Strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes

In the past decades, the striking development of cationic polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) tailored for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery has been fuelled by the conception of nuclear acid therapy and precision medicine. Owing to their amino acid compositions, inherent secondary structures as well as diverse geometrical shapes, peptides or peptide-containing polymers exhibit good biodegradability, high flexibility, and bio-functional diversity as nonviral siRNA vectors. Also, a variety of noncovalent nanocomplexes could be built via self-assembling and electrostatic interactions between cationic peptides and siRNAs. Although the peptide/siRNA nanocomplex-based RNAi therapies, STP705 and MIR-19, are under clinical trials, a guideline addressing the current bottlenecks of peptide/siRNA nanocomplex delivery is in high demand for future research and development. In this review, we present strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes in the treatment of genetic disorders. Through thorough analysis of those RNAi formulations using different delivery strategies, we seek to shed light on the rationale of peptide design and modification in constructing robust siRNA delivery systems, including targeted and co-delivery systems. Based on this, we provide a timely and comprehensive understanding of how to engineer biocompatible and efficient peptide-based siRNA vectors.

Effect of Aspect Ratio of Whisker on the Fibrillation of Liquid Crystalline Polymer in Polysulfone Matrix

The influence of content and aspect ratio of whiskers, calcium carbonate and aluminum borate, on the morphology evolution of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) was investigated in polysulfone (PSF) matrix. The study showed that the deformation of LCP droplets was significantly promoted by adding whiskers into PSF/LCP blends, and the longer whisker produced a more pronounced fibrillation effect. The analysis of flow field and elasticity of system showed that the addition of longer whiskers increased the elasticity of materials more efficiently and enhanced the vortex in the converging flow area at the entry of capillary, which resulted in an increase of the elongational stress and promoted the formation of longer LCP fibrils in PSF/whisker system.

Targeted delivery of cancer drug paclitaxel to chordomas tumor cells via an RNA nanoparticle harboring an EGFR aptamer

Paclitaxel has been extensively used in clinics for cancer treatment. However, its limited solubility in aqueous solution and high occurrence of side effects have also been widely reported. In this study, we constructed a biocompatible RNA nanoparticle delivery system (3WJ-EGFR_apt) that includes 3WJ (3-way junction) nanoparticle with a size of 4.85 ± 0.59 nm as a backbone and an EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) aptamer for specific targeting to chordomas cells, which owns the encapsulation ability of drug paclitaxel (PTX) for cancer therapy. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry results confirmed 3WJ-EGFR_apt nanoparticle exhibited excellent specific targeting to chordomas cell U-CH2 which is an EGFR(+) cell line; while the 3WJ nanoparticle lose the targeted ability. Both of the two nanoparticles own no sensitivity to lung cancer cell H520 which is an EGFR(-) cell line. Moreover, the 3WJ-EGFR_apt nanoparticle encapsulated drug PTX could enhance the inhibition efficiency of chordomas tumor cells U-CH2 as compared to free PTX alone. This work demonstrates that RNA-3WJ constructed with a targeting aptamer provides a compromising targeted drug delivery ability on chordomas cells for therapeutics.

Rotary table wobble error analysis and correction of a rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer

In a rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer (RAGG), rotary table wobble refers to the shift in the direction of the spin axis during operation. This motion causes errors in the output of the RAGG, but the mechanism is not clear. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between rotary table wobble and RAGG errors and to propose a method for rejecting these errors. We consider the influence of attitude changes, angular velocity, and angular acceleration caused by the wobble on the specific force, and we describe the error transmission process based on the accelerometer configuration and its measurement principle. Furthermore, we show through a simulated experiment that when the angular velocity noise caused by the wobble is 1 μrad/s, this will produce errors of tens of E. We propose a post-error correction method that is based on the higher-precision RAGG model and motion measurement. The errors in the two channels of the RAGG are reduced to 3.69 E and 1.85 E after error correction. The error analysis of the effects of wobble on a RAGG and the proposed error correction method are of great significance for the development of high-precision gradiometers.

Reduced miR-363-3p expression in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with gemcitabine resistance via targeting of CUL4A

The article "Reduced miR-363-3p expression in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with gemcitabine resistance via targeting of CUL4A", W.-G. Bian, X.-N. Zhou, S. Song, H.-T. Chen, Y. Shen, P. Chen, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (2): 649-659-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201901_16879-PMID: 30720173, has been retracted by the authors due to several inaccuracies in the research design. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/16879.

