[Influence of neuroimaging markers of chronic cerebral small vessel disease on prognosis of patients with cardioembolic stroke]

Data of 189 patients with first-ever cardioembolic stroke (CES) hospitalized in the Second People's Hospital of Changzhou from June 2014 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The neuoimaging markers of chronic small vessel disease (cSVDm) were evaluated and their total burden (0-3 points) was calculated. At 90 d after onset, 65 patients had poor prognosis. Regression analysis showed that the total cSVDm burden score was an independent riskfactor for the poor prognosis(OR=1.754, 95%CI:1.137-2.707, P=0.011).

A PDA-DTC/Cu-MnO2 nanoplatform for MR imaging and multi-therapy for triple-negative breast cancer treatment

Herein, a multi-functional nanoplatform (PDA-DTC/Cu-MnO2) was established, which has been employed for MR imaging-guided multi-therapy (CDT, PTT and chemotherapy) for cancer treatment. The in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that the biocompatible nanoplatform could significantly induce tumor cell death and inhibit tumor growth.

Preparation and characterization of corn flours with variable starch digestion

Several grains such as wheat, rice, corn, oat, barley and rye are cultivated throughout the world. They are converted to variety of food products using a multitude of processing technologies to quench the growing organoleptic demands and consumers' preferences. Among them, corn, ranking third in wide consumption, is cost-effective and has long-term storability. Herein, ready-to-eat corn flours with variable starch digestion have been developed by processing at high temperature with shear using a twin screw continuous processor. The influence of processing temperature (121, 145 and 160°C) and moisture (25, 30 and 35%) has been studied. Results suggest both processing temperature and moisture modulate the rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) amounts of the flours. The presence or absence of oil in the flour further controls the starch digestion. The outcome is deemed to be helpful to design and develop healthy and palatable functional food products in addition to furthering the current market share for corn and other grains.

[Related factors and interaction on hepatitis C virus infection in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Taiyuan]

Objective: To explore the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, influence factors and interaction on HCV infection in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Taiyuan. Methods: Between April-June 2019, three MMT clinics in Taiyuan were selected to conduct a face-to-face questionnaire survey among MMT patients to collect the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, MMT, sexual behavior and health status. Software EpiData 3.1 was used for real-time double entry to establish the database. Software SAS 9.4 was used to analyze the data, and χ² test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression model was used for multivariate and interaction analyses. Results: A total of 903 subjects were surveyed among MMT patients, the male to female ratio of was 7.21∶1(743∶103), and the rate of HCV infection was 12.53% (106/846). After adjusting for the confounding factors, being women (OR=1.936, 95%CI: 1.023-3.662), having sex with drug users (OR=2.073, 95%CI: 1.110-3.871) and injection drug use (OR=7.737, 95%CI: 4.614-12.973) might be the risk factors for HCV infection in patients receiving MMT. The results showed that there were multiplicative interactions among women, having sex with drug user and injection drug use on HCV infection. Conclusions: Being women, having sex with drug user and injection drug use were associated with higher risk for HCV infection in patients receiving MMT in Taiyuan. There were multiplication interactions between being women and having sex with drug user, being female and injection drug use, and having sex with drug use and injection drug use on HCV infection.

High arabinoxylan fine structure specificity to gut bacteria driven by corn genotypes but not environment

While gut bacteria have different abilities to utilize dietary fibers, the degree of fiber structural alignment to bacteria species is not well understood. Corn bran arabinoxylan (CAX) was used to investigate how minor polymer fine structural differences at the genotype × environment level influences the human gut microbiota. CAXs were extracted from 4 corn genotypes × 3 growing years and used in in vitro fecal fermentations. CAXs from different genotypes had varied contents of arabinose/xylose ratio (0.46-0.54), galactose (58-101 mg/g), glucuronic acid (18-32 mg/g). There was genotype- but not environment-specific differences in fine structures. After 24 h fermentation, CAX showed different acetate (71-86 mM), propionate (35-44 mM), butyrate (7-10 mM), and total short chain fatty acid (SCFA) (117-137 mM) production. SCFA profiles and gut microbiota both shifted in a genotype-specific way. In conclusion, the study reveals a very high specificity of fiber structure to gut bacteria use and SCFA production.

