Cell therapy attenuates endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive rats with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is defined by increased left ventricular (LV) stiffness, impaired vascular compliance, and fibrosis. Although systemic inflammation, driven by comorbidities, has been proposed to play a key role, the precise pathogenesis remains elusive. To test the hypothesis that inflammation drives endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF, we used cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), which reduce inflammation and fibrosis, improving function, structure, and survival in HFpEF rats. Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet developed HFpEF, as manifested by diastolic dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and accelerated mortality. Rats were randomly allocated to receive intracoronary infusion of CDCs or vehicle. Two weeks later, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function were analyzed. Single-cell RNA sequencing of heart tissue was used to assay transcriptomic changes. CDCs improved endothelial-dependent vasodilation while reducing oxidative stress and restoring endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. RNA sequencing revealed CDC-induced attenuation of pathways underlying endothelial cell leukocyte binding and innate immunity. Exposure of endothelial cells to CDC-secreted extracellular vesicles in vitro reduced VCAM-1 protein expression and attenuated monocyte adhesion and transmigration. Cell therapy with CDCs corrects diastolic dysfunction, reduces oxidative stress, and restores vascular reactivity. These findings lend credence to the hypothesis that inflammatory changes of the vascular endothelium are important, if not central, to HFpEF pathogenesis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We tested the concept that inflammation of endothelial cells is a major pathogenic factor in HFpEF. CDCs are heart-derived cell products with verified anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties. Infusion of CDCs reduced oxidative stress, restored eNOS abundance, lowered monocyte levels, and rescued the expression of multiple disease-associated genes, thereby restoring vascular reactivity. The salutary effects of CDCs support the hypothesis that inflammation of endothelial cells is a proximate driver of HFpEF.

Fermentation quality, bacterial community, and aerobic stability of ensiling Leymus chinensis with lactic acid bacteria or/and water after long-term storage

Leymus chinensis is a major forage resource for herbivores on typical steppe and meadow steppes in Northern China. This study aimed to reveal the fermentation quality, bacterial community, and aerobic stability of L. chinensis silage treated with lactic acid bacteria or/and water after long-term storage. Leymus chinensis was harvested at the heading stage and ensiled with lactic acid bacteria [LAB, 2.00 ml/kg fresh weight (FW) of LAB, L], water (100 ml/kg FW of distilled water, W), or a combination of both [2.00 ml/kg fresh weight (FW) of LAB and 100 ml/kg FW of distilled water, LW] in polyethylene laboratory-scale silos (diameter, 20 cm; height, 30 cm) at a density of 650 kg/m3. As a control silage (CK), untreated L. chinensis silage was also assessed. The samples were taken at 0 day of opening after 300 days of ensiling (CK_0d, L_0d, W_0d, and LW_0d) and at 10 days of opening (CK_10d, L_10d, W_10d, and LW_10d). The fermentation quality, microbial counts, bacterial community, and aerobic stability of the silage were assessed. The CK_0d contained higher pH and aerobic bacteria count, and lower LA and BC concentrations than L_0d, W_0d, and LW_0d (p < 0.05), and the LAB and yeasts were only detected in CK at 0 day of opening. Lactobacillus had the most abundance among bacterial genera in all silages at 0 day of opening. Just CK had 2°C above the ambient temperature during aerobic exposure (at 224 h). During aerobic exposure, the pH and microbial counts in CK increased (p < 0.05), and Lactobacillus in L and LW had decreasing abundance (p < 0.05). The CK_10d had higher pH and microbial counts, and lower lactic acid and buffering capacity than L_10d, W_10d, and LW_10d (p < 0.05). At 10 days of opening, the coliforms and yeasts were just detected in CK, and Lactobacillus also had the most abundance among bacterial genera in all silages at 10 days of opening. Overall, inoculating LAB and adding water improved the fermentation quality and the aerobic exposure of L. chinensis silage after long-term storage. The activities of coliforms and yeasts during aerobic exposure contributed to the aerobic deterioration of L. chinensis silage without any treating. Lactobacillus dominated the bacterial communities of all silage at 0 and 10 days of opening. During aerobic exposure, the abundance of Lactobacillus reduced in L. chinensis silage treated with LAB or water.

