caspase-3 function. Elevating COX-2 levels may protect cells against apoptosis. More importantly, the results remind us to consider the apoptotic effect of aspirin on TSCs and tendon cells when aspirin is administered to treat tendinopathy. The relationship between the positive and negative effects of aspirin remains a subject for future study.

In China, Hongyang Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinesis) is considered to be economically valuable because of its appealing red flesh, unique flavor and beneficial metabolites. A continuous 3-year field experiment was conducted in a private orchard in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China, to determine the effect of different NPK ratios and organic fertilizer application on growth and yield. Approximately 162 vines were selected in a completely random design with nine fertilization treatments (PK; NK; NP; NPK; 2NPK; N2PK; NP2K; NPK + OM (organic matter)). Data on leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter, photosynthetic parameters, leaf N, P and K, chlorophyll content, yield and fruit quality were collected from individual kiwi vines for each treatment during the years 2011–2013. The application of inorganic fertilizer significantly increased fruit yield, leaf number, and leaf area and stem diameter increment as well as leaf photosynthetic rates and the concentrations of N, P and K in the leaves. However, the fruit yields were reduced in the unbalanced fertilizer treatments, NP, NK, and PK and in excess nutrient treatments, 2NPK, N2PK, NP2K, in contrast to the optimum NPK treatment. This was due to lower leaf photosynthetic rates and fewer photo-assimilates being available to the fruit. Moreover, the addition of organic fertilizer along with inorganic fertilizer (optimum NPK) did not increase plant growth, photosynthetic rates or fruit yields compared with only NPK fertilizer application, but significantly enhanced the fruit quality as a result of improving fruit chemical composition, such as soluble solids and reduced sugar.

Tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) have an altered lipid metabolism. Here the authors show that downregulation of monoacylglycerols lipase MGLL in TAMs induces lipid accumulation and tumor progression by polarizing TAMs toward tumor-promoting through activation of cannabinoid receptor CB2.

Abstract Background Chronic muscle injury is characteristics of fatty infiltration and fibrosis. Recently, fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) were found to be indispensable for muscular regeneration while were also responsible for fibrosis and fatty infiltration in muscle injury. Many myokines have been proven to regulate the adipose or cell proliferation. Because the fate of FAPs is largely dependent on microenvironment and the regulation of myokines on FAPs is still unclear. We screened the potential myokines and found Interleukin-15 (IL-15) may regulate the fatty infiltration in muscle injury. In this study, we investigated how IL-15 regulated FAPs in muscle injury and the effect on muscle regeneration. Methods Cell proliferation assay, western blots, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometric analysis were performed to investigate the effect of IL-15 on proliferation and adipogensis of FAPs. Acute muscle injury was induced by injection of glycerol or cardiotoxin to analyze how IL-15 effected on FAPs in vivo and its function on fatty infiltration or muscle regeneration. Results We identified that the expression of IL-15 in injured muscle was negatively associated with fatty infiltration. IL-15 can stimulate the proliferation of FAPs and prevent the adipogenesis of FAPs in vitro and in vivo. The growth of FAPs caused by IL-15 was mediated through JAK-STAT pathway. In addition, desert hedgehog pathway may participate in IL-15 inhibiting adipogenesis of FAPs. Our study showed IL-15 can cause the fibrosis after muscle damage and promote the myofiber regeneration. Finally, the expression of IL-15 was positively associated with severity of fibrosis and number of FAPs in patients with chronic rotator cuff tear. Conclusions These findings supported the potential role of IL-15 as a modulator on fate of FAPs in injured muscle and as a novel therapy for chronic muscle injury.

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by degradation of cartilage. The etiology of OA is still unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of OA and contributes to the angiogenesis of NT-1/DCC. Whether or not NT-1/DCC and VEGF interact in regulating angiogenesis of OA cartilage is not known. Methods Histological studies for CD34, VEGF, and safranin-O staining were performed to determine angiogenesis and cartilage tissue injury. ELISA indicated the level of pro-inflammation cytokines. Immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to assay the expression and function of NT-1/DCC-VEGF signaling pathway. Results Our data indicated that VEGF expression was increased in cartilage tissue from OA rats, while the chondrocytes were disorganized, and cartilage degeneration was increasing in OA rats. The inflammation factors in articular cavity fluid were higher in the OA rats than in the sham. The protein expression of NT-1, DCC, and VEGF were increased in osteoarthritic cartilage. DCC was involved in the positive regulation of osteoarthritic angiogenesis by VEGF. Egr-1 expression was higher in OA rats than in sham rats. Egr-1 is a regulator of DCC promoter activity, and the binding is higher in OA rats than in sham rats. Conclusion Our present study provides a mechanism by which Egr-1 induced angiogenesis via NT-1/DCC-VEGF pathway.

