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Abstract Objectives To gain insight into the perceptions, and beliefs of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain and to identify their attitudes and demands on pain management. Methods From July to September 2022, 17 patients with advanced cancer living with chronic pain were recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province, China. Qualitative and semi-structured interviews were conducted individually, with 30-45 minutes for each. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method in phenomenological research was used for data analysis. Results The experience of pain acceptance by advanced cancer patients with chronic pain was summarized into four themes: pain catastrophizing (unable to ignore the pain, try various methods to relieve the pain, exaggerating pain perception, and lack of knowledge about proper pain management), rumination (compulsive rumination and worrying rumination), avoidance coping (situational avoidance and repressive avoidance) and constructive action (setting clear value goal and taking reciprocal action). Conclusion Most patients with advanced cancer had low pain acceptance and negative attitudes. Feeling helpless in the face of pain and suffering alone were their norm. Long-term negative emotions could lead to gradual depression and loss of hope for treatment, resulting in pain catastrophizing and persistent rumination. Nevertheless, a few patients accepted pain with positive attitudes. Medical professionals should pay more attention to the psychological status of advanced cancer patients with chronic pain, and employ alternative therapies, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy. More efforts are needed to reduce patients’ pain catastrophizing, and promote their pain acceptance by a better understanding of pain through health education.

Abstract Gut-liver-brain axis is a three-way highway of information interaction system among the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and nervous systems. In the past few decades, breakthrough progress has been made in the gut liver brain axis, mainly through understanding its formation mechanism and increasing treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss various complex networks including barrier permeability, gut hormones, gut microbial metabolites, vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, immunity, brain toxic metabolites, β-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism, and epigenetic regulation in the gut-liver-brain axis. Some therapies containing antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), polyphenols, low FODMAP diet and nanotechnology application regulate the gut liver brain axis. Besides, some special treatments targeting gut-liver axis include farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) analogs. Targeting gut-brain axis embraces cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants and tryptophan metabolism-related therapies. Targeting liver-brain axis contains epigenetic regulation and Aβ metabolism-related therapies. In the future, a better understanding of gut-liver-brain axis interactions will promote the development of novel preventative strategies and the discovery of precise therapeutic targets in multiple diseases.

Biomass waste, which is biodegradable and vastly underutilized, is generated in huge quantities worldwide. Forestry and agricultural biomass wastes are notable for their wide availability, high yield, biodegradability, and recyclability. The accumulation of these wastes not only occupies valuable land but causes serious environmental pollution, which can ultimately harm human health. Therefore, leveraging scientific technology to convert forestry and agricultural bio-waste into bioenergy and other valuable products is crucial. In this paper, common forestry and agricultural bio-waste such as straw, rice husks, livestock manure, tree branches, sawdust, and bioenergy (bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, biohydrogen) were selected as keywords, with the theme of green and efficient utilization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the sources of biomass waste, existing recycling technologies, and the potential of forestry and agricultural bio-waste as material additives and for conversion to biomass energy and other derivatives, along with future recycling prospects.