CRISPR/Cas9-based coronal nanostructures for targeted mitochondria single molecule imaging

The biological state at the subcellular level is highly relevant to many diseases, and the monitoring of organelles such as mitochondria is crucial based on this. However, most DNA and protein based nanoprobes used for the detection of mitochondrial RNAs (mitomiRs) lack spatial selectivity, which leads to inefficiencies in probe delivery and signal turn-on. Herein, we constructed a novel DNA nanoprobe named protein delivery nano-corona (PDNC) to improve the delivery efficiency of Cas protein, for spatially selective imaging of mitomiRs in living cells switched on by a CRISPR/Cas system. Combined with a single-molecule counting method, this strategy enables highly sensitive detection of low-abundance mitomiR. Therefore, the strategy in this work opens up new opportunities for cell identification, early clinical diagnosis, and research in biological behaviour at the subcellular level.

Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for H2S Detection: Will pH Affect the Intracellular Sensing?

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe has exhibited unique advantages for in vitro and in vivo detection of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an important endogenous gasotransmitter in redox homeostasis and multiple life processes. However, both the pH-dependent emission of NIR probes and H₂S conversions would normally affect the accurate detection in cellular environments in different acidic conditions. Herein, both experiments and theoretical calculations were carried out to examine the effect of pH on intracellular sensing of H₂S by the NIR probe. Selecting a NIR probe of R1 with dual-excited NIR responses to H₂S as the model, the pH-dependent R1 emission was confirmed by optical measurements, whose structural changes were further examined by mass spectrometry (MS). Significantly, the dynamic changes versus pH increase were employed for the online monitoring of ambient MS (AMS), observing important intermediate species without sample pretreatments. Thereby, intermediates and transition states were confirmed by theoretical calculations, which proposed the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution, followed by the hydrolysis process with increasing pH. As examined, R1 exhibited a relatively stable NIR emission at pH 4-8, while a dramatic change in signals occurred at higher-pH conditions. Therefore, R1 was demonstrated to be reliable for intracellular sensing of H₂S and had been confirmed by cell imaging. This work has initiated a comprehensive strategy for evaluating fluorescence (FL) probes, showing potential for the development of fluorescent probes.

Water-resistant organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite quantum dots activated by the electron-deficient d-orbital of platinum atoms for nitrogen fixation

Due to their special physicochemical properties, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite quantum dots (OIP QDs) are ideal and potential catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). However, the OIP QD-based NRR is limited by poor water resistance, competitive suppression by the hydrogen evolution reaction, and inefficient active sites on the catalyst surfaces. Herein, to ensure an efficient NRR in aqueous solution, a water-resistant polycarbonate-part-encapsulated heterojunction of Zn,Pt^IV co-doped PbO-MAPbBr₃ (Pt^IV/Zn/PbO/PC-Zn/MAPbBr₃) is prepared through one-step electrospray-based microdroplet synthesis. Confirmed by both experimental and theoretical examinations, PbO is exposed on the PC-part-encapsulated surface to construct a Type I heterojunction. This heterojunction is further improved by synergistic co-doping with Pt^IV to facilitate efficient electron transfer for efficient photocatalysis of the NRR. Due to the active sites of the d-orbital electron-deficient Pt atoms (exhibiting a lower reaction energy barrier and highly selective N₂ adsorption), the ammonia yield rate is 40 times higher than that without doping. This work initiates and develops on the application of OIP QDs in the NRR.

Detection of glutathione, cysteine, and homocysteine by online derivatization-based electrospray mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is one of the most popular techniques for obtaining structural information, which is commonly used in bioanalysis and clinical diagnostics. However, for the detection of complicated samples with high reactivities (such as reactive sulfur species, RSS), traditional ESI-MS usually suffers from overlapped and inaccurate signals. In this study, based on the multiphase flow of extractive electrospray ionization (MF-EESI), an ambient MS technique of online derivatization was proposed to detect thiols without any other sample pretreatment.

