Bioinspired Multivalent Peptide Nanotubes for Sialic Acid Targeting and Imaging-Guided Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma

Tumor metastasis is considered a major cause of cancer-related human mortalities. However, it still remains a formidable challenge in clinics. Herein, a bioinspired multivalent nanoplatform for the highly effective treatment of the metastatic melanoma is reported. The versatile nanoplatform is designed by integrating indocyanine green and a chemotherapeutic drug (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) into phenylboronic acid (PBA)-functionalized peptide nanotubes (termed as I/S-PPNTs). I/S-PPNTs precisely target tumor cells through multivalent interaction between PBA and overexpressed sialic acid on the tumor surface in order to achieve imaging-guided combination therapy. It is demonstrated that I/S-PPNTs are efficiently internalized by the B16-F10 melanoma cells in vitro in a PBA grafting density-dependent manner. It is further shown that I/S-PPNTs specifically accumulate and deeply penetrate into both the subcutaneous and lung metastatic B16-F10 melanoma tumors. More importantly, I/S-PPNT-mediated combination chemo- and photodynamic therapy efficiently eradicates tumor and suppresses the lung metastasis of B16-F10 melanoma in an immunocompetent C57BL/6 mouse model. The results highlight the promising potential of the multivalent peptide nanotubes for active tumor targeting and imaging-guided cancer therapy.

Morphology evolution of fcc Ru nanoparticles under hydrogen atmosphere

Tuning the morphology and structural evolution of metal nanoparticles to expose specific crystal facets in a certain reaction atmosphere is conducive to designing catalysts with a high catalytic activity. Herein, coverage dependent hydrogen adsorption on seven fcc Ru surfaces was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The morphology evolution of the fcc Ru nanoparticles under the reactive environment was further illustrated using the multiscale structure reconstruction (MSR) model, which combines the DFT results with the Fowler-Guggenheim (F-G) adsorption isotherm and the Wulff construction. At constant pressure, the shape of a fcc Ru nanoparticle changes from a rhombic dodecahedron to a truncated octahedron with an increase of the temperature. More importantly, the desired Ru morphology, with abundant open facets, was predicted to occur at a high temperature and low pressure. Our results provide an insightful understanding of the reshaping of Ru nanoparticles during real reactions, which is crucial for its rational design for use as a nanocatalyst.

Whole-exome sequencing identified four loci influencing craniofacial morphology in northern Han Chinese

Facial shape differences are one of the most significant phenotypes in humans. It is affected largely by skull shape. However, research into the genetic basis of the craniofacial morphology has rarely been reported. The present study aimed to identify genetic variants influencing craniofacial morphology in northern Han Chinese through whole-exome sequencing (WES). Phenotypic data of the volunteers’ faces and skulls were obtained through three-dimensional CT scan of the skull. A total of 48 phenotypes (35 facial and 13 cranial phenotypes) were used for the bioinformatics analysis. Four genetic loci were identified affecting the craniofacial shapes. The four candidate genes are RGPD3, IGSF3, SLC28A3, and USP40. Four single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site mutations in RGPD3, IGSF3, and USP40 were significantly associated with the skull shape (p < 1×10⁻⁶), and three SNP site mutations in RGPD3, IGSF3, and SLC28A3 were significantly associated with the facial shape (p < 1×10⁻⁶). The rs62152530 site mutation in the RGPD3 gene may be closely associated with the nasal length, ear length, and alar width. The rs647711 site mutation in the IGSF3 gene may be closely associated with the nasal length, mandibular width, and width between the mental foramina. The rs10868138 site mutation in the SLC28A3 gene may be associated with the nasal length, alar width, width between tragus, and width between the mental foramina. The rs1048603 and rs838543 site mutations in the USP40 gene may be closely associated with the pyriform aperture width. Our findings provide useful genetic information for the determination of face morphology.