Abstract Background This study explored the effects of personality factors on public behavioral decision‐making. Methods We examined the literature on personality theory based on triadic interaction decision theory, and summarized and compared the findings with studies of the Big Five personality characteristics. A literature review method was used to explore the implications of personality theory for public decision‐making in Chinese communities. Results Individuals with high neuroticism can be targeted by influential communicators. Individuals with high extraversion can influence decision‐making through interpersonal relationships. Individuals with high levels of openness can be influenced by the development of novel activities. Conscientious individuals respond to scientific and rational knowledge. Individuals with high agreeableness can be influenced by groups. Conclusions Personality traits can influence behavioral decisions and can have positive or negative effects on behavioral outcomes. For people with different personality traits, social actors and social activity communicators should formulate targeted measures according to the classification of personality traits. The current findings have implications for enriching research perspectives and approaches to public community decision‐making.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: XNW4107 is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor that possesses broad activity against serine-β-lactamases. XNW4107 in combination with imipenem exhibited potent in vitro activity against carbapenem-resistant bacteria and particularly against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of imipenem/XNW4107. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations, minimum bactericidal concentrations, time-kill curves, post-antibiotic effects, and spontaneous frequency of resistance were used to investigate the imipenem/XNW4107 in vitro activity. A mouse systemic infection model was used to evaluate the imipenem/XNW4107 in vivo efficacy. Results: MIC90 of imipenem/XNW4107 against imipenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii (n = 106) was 8 mg/L, which was 16-fold lower than the MIC90 of imipenem; the resistance rate decreased from 90% to 20% applying the CLSI imipenem breakpoint. MIC90 of imipenem/XNW4107 against imipenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 54) was 2 mg/L, which was 128-fold lower than the MIC90 of imipenem; 80% imipenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 101) exhibited MICs of imipenem/XNW4107 from 2 to 8 mg/L, which were 4- to 8-fold lower than the MICs of imipenem. Imipenem/XNW4107 was bactericidal against A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The time-kill curves showed that increasing concentrations did not result in progressively increased killing at concentrations >4 × MIC. Imipenem/XNW4107 has a low potential for resistance development in tested strains except for K. pneumoniae. Imipenem/XNW4107 provided good protection against imipenem-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae in vivo. Conclusions: The broad-spectrum profile and potent in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities support imipenem/XNW4107 as a promising investigational candidate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform across-cultural adaptation of the English version of the personalized psychological flexibility index (PPFI) into Chinese, and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with cancer. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, we followed Beaton's guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of PPFI. In phase 2, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the validity and reliability of the PPFI among a total of 455 patients with cancer in Hunan Province of China. Item analysis was used to evaluate and screen items, while content validity, construct validity, convergent validity, and concurrent validity were used to evaluate the validity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's ɑ coefficient, retest reliability, and composite reliability. Results: The item-level content validity index of the modified Chinese version of PPFI (PPFI-C) ranged from 0.89 to 1.00, the scale-level CVI/universal agreement was 0.87, and the S-CVI/average was 0.99. Exploratory factor analysis identified a 14-item, three-factor structure of PPFI (item 11 deleted). Confirmatory factor analysis showed χ2/df ​= ​2.42, RMSEA ​= ​0.07, GFI ​= ​0.92, NFI ​= ​0.91, TLI ​= ​0.93, CFI ​= ​0.95, and IFI ​= ​0.95. PPFI-C demonstrated positive correlations with the 8-item Commitment Action Questionnaire, and negative correlations with Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form Quality Life Scale. The Cronbach's ɑ coefficient of modified PPFI-C stood at 0.84. Conclusions: The results suggest that the 14-item PPFI-C is a reliable and valid tool for measuring PF in Chinese patients with cancer. However, additional studies are needed to validate the psychometric properties of PPFI-C in other populations.

Objective: To solve the problem of low dissolution rate of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) in royal jelly effervescent tablets. Methods: The disintegration time and gas production were used as evaluation indexes. Single factor experiments and orthogonal test were used to optimize the amount of effervescent agent, the ratio of effervescent agent (citric acid:NaHCO3), and the amount of sweetener added. Then different food additives were added to the formula. The effect of different food additives on the dissolution of 10-HDA was explored. And the optimum formula was obtained. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the crystallinity of royal jelly effervescent tablets. Results: The optimum formula were royal jelly lyophilized powder 10%, effervescent agent 45%, best effervescent ratio (citric acid:NaHCO3)=1.5:1, mannitol 10%, mogroside 1%, and magnesium stearate 0.8%, 15% calcium lactate or 0.5% polyglycerol fatty acid ester, and the rest was filled with lactose to 100%. The royal jelly effervescent tablets prepared by the formula had a good taste and rapid disintegration. In about 15 minutes, the cumulative dissolution rate of 10-HDA could reach 85% or more. Conclusion: Adding calcium lactate or polyglycerol fatty acid ester to the royal jelly effervescent tablets’ formulation could effectively improve the dissolution rate of 10-HDA. This study provided data reference for improving 10-HDA dissolution rate in royal jelly related products.