METHODS

RSS molecules and the derivatization reagent of 4-chloro-7-nitro-1,2,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-Cl) were introduced into the internal and innermost capillary of the MF-EESI system, respectively. By a high-velocity nebulizing stream of N₂ gas through an external capillary, both flows of innermost biothiols and internal NBD-Cl were electrosprayed and mixed for online reactions. Therefore, the fast derivatization of thiols was used to generate stable ionized derivatives for MS detection.

RESULTS

By evaluating the changes in MS signals before and after the derivatization, the ions of RSS were identified simply and correctly. Without any sample pretreatment, the fast detection of cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione has been achieved in the complicated samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The present online derivatization-based MF-EESI was successfully used for fast, simple, and accurate detection of biothiols. This presented a potential pathway for the fast identification of thiols in complicated samples.

Bacterial Community and Fermentation Quality of Ensiling Alfalfa With Commercial Lactic Acid Bacterial Additives

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of six common commercial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) additives [A1, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. buchneri, and Enterococcus faecalis; A2, L. plantarum and L. casei; A3, L. plantarum and L. buchneri; A4, L. plantarum, L. buchneri, L. casei, and Pediococcus acidilactici; A5, L. plantarum (producing feruloyl esterase); and A6, L. buchneri, P. acidilactici, β-glucanase, and xylanase] on the bacterial community and fermentation quality of alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was harvested at the squaring stage, wilted in the field for 24 h, and ensiled without any additives (Control) or with A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, or A6. Microbial counts, bacterial community, fermentation parameters, and nutritional composition were determined after ensiling for 90 days. The total abundance of LAB genera on alfalfa pre-ensiling was 0.38% in bacterial community. The abundances of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus in the Control silage were 42.18, 40.18, and 8.09% of abundance, respectively. The abundances of Lactobacillus in A1-, A2-, A3-, A4-, and A5-treatments were 89.32, 92.93, 92.87, 81.12, and 80.44%, respectively. The abundances of Pediococcus and Lactobacillus in A6-treatment were 70.14 and 24.86%, respectively. Compared with Control silage, LAB-treated silage had lower pH and less ammonia nitrogen and water-soluble carbohydrates concentrations (p < 0.05). Further, the A5- and A6-treatments contained lower neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose than other treatments (p < 0.05). Overall, LAB genera were presented as minor taxa in alfalfa pre-ensiling and as dominant taxa in alfalfa silage. Adding LAB additives improved the fermentation quality and altered the bacterial community of alfalfa silage. The main bacterial genera in Control silage were Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus. Lactobacillus dominated the bacterial communities of A1-, A2-, A3-, A4-, and A5-treatments, while Pediococcus and Lactobacillus were dominant bacterial genera in A6-treatment. Inoculating A5 and A6 degraded the fiber in alfalfa silage. It is necessary to ensile alfalfa with LAB inoculants.

Label- and enzyme-free plasmon-enhanced single molecule fluorescence detection of HIV DNA fragments based on a catalytic hairpin assembly

We developed a label- and enzyme-free single molecule fluorescence counting strategy for HIV DNA fragments detection. The nucleic acid biosensor consists of a 5' terminal connected with a triangular gold nanoplate, 3' terminal rich in guanine hairpin probe (HP1) and a hairpin probe HP2 complementary to the partial sequence of HP1. Without the existence of the target DNA, the DNA fragment rich in the guanine region is locked in a hairpin structure and cannot form a G-quadruplex, hence NMM exhibits a low fluorescence signal. When the target DNA exists, the hairpin assembly will trigger a strand displacement amplification reaction that produces a great number of G-quadruplexes, and the fluorescence brightness of NMM will be enhanced. The plasmon resonance effect of the triangular gold nanoplates will further amplify the fluorescence signal. This method can analyze the target DNA with high sensitivity and selectivity, and the detection limit is 0.83 fM. The analysis of the HIV DNA fragments in diluted human serum samples was successfully achieved, and the recovery rate was 92%-104%. Because of its easy operation and low cost, it has broad development potential in biochemical analysis and clinical applications.