A chromenoquinoline-based two-photon fluorescent probe for the highly specific and fast visualization of sulfur dioxide derivatives in living cells and zebrafish

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) derivatives play critical roles in various biological processes. Therefore, effective methods for monitoring SO₂ are of vital importance in bisulfite/sulfite biology. In this study, a two-photon (TP) imaging probe (CQ-SO₂) for detecting SO₂ derivatives was designed and constructed, based on the chromenoquinoline (CQ) fluorophore and a β-chlorovinyl aldehyde sensing moiety. The TP properties of the CQ derivatives were revealed for the first time in this study. This study enriched the biological application range of CQ derivatives and also provided a new choice for the development of TP dyes. In particular, the CQ-SO₂ probe exhibited a fast response time (about 5 s), low detection limit (16 nM) and ultrahigh specificity towards SO₂ derivatives. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied to the highly specific TP bioimaging of SO₂ derivatives in living cells and zebrafish.

Are cities good for health? A study of the impacts of planned urbanization in China

Background

Urbanization in developing countries is usually accompanied by migration to cities, making it a challenge to unpack the independent relationships between migration, urbanization and health, particularly in the presence of health-selective migration. Since 1978, unprecedented planned urbanization has taken place in China and further increases to the urban population are expected. This paper explored the impacts of urbanization in China through a comparative study of in situ urbanized population.

Methods

Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative dataset for people aged 45 years or older, we compared self-assessed general health, depressive symptoms and waist circumference among three groups: (i) in situ urbanized-rural residents; (ii) rural residents; and (iii) urban residents. Using a model informed by the literature on the social determinants of health in later life, we investigated the patterning and drivers of differences in health outcomes between these three groups, in order to explore the impact of urbanization independent of the impact of migration.

Results

There are consistent advantages in health and less depression among urbanized-rural residents compared with the rural group; and this group has even better health outcomes than the urban group after adjusting for early life differences. However, this relationship is reversed for waist circumference. Socioeconomic circumstances and factors related to a planned urbanization partly explain these effects.

Conclusions

Urbanization in China has, on average, had an independent and positive effect on health and well-being. Planned urbanization could benefit people’s health in developing countries. It is likely that improved infrastructure is a key driver.

N-containing compounds from Periplaneta americana and their activities against wound healing

Three new compounds, periplanamides A (1) and B (2), periplanpyrazine A (3), a new naturally occurring compound salicyluric acid methyl ester (6), and seventeen known compounds were isolated from the medicinal insect Periplaneta americana. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of 2 were assigned by computational methods. Biological activities of these isolates except 1, 9, 11, and 13 toward nitric oxide (NO) production, cell proliferation in HDFs, cell migration and angiogenesis in HUVECs were evaluated.

Abstract TP502: Childhood Cerebral Arteriopathy in Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1

Introduction: Glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD1) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder caused by defects of glucose-6-phosphatase complex, resulting in a wide array of manifestations such as hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Previously, cerebrovascular complications had been described in 7 pediatric or young patients. However, the mechanism remains unknown. This study aims to describe the phenotypes of 6 cases and explore the possible mechanisms of cerebral arteriopathy in GSD1.

Methods: All patients with GSD1 and cerebral arteriopathy were included. Cerebral arteriopathy was demonstrated by MRA/DSA and classified according to anatomic and temporal features. Possible mechanisms were explored using vessel wall imaging and targeted or whole-exome sequencing.

Results: In this single center study, 6 unrelated patients with GSD1 and cerebral arteriopathy were identified (4 females). Mutational analysis confirmed the diagnosis of GSD1a and 1b in 3 patients, respectively. The median age at neurologic onset was 9 years (range, 5-11 years). Unilateral and bilateral cerebral arteriopathies were observed in 3 patients (figure), respectively, resulting in ischemic stroke in 1, TIA in 2 and non-ischemic symptoms in 3 patients. Arterial lesions typically involved the bifurcation of internal carotid artery, with or without lenticulostriate collaterals. Follow-up MRA performed at 12-24 months’ interval in 3 patients showed progression of arteriopathy (arrows). Vessel wall imaging performed in 5 patients displayed shrinkaged lumen of affected segments without plaque. Carotid ultrasound ruled out subclinical atherosclerosis. Genetic analysis in 4 patients revealed no pathologic variants known to be associated with cerebrovascular disorder such as moyamoya disease/syndrome.

Conclusions: Pediatric GSD1 patients might be predisposed to progressive steno-occlusive cerebral arteriopathy, probably through non-atherosclerotic mechanisms.

