Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks: a randomized controlled trial

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated long-term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B (CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z-test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 307 HBeAg-negative, with HBV DNA ≥10(5) copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg-positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg-negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms (TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance.

Neonatal and obstetric outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and natural conception at a Chinese reproductive unit

In vitro fertilization (lVF) has been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, caesarean delivery, low and very low birth-weight infants. The authors investigated the possible high risks of adverse health outcomes in infants conceived using IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The present study includes 443 infants born to 424 women who conceived naturally and 694 infants born to 536 women that had IVF or ICSI. The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics at the Yu Huang Ding Hospital from 2008 to 2009. The main outcome measures were:gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, multiple pregnancy rates, and baby gender. The results showed significant differences between the neonatal and obstetric outcomes of IVF/ICSI and natural conception pregnancies. When referred to singletons only, there were no major differences seen in the neonatal and obstetric outcomes between the IVF and the control group.When the IVF group was divided into two sub-groups according to the patient's age (< 35 and > or = 35 years), there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the observed outcomes.

Effects of acid dopants on the capacitance of polyaniline by using graphene hydrogels as substrates

Acids have a great impact on the specific capacitance of polyaniline, and graphene/polyaniline (GP) doped with H₂SO₄possesses the highest capacitance compared with that of GP–HCl and GP–HClO₄.

Mesenchymal stem cell-based FGF2 gene therapy for acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

OBJECTIVE

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can serve as a vehicle for gene therapy. FGF2 (basic fibroblast growth factor) is a multifunctional growth factor and exhibits diverse function in different cell types, it also has pleiotropic effects in different tissues and organs, including potent angiogenic effects and an important role in the differentiation and function of the central nervous system. We hypothesized that MSC-based FGF2 gene therapy might be a potential therapeutic approach for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MSCs were isolated from 6 week-old inbred male mice and transduced with the FGF2 gene, using a lentivirus vector.

RESULTS

In the in vivo mouse model, the LPS-induced lung injury was markedly alleviated in the group treated with MSCs carrying FGF2 (MSCs-FGF2), compared with groups treated with MSCs alone. The histopathological index of LPS-induced lung injury was improved after MSCs-based FGF2 gene treatment. The MSCs-FGF2 administration also reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that MSCs and FGF2 have a synergistic role in the treatment of LPS-induced lung injury.

Molecular cytogenetic characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of the seven cultivated Vigna species (Fabaceae)

The genomic organisation of the seven cultivated Vigna species, V. unguiculata, V. subterranea, V. angularis, V. umbellata, V. radiata, V. mungo and V. aconitifolia, was determined using sequential combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining and dual-colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with 5S and 45S rDNA probes. For phylogenetic analyses, comparative genomic in situ hybridisation (cGISH) onto somatic chromosomes and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 45S rDNA were used. Quantitative karyotypes were established using chromosome measurements, fluorochrome bands and rDNA FISH signals. All species had symmetrical karyotypes composed of only metacentric or metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Distinct heterochromatin differentiation was revealed by CPD staining and DAPI counterstaining after FISH. The rDNA sites among all species differed in their number, location and size. cGISH of V. umbellata genomic DNA to the chromosomes of all species produced strong signals in all centromeric regions of V. umbellata and V. angularis, weak signals in all pericentromeric regions of V. aconitifolia, and CPD-banded proximal regions of V. mungo var. mungo. Molecular phylogenetic trees showed that V. angularis and V. umbellata were the closest relatives, and V. mungo and V. aconitifolia were relatively closely related; these species formed a group that was separated from another group comprising V. radiata, V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis and V. subterranea. This result was consistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the heterochromatin and cGISH patterns; thus, fluorochrome banding and cGISH are efficient tools for the phylogenetic analysis of Vigna species.

Preparation and Biosafety Assessment of Water-Soluble Hyperbranched Polyester Nanoparticles with Carboxylic Acid Functional Groups

Biosafety assessment of nanoparticles has been of great interest in the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Here, the water-soluble hyperbranched polyester nanoparticles with carboxylic acid functional group (HBPE-CA NPs) are synthesized and characterized. They have amphiphilic structure that include hydrophobic hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) core and hydrophilic carboxylated terminal groups. Biosafety assessment tests of the HBPE-CA NPs include coagulation times, hemolysis, complement activation, platelet activation and cytotoxicity (MTT) are performed. The results show that the HBPE-CA NPs exhibit good hemocompatibility that strongly depend on the amphiphilic structure. Moreover, the results also indicate the non-cytotoxicity of the HBPE-CA NPs. So the HBPE-CA NPs provide a promising platform of blood circulation system for illness therapy with the help of the drug-loaded capacity of-HBPE.