Modular and hierarchical self-assembly of siRNAs into supramolecular nanomaterials for soft and homogeneous siRNA loading and precise and visualized intracellular delivery

siRNA therapeutics are challenged by homogeneous and efficient loading, maintenance of biological activities, and precise, dynamic and monitorable site-release. Herein, supramolecular nanomaterials of WP5⊃G–siRNA were constructed by modular and hierarchical self-assembly of siRNA with guest (3,6-di(thiophen-2-yl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione derivative, G) and host (pillar[5]arene, WP5) molecules in the same system. Demonstrated by experiments and theoretical calculations, WP5⊃G–siRNA was constructed via comprehensive weak interactions including electrostatic, hydrophobic–hydrophilic, host–guest and π–π interactions. Therefore, siRNAs were efficiently loaded, maintaining good stability, bioactivities and biocompatibilities. At pH 6.8, G was protonated to give weak acidic-responsive “turn-on” fluorescent signals, which realized the precise location of cancer sites. This triggered a subsequent delivery and a dynamic release of siRNA in cancer cells under acidic conditions for the entire collapse of WP5⊃G–siRNA by the protonation of both WP5 and G. By both in vitro and in vivo experiments, precise and visualized delivery to cancer sites was achieved to exhibit effective tumour inhibition. This provided an efficient and soft strategy of siRNA therapies and expanded the application of supramolecular nanomaterials in diagnosis and treatment.

Supramolecular nanomaterials of WP5⊃G–siRNA were constructed by modular and hierarchical self-assembly of siRNA with guest and host molecules, initiating weak acidic-responsive, precise and visualized intracellular delivery for efficient therapies.

CHEMICAL REACTION MONITORING BY AMBIENT MASS SPECTROMETRY

Chemical reactions conducted in different media (liquid phase, gas phase, or surface) drive developments of versatile techniques for the detection of intermediates and prediction of reasonable reaction pathways. Without sample pretreatment, ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has been applied to obtain structural information of reactive molecules that differ in polarity and molecular weight. Commercial ion sources (e.g., electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, and direct analysis in real-time) have been reported to monitor substrates and products by offline reaction examination. While the interception or characterization of reactive intermediates with short lifetime are still limited by the offline modes. Notably, online ionization technologies, with high tolerance to salt, buffer, and pH, can achieve direct sampling and ionization of on-going reactions conducted in different media (e.g., liquid phase, gas phase, or surface). Therefore, short-lived intermediates could be captured at unprecedented timescales, and the reaction dynamics could be studied for mechanism examinations without sample pretreatments. In this review, via various AMS methods, chemical reaction monitoring and mechanism elucidation for different classifications of reactions have been reviewed. The developments and advances of common ionization methods for offline reaction monitoring will also be highlighted.

SiRNA-templated 3D framework nucleic acids for chemotactic recognition, and programmable and visualized precise delivery for synergistic cancer therapy

Developments in framework nucleic acids (FNAs) are limited by complicated synthesis, by-product interference, and low framework utilization. Herein, simple core-shell spherical 3D FNAs (ST-SFNAs) preparation is presented based on siRNA-templated linear polymerization followed by hybridization chain reaction branched polymerization. Without by-products, all components exhibited their special functions to obtain high space utilization of ST-SFNAs. ST-SFNAs were covered by catalase and folic acid-functionalized liposome membranes. The catalase endowed ST-SFNAs with chemotactic activities in the H₂O₂ reaction catalyzed by catalase. Furthermore, combined with functionalized folic acids' targeting folate receptors, the synergistic chemotactic recognition of cancer cells was obtained. This dramatically promoted targeted cellular uptakes compared with traditional active or passive targeting pathways. Subsequently, the cascaded-logical programmable release of drugs was precisely controlled by targeting glutathione and ATP (via S-S bond and ATP aptamer on the inner g-DNA cover). This was visualized by "turn on" fluorescent signals generated by special hybridization of released hairpin DNAs with survivin mRNA biomarkers. Simultaneously, biocompatible synergistic therapy was achieved by simultaneously releasing doxorubicin and siRNA. With its high utilization for synergistic chemotactic recognition, programmable and visualized delivery, as well as synergistic therapy, an efficient platform for maximizing the therapeutic efficacy has been developed. This would initiate further FNA-based material development for a variety of biological applications.