Abstract Background Chronic inflammation is causally linked to the carcinogenesis and progression of most solid tumors. LPTS is a well-identified tumor suppressor by inhibiting telomerase activity and cancer cell growth. However, whether and how LPTS is regulated by inflammation signaling is still incompletely elucidated. Methods Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression of p65 and LPTS. Reporter gene assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to decipher the regulatory mechanism between p65 and LPTS. Cell counting kit-8 assays and xenograt models were used to detect p65-LPTS-regulated cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results Here we for the first time demonstrated that NF-κB could inhibit LPTS expression in the mRNA and protein levels in multiple cancer cells (e.g. cervical cancer and colon cancer cells). Mechanistically, NF-κB p65 could bind to two consensus response elements locating at −1143/−1136 and −888/−881 in the promoter region of human LPTS gene according to EMSA and ChIP assays. Mutation of those two binding sites rescued p65-suppressed LPTS promoter activity. Functionally, NF-κB regulated LPTS-dependent cell growth of cervical and colon cancers in vitro and in xenograft models. In translation studies, we verified that increased p65 expression was associated with decreased LPTS level in multiple solid cancers. Conclusions Taken together, we revealed that NF-κB p65 potentiated tumor growth via suppressing a novel target LPTS. Modulation of NF-κB-LPTS axis represented a potential strategy for treatment of those inflammation-associated malignancies.

Abstract Background Autosomal recessive Myotonia congenita (Becker’s disease) is caused by mutations in the CLCN1 gene. The condition is characterized by muscle stiffness during sustained muscle contraction and variable degree of muscle weakness that tends to improve with repeated contractions. Case presentation A 21-year-old man presented with transient muscle stiffness since the last 10 years. He had difficulty in initiating movement and experienced muscle weakness after rest, which typically improved after repeated contraction (warm-up phenomenon). There was no significant family history. Medical examination showed generalized muscle hypertrophy. Serum creatine kinase level was 2-fold higher than the normal value. Electromyogram showed myotonic discharges. DNA sequence analysis identified a novel splice mutation (c.1401 + 1G > A) and a known mutation (c.1657A > T,p.Ile553Phe). He rapidly responded to treatment with mexiletine 100 mg three times a day for 6 months. Conclusions This case report of autosomal recessive Myotonia congenita caused by a novel compound heterozygous mutation expands the genotypic spectrum of CLCN1 gene.

As the causative agent of cattle brucellosis, Brucella abortus commonly exhibits smooth phenotype (by virtue of colony morphology) that is characteristically sensitive to specific Brucella phages, playing until recently a major role in taxonomical classification of the Brucella species by the phage typing approach. We previously reported the discrepancy between traditional phenotypic typing and MLVA results of a smooth phage-resistant (SPR) strain Bab8416 isolated from a 45-year-old custodial worker with brucellosis in a cattle farm. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing and further obtained a complete genome sequence of strain Bab8416 by a combination of multiple NGS technologies and routine PCR sequencing. The detailed genetic differences between B. abortus SPR Bab8416 and large smooth phage-sensitive (SPS) strains were investigated in a comprehensively comparative genomic study. The large indels between B. abortus SPS strains and Bab8416 showed possible divergence between two evolutionary branches at a far phylogenetic node. Compared to B. abortus SPS strain 9-941 (Bab9-941), the specific re-arrangement event in Bab8416 displaying a closer linear relationship with B. melitensis 16M than other B. abortus strains resulted in the truncation of c-di-GMP synthesis, and 3 c-di-GMP-metabolizing genes, were present in Bab8416 and B. melitensis 16M, but absent in Bab9-941 and other B. abortus strains, indicating potential SPR-associated key determinants and novel molecular mechanisms. Moreover, despite almost completely intact smooth LPS related genes, only one mutated OmpA family protein of Bab8416, functionally related to flagellar and efflux pump, was newly identified. Several point mutations were identified to be Bab8416 specific while a majority of them were verified to be B. abortus ST2 characteristic. In conclusion, our study therefore identifies new SPR-associated factors that could play a role in refining and updating Brucella taxonomic schemes and provides resources for further detailed analysis of mechanism for Brucella phage resistance.

Metalliferous mine tailings have a negative impact on the soil environment near mining areas and render cultivable lands infertile. Phytoremediation involving the synergism of legume and rhizobia provides a useful technique in tackling this issue with cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-use features under adverse soil conditions. Leucaena leucocephala has been found to build symbiotic relationships with native rhizobia in the iron-vanadium-titanium oxide (V-Ti magnetite) mine tailing soil. Rhizobia YH1, isolated from the root nodules of L. leucocephala, was classified as Sinorhizobium saheli according to similarity and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA, housekeeping and nitrogen fixation genes. Besides nitrogen fixation, S. saheli YH1 also showed capabilities to produce indole-acetic acid (IAA) (166.77 ± 2.03 mg l−1) and solubilize phosphate (104.41 ± 7.48 mg l−1). Pot culture experiments showed that strain YH1 increased the biomass, plant height and root length of L. leucocephala by 67.2, 39.5 and 27.2% respectively. There was also an average increase in plant N (10.0%), P (112.2%) and K (25.0%) contents compared to inoculation-free control. The inoculation of YH1 not only reduced the uptake of all metals by L. leucocephala in the mine tailings, but also resulted in decreased uptake of Cd by up to 79.9% and Mn by up to 67.6% for plants grown in soils contaminated with Cd/Mn. It was concluded that S. saheli YH1 possessed multiple beneficial effects on L. leucocephala grown in metalliferous soils. Our findings highlight the role of S. saheli YH1 in improving plant health of L. leucocephala by reducing metal uptake by plants grown in heavy metal-polluted soils. We also suggest the idea of using L. leucocephala-S. saheli association for phytoremediation and revegetation of V-Ti mine tailings and soils polluted with Cd or Mn.