BackgroundThe obesity rate in the Chinese population is increasing and there is a lack of short and reliable scales for measuring obesity-related eating behavior in China. The EBS-SF (Sakata Eating Behavior Scale short form) has only 7 entries and has shown good reliability in studies such as those in Japan.ObjectiveTo translate the EBS-SF into Chinese, check its reliability, validity and explore the related factors.MethodThe EBS-SF was translated into Chinese. 3,440 residents were investigated and 34 respondents were retested. Item analysis and reliability and validity tests were carried out. Personality characteristics, family health status and depression were investigated using the BFI-10, FHS-SF and PHQ-9 to investigate the factors associated with EBS-SF. The t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation was used to explore the related factors of its scores.ResultAmong 3,440 residents, 1,748 (50.81%) were male and 1,692 (49.19%) were female; 1,373 (39.91%) were aged 36–50 years. All 7 items were qualified in the item analysis. As for reliability, the Cronbach's α was 0.870, the split-half reliability was 0.830, the test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.868. As for the structural validity, the standardized factor loadings were above 0.50, χ2 / df = 2.081,GFI = 0.999; NFI = 0.999; RFI = 0.996; RMSEA = 0.018, all qualified. The characteristics, personality, family health and depression were correlated with the score of the Chinese version of EBS short form.ConclusionThe structural validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the EBS-SF are good and it can be used as a measurement tool to evaluate the eating behavior of Chinese. The scores of the EBS-SF may be related to the sociological characteristics, personality, family health, and depression status.

Introduction With the worsening of population ageing globally, the number of the elderly with chronic and incurable diseases such as malignant tumours is gradually increasing, and the need for palliative care is growing. As a primary task in the end-of-life phase, symptom management is an essential aspect of palliative care, which aims to alleviate distressing symptoms of terminally ill patients and improve their quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) technology, which allows the creation of simulated environments in which a three-dimensional experience is generated, has been increasingly used in palliative care for symptom management. Therefore, we aim to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of VR-based interventions on end-of-life patients.Methods and analysis This protocol for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis will be prepared following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement. We will conduct a series of searches from inception to 31 July 2022 in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, JBI, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang and SinoMed. The key concepts of ‘virtual reality’ and ‘end-of-life’ will be combined in each database using both free-text terms and controlled vocabulary terms (eg, MeSH/Emtree terms), if available. Two independent reviewers will use raw data to explore the effectiveness of VR for symptom management in end-of-life patients. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool will be used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Disagreements will be resolved by a third independent reviewer to reach a consensus. For the included articles, Review Manager software will be used for data synthesis and I2 statistics will be used to measure the heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be used to identify the source of heterogeneity.Ethics and dissemination As this is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis, patients will not be included in this study. For this reason, ethical approval is not required. In order to disseminate the research findings, the results and conclusions of this review will be submitted to a worldwide journal.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022344679.

Inflammation is a major regulator of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), therefore contributing to the interindividual variability of drug effects. However, whether prenatal inflammation affects DMEs expression in offspring remains obscure. This study investigated the effects of prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure on hepatic expression of inflammatory-related genes, nuclear receptors, and DMEs in offspring mice. Prenatal LPS exposure on gestational day (GD) 10 led to higher expression of NF-κB, Pxr, and Cyp2b10, while lower expression of Car, Ahr, Cyp3a11, and Ugt1a1 in postnatal day (PD) 30 offspring. However, multiple doses of LPS exposure on GD10-14 resulted in higher levels of inflammatory-related genes, Cyp1a2, and Cyp2b10, and lower levels of Pxr and Cyp3a11 in PD30 offspring liver. For PD60 offspring, decreased hepatic expression of NF-κB and IL-6, and increased expression of Pxr and Cyp3a11 were seen in single-dose LPS groups, whereas opposite results were observed in the multiple-dose LPS groups. Notably, enhanced H3K4me3 levels in the PXR response elements of the Cyp3a11 promoter were observed in the liver of PD60 offspring mice from dams treated with multiple doses of LPS during pregnancy. Overall, this study suggests that parental LPS exposure could persistently alter the hepatic expression of DMEs, and histone modifications may contribute to the long-term effects.