Dynamics of Bacterial Community and Fermentation Quality in Leymus chinensis Silage Treated With Lactic Acid Bacteria and/or Water

This study aimed to reveal the bacterial community and fermentation quality of Leymus chinensis silage during the fermentation process. L. chinensis was harvested at the heading stage, and ensiled with lactic acid bacteria (LAB, L), water (W), or a combination of both (LW) in vacuum-sealed plastic bags. As a control silage, untreated L. chinensis silage was also assessed. The samples were taken at 0, 5, 15, 35, and 60 days after ensiling. The bacterial community structure was assessed by plate cultivation and Illumina sequencing, and the fermentation parameters were also analyzed. Fresh L. chinensis contained low moisture (509 g/kg) and LAB (3.64 log colony-forming units/g fresh weight). Control silage displayed higher pH and lower lactic acid (LA) than other treatments during ensilage (p < 0.05); moreover, LW-treatment had lower pH from 5 to 35 days and greater LA at 5 days than L- and W-treatments (p < 0.05). During the fermentation process, Lactobacillus in L- and LW-treatments was the most dominant bacterial genus (>97%), had higher abundance than that in control silage and W-treatment (p < 0.05), and correlated negatively with other main genera and pH, and positively with LA and acetic acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, Lactobacillus had considerable abundance in W-treatment from 5 to 15 days (81.38–85.86%). Enterobacteriaceae had the most abundance among bacteria in control silage during ensiling (49.31–69.34%), and in W-treatment from 35 to 60 days (47.49–54.15%). The L-, W-, and LW-treatments displayed the aggregated bacterial community at 5 and 15 days, with W-treatment diverging from L- and LW-treatments at 35 and 60 days. Overall, the low moisture and/or insufficient LAB in fresh L. chinensis led to Enterobacteriaceae dominating bacterial community and contributing to the high pH and low LA in control silage during the fermentation process. Applying L, W, or LW contributed to Lactobacillus succession, LA production, and pH reduction during early stage of fermentation; moreover, treating with L and LW displayed more efficiency. Lactobacillus dominated the entire ensilage process in L- and LW-treatments and the early stage of fermentation in W-treatment, and contributed to the satisfactory fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage. The L- and LW-treatments displayed a similar pattern of bacterial succession during ensiling.

Spatiotemporally Controlled DNA Nanoclamps: Single-Molecule Imaging of Receptor Protein Oligomerization

Cell membrane surface receptor proteins play an important role in cellular biological processes. There are numerous methods to detect receptors, yet developing an artificially controlled and specific detection and treatment strategy remains a challenge. Herein, we develop such a strategy based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) loaded DNA probes that enable two-color ratiometric imaging excitated by a 980 nm laser. The light response controllable signal opening strategy avoids waste during probe transportation and improves sensitivity. Thereby the number of receptors on individual DU145 cell membranes is counted by single-molecule detection. Due to the different expression of specific receptor proteins, the number of single fluorescent dots counted can be used as a basis for distinguishing DU145 from other cells. This work is highly controllable to increase sensitivity, providing a platform for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Inhibition of HMGB1 alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice via suppressing autophagy

BACKGROUND

Diabetes aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (MI/RI). The association between high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and autophagy in diabetic MI/RI remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether inhibiting HMGB1 can regulate autophagy in diabetic mice (DM) after I/R injury.