Structurally complex carbohydrates maintain diversity in gut-derived microbial consortia under high dilution pressure

Dietary fibers are major substrates for maintaining and shaping gut microbiota, but the structural specificity of these fibers for the diversity, structure and function of gut microbiota are poorly understood. Here, we employed an in vitro sequential batch fecal culture approach to address two ecological questions: (i) whether the chemical complexity of a carbohydrate influences its ability to maintain microbial diversity against high dilution pressure (ii) whether substrate structuring or obligate microbe-microbe metabolic interactions (e.g. exchange of amino acids or vitamins) exert more influence on maintained diversity. Sorghum arabinoxylan (SAX, a complex polysaccharide), inulin (a low-complexity oligosaccharide) and their corresponding monosaccharide controls were selected as model carbohydrates. Our results demonstrate that complex carbohydrates stably sustain diverse microbial consortia. Furthermore, other metabolic interactions were less influential in structuring microbial consortia consuming SAX than inulin. Finally, very similar final consortia were enriched on SAX from the same individual's fecal microbiota one month later, suggesting that polysaccharide structure is more influential than stochastic alterations in microbiome composition in governing the outcomes of sequential batch cultivation experiments. These data suggest that carbohydrate structural complexity affords independent niches that structure fermenting microbial consortia, whereas other metabolic interactions govern the composition of communities fermenting simpler carbohydrates.

An artificial intelligence process of immunoassay for multiple biomarkers based on logic gates

We present a universal platform to synchronously analyze the possible existing state of two protein biomarkers. This platform is based on the integration of three logic gates: NAND, OR and NOT. These logic gates were constructed by the principle of immune recognition and fluorescence quenching between fluorescein labelled antibodies/antigens and antibody-conjugated graphene oxide (GO). An artificial intelligence (AI) protein analysis process was designed by us and accordingly a small program was written in JAVA. This protein analysis process with its JAVA code may be applied to give logic judgments on the possible existing state of two protein components. We expect that our fundamental research on multiple biomarker analysis can provide potential application in AI-assisted medical diagnosis with the interface for remote medical treatment.

New Strategy for Reducing Tau Aggregation Cytologically by A Hairpinlike Molecular Inhibitor, Tannic Acid Encapsulated in Liposome

Inhibition of Tau protein aggregation is an attractive therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. However, most of the inhibitors have failed in clinical trials due to the superficial understanding of inhibition mechanism and drug-transfer pharmacokinetics. Innovation of design strategy has become a top priority. To afford a hairpinlike molecular inhibitor, we introduced tannic acid, a multibranched polyphenol molecule, and its moiety, gallic acid. We showed that tannic acid could effectively inhibit Tau aggregation through a multidentate chelation mode. We then encapsulated tannic acid in a non-neurotoxic liposome by lecithin/β-sitosterol, overcoating with Tween 80. Using transwell devices, we cytologically demonstrated that tannic acid liposome can successfully be transferred across the model of a blood-brain barrier made up of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell bEnd.3 and effectively reduce Tau aggregation induced by fibrils of Tau peptide R3 in human neuroblastoma cell SK-N-SH. This result indicates the potential therapeutic effect of tannic acid liposome on Alzheimer's disease.