Molecular interaction balanced one- and two-dimensional hybrid nanoarchitectures for high-performance supercapacitors

Stepwise ultrasonication and self-assembly process enables good separation between disequilibrium and equilibrium thermodynamic molecular interactions, which allow excellent electrochemical charge storage based on ratio-dependent 1D–2D hybridisation.

The influence of the Si/Al ratio of Mo/HZSM-5 on methane non-oxidative dehydroaromatization

MoO₂²⁺ exists for the low Si/Al ratio catalysts and (Mo₂O₅)²⁺ for the high Si/Al ratio catalysts.

Constructing a far-red to near-infrared fluorescent probe for highly specific detection of cysteine and its bioimaging applications in living cells and zebrafish

A novel far-red to near-infrared fluorescent probe for highly specific detection of cysteine without interference.

The Fischer–Tropsch synthesis performance over cobalt supported on silicon-based materials: the effect of thermal conductivity of the support

The effect of thermal conductivity of support on the catalytic performance of supported Co-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts is investigated.

Incorporating silicon carbide nanoparticles into Al2O3@Al to achieve an efficient support for Co-based catalysts to boost their catalytic performance towards Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

The SiC nanoparticles modified Al₂O₃@Al composites were used as an efficient supports for Co-based catalysts to boost the FTS performance via a synergy effect.

Monitoring Value of Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Disease Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Prospective Observational Study

Background:

Ongoing efforts have been made to identify new neuroimaging markers to track amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression. This study aimed to explore the monitoring value of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the disease progression of ALS.

Methods:

From September 2015 to March 2017, ten patients diagnosed with ALS in Peking Union Medical College Hospital completed head MRI scans at baseline and during follow-up. Multimodal MRI analyses, including gray matter (GM) volume measured by voxel-based morphometry; cerebral blood flow (CBF) evaluated by arterial spin labeling; functional connectivity, including low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), measured by resting-state functional MRI; and integrity of white-matter (WM) fiber tracts evaluated by diffusion tensor imaging, were performed in these patients. Comparisons of imaging metrics were made between baseline and follow-up using paired t-test.

Results:

In the longitudinal comparisons, the brain structure (GM volume of the right precentral gyri, left postcentral gyri, and right thalami) and perfusion (CBF of the bilateral temporal poles, left precentral gyri, postcentral gyri, and right middle temporal gyri) in both motor and extramotor areas at follow-up were impaired to different extents when compared with those at baseline (all P < 0.05, false discovery rate adjusted). Functional connectivity was increased in the motor areas (fALFF of the right precentral gyri and superior frontal gyri, and ReHo of right precentral gyri) and decreased in the extramotor areas (fALFF of the bilateral middle frontal gyri and ReHo of the right precuneus and cingulate gyri) (all P < 0.001, unadjusted). No significant changes were detected in terms of brain WM measures.

Conclusion:

Multimodal MRI could be used to monitor short-term brain changes in ALS patients.

Two-Dimensional Layered Hydroxide Nanoporous Nanohybrids Pillared with Zero-Dimensional Polyoxovanadate Nanoclusters for Enhanced Water Oxidation Catalysis

The oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is critical in electrochemical water splitting and requires an efficient, sustainable, and cheap catalyst for successful practical applications. A common development strategy for OER catalysts is to search for facile routes for the synthesis of new catalytic materials with optimized chemical compositions and structures. Here, nickel hydroxide Ni(OH)₂ 2D nanosheets pillared with 0D polyoxovanadate (POV) nanoclusters as an OER catalyst that can operate in alkaline media are reported. The intercalation of POV nanoclusters into Ni(OH)₂ induces the formation of a nanoporous layer-by-layer stacking architecture of 2D Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets and 0D POV with a tunable chemical composition. The nanohybrid catalysts remarkably enhance the OER activity of pristine Ni(OH)₂ . The present findings demonstrate that the intercalation of 0D POV nanoclusters into Ni(OH)₂ is effective for improving water oxidation catalysis and represents a potential method to synthesize novel, porous hydroxide-based nanohybrid materials with superior electrochemical activities.

