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The complement system plays a dual role in the body, either as a first-line defense barrier when balanced between activation and inhibition or as a potential driver of complement-associated injury or diseases when unbalanced or over-activated. C4b-binding protein (C4BP) was the first circulating complement regulatory protein identified and it functions as an important complement inhibitor. C4BP can suppress the over-activation of complement components and prevent the complement system from attacking the host cells through the binding of complement cleavage products C4b and C3b, working in concert as a cofactor for factor I in the degradation of C4b and C3b, and consequently preventing or reducing the assembly of C3 convertase and C5 convertase, respectively. C4BP, particularly C4BP α-chain (C4BPα), exerts its unique inhibitory effects on complement activation and opsonization, systemic inflammation, and platelet activation and aggregation. It has long been acknowledged that crosstalk or interplay exists between the complement system and platelets. Our unpublished preliminary data suggest that circulating C4BPα exerts its antiplatelet effects through inhibition of both complement activity levels and complement-induced platelet reactivity. Plasma C4BPα levels appear to be significantly higher in patients sensitive to, rather than resistant to, clopidogrel, and we suggest that a plasma C4BPα measurement could be used to predict clopidogrel resistance in the clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) methanol (Hmbm) reacts with Mn(ClO4)2·6H2O to form heptanuclear disks [Mn7(mbm)12]·2(ClO4) (1) under ambient conditions. The heptanuclear cluster was previously described as a double calix unit with the hydroxides in the middle. The seven Mn(II) ions are essentially coplanar as expected for all edge-sharing octahedra, which can be intituled as a segment of Mg(OH)2 layer of brucite, so it is a symmetric disk. ESI–MS of crystals showed its stability in solution. Time-dependent mass spectrometry (MS) from solutions at different period of the assembly reveal a hierarchical sequence, [MnIII(mbm)2]+ → [MnII2(mbm)3]+ → [MnII4(mbm)6(ClO4)]+ → [MnIIIMnII6(mbm)12(ClO4)2]+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Overweight or obese patients exhibit poorer platelet responses to clopidogrel. However, the mechanisms behind this phenotype remain to be elucidated. Here, we sought to discover whether and why obesity could affect the metabolic activation of and/or platelet response to clopidogrel in obese patients and high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. Experimental Approach A post hoc stratified analysis of an observational clinical study was performed to investigate changes in residual platelet reactivity with increasing body weight in patients taking clopidogrel. Furthermore, high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice were used to reveal alterations in systemic exposure of clopidogrel thiol active metabolite H4, ADP‐induced platelet activation and aggregation, the expression of genes involved in the metabolic activation of clopidogrel, count of circulating reticulated and mature platelets, and proliferation profiles of megakaryocytes in bone marrow. The relevant genes and potential signalling pathways were predicted and enriched according to the GEO datasets available from obese patients. Key Results: Obese patients exhibited significantly attenuated antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel. In diet‐induced obese mice, systemic exposure of clopidogrel active metabolite H4 was reduced but that of its hydrolytic metabolite was increased due to down‐regulation of certain P450s but up‐regulation of carboxylesterase‐1 in the liver. Moreover, enhanced proliferation of megakaryocytes and elevated platelet count also contributed. Conclusion and Implications: Obesity attenuated metabolic activation of clopidogrel and increased counts of circulating reticulated and mature platelets, leading to impaired platelet responsiveness to the drug in mice, suggesting that clopidogrel dosage may need to be adjusted adequately in overweight or obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unexpected dominance of the coordination affinity of the sulfate anion over those of two organic chelating ligands, (1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanol (Hmbm) and pyridin-2-ylmethanamine (pma), was observed during the study of the solvothermal assembly of [Co11(mbm)6(pma)2(SO4)8(H2O)6(CH3OH)6]·5CH3OH (1), from CoSO4·7H2O at 100 °C in methanol. ESI-MS of solutions at different periods of the assembly reveal a hierarchical sequence, [Co1] → [Co2] → [Co3] → [Co4] → [Co5] → [Co9], where the lower nuclearity species are richer in Co2+ and SO42− before the inclusion of more mbm ligands at the last step. Its crystal structure consists of an almost symmetrical wheel of nine cobalt atoms, [Co9(mbm)6(SO4)8(H2O)6] in edge-sharing octahedral coordination arranged in triangles with two peripheral dangling [Co(pma)(CH3OH)3]. The sulfate ions exhibit three different coordination modes, two in μ6-, two in μ3- and four as μ2-bridging. Its thermal, optical and magnetic properties are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stimulator of interferon genes (STING)–associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) was first described in 2014 as a type I interferonopathy resulting from heterozygous mutations in the transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173) gene. SAVI is characterized by the neonatal onset of systemic inflammation, severe cutaneous vasculopathy, and interstitial lung disease. Janus kinase inhibitors are considered effective therapeutics. We sought to describe 2 patients who were diagnosed with SAVI only at postmortem to increase awareness of this disorder. Methods: Clinical data were collected, and Sanger sequencing of the TMEM173 gene was performed in 2 patients suspected of SAVI. This article reviews details of these cases and lessons learned from clinical review and postmortem studies. Results: Two male children shared similar manifestations, including recurrent skin abscesses in winter, skin lesions, and recurrent respiratory tract infections, since birth. Computed tomography of the chest revealed pulmonary fibrosis, but no mutations in relevant genes (including ABCA3 and SFTPC) were discovered in patient 1 (P1). Joint pain was significant in P2 and he was diagnosed with arthritis. Antibiotic treatment yielded little improvement and did not prevent progression. Finally, P1 and P2 died of respiratory and circulatory failure in 2016 and 2012, respectively. In 2018, mutations (P1: c.463G>A, p.V155M; and P2: c.461A>G, p.N154S) in exon 5 of the TMEM173 gene were discovered, confirming the diagnosis of SAVI. Conclusions: The experience with these 2 patients suggests that SAVI should be considered in children with systemic inflammation, chilblain skin lesions, and pulmonary fibrosis, and TMEM173 gene analysis can be beneficial in the diagnosis of SAVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic and widespread heavy metal pollutants in soil. As an essential mineral nutrient, boron (B) plays critical roles in physiological processes of plants. In the present study, programmed cell death (PCD) induced by Cd stress and/or B deprivation was assessed and the underlying mechanisms were clarified in suspension-cultured Nicotiana tabacum L. cultivar Bright Yellow 2 (TBY-2) cells. The PCD in TBY-2 cells was analyzed by Hoechst 33258 staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and then, expression analysis of PCD-related genes was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using fluorescence microscopy of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate-labeled cells. The levels of lipid peroxides were quantified by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) method. Cadmium stress and/or B deprivation treatments induced PCD that was characterized by a significant increase in the percentage of cells stained with Hoechst 33258 or TUNEL-positive cells, and upregulation or downregulation of the expression of PCD-related genes. Treatments with Cd stress and/or B deprivation increased ROS production and the level of lipid peroxides compared to those of the control group. These data showed that in TBY-2 cells Cd stress and/or B deprivation