The spatial form periosteal-bone complex promotes bone regeneration by coordinating macrophage polarization and osteogenic-angiogenic events

Bone defects associated with soft tissue injuries are an important cause of deformity that threatens people’s health and quality of life. Although bone substitutes have been extensively explored, effective biomaterials that can coordinate early inflammation regulation and subsequent repair events are still lacking. We prepared a spatial form periosteal bone extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, which has advantages in terms of low immunogenicity, good retention of bioactive ingredients, and a natural spatial structure. The periosteal bone ECM scaffold with the relatively low-stiffness periosteum (41.6 ± 3.7 kPa) could inhibit iNOS and IL-1β expression, which might be related to actin-mediated YAP translocation. It also helped to promote CD206 expression with the potential influence of proteins related to immune regulation. Moreover, the scaffold combined the excellent properties of decalcified bone and periosteum, promoted the formation of blood vessels, and good osteogenic differentiation (RUNX2, Col 1α1, ALP, OPN, and OCN), and achieved good repair of a cranial defect in rats. This scaffold, with its natural structural and biological advantages, provides a new idea for bone healing treatment that is aligned with bone physiology.

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We provided a spatial form periosteal-bone complex.

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The scaffold preserved major biological components and spatial structure.

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The periosteum part of the scaffold acted as a physical barrier.

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The scaffold participated in the transformation of the macrophage phenotype.

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The scaffold promoted osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

An innovative application of follicular unit extraction technique in the treatment of bromhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the most effective way to treat bromhidrosis, but postoperative complications are still the biggest obstacles for patients to choose surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To introduce an innovative application of follicular unit extraction (FUE) in the treatment of bromhidrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a case series study on 20 patients who received FUE technique for the treatment of bromhidrosis. The axillary hair follicles were extracted with a one-millimetre punch. The released hair follicles were collected for histological examination. After the operation, the wounds were wrapped with moderate pressure. The dressing was removed 24 h after the FUE operation. The postoperative complications were collected, and the improvement of malodour was evaluated by the 10-point visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Immediately postoperation, many needle-shaped holes appeared in the armpits. The holes healed 7 days after the operation, with no scar or pinpoint-like scars. Except for a female who complained of mild pain in the left armpit, no other patients had any discomfort. The malodour level varied between 0 and 4 during the follow-up period. The tissue examination showed that more than 90% of the completely plucked hair follicles were accompanied by apocrine glands, and many blocked and dilated apocrine glands were observed. The lumens of the blocked glands were filled with decapitation products, which were positive for K5, Brst-2 and CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bromhidrosis have a positive response to FUE technique. The FUE technique is well-tolerated, with only a few postoperative complications, which deserves to be widely promoted.

A Review of the Evidence Base for Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements in Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder: A report from the OABD task force

OBJECTIVES

To better understand the role of nutrition in older adults (aged 50 years or older) with bipolar disorders (OABD), we conducted a systematic review of the literature and appraise existing evidence.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched databases including Medline/PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Register, FDA website, and clinical trial registries through 2019 for eligible reports. The search string combined MeSH terms for bipolar disorder, nutrition and older adults. This was supplemented by snowball searching of references in relevant studies and authors were contacted to request their work where necessary. All included studies were rated with the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools based on study designs.

RESULTS

Of 2280 papers screened, ten studies including eight observational and two interventional studies. The topic foci of the papers examined several nutrients, (including vitamin B12, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, homocysteine, and folate), nutritional deficiencies and biochemical correlates. The prevalence rates of deficiencies varied with specific nutrients (3.7% to 71.6% for Vitamin B12 and 34.6% for Vitamin D), and between inpatient versus outpatient populations. While nutritional interventions appeared to be associated with improvement in both affective and cognitive outcomes, the sample sizes of OABD varied and were generally small.

CONCLUSION

While there is evidence for the benefits of nutritional interventions on affective, cognitive and overall outcome in OABD, the quality of the evidence is limited. Our findings underscore the need for high quality studies to inform evidence-based guidelines for nutritional assessment and supplemention in OABD.

Microbial exposure during early human development primes fetal immune cells

The human fetal immune system begins to develop early during gestation; however, factors responsible for fetal immune-priming remain elusive. We explored potential exposure to microbial agents in utero and their contribution toward activation of memory T cells in fetal tissues. We profiled microbes across fetal organs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and detected low but consistent microbial signal in fetal gut, skin, placenta, and lungs in the 2^nd trimester of gestation. We identified several live bacterial strains including Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus in fetal tissues, which induced in vitro activation of memory T cells in fetal mesenteric lymph node, supporting the role of microbial exposure in fetal immune-priming. Finally, using SEM and RNA-ISH, we visualized discrete localization of bacteria-like structures and eubacterial-RNA within 14^th weeks fetal gut lumen. These findings indicate selective presence of live microbes in fetal organs during the 2^nd trimester of gestation and have broader implications toward the establishment of immune competency and priming before birth.

MiR-4429 suppresses the malignant development of ovarian cancer by targeting YOD1

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical significance of microRNA-4429 (miR-4429) in the development and prognosis of ovarian cancer, and to explore the regulatory role of miR-4429 in migratory potential of ovarian cancer cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MiR-4429 levels in paired ovarian cancer species and paracancerous ones were examined. Then, the relationship between miR-4429 level and clinical features of ovarian cancer patients was analyzed. Potential influences of miR-4429 on migratory potentials in CAOV3 and SKOV3 cells were explored by transwell assay. After that, the interaction between miR-4429 and its downstream gene YOD1, and their involvement in the malignant development of ovarian cancer were finally demonstrated through Luciferase assay and rescue experiments.