METHODS

I/R models of C57BL/KsJ mice and db/db mice were established. Histological changes, infarct size (IS), HMGB1 protein, and autophagy-related proteins were detected after 24h of reperfusion. In DM treatment groups, anti-HMGB1 antibody (H-Ig) was injected via tail vein after reperfusion for 15min, and the above-mentioned experimental methods were performed at the end of reperfusion.

RESULTS

Compared with the I/R group, the pathological myocardial damage and IS were significantly increased in the I/R (DM) group. Additionally, the levels of HMGB1, Beclin1, and LC3II/LC3I ratio were remarkably higher in the I/R (DM) group than those in the I/R group, while p62 level was lower. In the H-Ig (DM) group, injection of H-Ig significantly reduced the IS, as well as alleviated pathological myocardial damage. Moreover, Beclin1, LC3II/LC3I ratio, and p62 levels were notably reversed after this treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

I/R-induced myocardium was aggravated by diabetes, which may be related to increased release of HMGB1 and activated autophagy. Inhibition of HMGB1 alleviates diabetic MIRI which was associated with reduced autophagy.

One-Step Prepared Water-Resistant Organic-Inorganic-Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Dots with Zn-Oxygen Vacancies for Attempts at Nitrogen Fixation

Applying organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) to photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is hindered long-term by the inherent instability in water and tedious preparations. Here, to realize PQD-catalyzed photocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction (NRR), water-resistant PQDs are simply prepared through one-step electrospray synthesis in microseconds. During the fast electrospray, PQDs of Zn/PbO-doped methylammonium lead bromide (Zn/PbO/PC-Zn/MAPbBr₃ , MA: CH₃ NH₃ ) are prepared and part-encapsulated by polycarbonate. The synthesis maintains good water resistance, whose restriction on charge transport is overcome skillfully. Simultaneously, substitution of Zn with Pb on water-resistant surface is also achieved, which fabricates new Zn-oxygen vacancies (Zn-OVs) with Zn/PbO-Zn/MAPbBr₃ type I heterojunction. This facilitates efficient electron transfer from internal heterojunction interface of Zn/MAPbBr₃ PQDs to the surface of Zn/PbO. Demonstrated by theoretical calculations, Zn-OVs promote chemisorption and polarization of N₂ . In addition, s-electrons in exposed Zn become active due to changes of electron filling of Zn orbitals under OVs' co-doping. Thus, photocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction catalyzed by organic-inorganic hybrid PQDs is first achieved in aqueous phase without sacrificial agents being added. This initiates possibilities for photocatalytic applications of organic-inorganic hybrid PQDs in aqueous phase.

Particle-in-a-frame gold nanomaterials with an interior nanogap-based sensor array for versatile analyte detection

In this work, we studied the catalytic performance of gold nanomaterials, specifically a particle-in-a-frame nanostructure (PIAF) with interior nanogaps. Au PIAF was used to catalyse the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) reaction. This array could accurately identify 7 proteins, 5 antioxidants, and 3 cell types.

Value of refined care in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Under physiological conditions, sputum produced during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) can move passively with the cilia in the airway; the sputum is gradually excreted from the depth of the airways through the stimulation of the coughing reflex on the sensory nerve on the surface of the airway. However, when the sputum is thick, the cough is weak, or the tracheal cilia are abnormal, sputum accumulation may occur and affect the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung. Furthermore, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in sputum may cause or aggravate the symptoms of pulmonary infection in patients, which is the main factor leading to AECOPD. Therefore, promoting effective drainage of sputum and maintaining airway opening are key points requiring clinical attention.

AIM

To explore the effect of refined nursing strategies in patients with AECOPD and dysphagia.