activated ROS signaling pathways, leading to gene expression that was connected with the PCD process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A covalently bonded Fe3O4/poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)/attapulgite nanocomposite soft magnetic adsorbent is prepared by the inverse suspension polymerization process. We have developed a one-pot method for the process, which shows apparent advantages, such as simplified production process, high utilization of raw materials, good dispersity of nanomaterials in the polymer matrix, and the beadlike appearance of the product. The adsorbent has good adsorptions for Pb(ii) and Cu(ii). The excellent mechanical stability and reusability suggest that it is expected to have a long service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the alkaline fuel cell cathode reaction, it is very essential to develop novel catalysts with superior catalytic properties. Here, we report the synthesis of highly active and stable MoS 2 /Pd composites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), via a simple, eco-friendly sonochemical method. The bulk MoS 2 was first transformed into single and few layers MoS 2 nanosheets through ultrasonic exfoliation. Then the exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheets served as supporting materials for the nucleation and further in-situ growth of Pd nanoparticles to form MoS 2 /Pd composites via ultrasonic irradiation. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk voltammetry measurements demonstrate that as-prepared MoS 2 /Pd composites which provides a direct four-electron pathway for the ORR, have better electrocatalytic activity, long-term operation stability than commercial Pt/C catalyst. We expect that the present work would provide a promising strategy for the development of efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst. In addition, this study can also be extended to the preparation of other hybrid with desirable morphologies and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous MnO 2 as a non-noble metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst was prepared by a simple sonochemical route. The as-prepared porous MnO 2 exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity, superior stability and better methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline media. Furthermore, the ORR proceeded via a nearly four-electron pathway. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating-disk electrode (RDE) measurements verified that the ORR enhancement was attributed to the porous structure and good dispersity, which facilitated sufficient transport of ions, electrons, O 2 and other reactants in the process of ORR. The results indicated that a facile and feasible sonochemical route could be used to prepare highly active porous MnO 2 electrocatalyst for ORR, which might be promising for direct methanol fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein coronas are present extensively at the bio‐nano interface due to the natural adsorption of proteins onto nanomaterials in biological fluids. Aside from the robust property of nanoparticles, the dynamics of the protein corona shell largely define their chemical identity by altering interface properties. However, the soft coronas are normally complex and rapidly changing. To real‐time monitor the entire formation, we report here a self‐regulated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy based on the interaction of the Ru(bpy)33+ with the nanoparticle surface. Thus, the heterogeneity of the protein corona is in situ observed in single nanoparticle "cores" before and after loading drugs in nanomedicine carriers. The label‐free, optical stable and dynamic ECL microscopy minimize misinterpretations caused by the variation of nanoparticle size and polydispersity. Accordingly, the synergetic actions of proteins and nanoparticles properties are uncovered by chemically engineered protein corona. After comparing the protein corona formation kinetics in different complex systems and different nanomedicine carriers, the universality and accuracy of this technique were well demonstrated via the protein corona formation kinetics curves regulated by competitive adsorption of Ru(bpy)33+ and multiple proteins on surface of various carriers. The work is of great significance for studying bio‐nano interface in drug delivery and targeted cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein coronas are present extensively at the bio‐nano interface due to the natural adsorption of proteins onto nanomaterials in biological fluids. Aside from the robust property of nanoparticles, the dynamics of the protein corona shell largely define their chemical identity by altering interface properties. However, the soft coronas are normally complex and rapidly changing. To real‐time monitor the entire formation, we report here a self‐regulated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy based on the interaction of the Ru(bpy)33+ with the nanoparticle surface. Thus, the heterogeneity of the protein corona is in situ observed in single nanoparticle "cores" before and after loading drugs in nanomedicine carriers. The label‐free, optical stable and dynamic ECL microscopy minimize misinterpretations caused by the variation of nanoparticle size and polydispersity. Accordingly, the synergetic actions of proteins and nanoparticles properties are uncovered by chemically engineered protein corona. After comparing the protein corona formation kinetics in different complex systems and different nanomedicine carriers, the universality and accuracy of this technique were well demonstrated via the protein corona formation kinetics curves regulated by competitive adsorption of Ru(bpy)33+ and multiple proteins on surface of various carriers. The work is of great significance for studying bio‐nano interface in drug delivery and targeted cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Zearalenone (ZEN) induces DNA strand breaks in HEK293 cells. [•] Lysosome disruption is likely to be an early event of ZEN-induced DNA damage. [•] ZEN-induced DNA strand breaks are not mediated by oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Patients who have been treated with mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours are susceptible to symptoms such as hypoxia and respiratory muscle fatigue after weaning, which may result in weaning difficulty and delay, as well as an increased incidence of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Correct pulmonary rehabilitation exercise technique and timing can improve the weaning success rate, reduce the disability rate, and reduce the incidence of pulmonary infection, as well as reduce medical expenses. OBJECTIVE: This article provides a review of pulmonary rehabilitation interventions for mechanically ventilated patients, searching relevant literature through databases such as CNKI and PubMed, aiming to provide guidance for the successful weaning of mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: We selected articles related to pulmonary rehabilitation interventions for mechanically ventilated patients from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and PubMed over the years. RESULTS: This article provides a comprehensive review of the research on lung rehabilitation for patients who are mechanically ventilated during the weaning process in an effort to serve as a guide for a successful transition from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Early pulmonary rehabilitation training can effectively increase the pulmonary function level and ventilation function of patients and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization, and is an effective, safe, and feasible treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aimed to determine changes in the hydrolysis of vicagrel, a substrate drug of arylacetamide deacetylase (Aadac) and carboxylesterase 2 (Ces2), in P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-deficient or P-gp-inhibited mice and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.Male wild-type (WT) and P-gp knock-out (KO) mice were used to investigate the systemic exposure of vicagrel thiol active metabolite H4 and platelet response to vicagrel, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of intestinal Aadac and Ces2. Moreover, WT mice were administered vicagrel alone or in combination