Migration Status and Smoking Behaviors in Later-Life in China-Evidence From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)

Background: China is the biggest consumer of tobacco in the world, with a high prevalence of smoking especially among men. Along with the rapid demographic change in China, the burden of diseases attributable to health behaviors, particularly smoking is steadily increasing. So, smoking has become a major risk factor for mortality in China. Smoking behaviors may be related to migration processes, as a result of both who migrates and post-migration experiences related to socioeconomic position, stress and acculturation. Existing studies that have examined smoking and migration in China have, however, only focused on temporary rural-to-urban migrants and focused on relatively younger migrants. This paper examines the association between smoking behaviors and a comprehensive assessment of migration status in later-life in China.

Methods: Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative dataset, this paper studies smoking behaviors of rural-to-urban migrants, urban-to-urban migrants, rural return migrants, and urban return migrants. We compare them with corresponding non-migrant groups in both rural and urban locations in China. Using a model that controls for demographic factors, early-life circumstances, socioeconomic factors, and factors related to migration, we examine both the decision to start smoking and the decision to quit smoking. In addition, we also address pre-migration selection in our analyses.

Results: The results show rural-to-urban migrants are no more likely to start smoking compared with rural non-migrants, but they are more likely to quit smoking. While urban-to-urban migrants are more likely to start smoking compared with urban non-migrants, this effect is explained by the factors we include in the full model. Urban-to-urban migrants are, however, less likely to quit smoking. Moreover, both rural return migrants and urban return migrants seem to be more likely to start smoking and less likely to quit smoking compared with non-migrant groups.

Conclusion: There are strong associations between migration status and later-life smoking behaviors in China; these associations vary greatly according to different migration status and point to populations and factors that public health activities should focus on.

Determinants of angiographic thrombus burden and impact of thrombus aspiration on outcome in young patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the determinants of thrombus burden (TB) and the impact of thrombus aspiration (TA) on outcome in young adults with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

BACKGROUND

The determinants of TB in young STEMI patients are not fully understood now.

METHODS

The 182 young (age ≤ 45 years) STEMI patients, who underwent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in our hospital from January 2013 to September 2016, were included. Angiographic TB and impact of TA on major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were evaluated. Median clinical follow-up period was 875 (641-1,052) days.

RESULTS

All patients were male, mean age was 40 ± 5 years. High thrombus burden (HTB) was evidenced in 100 (54.9%) patients. TA was performed in 62 out 100 (62%) patients with high TB (HTB) during PCI. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in the HTB group than in the low thrombus burden (LTB) group (75 vs. 17%, P < 0.001). The proportion of smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of premature coronary artery disease were similar between HTB and LTB groups. During follow-up, 2 patients died and 31 patients underwent repeat PCI. MACE rate was significantly higher in the HTB group than in the LTB group (24.0 vs. 9.8%, P = 0.012) and significantly lower in HTB patients with TA than HTB patients without TA (14.5 vs. 39.5%, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension is an independent determinant of HTB and TA could be considered as an effective therapeutic option in young male STEMI patients with HTB.

Consecutive Junction-Induced Efficient Charge Separation Mechanisms for High-Performance MoS2/Quantum Dot Phototransistors

Phototransistors that are based on a hybrid vertical heterojunction structure of two-dimensional (2D)/quantum dots (QDs) have recently attracted attention as a promising device architecture for enhancing the quantum efficiency of photodetectors. However, to optimize the device structure to allow for more efficient charge separation and transfer to the electrodes, a better understanding of the photophysical mechanisms that take place in these architectures is required. Here, we employ a novel concept involving the modulation of the built-in potential within the QD layers for creating a new hybrid MoS₂/PbS QDs phototransistor with consecutive type II junctions. The effects of the built-in potential across the depletion region near the type II junction interface in the QD layers are found to improve the photoresponse as well as decrease the response times to 950 μs, which is the faster response time (by orders of magnitude) than that recorded for previously reported 2D/QD phototransistors. Also, by implementing an electric-field modulation of the MoS₂ channel, our experimental results reveal that the detectivity can be as large as 1 × 10¹¹ jones. This work demonstrates an important pathway toward designing hybrid phototransistors and mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures.