RESULTS

The results revealed that miR-4429 was downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Its level was significantly correlated with rates of lymphatic metastasis (p=0.018) and distant metastasis (p=0.012) but not with age, tumor size, and tumor stage in ovarian cancer patients. Survival analysis uncovered that a low level of miR-4429 was unfavorable to PFS and OS in ovarian cancer patients. Besides, the overexpression of miR-4429 inhibited migratory potential in CAOV3 cells, and conversely, the knockdown of miR-4429 in SKOV3 cells obtained the opposite result. Moreover, YOD1 was proved to be the downstream gene binding to miR-4429. It was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and negatively regulated by miR-4429. Rescue experiments finally identified that YOD1 was responsible for migratory potential changes in ovarian cancer cells regulated by miR-4429.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-4429 is downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues, and its level is closely linked to metastasis and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. By negatively regulating YOD1 level, miR-4429 suppresses the malignant development of ovarian cancer.

KLF5 promotes proliferation in gastric cancer via regulating p21 and CDK4

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the expression characteristics of Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) in gastric cancer (GC) and its potential correlation to pathological indexes in GC patients. Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of KLF5 on GC progression are explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

KLF5 expressions in GC tissues were analyzed through GEPIA dataset and those collected in our hospital. By analyzing the clinical data of GC patients, the correlation between KLF5 level and pathological characteristics of GC was determined. The regulatory effects of KLF5 on proliferative ability and cell cycle progression of SGC7901 and MGC803 cells were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and flow cytometry. The regulation of KLF5 on expression levels of p21 and CDK4 in GC cells was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTS

KLF5 was markedly upregulated in GC tissues. KLF5 level was positively correlated to TNM staging, tumor size, and metastasis of GC. Meanwhile, high level of KLF5 predicted poor prognosis in GC patients. The knockdown of KLF5 in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells attenuated proliferative ability and arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Both mRNA and the protein levels of p21 were upregulated, and CDK4 levels were downregulated in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells transfected with si-KLF5.

CONCLUSIONS

KLF5 is upregulated in GC and closely linked to pathological characteristics of GC patients. High level of KLF5 indicates poor prognosis of GC. It is believed that KLF5 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.

[A prospective randomized controlled study on the effect of balance training on lower limb movement and balance dysfunction in severe burn patients]

Objective: To observe the rehabilitation effect of balance training on motor and balance function of lower extremities of deep burn patients. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From January 2016 to January 2020, sixty-four patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after deep burn were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University＆Wuhan Third Hospital, the burn area was 30% to 70% Total Body Surface Area, and the burn depth of more than one hip, knee and ankle joint of both lower limbs and their periphery were deep second or third degree. According to the method of random number table, the patients were divided into routine training(RT) group and balance training(BT) group. There were 32 cases in each group, 22 males and 10 females in the RT group, aged 40.5 (35.5, 52.8) years old, and 24 males and 8 females in the BT group, aged 37.0 (30.0, 44.0) years old. Patients in group RT were conventionally conducted with knee joint stretch treatment, continuous passive motion treatment, lower limb muscle strength training and pressure therapy; while patients in group BT were conducted with balance training besides RT such as sitting balance, center of gravity transfer, pelvic stability, standing alternately on one leg and standing on balance pad. Patients in the 2 groups were treated for 4 months. Before treatment and after 4 months of treatment,Berg balance score, lower limb function score and balance activity self-confidence score were evaluated . The data were statistically analyzed with t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test or χ² test. Results: (1) Before treatment, the difference value of Berg balance score of patients in group RT was (25±9), which was similar to (25±7) in group BT(t=-0.154,P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the difference value of Berg balance score of patients in group BT was (43±6), which was higher than (40±6) in group RT (t=2.028,P<0.05). The difference values of Berg balance scores of the patients in group RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(t=-15.189,-26.2,P<0.001). (2) Before treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in group RT was 25.0 (16.5,30.0), which was similar to 23.0(10.3,28.8) in group BT(Z=-1.575,P>0.05). After 4 months of treatment, the lower limb function score of patients in group BT was 55.0(35.0, 60.0) , which was significantly higher than 43.0 (36.0, 53.0) in group RT(Z=-2.744,P<0.01). The lower limb function scale of patients in group RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(Z=-4.943,-4.955,P<0.01). (3) Before treatment, the balance activity self-confidence scores of the two groups were similar(t=-0.966,P>0.05) . After 4 months of treatment , the balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in group ST was significantly higher than that in group RT (t=3.343,P<0.01). The balance activity self-confidence scores of patients in groups RT and BT after 4 months of treatment were obviously higher than those before treatment(t=-19.611,-34.300,P<0.001). Conclusions: The balance training can effectively promote the recovery of lower limb motor and balance function on the basis of conventional rehabilitation treatment for patients with lower limb motor and balance dysfunction after deep burns.