A multifunctional SN38-conjugated nanosystem for defeating myelosuppression and diarrhea induced by irinotecan in esophageal cancer

A combination of chemotherapy and phototherapy has been proposed as a promising treatment for esophageal cancer (EC). Irinotecan as a first-line treatment option is widely prescribed for metastatic EC, however, its clinical application is extremely restricted by the low conversion rate to SN38, severe myelosuppression and diarrhea. As a more potent active metabolite of irinotecan, SN38 is a better substitution for irinotecan, but the poor water solubility and the difficulty of encapsulation hindered its medical application. Herein, a multifunctional SN38-conjugated nanosystem (FA-PDA@PZM/SN38@BSA-MnO2, denoted as FA-PPSM) is designed for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks and achieving collaborative chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). The tumor acidic microenvironment induces decomposition of BSA-MnO2 nanoparticles into O2 and Mn2+, thus enhancing oxygen-dependent PDT efficacy; meanwhile, Mn2+ can be employed as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Under 650 and 808 nm laser irradiation, the FA-PPSM nanocomposites exhibit superior antitumor efficacy in Eca-109-tumor bearing mice. Notably, there is low gastrointestinal toxicity and myelosuppression in the FA-PPSM treated mice compared with those treated with irinotecan (alone). Taken together, this work highlights the great potential of the FA-PPSM nanocomposites for MRI-guided chemotherapy in combination with endoscopic light therapy for esophageal cancer.

Hepatoprotective Angelica sinensis silver nanoformulation against multidrug resistant bacteria and the integration of a multicomponent logic gate system

The rampant usage of antibiotics has led to the emergence of toxicity, especially hepatotoxicity and the emergence of microbial drug resistance. Hence, a series of novel hepatoprotective, biocompatible, antibacterial silver nanoformulations (AS-AgNPs) were developed by using the important Chinese medicinal plant Angelica sinensis. The different size of AS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The size-dependent antibacterial properties of AS-AgNPs were investigated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and multi-drug resistant bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AS-AgNPs with different size against six bacteria was found to be in the range of 5-100 μg mL-1 with no resistance till 12 cycles. TEM and SEM results of bacteria after the treatment suggested that AS-AgNPs disrupted the cell membrane by creating pores. The cytocompatibility and cytoprotective effect of AS-AgNPs were evaluated against HepG2 cell lines, which showed that 85% of cells were viable up to 100 μg mL-1 of the concentration with almost no change in AST and ALT levels. Further, a logic combinatorial library, including basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOR, INHIBIT, IMPLICATION, and YES), three input logic gates (OR, and NOR) and combinatorial gates (INH-OR, INH-YES, INH-INH, AND-NOR, and NOT-AND-NOR) were designed by integrating multi-components based on the interaction between AS-AgNP1 and bacteria, where DiSC3(5) was used as the signal reporter. This system clearly demonstrates the ability of simple logic circuits to perform sophisticated analysis for the detection of multiple bacteria.

[Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment clinic patients and influencing factors for HBsAg positivity based on Bayesian network model]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and explore the influencing factors of HBsAg positivity in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic patients. Methods: A face to face interview and medical record review were conducted in 1 040 patients at three MMT clinics in Guangxi from September to November in 2014. The questionnaire information included general demographic characteristics, drug use history, MMT status, sexual behaviors, and health status, etc. Blood samples were collected from the patients at the same time for the detections of the level of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. By using χ(2) test, unconditional logistic regression model and Bayesian network model the influencing factors for HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients and the complex network relationship among these factors were explored. Results: A total of 1 031 MMT clinic patients were surveyed, the HBsAg positive rate was 11.35% (117/1 031). The anti-HCV positive rate was 71.77% (740/1 031), among the anti-HCV positive patients, the HBsAg positive rate was 10.27% (76/740). After adjusting for the confounding factors, anti-HBs positive persons might not be HBsAg positive (OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.03-0.09), and anti-HCV positive persons might not be HBsAg positive too (OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.17-0.52) compared with anti-HBs negative and anti-HCV negative persons, respectively. The persons with family history of hepatitis B virus infection were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared those with no such family history (OR=5.30, 95%CI: 2.68-10.52). Bayesian network model analysis results showed that family history of hepatitis B virus infection and anti-HBs were directly related with HBsAg positivity. Anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in the past three months and other drug using during treatment were indirectly related with HBsAg positivity. Conclusions: Anti-HBs, family history of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in past three months and other drug use during treatment were related with the HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients. So, it is necessary to enhance health education, improve health awareness and decrease high risk behaviors to reduce the rate of HBV infection.