Based on ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) remote sensing data, bare soil evaporation was estimated with the Penman-Monteith model, the Priestley-Taylor model, and the aerodynamics model. Evaporation estimated by each of the three models was compared with actual evaporation, and error sources of the three models were analyzed. The mean absolute relative error was 9% for the Penman-Monteith model, 14% for the Priestley-Taylor model, and 32% for the aerodynamics model; the Penman-Monteith model was the best of these three models for estimating bare soil evaporation. The error source of the Penman-Monteith model is the neglect of the advection estimation. The error source of the Priestley-Taylor model is the simplification of the component of aerodynamics as 0.72 times the net radiation. The error source of the aerodynamics model is the difference of vapor pressure and neglect of the radiometric component. The spatial distribution of bare soil evaporation is evident, and its main factors are soil water content and elevation.

This paper presents the results of an experiment to investigate the high cycle fatigue properties of the ultra-high strength steel TM210A. A constant amplitude rotating bending fatigue experiment was performed at room temperature at stress ratio R = −1. In order to evaluate the notch effect, the fatigue experiment was carried out upon two sets of specimens, smooth and notched, respectively. In the experiment, the rotating bending fatigue life was tested using the group method, and the rotating bending fatigue limit was tested using the staircase method at 1 × 107 cycles. A double weighted least square method was then used to fit the stress-life (S–N) curve. The S–N curves of the two sets of specimens were obtained and the morphologies of the fractures of the two sets of specimens were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the fatigue limit of the smooth specimen for rotating bending fatigue was 615 MPa; the ratio of the fatigue limit to tensile strength was 0.29, and the cracks initiated at the surface of the smooth specimen; while the fatigue limit of the notched specimen for rotating bending fatigue was 363 MPa, and the cracks initiated at the edge of the notch. The fatigue notch sensitivity index of the ultra-high strength maraging steel TM210A was 0.69.

To provide a basis for using indigenous bacteria for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil, the heavy metal resistance and plant growth-promoting activity of 136 isolates from V-Ti magnetite mine tailing soil were systematically analyzed. Among the 13 identified bacterial genera, the most abundant genus was Bacillus (79 isolates) out of which 32 represented B. subtilis and 14 B. pumilus, followed by Rhizobium sp. (29 isolates) and Ochrobactrum intermedium (13 isolates). Altogether 93 isolates tolerated the highest concentration (1000 mg kg(-1)) of at least one of the six tested heavy metals. Five strains were tolerant against all the tested heavy metals, 71 strains tolerated 1,000 mg kg(-1) cadmium whereas only one strain tolerated 1,000 mg kg(-1) cobalt. Altogether 67% of the bacteria produced indoleacetic acid (IAA), a plant growth-promoting phytohormone. The concentration of IAA produced by 53 isolates was higher than 20 µg ml(-1). In total 21% of the bacteria produced siderophore (5.50-167.67 µg ml(-1)) with two Bacillus sp. producing more than 100 µg ml(-1). Eighteen isolates produced both IAA and siderophore. The results suggested that the indigenous bacteria in the soil have beneficial characteristics for remediating the contaminated mine tailing soil.

Three new polyhydroxysteroidal glycosides, hesperuside A (1), B (2), and C (3), as well as a known novaeguinoside A (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of starfish Craspidaster hesperus collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The compounds 1–3 present unprecedented carbohydrate chain 3-O-methyl-β-d-galactopyranose, which differ from each other in the side chains. These compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against human tumor cells BEL-7402, MOLT-4, and A-549 in vitro.

Macrophages are one kind of innate immune cells, and produce a variety of inflammatory cytokines in response to various stimuli, such as oxidized low density lipoprotein found in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, the effect of phosphatidylserine on anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers was investigated using macrophage cultures. Different amounts of phosphatidylserine were used in the preparation of curcumin nanoparticles, their physicochemical properties and biocompatibilities were then compared. Cellular uptake of the nanoparticles was investigated using a confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry analysis in order to determine the optimal phosphatidylserine concentration. In vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in macrophages to test whether curcumin and phosphatidylserine have interactive effects on macrophage lipid uptake behavior and anti-inflammatory responses. Here, we showed that macrophage uptake of phosphatidylserine-containing nanostructured lipid carriers increased with increasing amount of phosphatidylserine in the range of 0%–8%, and decreased when the phosphatidylserine molar ratio reached over 12%. curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and pro-inflammatory factor production in cultured macrophages, and evidently promoted release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, when compared with curcumin or phosphatidylserine alone. These results suggest that the delivery system using PS-based nanoparticles has great potential for efficient delivery of drugs such as curcumin, specifically targeting macrophages and modulation of their anti-inflammatory functions.