METHODS

We selected 126 patients with AECOPD and difficulty of expectoration at our hospital, and divided them into a refined care group and a routine care group, with 63 cases each, using a random number table. The two groups of patients were treated with expectorant, anti-infection, oxygen inhalation, and other basic treatment measures; patients in the refined care group were given refined nursing intervention during hospitalization, and the routine care group received conventional nursing intervention. The differences in sputum expectoration, negative pressure suction rate, blood gas parameters, dyspnea score measured through the tool developed by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and quality of life were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After 7 d of intervention, the sputum expectoration effect of the refined care group was 62.30%, the effective rate was 31.15%, and the inefficiency rate was 6.56%. The sputum expectoration effect of the routine care group was 44.07%, the effective rate was 42.37%, and the inefficiency rate was 13.56%. The refined care group had better sputum expectoration than the routine care group (P < 0.05). The negative pressure suction rate in the refined care group was significantly lower than that of the routine care group during the treatment (22.95% vs 44.07%, P < 0.05). Before the intervention, the arterial oxygen saturation (PaO₂) and arterial carbon dioxide saturation (PaCO₂) values were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); the PaO₂ and PaCO₂ values in the refined care group were comparable to those in the routine care group after 7 d of intervention (P > 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the MRC score between the two groups (P > 0.05); the MRC score of the refined care group was lower than that of the routine care group after 7 d of intervention, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the symptoms, activities, disease impact, or St. George’s Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) total scores between the two groups (P> 0.05). After 7 days of intervention, the symptoms, activities, and total score of SGRQ of the refined care group were higher than those of the routine care group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AECOPD with thick sputum, weak coughing reflex, and abnormal tracheal cilia function will lead to sputum accumulation and affect the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung. Patients with AECOPD who have difficulty expectorating sputum may undergo refined nursing strategies that will promote expectoration, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve the quality of life.

Target-triggered and controlled release plasmon-enhanced fluorescent AIE probe for conformational monitoring of insulin fibrillation

In this work, we constructed a target-triggered and controlled-release plasmon-enhanced fluorescent AIE probe to realize the purpose of conformational monitoring of insulin fibrillation. We synthesized a novel water-soluble anthracene derivative, 4,4',4'',4'''-(anthracene-9,10-diylbis(ethene-2,1,1-triyl))tetrakis(N,N,N-trimethylbenzenaminium) iodide (BDVAI), with AIE properties, high biocompatibility and good self-assembly effect. Gold nanocages (AuNCs) were selected as the substrate for PEF, and the inner space of hollow AuNCs was filled with BDVAI. Thiol-modified DNA chains were bonded to the surface of AuNCs by Au-S bonds, and an insulin aptamer was combined with the sulfhydryl chain to seal the AuNCs. This PEF-AIE sensor produces different fluorescence signals when interacting with native insulin and fibrillar insulin; thus, monitoring conformational changes in insulin can be realized by detecting fluorescence intensity changes during insulin fibrillation. Based on this design, this system realized sensitive detection of fibrillar insulin with a detection limit of 23.6 pM. This AIE molecular-based PEF fluorescence enhancement system improves the optical properties of fluorescent substances, which is of great significance in improving the detection sensitivity of amyloid fibrils conformational changes and providing a reliable basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of amyloidosis.

Diagnostic Value of Serum N1-Methylnicotinamide in Cervical Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

The current study evaluated the level of serum N1-methylnicotinamide (me-NAM) in cervical cancer patients and further explored whether serum me-NAM was related to the prognosis of cervical cancer.

METHODS

Fifty-eight cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients, 78 cases of cervical cancer patients, and 52 healthy women were included in the present study. Serum me-NAM concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess me-NAM as a biomarker and Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out to evaluate the survival rate.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the level of serum me-NAM in cervical cancer patients was significantly higher than that in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia group and the healthy control group. Furthermore, the level of me-NAM in cervical cancer tissues of stage I, II, III, and IV was higher than that of those without lymph node metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for me-NAM was higher than that of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC Ag) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) when comparing cervical cancer from CIN or healthy control. The combination of me-NAM and SCC Ag or CA125 could improve the diagnostic efficiency better than SCC Ag or CA125 alone. Compared with me-NAM low expression group, the survival rate and time of me-NAM high expression group were lower and shorter.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, elevated serum me-NAM levels contribute to the progression of cervical cancer and may be used as a marker for the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.