Background and aims: Dietary diversity change is associated with cognitive function, however, whether the effect still exists among the oldest-old (80+) is unclear. Our aim was to examine the effect of dietary diversity changes on cognitive impairment for the oldest-old in a large prospective cohort. Methods: Within the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study, 6237 adults older than 80 years were included. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was assessed by a simplified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score lower than 18 points. Cognitive decline was defined as a reduction of total MMSE score ≥3 points, and cognitive decline of different subdomains was defined as a reduction of ≥15% in the corresponding cognitive domain. The multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model evaluated the effects of DDS change on cognitive decline. The linear mixed-effect model was used to test subsequent changes in MMSE over the years. Results: During 32,813 person-years of follow-up, 1829 participants developed cognitive impairment. Relative to the high–high DDS change pattern, participants in the low–low and high–low patterns were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment with a hazard ratio (95% confidential interval, CI) of 1.43 (1.25, 1.63) and 1.44 (1.24, 1.67), and a faster decline in the MMSE score over the follow-up year. Participants with the low–high pattern had a similar incidence of cognitive impairment with HRs (95% CI) of 1.03 (0.88, 1.20). Compared with the stable DDS status group (−1–1), the risk of cognitive impairment was higher for those with large declines in DDS (≤−5) and the HR was 1.70 (95% CI: 1.44, 2.01). Conclusions: Even for people older than 80, dietary diversity change is a simple method to identify those who had a high risk of cognitive decline. Keeping high dietary diversity is beneficial for cognitive function and its subdomain even in the final phase of life, especially for females and the illiterate oldest-old.

Long-term monitoring of constructed anti-slide piles can help in understanding the processes by which anti-slide piles are subjected to the thrust of landslides. This paper examined the landslide control project of Badong No. 3 High School. The internal force of an anti-slide pile subjected to long-term action of landslide thrust was studied by Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing (DOFS) technology. The BP neural network was used for model training on the monitored strain values and the calculated bending moment values. The results show the following: (1) The monitoring results of the sensor fibers reflect the actual situation more accurately than steel rebar meters do and can locate the position of the sliding zone more accurately. (2) The bending moments distributed along the anti-slide pile have staged characteristics under the long-term action of landslide thrust. Three stages can be summarized according to the development trend of the bending moment values. These three stages can be divided into two change periods of landslide thrust. (3) The model produced by the BP neural network training can predict the bending moment values. In this paper, the sensing fibers monitoring over a long time interval provides a basis for long-term performance analysis of anti-slide piles and stability evaluation of landslides. Using the BP neural network for training relevant data can provide directions for future engineering monitoring. More novel methods can be devised and utilized that will be both accurate and convenient.

This study proposes a three-layer focusing gradient metasurface for wavefront processing. The structure works in the frequency range of 15–25 GHz and has a central frequency of 19.6 GHz. The metasurface unit is organized in a square and has high-impedance elements that reflect the full range of phase shifts. When the microwave beam is incident on this metasurface, the high-impedance elements modulate the beam according to the gradient arrangement, to realize the focusing effect of the lens, and the efficiency reaches 82%. The simulation results are consistent with the theoretical results.

Metasurface was presented to be the two-dimensional analogs of metamaterials that regulate the beam by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the wavefront. By properly designing and arranging the metasurface elements to form an array, the singularity of the metasurface to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave beam can be controlled; such unique electromagnetic properties offer additional opportunities to innovate new antennas. In this paper, we present the design and numerical simulation of the multi-layered microwave metasurface. The structure is designed to control the phase change of the transmission wave by changing the size of the multi-layered transparent microwave metasurface unit. Numerical simulation results show that the specific degree deflection of the electromagnetic wave is achieved in the microwave band. The design expands the application of phase gradient metasurface in the microwave field and provides a new method for metasurface electromagnetic beam steering.