with elacridar (a potent P-gp inhibitor) to determine drug-drug interactions.Compared with WT mice, P-gp KO mice exhibited significant increases in the systemic exposure of H4, the protein expression levels of intestinal Aadac and Ces2, and inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by vicagrel. Further, the H4 exposure was positively correlated with intestinal Aadac protein expression levels but did not vary with short-term inhibition of P-gp efflux activity by elacridar.P-gp-deficient mice, rather than elacridar-treated mice, exhibited significant upregulation of intestinal Aadac and Ces2 and thus, enhanced metabolic activation of and platelet response to vicagrel, suggesting that the metabolic activation of vicagrel may vary with P-gp deficiency, not P-gp inhibition, in mice.This study aimed to determine changes in the hydrolysis of vicagrel, a substrate drug of arylacetamide deacetylase (Aadac) and carboxylesterase 2 (Ces2), in P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-deficient or P-gp-inhibited mice and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.Male wild-type (WT) and P-gp knock-out (KO) mice were used to investigate the systemic exposure of vicagrel thiol active metabolite H4 and platelet response to vicagrel, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of intestinal Aadac and Ces2. Moreover, WT mice were administered vicagrel alone or in combination with elacridar (a potent P-gp inhibitor) to determine drug-drug interactions.Compared with WT mice, P-gp KO mice exhibited significant increases in the systemic exposure of H4, the protein expression levels of intestinal Aadac and Ces2, and inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by vicagrel. Further, the H4 exposure was positively correlated with intestinal Aadac protein expression levels but did not vary with short-term inhibition of P-gp efflux activity by elacridar.P-gp-deficient mice, rather than elacridar-treated mice, exhibited significant upregulation of intestinal Aadac and Ces2 and thus, enhanced metabolic activation of and platelet response to vicagrel, suggesting that the metabolic activation of vicagrel may vary with P-gp deficiency, not P-gp inhibition, in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: SiO2 opals template was prepared on Au substrate with vertical deposition technique from highly monodispersed SiO2 particles. After that, Pd was electrodeposited on the SiO2 spheres to fabricate the Pd hollow sphere array after the removal of the SiO2 template with HF solution. The prepared Pd array had a highly ordered structure with huge surface area and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity, stability and anti-poison capability for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media, which showed that the Pd hollow sphere array could be used as effective electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pluronic block copolymers, a kind of non-ionic surfactant, also known as poloxamers, and ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction have been respectively investigated as vectors for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. However, they are limited for clinical application due to the relatively low transfer efficiency of each individual vector. In the present study, we explored if the combination of P85, a pluronic block copolymer, Optison, a microbubble contrast agent and ultrasound enhances the transfection of plasmid DNA in vivo using mouse skeletal muscle models. Plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was respectively conjugated with 0.05%P85, 10%Optison, or 0.05%P85 plus 10%Optison, and injected into mouse tibialis anterior (TA) muscles with or without ultrasound irradiation (1MHz, 1W/cm2, 2min and 20% duty cycle). Mice were sacrificed 1week after injection. The TA muscles were collected and cryo-sectioned into a series of 7μm slices. To assess the efficiency of plasmid DNA transfection, tissue sections were counterstained with DAPI and scored by counting the number of GFP-positive fibers. Meanwhile the area of damaged muscles was measured based on the tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Both P85 and Optison significantly enhanced the delivery of plasmid DNA in mouse TA skeletal muscles (P <0.01 and P <0.05 respectively, compared to saline control). In combination with Ultrasound irradiation, P85 (P <0.01, compared to P85 alone) but not Optison (P >0.05, compared to Optison alone) exerted a more pronounced effect on the transfection efficiency. Furthermore P85-induced gene delivery was higher than that by Optison regardless of the presence of ultrasound (P <0.01). The highest transfection efficiency was observed when P85, Optison and ultrasound irradiation were administrated together (P <0.01, compared to any other treatment in this study). The area of damaged muscles was enlarged by ultrasound irradiation in the presence of Optison microbubbles (P <0.01, compared to those groups without ultrasound irradiation). These results suggest that P85, microbubbles and ultrasound irradiation synergistically enhance plasmid DNA delivery in mouse skeletal muscles in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin produced by certain species of Penicillium and Aspergillus. The aim of this study was to assess PAT-induced DNA damage and to clarify the mechanisms, using human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells. PAT caused significant increase of DNA migration in single cell gel electrophoresis assay. To elucidate the role of glutathione (GSH), the intracellular GSH level was modulated by pre-treatment with buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine, a specific GSH synthesis inhibitor. It was observed that PAT significantly induced DNA damage in GSH-depleted HepG2 cells at lower concentrations. PAT induced the increased levels of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH in HepG2 cells using 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and 0-phthalaldehyde, respectively. PAT significantly increased the levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in HepG2 cells. Also, PAT-induced p53 protein accumulation was observed in HepG2 cells, suggesting that the activation of p53 appeared to have been a downstream response to the PAT-induced DNA damage. These results demonstrate that PAT causes DNA strand breaks in HepG2 cells, probably through oxidative stress. Both GSH, as a main intracellular antioxidant, and p53 protein are responsible for cellular defense against PAT-induced DNA damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Early diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumors is of great significance. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4a breast lesions less than 2 cm in diameter. METHODS: CEUS was performed for 143 breast masses less than 2 cm in diameter that were diagnosed as BI-RADS 4a by ultrasound and reclassified. Considering pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of reclassified lesions after CEUS for the diagnosis of benign and malignant masses were analyzed. RESULTS: BI-RADS 4a breast masses with a diameter less than 2 cm (n = 143) were confirmed by pathology; 103 and 40 were classified as benign and malignant, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CEUS for the diagnosis were 90%, 86%, 72%, and 95%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of CEUS for the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors after CEUS was 0.904. CONCLUSION: CEUS can help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS 4a masses with a diameter less than 2 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising approach that could utilize microorganisms to oxidize biodegradable pollutants in wastewater and generate electrical power simultaneously. Introducing advanced anode nanomaterials is generally considered as an effective way to enhance MFC performance by increasing bacterial adhesion and facilitating extracellular electron transfer (EET). This review focuses on the key advances of recent anode modification materials, as well as the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at the bacteria‐electrode interface. Based on the difference in combination mode of the exoelectrogens and nanomaterials, anode surface modification, hybrid biofilm construction and single‐bacterial surface modification strategies are elucidated exhaustively. The inherent mechanisms may help to break through the performance output bottleneck of MFCs by rational design of EET‐related nanomaterials, and lead to the widespread application of microbial electrochemical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Error analyses are made of ACR (Astrometric Calibration Regions along the celestial equator) and CMC13 (Carlsberg Meridian Catalogue 13), two astrometric catalogues compiled on the basis of CCD drift scanning observations and published respectively before and after 2000. Through a comparison with the UCAC2 (the second U.S. Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalogue), the form and size of the errors are analyzed numerically. The main and possible sources of the errors are analyzed from the standpoint of observing mode and data reduction. It is found that there is evident magnitude difference between the ACR and CMC13 in the equatorial direction, and that there exists periodic variation close to the CCD field of view along the right ascension and also a systematic variation close to the size of reduction zone along the declination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Panaxynol (PNN) occurs in many foods such as carrot, celery, and several reports have shown that it has neuritogenic and neuroprotective properties. In this study, we have investigated the antiproliferative effect and the mechanism of PNN on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). PNN significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and DNA synthesis of RASMCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PNN blocked the cell cycle progression at the G1/S phase. Preincubation of RASMCs with 9μM PNN resulted in a significant inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation expression and PDGF-BB-induced CREB phosphorylation expression. The results indicated that the inhibitory effect of PNN on the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation of RASMCs might be mediated by blocking phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that of CREB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Curcumin, a polyphenolic yellow pigment found in turmeric, is commonly used as a coloring agent in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. In our previous study, we found that low levels of curcumin did not increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and caused no damage to DNA in human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells, but at high doses, curcumin imposed oxidative stress and damaged DNA. In the present study, we are determined to investigate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of curcumin using HepG2 cell line, a relevant in vitro model to detect the cytoprotective, antigenotoxic, and cogenotoxic agents. The results of micronucleus (MN) assays showed that, on one hand, curcumin at the high tested concentrations (8 and 16μg/ml) displayed a small but significant increase in the frequency of MN, and on the other hand, it was observed that the low tested concentration (2μg/ml) significantly reduced the MN formation induced by the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide. The present results indicate that curcumin shows both genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity depending on its concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Monodisperse silver nanoparticles stabilized with PVP have been prepared in a saturated solution of silver citrate (Ag3C6H5O7) in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) by a pulsed sonoelectrochemical technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Drinking alcohol is prevalent worldwide; however, it is unknown whether alcohol could affect the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel in patients when taking both concomitantly. This study was designed to investigate the influence of short-term standard alcohol consumption on the metabolic activation of and platelet response to clopidogrel in mice as well as the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered with normal saline (vehicle control) or alcohol at 2 g/kg/day for 7 days, and then gavaged with vehicle control or a single dose of clopidogrel at 10 mg/kg. Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and activation by clopidogrel, plasma concentrations of clopidogrel and its active metabolite H4, and changes in mRNA and protein expression of genes related to clopidogrel metabolism and its regulation were measured in mice pretreated with or without alcohol. Compared with vehicle control, alcohol pretreatment significantly reduced hydrolysis of clopidogrel as a result of significant down-regulation of Nrf2-mediated Ces1 expression (responsible for the formation of clopidogrel carboxylate), increased metabolic activation of clopidogrel due to significant up-regulation of Cyp2c (for the formation of active thiol metabolite H4), and consequently enhanced inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and activation by clopidogrel. Short-term standard alcohol consumption would significantly enhance suppression of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and activation by clopidogrel through significant inhibition of Nrf2/Ces1 signaling pathway and induction of Cyp2c, suggesting that alcohol may interact with drugs that are predominantly metabolized by CES1 or CYP2C in patient care, including clopidogrel. [Display omitted] • Short-term standard alcohol consumption suppresses Nrf2/Ces1 signaling pathway. • Short-term standard alcohol consumption induces Cyp2c expression and activity. • Alcohol pretreatment enhances platelet response to clopidogrel coordinately. • Despite potential benefits, concomitant use of alcohol and clopidogrel is not recommended. • Alcohol interacts with drugs that are metabolized predominantly by CYP2C or CES1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the impact of DRG medical insurance payment reform on the quality development of a tertiary comprehensive hospital in Guangxi. Methods This study selected data on all inpatient settlement cases in the hospital from 2020 to 2021, and calculated the DRG grouping of all cases according to the national CHS-DRG version 1.0 grouping plan. The interruption time series analysis method was further used to analyze the level and trend changes of indicators after the DRG policy reform in hospitals in December 2020.These indicators included total weight, case group index, cost consumption index, time consumption index, average length of stay, average hospitalization cost per visit, etc. They were used to evaluate the hospital' s medical service capacity, medical service efficiency, and medical safety, in order to understand the quality of the hospital. Results A total of 72 089 cases were included in this study. Indicators such as cost consumption index (β = -0.242, P = 0.001), time consumption index (β = -0.119, P = 0.002), average length of stay (β = -1.543, P = 0.011), proportion of high incidence cases (β = -0.028, P = 0.026), and average cost of hospitalization (β = -3 669.366, P = 0.026) showed an immediate decrease during the implementation of DRG policy. Conclusion After implementing the DRG policy reform, the hospital has significantly improved the efficiency of medical services, but still faces the challenge of adjusting structure and increasing quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Patulin (PAT), a mycotoxin produced by certain species of Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys, is mainly found in ripe apple and apple products. In our present study, a significant increase of the micronuclei frequency induced by PAT was found in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. To elucidate the role of glutathione (GSH) in the effect, the intracellular GSH level was modulated by pre-treatment with buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a specific GSH synthesis inhibitor, and by pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor. It was found that depletion of GSH in HepG2 cells with BSO dramatically increased the PAT-induced micronuclei frequencies and that when the intracellular GSH content was elevated by NAC, the chromosome damage induced by PAT was significantly prevented in our test concentrations (0.19–0.75μM). These results indicate that GSH play an important role in cellular defense against PAT-induced genotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Extensive metastatic and refractory cancer pain is common, and exhibits a dissatisfactory response to the conventional intrathecal infusion of opioid analgesics. Case Presentation: The present study reports a case of an extensive metastatic esophageal cancer patient with severe intractable pain, who underwent translumbar subarachnoid puncture with intrathecal catheterization to the prepontine cistern. After continuous infusion of low-dose morphine, the pain was well-controlled with a decrease in the numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain score from 9 to 0, and the few adverse reactions to the treatment disappeared at a low dose of morphine. Conclusions: The patient achieved a good quality of life during the one-month follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a tumor biomarker with therapeutic application potential, microRNA (miRNA) was crucial for the accurate and sensitive detection of early-stage tumors. Herein, a unique three dimensional (3D) DNA nanomachine (DNM) was created, which was capable detecting lung cancer-related biomarkers miRNA-21, miRNA-205 and miRNA-125b in lung cancer cell lysates with extreme sensitivity. The 3D DNM was composed of DNA scissors and three flexible walkable DNA gears modified with various species of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). Based on the flexibility of DNA scissors and the walkability of DNA gears, neighboring DNA gears closed the distance between different species of AgNCs by walking in the presence of targets, generating fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect and emitting different kinds of fluorescence to complete the highly sensitive detection of single targets and multiple targets. The findings demonstrated that a linear model provided an excellent match for the association between fluorescence signal and target miRNAs. For miRNA-21, miRNA-205, and miRNA-125b, the limits of detection (LODs) (signal/noise = 3) were 4.2 pmol/L (pM), 6.3 pM, and 10.2 pM, respectively. Their recoveries in A549 cell lysate samples ranged from 95.3 to 108.8 % with relative standard deviations of 1.26 %–4.88 %. Satisfactorily, the 3D DNM displayed exceptional analytical performance with high sensitivity and stability, strong specificity and reproducibility, which was triumphantly employed to identify miRNAs in tumor cell lysates, providing a workable technique in creating adaptable nanostructure for dependable bioanalysis and clinical diagnosis of cancer biomarkers. [Display omitted] • The dendritic DNA-AgNCs biosensor successfully assembled by coupling strategy. • The bionanosensor assembled by DNA scissors substrate and three DNA bipedal-walkers. • The three DNA bipedal-walkers modified with three-color AgNCs. • Every two DNA bipedal-walkers close to each other trigger FRET if the miRNAs existed. • This strategy presented limits of detection down to 4.2–10.2 pM for target miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathological process responsible for cellular damage in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy. Metformin is a biguanide drug that exerts strong effects on multiple diseases. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of metformin against retinal I/R injury and its underlying mechanism. I/R induced reduction in retina thickness and cell number in ganglion cell layer, and metformin alleviated I/R-induced retinal injury. Both retinal I/R and simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SIR) in R28 cells down-regulated expression of mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn2 and OPA1, which led to mitochondrial fission. Metformin also alleviated damage in R28 cells, and reversed the alteration in Mfn2 and OPA1, mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) disruption-induced by I/R or SIR as well. Intriguingly, inhibition of AMPK by compound C or siRNA prevented metformin-mediated up-regulation of Mfn2 and OPA1. Compound C and knockdown of Mfn2 or OPA1 dramatically alleviated the protective effect of metformin against intracellular ROS generation, MMP disruption, mitochondrial fission and loss of RGCs in ganglion cell layer induced by SIR or I/R. Moreover, scavenging mitochondrial ROS (mito-ROS) by mito-TEMPO exerted the similar protection against I/R-induced retinal injury or SIR-induced damage in R28 cells as metformin. Our data show for the first time that metformin protects against retinal I/R injury through AMPK-mediated mitochondrial fusion and the decreased mito-ROS generation. These findings might also repurpose metformin as a therapeutic agent for retinal I/R injury. [Display omitted] • I/R results in retinal injury by inducing mitochondrial fission. • Metformin activates AMPK and alleviates I/R-induced retinal injury. • Metformin upregulates expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins via AMPK. • AMPK-mediated mitochondrial fusion protects against retinal I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 electrochemical conversion on copper electrocatalysts demonstrates selectivity and activity towards multicarbon compounds such as ethylene. However, the complex product distribution, as well as the wasted carbon and electrons in non-target products such as HCOOH, CO, and H2, can significantly increase the energy input and separation costs. As a result, we designed an electro-bio tandem reactor using copper electrocatalysts and microorganisms to transform CO2 into specific multicarbon compounds in both the gas and liquid phases. The unavoidable reducing products from electrocatalysis, including HCOOH in the liquid phase, and CO and H2 in the gas phase, can be consumed and recycled as electron donors or better carbon feedstocks for selective acetate synthesis in Moorella thermoacetica via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. In neutral electrolytes, the faradaic selectivity of acetate in liquid products is the highest (79.6%) for Cu-based CO2 electroreduction, and the electron conversion rate to ethylene and acetate is the highest for microbial electrosynthesis (8113.8 mmol h−1 m−2), demonstrating a green design for CO2 upcycling targeting multicarbon products via the parallel integration of electrocatalysis and fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commiphora gileadensis (C. gileadensis) has been identified and linked with various health benefits and pharmaceutical potential for its phytochemical activities and chemical constituents. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (USE) technique for total phenols content from C. gileadensis leaf compared to the hydrodistillation extraction (HDE). Our results showed that the USE operating conditions were identified as: MeOH·H2O solvent‐to‐fresh sample ratio of 80:20 (v/v); ultrasonic power/frequency at 150 W/20 kHz; and a temperature of 40 ± 1°C; subjected to acoustic waves intermittently for a calculated time (5 min) during the total programmed time of 12 min. The USE exhibited (118.71 ± 0.009 mg GAE/g DM) more amounts of all phenols than HDE (101.47 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g DM), and antioxidant (77.78 ± 0.73%, 75.27 ± 0.59% scavenging inhibition of DPPH), respectively. Anti‐aging and Cytotoxicity activities were investigated. The results of biological evaluations showed that the crude extracts of C. gileadensis significantly extended the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line showed significant anticancer activity, and approximately 100 μg/mL is required to decrease viability compared with that of the control. This study is proven for a larger scale to extract and isolate compounds of C. gileadensis for potential utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. In conclusion, advanced methods afford an extract with high activity in the biological properties of the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in many biological processes and are associated with various diseases, especially cancers. Combination of technological developments such as nanomaterials, functional enzymemediated reactions, and DNA nanotechnology holds great potential for high-performance detection of miRNAs in molecular diagnostic systems. In this work, we have fabricated a cascade signal amplification platform through integrating duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-assisted target recycling with catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction for the detection of microRNA-141 (miR-141). The target recycling process driven by DSN results in highly amplified translation of target miRNA to single-stranded connector DNA fragments. The CHA reaction is further initiated by connector DNAs using hairpin-modified gold nanoparticles (HP-AuNPs) as the sensing unit, leading to the formation of AuNP network architecture on the electrode for electrochemical and photoelectrochemical detection of miR-141 in signal-on and signal-off modes, respectively. The developed electrochemical biosensor exhibits a detection limit down to 25.1 aM miR-141 (60 copies in 4 μL sample) and excellent selectivity to discriminate a single base-mismatched sequence and other miRNAs. This assay is also applied to the determination of miR-141 in total RNAs extracted from human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), confirming the applicability of this method for absolute quantification of specific miRNAs in real-world samples. Furthermore, two-input AND and INHIBIT (INH) logic gates are constructed to detect miRNAs. In particular, the AND gate achieves cell-specific gate activation based on expression profiles of miR-141 and microRNA-21 (miR-21). Therefore, our proposed cascade amplification platform has great potential applications in miRNA-related clinical diagnostics and biochemical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of blindless among the aged, which can mainly be attributed to oxidative stress and dysregulated autophagy in retinal pigment epithelium cells. Lactate was reported to act as a signaling molecule and exerted beneficial effect against oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of lactate against oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration. Here, H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress cell model and sodium iodate-induced mice retinal degeneration model were established. It was found that H 2 O 2 inhibited cell viability in ARPE-19 cells and sodium iodate induced deterioration of retinal pigment epithelium as well as apoptosis in retina. Pretreatment with lactate alleviated oxidative stress-induced cell death and retinal degeneration. Molecularly, lactate activated autophagy by up-regulating the ratio of LC3II/I, increased formation of LC3 puncta and autophagic vacuole. Further, lactate prevented H 2 O 2 -induced mitochondrial fission and maintained mitochondrial function by alleviating H 2 O 2 -induced mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and intracellular ROS generation. In contrast, application of 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy, effectively weakened the protective effect of lactate against oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, all data in this study indicate that lactate protects against oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration and preserves mitochondrial function by activating autophagy. [Display omitted] • H 2 O 2 causes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and retinal degeneration. • Lactate acts as a signaling molecule to activate autophagy pathway in RPE cells. • Autophagy ameliorates H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. • Lactate protects against oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration by autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an analog of clopidogrel and prasugrel, vicagrel is completely hydrolyzed to intermediate thiolactone metabolite 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel (also the precursor of active thiol metabolite H4) in human intestine, predominantly by AADAC and CES2; however, other unknown vicagrel hydrolases remain to be identified. In this study, recombinant human Raf kinase inhibitor protein (rhRKIP) and pooled human intestinal S9 (HIS9) fractions and microsome (HIM) preparations were used as the different enzyme sources; prasugrel as a probe drug for RKIP (a positive control), vicagrel as a substrate drug of interest, and the rate of the formation of thiolactone metabolites 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel and R95913 as metrics of hydrolase activity examined, respectively. In addition, an IC50 value of inhibition of rhRKIP‐catalyzed vicagrel hydrolysis by locostatin was measured, and five classical esterase inhibitors with distinct esterase selectivity were used to dissect the involvement of multiple hydrolases in vicagrel hydrolysis. The results showed that rhRKIP hydrolyzed vicagrel in vitro, with the values of Km, Vmax, and CLint measured as 20.04 ± 1.99 μM, 434.60 ± 12.46 nM/min/mg protein, and 21.69 ± 0.28 ml/min/mg protein, respectively, and that an IC50 value of locostatin was estimated as 1.24 ± 0.04 mM for rhRKIP. In addition to locostatin, eserine and vinblastine strongly suppressed vicagrel hydrolysis in HIM. It is concluded that RKIP can catalyze the hydrolysis of vicagrel in the human intestine, and that vicagrel can be hydrolyzed by multiple hydrolases, such as RKIP, AADAC, and CES2, concomitantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It may help to improve the performance output of microbial fuel cells by rational design of extracellular electron transfer (EET)-related nanomaterials, and lead to the widespread application. Keywords: extracellular electron transfer; hybrid biofilm construction; microbial fuel cells; nanomaterials; single-bacterial surface modification EN extracellular electron transfer hybrid biofilm construction microbial fuel cells nanomaterials single-bacterial surface modification 1 1 1 01/04/23 20230102 NES 230102 Based on the difference in combination mode of the exoelectrogens and nanomaterials, anode surface modification, hybrid biofilm construction and single-bacterial surface modification strategies are elucidated in this Review by L.-P. Jiang, J.-J. Zhu and co-workers (10.1002/chem.202202002). Extracellular electron transfer, hybrid biofilm construction, microbial fuel cells, nanomaterials, single-bacterial surface modification. [Extracted from the article]

Polyrhachis dives is consumed as an insect food in some regions of China. In this study, new dopamine derivatives, (+)-polyrhadopamine A ( 1a ) and (−)-polyrhadopamine A ( 1b ), (+)-polyrhadopamine B ( 2a ) and (−)-polyrhadopamine B ( 2b ), and polyrhadopamines C–E ( 3 – 5 ), were isolated from this species. The structures and stereochemistry of these substances were assigned by using spectroscopic and computational methods. Compounds 1a , 1b , 2a , and 2b are dimeric N -acetyldopamine derivatives, 3 is a dopamine analog containing an unusual sulfone group, and 4 and 5 possess a rare benzo[ d ]thiazole moiety. The functions of these substances as ROCK1/2 inhibitors, neural stem cell (NSCs) proliferation stimulators, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory agents were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic arsenic is a worldwide environmental pollutant. Inorganic arsenic's positive relationship with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus arouses concerns associated with its etiology in diabetes among the general human population. In this study, the inhibitor of autophagosome formation, 3-methyladenine, protected the cells against sodium arsenite cytotoxicity, and the autophagy stimulator rapamycin further decreased the cell viability of sodium arsenite-treated INS-1 cells. These finding suggested the hypothesis that autophagic cell death contributed to sodium arsenite-induced cytotoxicity in INS-1 cells. Sodium arsenite increased the autophagosome-positive puncta in INS-1 cells observed under a fluorescence microscope, and this effect was confirmed by the elevated LC3-II levels detected through Western blot. The LC3 turnover assay indicated that the accumulation of autophagosomes in the arsenite-treated INS-1 cells was due to increased formation rather than impaired degradation. The pretreatment of INS-1 cells with the ROS inhibitor NAC reduced autophagosome formation and reversed the sodium arsenite cytotoxicity, indicating that sodium arsenite-induced autophagic cell death was ROS-dependent. In summary, the precise molecular mechanisms through which arsenic is related to diabetes have not been completely elucidated, but the ROS-dependent autophagic cell death of pancreatic β-cells described in this study may help to elucidate the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An aminoethoxy-functionalized