Integrating in situ formation of nanozymes with mesoporous polydopamine for combined chemo, photothermal and hypoxia-overcoming photodynamic therapy

Based on the Pt nanozyme modified mesoporous polydopamine in situ, a multi-functional nanoplatform was established, which could overcome tumour hypoxia by catalyzing overexpressed H2O2 in tumour cells to enhance photodynamic therapy. In vivo results confirmed that the tumour growth was inhibited efficiently by synergetic therapy.

Post-synthesis strategy to integrate porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks with CuS NPs for synergistic enhanced photo-therapy

A multi-functional nanoplatform (PCN-CuS-FA-ICG) for combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy was presented, which demonstrated good inhibition of tumor growth.

Tumor-Targeted Drug and CpG Delivery System for Phototherapy and Docetaxel-Enhanced Immunotherapy with Polarization toward M1-Type Macrophages on Triple Negative Breast Cancers

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved promising clinical responses in recent years owing to the potential of controlling metastatic disease. However, there is a limited research to prove the superior therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy on breast cancer compared with melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer because of its limited expression of PD-L1, low infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and high level of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (FA-CuS/DTX@PEI-PpIX-CpG nanocomposites, denoted as FA-CD@PP-CpG) for synergistic phototherapy (photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT) included) and docetaxel (DTX)-enhanced immunotherapy is successfully developed. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent PDT efficacy and photothermal conversion capability under 650 and 808 nm irradiation, respectively. More significantly, FA-CD@PP-CpG with no obvious side effects can remarkably inhibit the tumor growth in vivo based on a 4T1-tumor-bearing mice modal. A low dosage of loaded DTX in FA-CD@PP-CpG can promote infiltration of CTLs to improve efficacy of anti-PD-L1 antibody (aPD-L1), suppress MDSCs, and effectively polarize MDSCs toward M1 phenotype to reduce tumor burden, further to enhance the antitumor efficacy. Taken together, FA-CD@PP-CpG nanocomposites offer an efficient synergistic therapeutic modality in docetaxel-enhanced immunotherapy for clinical application of breast cancer.

The influence of four pharmaceuticals on Chlorellapyrenoidosa culture

There has been a developing technology in algae with pharmaceuticals wastewater. However, the effect and the underlying mechanism of pharmaceuticals on algae are not well understood. To investigate the effect and mechanism of pharmaceuticalson microalgae, four pharmaceuticals of clofibric acid (CLF), ciprofloxacin (CIP), diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ) on C. pyrenoidosa culture were analyzed. At low concentrations (<10 mg/L), the pharmaceuticals, especially the DCF, exhibited positive effects on both the structure and function of algal cultures; algal growth (i.e., chlorophyll a accumulation, lipid accumulation) and activities of antioxidant enzymes were stimulated. The algal metabolite differences of various DCF concentrations were investigated and a total of 91 substances were identified, whose samples were clustered and clearly separated. The key metabolomics pathway analysis found that the DCF promoted the carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolic pathway in C. pyrenoidosa under relatively low concentrations (<10 mg/L). However, the algae metabolomics pathway was disturbed significantly under the action of a high concentration of DCF (>100 mg/L). The study detected the effects of four pharmaceuticals on C. pyrenoidosa and demonstrated that the usage of metabolomics analysis complemented with DCF could be an effective approach to understand the mechanism of molecular evolution in C. pyrenoidosa for microalgal biomass and bioenergy from wastewater in researches of biological resources.

Fabrication of a soluble crosslinked corn bran arabinoxylan matrix supports a shift to butyrogenic gut bacteria

A soluble crosslinked corn bran arabinoxylan matrix promotes butyrate and butyrogenic bacteria.