Abstract Avermectins (AVEs), a family of macrocyclic polyketides produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, have eight components, among which B1a is noted for its strong insecticidal activity. Biosynthesis of AVE “a” components requires 2‐methylbutyryl‐CoA (MBCoA) as starter unit, and malonyl‐CoA (MalCoA) and methylmalonyl‐CoA (MMCoA) as extender units. We describe here a novel strategy for increasing B1a production by enhancing acyl‐CoA precursor supply. First, we engineered meilingmycin (MEI) polyketide synthase (PKS) for increasing MBCoA precursor supply. The loading module (using acetyl‐CoA as substrate), extension module 7 (using MMCoA as substrate) and TE domain of MEI PKS were assembled to produce 2‐methylbutyrate, providing the starter unit for B1a production. Heterologous expression of the newly designed PKS (termed Mei‐PKS) in S. avermitilis wild‐type (WT) strain increased MBCoA level, leading to B1a titer 262.2 μg/mL – 4.36‐fold higher than WT value (48.9 μg/mL). Next, we separately inhibited three key nodes in essential pathways using CRISPRi to increase MalCoA and MMCoA levels in WT. The resulting strains all showed increased B1a titer. Combined inhibition of these key nodes in Mei‐PKS expression strain increased B1a titer to 341.9 μg/mL. Overexpression of fatty acid β‐oxidation pathway genes in the strain further increased B1a titer to 452.8 μg/mL – 8.25‐fold higher than WT value. Finally, we applied our precursor supply strategies to high‐yield industrial strain A229. The strategies, in combination, led to B1a titer 8836.4 μg/mL – 37.8% higher than parental A229 value. These findings provide an effective combination strategy for increasing AVE B1a production in WT and industrial S. avermitilis strains, and our precursor supply strategies can be readily adapted for overproduction of other polyketides.

This study examined the thermal reflective properties of composite inorganic coatings applied to various wall types. It evaluated the influence of these coatings on the thermal insulation and reflectivity of the walls. The findings indicate that coating application markedly enhances a wall’s thermal insulation capabilities and increases its heat flux reflection ratio. These results offer crucial theoretical backing and practical guidance for the future use of coating technologies in construction. By refining the coating formulations and application processes, the thermal insulation properties of walls can be further enhanced, thus making a significant contribution to building energy efficiency and environmental protection. Consequently, this research provides essential references and insights for advancing coating technology in the construction industry.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) alone, PRP with aflibercept 3+PRN, and PRP with aflibercept 5+PRN in patients with both high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsOverall, 170 patients with high-risk PDR and DME (170 eyes from 170 patients) who visited our ophthalmology clinic from December 2018 to December 2020 were divided into the PRP (n=58), aflibercept 5+PRN with PRP (n=53), and aflibercept 3+PRN with PRP (n= 59) groups. General information, such as age, sex, and eye category, was obtained. Moreover, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), baseline central macular foveal thickness (CFT), microaneurysm (MA), area of neovascularization (NV), area of hard exudate (HE), and cytokine levels in atrial fluid before and after treatment, were assessed. The χ2 test was used for comparison between groups for statistical data. Analysis of variance was used for the statistical description of measurement data, independent samples were analyzed using Student’s t-test, and Student–Newman–Keuls test was used for group comparisons. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.ResultsAfter treatment, no significant improvement in the BCVA (logMAR) of patients in the PRP group was observed. The BCVA (log MAR) decreased from 0.72 ± 0.17 and 0.74 ± 0.17 to 0.50 ± 0.13 and 0.53 ± 0.17 in PRP with aflibercept 5+PRN and PRP with aflibercept 3+PRN groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference compared to those in the PRP group (P0.05). The CFT in the PRP-only group decreased slightly from 361.80 ± 36.70 μm to 353.86 ± 40.88 μm, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05), whereas the CFT in the aflibercept 5+PRN with PRP and aflibercept 3+PRN with PRP groups decreased from 356.57 ± 37.57 μm and 358.17 ± 44.66 μm to 284.87 ± 31.52 μm and 303.19 ± 37.00 μm, respectively, with statistically significant differences before and after treatment (P0.05).ConclusionAflibercept 5+PRN combined with PRP was safe and effective in treating patients with high-risk PDR and DME, and was more effective than PRP-only and aflibercept 3+PRN with PRP in improving CFT and MA.