Attenuation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm by hordenine: a combinatorial study with aminoglycoside antibiotics

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous pathogen that is the leading cause of chronic infections. Bacterial biofilm formation facilitates CF development and restricts the anti-bacterial potential of many current antibiotics. The capacity of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms and resist antibiotics is closely correlated with quorum sensing (QS). Disrupting QS by QS inhibitors is a promising strategy for treating chronic infections. Here, we evaluated the effect of hordenine, a recently characterized QS inhibitor, on the susceptibility of aminoglycoside antibiotics against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Hordenine significantly enhanced the susceptibility of aminoglycoside antibiotics tobramycin, gentamycin, and amikacin against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation. Combinations of hordenine and aminoglycoside antibiotics showed potent efficiency in disrupting the preformed biofilms of P. aeruginosa. Microscopic observations showed flat, scattered, and unstructured biofilm architecture after treatment with hordenine. Mechanistic study further revealed that hordenine treatment led to the downregulation of genes involved in QS and biofilm formation. Thus, our results suggest that hordenine has the potential to function as an antibiotic accelerant in treating P. aeruginosa infections.

Increased incidence of abnormally located ovary in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: a retrospective analysis with magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

To explore the incidence of abnormally located ovary in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome as compared to a control group with magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

Pelvic MR images of 83 MRKH patients and 60 age-matched normal females were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced gynecological radiologists in consensus. Characteristics including location of ovary, ovarian volume, and follicle counts were assessed. The incidence of abnormally located ovary was compared between MRKH patients and controls. The ovarian size and follicle counts were compared among three groups: abnormally located ovaries in MRKH patients, eutopic ovaries in MRKH patients, and normal controls.

RESULTS

In total, 166 ovaries of 83 MRKH patients and 120 ovaries of 60 control females were evaluated. Thirty-seven ovaries of 23 MRKH patients (28%, 23/83) were abnormally located, whereas 3 ovaries of three control females (5%, 3/60) were located in abnormal positions (P < 0.001). The mean volume was 9.2 ± 6.3 mL of the abnormally located ovaries in MRKH patients, 7.8 ± 4.0 mL of the eutopic ovaries in MRKH patients, and 8.9 ± 4.8 mL in control females (P > 0.05). No obvious differences were observed with regard to follicle counts among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of abnormally located ovary was significantly increased in patients with MRKH syndrome. Such knowledge is important for infertility treatment, evaluation of pelvic pain, and surgical planning for MRKH patients.

Comparison of the Effects of BMSC-derived Schwann Cells and Autologous Schwann Cells on Remyelination Using a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model

Schwann cells (SCs) are primarily responsible for the formation of myelin sheaths, yet bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived SCs are often used to replace autologous SCs and assist with the repair of peripheral nerve myelin sheaths. In this study, the effects of the two cell types on remyelination were compared during the repair of peripheral nerves. Methods: An acellular nerve scaffold was prepared using the extraction technique. Rat BMSCs and autologous SCs were extracted. BMSCs were induced to differentiate into BMSC-derived SCs (B-dSCs) in vitro. Seed cells (BMSCs, B-dSCs, and autologous SCs) were cocultured with nerve scaffolds (Sca) in vitro. Rats with severed sciatic nerves were used as the animal model. A composite scaffold was used to bridge the broken ends. After surgery, electrophysiology, cell tracking analyses (EdU labeling), immunofluorescence staining (myelin basic protein (MBP)), toluidine blue staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to compare remyelination between the various groups and to evaluate the effects of the seed cells on myelination. One week after transplantation, only a small number of B-dSCs expressed MBP, which was far less than the proportion of MBP-expressing autologous SCs (P<0.01) but was higher than the proportion of BMSCs expressing MBP (P<0.05). Four weeks after surgery, the electrophysiology results (latency time, conductive velocity and amplitude) and various quantitative indicators of remyelination (thickness, distribution, and the number of myelinated fibers) showed that the Sca+B-dSC group was inferior to the Sca+autologous SC group (P<0.05) but was superior to the Sca+BMSC group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Within 4 weeks after surgery, the use of an acellular nerve scaffold combined with B-dSCs promotes remyelination to a certain extent, but the effect is significantly less than that of the scaffold combined with autologous SCs.