zirconium phosphonate (Zr(O3POCH2CH2NH2)2·3H2O), abbreviated as ZrRP (R=OCH2CH2NH2), with layered structure has been synthesized. This layered compound possesses the characteristic of inorganic–organic hybrid, due to the covalently linked aminoethoxy in the host layer. The anion exchanged property of this zirconium phosphonate is suitable for the direct intercalation of negatively charged DNA, which is different from these reported zirconium phosphates or zirconium phosphonates. As a precursor, this prepared zirconium phosphonate was utilized to fabricate a novel DNA/ZrRP binary hybrid via a delamination-reassembly procedure. The release behavior of DNA from the DNA/ZrRP composite was investigated at different medium pH, because the combination between zirconium phosphonate sheets and DNA was pH-dependent sensitively. Moreover, the helical conformation of DNA was almost retained after the intercalation and release process. These properties of the DNA/ZrRP composite suggested the potential application of layered zirconium phosphonate as a non-viral vector in gene delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel fluorescent immunosensor was developed based on the use of CuS nanoparticles (CuS NPs) as labels for the highly sensitive detection of human prostate cancer biomarker prostate specific antigen (PSA). In the presence of CuS NPs, the non-fluorescent substrate o-phenylenediamine could be oxidized into the stable fluorescent product 2,3-diamiophenazine at physiological pH. Throughout the reaction, no other oxidizing agents (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) were needed. The relatively mild oxidation conditions made the immunoassay robust, reliable and facile. The proposed immunoassay exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of PSA. A linear relationship between the fluorescent signals and the concentration of PSA was obtained in the range of 0.5 pg mL−1 to 50 ng mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.1 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). The proposed fluorescent immunoassay can be used as a promising platform for the detection of a variety of other biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of metallic nanoparticles in bio-nanofabrication holds significant potential in the field of applied research. The current study applied and compared integrated ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction (US/MICE), ultrasonic extraction (USE), microwave-assisted extraction (MICE), and maceration (MAE) to extract total phenolic content (TPC). In addition, the study examined the antioxidant activity of Commiphora gileadensis (Cg) leaf. The results demonstrated that the TPC of US/MICE exhibited the maximum value at 59.34 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DM. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, TPC displayed a significant scavenging effect on DPPH (56.69 %), with an EC 50 (6.48 μg/mL). Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the extract using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was performed to identify active agents. A total of 64 chromatographic peaks were found, out of which 60 were annotated. The most prevalent classes of metabolites found were polyphenols (including flavonoids and lignans), organic compounds and their derivatives, amides and amines, terpenes, and fatty acid derivatives. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the aggregate size of the synthesized nanoparticles and the spherical shape of C. gileadensis -mediated silver nanoparticles (Cg -AgNPs). The nanoparticles had a particle size ranging from 7.7 to 42.9 nm. The Cg -AgNPs exhibited more inhibition zones against S. aureus and E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Cg -extract, AgNPs, and Cg -AgNPs were also tested. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using combined ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction to separate and extract chemicals from C. gileadensis on a large scale. These compounds have potential use in the pharmaceutical industry. Combining antibacterial and biocompatible properties in materials is vital for designing new materials for biomedical applications. Additionally, the results showed that the biocompatibility of the Ag-NPs using C. gileadensis extracts demonstrated outstanding antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of postoperative delirium among elderly patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods·The convenience sampling method was used to select cardiothoracic surgical ICU patients after operation in Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May to September 2020. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method-ICU (CAM-ICU) and the assessment was performed until ICU discharge or for a maximum of 7 d, whichever occurred first. Patients' demographics and clinical data were collected. The influencing factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression. Results·A total of 343 patients were included for this study and 103 developed postoperative delirium, with an incidence of 30.03%. All the delirium occurred within 7.5-130.0 h after operation, with a mean of (47.4±29.7) h and a median of 35.5(23.0, 61.0) h. On the whole, delirium uniformly distributed throughout the day. Only the delirium that occurred within 24 h after surgery showed a central tendency with the high-incidence time at 11:53 am while the others did not. Delirium duration lasted 6.5-131.0 h, with a mean of (32.4±28.1) h and a median of 20.5(14.0, 45.0) h. Comparison of the characteristics of patients in the delirium group and non-delirium group showed that there were statistical differences in gender, history of diabetes, heart function classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass, intraoperative hypotension, postoperative mechanical ventilation and postoperative oxygenation index. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ASA classification, intraoperative hypotension and cardiopulmonary bypass had significant influence on postoperative delirium (all P<0.05). Conclusion. The incidence of postoperative delirium is high among elderly patients who are admitted in ICU after operation. Higher ASA classification, intraoperative hypotension and cardiopulmonary bypass are influencing factors of delirium. To reduce delirium occurrence and shorten its duration, medical staff should understand the characteristics and influencing factors of postoperative delirium, evaluate delirium and implement preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal alkali burn, one of the most serious ophthalmic emergencies, is difficult to be cured by conservative treatments. It is well known that oxidative stress, inflammation and neovascularization are the main causes of corneal damage after alkali burn, but its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we reported that the expression and phosphorylation (Ser616) of mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 were up-regulated at day 3 after alkali burn, while mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn2 was down-regulated. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in corneas was increased at day 1, 3, 7 and peaked at day 3 after alkali burn. In human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2), NaOH treatment induced mitochondrial fission, intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, which was prevented by Drp1 inhibitor Mdivi-1. In corneas, Mdivi-1 or knockdown of Drp1 by Lenti-Drp1 shRNA attenuated alkali burn-induced ROS production and phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. In immunofluorescence staining, it was detected that Mdivi-1 also prevented NaOH-induced nuclear translocation of p65 in HCE-2 cells. Moreover, the expression of NADPH oxidase NOX2 and NOX4 in corneas peaked at day 7 after alkali burn. Mdivi-1, Lenti-Drp1 shRNA or the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mito-TEMPO efficiently alleviated activation of NF-κB, expression of NOX2/4 and inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in corneas after alkali burn. In pharmacological experiments, both Mdivi-1 and NADPH oxidases inhibitor Apocynin protected the corneas against alkali burn-induced neovascularization. Intriguingly, the combined administration of Mdivi-1 and Apocynin had a synergistic inhibitory effect on corneal neovascularization after