Abstract Background A close connection between a protozoan parasite and the balance of the other gut microbes of the host has been demonstrated. The calves may be naturally co-infected with many parasites, and the co-effects of parasites on other intestinal microbes of calves remain unclear. This study aims to preliminarily reveal the relationship between intestinal parasites and other intestinal microbes in calves. Methods Fecal samples were collected from four calves with bloody diarrhea, four calves with watery diarrhea, and seven normal calves, and the microbial flora of the samples were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Protozoal parasites were detected in the metagenome sequences and identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, Giardia, Blastocystis, and Entamoeba were detected by metagenomic analysis, and the identified species were Giardia duodenalis assemblage E, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Eimeria bovis, Eimeria subspherica, Entamoeba bovis, and Blastocystis ST2 and ST10. Metagenomic analysis showed that the intestinal microbes of calves with diarrhea were disordered, especially in calves with bloody diarrhea. Furthermore, different parasites show distinct relationships with the intestinal microecology. Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia were negatively correlated with various intestinal bacteria but positively correlated with some fungi. However, Blastocystis and Entamoeba were positively associated with other gut microbes. Twenty-seven biomarkers not only were significantly enriched in bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, and normal calves but were also associated with Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. Only Eimeria showed a distinct relationship with seven genera of bacteria, which were significantly enriched in the healthy calves. All 18 genera of fungi were positively correlated with Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia, which were also significantly enriched in calves with bloody diarrhea. Functional genes related to parasites and diseases were found mainly in fungi. Conclusions This study revealed the relationship between intestinal protozoan parasites and the other calf gut microbiome. Different intestinal protozoan parasites have diametrically opposite effects on other gut microecology, which not only affects bacteria in the gut, but also is significantly related to fungi and archaea. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Malignant glioma is among the most lethal and frequently occurring brain tumors, and the average survival period is 15 months. Existing chemotherapy has low tolerance and low blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability; therefore, the required drug dose cannot be accurately delivered to the tumor site, resulting in an insufficient drug effect. Methods Herein, we demonstrate a precision photodynamic tumor therapy using a photosensitizer (ZnPcS) capable of binding to albumin in situ, which can increase the permeability of the BBB and accurately target glioma. Albumin-binding ZnPcS was designed to pass through the BBB and bind to secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), which is abundant in the glioma plasma membrane. Results When the upper part of a mouse brain was irradiated using a laser (0.2 W cm− 2) after transplantation of glioma and injection of ZnPcS, tumor growth was inhibited by approximately 83.6%, and the 50% survival rate of the treatment group increased by 14 days compared to the control group. In glioma with knockout SPARC, the amount of ZnPcS entering the glioma was reduced by 63.1%, indicating that it can target glioma through the SPARC pathway. Conclusion This study showed that the use of albumin-binding photosensitizers is promising for the treatment of malignant gliomas. Graphical Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to observe and compare retinal vein diameter changes and other essential indicators in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated with intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) combined with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) versus PRP monotherapy.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients with high-risk PDR who received specific treatment and were followed up for 24 months. Among 82 patients with high-risk PDR, 50 eyes received PRP combined with IVC, whereas 32 eyes received PRP alone. During the 24-month follow-up period, changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), retinal vein diameter, number of microaneurysms (MA), neovascularization (NV) area, hard exudate (HE) area, size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial capillary plexus (SCP) blood flow density, and adverse effects were recorded and compared between the two groups at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. The relationship between each observation index and vein diameter was also analyzed.ResultsDuring the 24-month follow up, significant improvements in the BCVA, CFT, retinal vein diameter, number of MAs, NV area, HE area, FAZ, and SCP were observed in the IVC+PRP group after treatment. The PRP group only showed significant reductions in NV and HE areas. The IVC+PRP group showed significant superiority over the PRP group in improving the vein diameter, number of MA, and HE area. However, no statistically significant difference in NV area reduction was found between the groups.ConclusionIn the treatment of high-risk PDR, IVC+PRP therapy has a significant advantage over PRP monotherapy. IVC+PRP therapy may reverse diabetes-induced retinal vein changes, restoring morphology and function.

ABSTRACT Aims/Introduction To investigate the impact of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients with normal bodyweight (OB[−]) in the Chinese population, and to further assess the sex–age differences between them. Materials and Methods A total of 8,839 type 2 diabetes patients from two of the National Metabolic Management Centers in China were included in this study. Participants were classified into four groups by visceral fat area (VFA; cm2) and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2): VFA