Synthesis of novel monolithic activated carbons from phenol–urea–formaldehyde resin

Phenol–urea–formaldehyde (PUF) organic foams have been firstly synthesized from phenol–urea–formaldehyde resin under alkaline conditions, which can be used as precursor to produce cellular activated carbon foams.

Preparation of Hemocompatible Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-F127 Nanospheres and Their Application to Biosensor for Analysis of Whole Blood

In this paper, the novel poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-F127 nanospheres (PLGA-F127 NSs) were synthesized and used to establish an amperometric glucose biosensor that can be applied in whole blood directly. This property of glucose biosensor was based on the antibiofouling property of PLGA-F127 NSs. More details of preparing PLGA-F127 NSs and immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOx) on (PLGA-F127)/glass carbon electrode (GCE) were presented. Then, the electrochemical behaviors of the biosensor in whole blood were studied. The cyclic voltammetric results indicated that GOx immobilized on PLGA-F127 NSs exhibited direct electron transfer reaction, which led to stable amperometric biosensing for glucose with a detection limit of 5.57 x 10(-6) M (S/N = 3). The glucose biosensor did not respond to ascorbic acid (AA) and uric.acid (UA) at their concentration normally encountered in blood. The development of materials science will bring significant input to high-performance biosensors relevant to diagnostics and therapy of interest for human health.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the levels of retinal gamma-aminobutyric acid and its receptors in a guinea pig model of lens-induced myopia

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the retina and affects myopic development. Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely utilized to treat myopia in clinical settings. However, there are few reports on whether EA affects the level of retinal GABA during myopic development. To study this issue, in the present study, we explored the changes of retinal GABA content and the expression of its receptor subtypes, and the effects of EA stimulation on them in a guinea pig model with lens-induced myopia (LIM). Our results showed that the content of GABA and the expression of GABAA and GABAC receptors of retina were up-regulated during the development of myopia, and this up-regulation was inhibited by applying EA to Hegu (LI4) and Taiyang (EX-HN5) acupoints. Moreover, these effects of EA show a positional specificity. While applying EA at a sham acupoint, no apparent change of myopic retinal GABA and its receptor subtypes was observed. Taken together, our findings suggest that LIM is effective to up-regulate the level of retinal GABA, GABAA and GABAC receptors in guinea pigs and the effect may be inhibited by EA stimulation at LI4 and EX-HN5 acupoints.

[Correlation between body composition and exercise capacity in patients with coronary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To provide the evidence for more accurately assessing the patient's body composition, predicting exercise capacity and guiding rehabilitation exercise by analyzing the body compositions in patients with coronary heart disease, and to study the correlation between body compositions and exercise capacity.

METHODS

The study enrolled 663 patients with coronary heart disease in NYHA I-II stages, who underwent coronary intervention therapy between December 2013 and August 2014. Between 15th and 20th days of the onset, cardiopulmonary exercising testing (CPET, Bruce Protocol) was conducted, and the body composition was measured with the Inboby720 body composition analyzer before CPET.

RESULTS

All the patients completed the body composition evaluation and the CPET. According to the three indicators of body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), the diagnostic rate of obesity was 22.8%, 63.3%, and 72.7%, respectively. There was a good negative correlation between PBF and exercise capacity (r=-0.306, P<0.001). Compared with non-obesity patients, the exercise capacity of obesity group decreased according to PBF (P<0.01). The patients were divided into low, moderate and high exercise capacity groups according to METs, and the difference was only the PBF among the three groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PBF, measured by body composition, is a more accurate diagnosis of obesity and has a good negative correlation with exercise capacity, which can be used as an important indicator to predict the exercise capacity in patients with coronary heart disease and guide the rehabilitation exercise.