alkali burn. Taken together, these results indicate that Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission is involved in alkali burn-induced corneal injury through regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and corneal neovascularization. This might provide a novel therapeutic target for corneal injury after alkali burn in the future. [Display omitted] • Alkali burn stimulates mitochondrial fission in corneas through up-regulation of expression and phosphorylation of Drp1. • Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission facilitates ROS generation, activation of NF-κB and inflammation. • Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission may act as the upstream regulator of alkali burn-induced NOX2/4 expression. • Drp1 inhibitor and NOXs inhibitor have a synergistic inhibitory effect on alkali burn-induced CNV and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Haemin-modified iron(II, III) oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were rapidly synthesised. [•] Magnetic Fe3O4/haemin show electrocatalytic activity towards trichloroacetic acid. [•] The response of sensor was studied via electrically heated electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CdSeTe semiconductor alloy nanotubes (with an external diameter of 140 nm and an internal diameter of 100 nm) were successfully prepared based on the sacrificial template of Cd(OH)Cl nanorods, and were further in situ assembled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via a sonochemical approach to form the CdSeTe/Au nanotubes. The prepared CdSeTe/Au nanotubes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectra. CdSeTe/Au nanotubes could integrate the advantages of the electronic properties of CdSeTe and the biocompatible properties of AuNPs. A novel biosensor was fabricated after the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) on CdSeTe/Au nanotubes. The immobilized Hb exhibited fast direct electron transfer and good electrocatalytic performance to HO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gold nanoparticle-assembled capsules (GNACs) with controllable size and tunable morphology were fabricated through a simple two-step mixing procedure. Cationic polyelectrolyte was first induced to self-assemble into spherical aggregates in the presence of multivalent anions. Then, the aggregates served as an effective template for the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles to form size-controllable capsules. By adjusting the quantity of gold nanoparticles, capsules with various morphologies could be obtained. Because of their unique nanoporous features, the capsules with intact shells were further used to load hemoglobin (Hb) for the fabrication of a novel H2O2 biosensor. The results of UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry indicated that the capsules provided a suitable matrix for the immobilization of Hb. Additionally, the resulting biosensor showed a high affinity and good catalytic activity to H2O2. With the advantages of the large surface area, good conductivity and biocompatibility, the GNACs can offer a promising platform for the development of biosensors. Moreover, on the basis of the capsule structure, this material may also be expected to apply in some fields such as drug delivery, medical diagnostics and bio-encapsulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elemene is a broad-spectrum antitumor agent. In the present study, lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) was detected after short elemene emulsion - exposure (12 h) that preceded a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA damage (24 h) in A549 cells. At later time points (36 h) elemene emulsion caused the appearance of A549 cells with apoptotic features, including apoptotic morphology, phosphatidylserine exposure, and caspase-3 activation. A significant increase in protein expression for cathepsin D was also observed utilizing Western blot analysis after exposure to elemene emulsion for 12 h. The present study showed that elemene emulsion induced the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of glutathione (GSH) in A549 cells. Cells treated with pepstatin A, an inhibitor for cathepsin D, showed a significant inhibition in DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, caspase-3 activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure. These results demonstrated that apoptosis induced by elemene emulsion in A549 cells is mediated in part through LMP and lysosomal protease cathepsin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel immunosensor for sensitive detection of tumor necrosis factor α was reported. First of all, gold nanoparticles were uniformly assembled on the surface of poly (styrene-acrylic acid) nanospheres, which was used as the matrix to conjugate alkaline phosphatase (ALP). And then, the obtained composite was used as multi-enzyme functionalized label for immunoassay. Biocompatible polyaniline doped with poly (acrylic acid) was electro-polymerized at the glass carbon electrode to construct the matrix for the immobilization of antibody TNF-α. After the sandwich immunoreaction, the labeled ALP was used to hydrolyze α-naphthyl phosphate to produce the electroactive α-naphthol, which could be amperometrically detected. The results showed that the electrochemical signals were proportional to the logarithm of the antigen concentration in the range of 0.02–200.00ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.01ng/mL. The developed immunoassay showed high sensitivity, acceptable stability and reproducibility, which might have potentially broad applications in protein diagnostics and bioassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gold nanorods (GNRs) were synthesized by a seed–mediated growth approach followed by TEOS polymerization leading to the formation of silica layer surrounding the gold nanorod core. TEM images showed that the silica-coated gold nanorods (GNRs@SiO2) were dispersed with an average aspect ratio of 3.1 for the GNRs cores and a uniform thickness of the silica shell. The core/shell nanocomposites were further used as efficient supports for the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) to fabricate a novel biosensor. The immobilized Hb showed an enhanced electron transfer for its heme Fe(III) to Fe(II) redox couple. This biosensor showed an excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 with a linear range from 8.0×10−7 to 6.1×10−5 M, and the detection limit was 6.0×10−8 M at 3σ. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant of the immobilized hemoglobin was calculated to be 0.13mM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanoflakes with controllable edge length ranging from ∼150nm to as small as ∼10nm were synthesized via an ultrasonic-assisted disproportionation route, using Te powder and Bi(NO3)3 ·5H2O as raw materials. The mechanochemical effects of the ultrasonic irradiation accelerated the reaction and were helpful to obtain relatively small and uniform nanocrystals. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction techniques. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of as-prepared Bi2Te3 was also reported for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which presents the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient patients, remains a health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, an effective vaccine is currently unavailable and pharmacologic treatment needs further optimization for RSV disease. Because RSV is a non-segmented negative-strand RNA virus, it may be sensitive to the genome RNA cleaving by DNAzyme, an artificial nucleic acids molecule with high catalytic capability of cleaving complementary RNA molecules. Thus, RSV-targeted DNAzymes potentially present as a therapeutic candidate of RSV diseases. In this study, DNAzymes targeting the RSV genomic RNA or mRNA were designed and synthesized, one of which (DZn1133) did cleave RSV RNA in vitro, inhibit the transcription and expression of F viral gene, reduce the RSV yield by about 7 logs and protect more than 90% RSV-infected Hep-2 cells from a cytopathic effect at 8μM. Moreover, 10 wild RSV strains isolated from clinic patients including both subgroups A and B were all suppressed by DZn1133 with greater anti-RSV activity than antisense DNA or ribavirin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]