Oxidation of alkylaromatics to aromatic ketones catalyzed by metalloporphyrins under the special temperature control method

The aerobic oxidation of alkylaromatics to aromatic ketones catalyzed by metalloporphyrins under the special temperature control method was systematically investigated. Three novel and key points were found to have significant functions in this process, that is, the special temperature control method (initiation at higher temperature and reaction at lower temperature), the synergistic effect of the composite catalysts comprising cobalt and manganese porphyrins, and the amount of catalysts in the reaction. Subsequently, the effects of substitutes on alkylaromatics were also explored under the same conditions. Results showed that alkylaromatic conversions gradually increased from 8.5% to 54.3% with the para-substituents shifting from the electron-donating group to the electron-withdrawing group (i.e., methoxy < hydro < bromo < acyl < nitro). A possible mechanism for this reaction was also proposed.

[Preparation of a polyclonal antibody of Helicoverpa armigera arginine kinase in mice using DNA immunization with in vivo electroporation]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare a polyclonal antibody against Helicoverpa armigera arginine kinase (HarmAK) in mice by DNA immunization with in vivo electroporation, and verify the specificity of the antibody by Western blotting.

METHODS

A recombinant expression plasmid pcDNA3-HarmAK was constructed and sequenced, and then was transferred into Kunming mice five times using electroporation. ELISA and Western blotting were used respectively to determine the titer of HarmAK antibody and detect the specificity of the monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

ELISA showed that the titer of mouse anti-HarmAK serum reached 1:40 000 , and Western blotting demonstrated that this antiserum had a specific binding to both fusion protein His-HarmAK and AK protein of total protein of the Helicoverpa armigera.

CONCLUSION

We prepared a polyclonal antibody of HarmAK from the Helicoverpa armigera using DNA immunization with in vivo electroporation and the antibody has a high titer and specificity.

Racial disparities in cardiovascular risk factor control in an underinsured population with Type 2 diabetes

AIM

To investigate the race-specific trend in attainment of the American Diabetes Association cardiovascular risk factor control goals (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol (7.0%), blood pressure <130/80 mmHg and LDL cholesterol <2.6mmol/l) by patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The study sample included 14 946 African-American and 12 758 white patients who were newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes between 2001 and 2009 in the Louisiana State University Hospital system. The race-specific percentages of patients' attainment of American Diabetes Association goals were calculated using the baseline and follow-up measurements of HbA1c , blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels. Logistic regression was used to test the difference between African-American and white patients.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients who met all three American Diabetes Association goals increased from 8.2% in 2001 to 10.2% in 2009 (increased by 24.4%) in this cohort. Compared with African-American patients, white patients had better attainment of the following American Diabetes Association goals: HbA1c (61.4 vs. 55.1%), blood pressure (25.8 vs. 20.4%), LDL cholesterol (40.1 vs. 37.7%) and all three goals (7.3 vs. 5.1%). African-American and white patients generally had a better cardiovascular disease risk factor profile during follow-up when we assessed attainment of the American Diabetes Association goals by means of HbA1c , blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

During 2001-2009, the present low-income cohort of people with Type 2 diabetes generally experienced improved control of cardiovascular disease risk factors. White patients had better attainment of the American Diabetes Association cardiovascular risk factor control goals than their African-American counterparts.

Laccase biosensor based on phytic acid modification of nanostructured SiO₂ surface for sensitive detection of dopamine

In this work, three kinds of nanostructured silica-phytic acid (SiO2-PA) materials with diverse morphologies including spherical SiO2-PA (s-SiO2-PA), rod-like (r-SiO2-PA), and helical SiO2-PA (h-SiO2-PA) were prepared with the help of electrostatic interaction. The SiO2-PA nanomaterials with different morphologies were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and circular dichroism spectrum (CD). Diverse morphologies of SiO2-PA were used as electrode decorated materials to achieve a high efficiency for electrochemical dopamine (DA) detection. The laccase biosensors were fabricated by immobilizing different morphologies of SiO2-PA nanomaterials and laccase onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface, successively. Then the electrochemical responses of the different morphologies of nanostructured SiO2-PA nanomaterials to laccase were discussed. Results indicated that compared to laccase/s-SiO2-PA and laccase/r-SiO2-PA, the laccase/h-SiO2-PA-modified electrode showed the best electrochemical performances.