A Photo-induced Cross-Linking Enhanced A and B Combined Multi-Functional Spray Hydrogel Instantly Protects and Promotes of Irregular Dynamic Wound Healing

Wounds in harsh environments can face long-term inflammation and persistent infection, which can slow healing. Wound spray is a product that can be rapidly applied to large and irregularly dynamic wounds, and can quickly form a protective film in situ to inhibit external environmental infection. In this study, a biodegradable A and B combined multi-functional spray hydrogel is developed with methacrylate-modified chitosan (CSMA1st ) and ferulic acid (FA) as type A raw materials and oxidized Bletilla striata polysaccharide (OBSP) as type B raw materials. The precursor CSMA1st -FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA1st ) hydrogel is formed by the self-cross-linking of dynamic Schiff base bonds, the CSMA-FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA) hydrogel is formed quickly after UV-vis light, so that the hydrogel fits with the wound. Rapid spraying and curing provide sufficient flexibility and rapidity for wounds and the hydrogel has good injectability, adhesive, and mechanical strength. In rats and miniature pigs, the A and B combined spray hydrogel can shrink wounds and promote healing of infected wounds, and promote the enrichment of fibrocyte populations. Therefore, the multifunctional spray hydrogel combined with A and B can protect irregular dynamic wounds, prevent wound infection and secondary injury, and be used for safe and effective wound treatment, which has a good prospect for development.

Erratum: Advances in Formulations of Microneedle System for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment [Corrigendum]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S435251.].

Biocompatible and biodegradable Bletilla striata polysaccharides hydrogels crosslinked by BDDE for wound healing through the regulating of macrophage polarization

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that demonstrates notable biocompatibility and biodegradability. Additionally, BSP possesses therapeutic attributes, including anti-inflammatory and reparative actions. Herein, we report a novel BSP hydrogel prepared using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) as a cross-linking agent. The hydrogel was synthesized via condensation of the hydroxyl group in the BSP molecule with the epoxy group in BDDE. This technique of preparation preserves BSP's natural properties while avoiding any potentially hazardous or adverse effects that may occur during the chemical alteration. Compared with BSP before crosslinking, BSP hydrogel has distinct advantages, such as a three-dimensional network structure, improved water retention, enhanced swelling capacity, greater thermal stability, and superior mechanical properties. Experiments on in vitro cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and degradation revealed that BSP hydrogel had good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Finally, we evaluated the in vivo wound repair effect of BSP hydrogel, and the results showed that BSP hydrogel had a significant wound-healing effect. Furthermore, the BSP hydrogel promoted the polarization of M1-type macrophages towards the M2-type and reduced the inflammatory response during the wound healing phase. Because of its ease of production, safety, efficacy, and environmental friendliness, BSP hydrogel is considered a highly promising material for wound dressings.

Mucoadhesive and thermosensitive Bletilla striata polysaccharide/chitosan hydrogel loaded nanoparticles for rectal drug delivery in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease with diffuse mucosal inflammation limited to the colon. A topical drug delivery system that could be facilely performed and efficiently retained at colon are attractive for clinical ulcerative colitis treatment. Herein, a novel platform for rectal administration of thermosensitive hydrogel co-loaded with nanoparticles to treat ulcerative colitis was developed. Thiolated-hyaluronic acid was synthesized, and prepared nanoparticles with zein and Puerarin. And the Bletilla striata polysaccharide with colonic mucosa repair effect was oxidized, and mixed with chitosan and β-sodium glycerophosphate to prepare thermosensitive hydrogel. Thermosensitive hydrogels were combined with nanoparticles to investigate their mucosal adhesion, retention, and permeability, as well as their therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis. Thiolated-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles had good stability, and could be quickly converted into hydrogel at body temperature when combined with thermosensitive hydrogel. The nanoparticles-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel also was excellent at mucosal penetration, enhancing the retention time of drugs in colon, and effectively controlling drug release. In vivo ulcerative colitis treatment revealed that the nanoparticles-loaded hydrogel significantly repaired the colonic mucosa and inhibit colonic inflammation. Therefore, the thermosensitive hydrogel co-loaded nanoparticles will have a promising application in effective treatment of ulcerative colitis by topical administration.

Advances in Formulations of Microneedle System for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation, eventually leading to severe disability and premature death. At present, the treatment of RA is mainly to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Commonly used drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs lack specificity and require long-term, high-dose administration, which can cause serious adverse effects. In addition, the oral, intravenous, and intra-articular injections will reduce patient compliance, resulting in high cost and low bioavailability. Due to these limitations, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a new strategy to efficiently localize the drugs in inflamed joints for the treatment of RA. MNs can overcome the cuticle barrier of the skin without stimulating nerves and blood vessels. Which can increase patient compliance, improve bioavailability, and avoid systemic circulation. This review summarizes and evaluates the application of MNs in RA, especially dissolving MNs (DMNs). We encourage the use of MNs to treat RA, by describing the general properties of MNs, materials, preparation technology, drug release mechanism, and advantages. Furthermore, we discussed the biological safety, development prospects, and future challenges of MNs, hoping to provide a new strategy for the treatment of RA.

Physical dual-network photothermal antibacterial multifunctional hydrogel adhesive for wound healing of drug-resistant bacterial infections synthesized from natural polysaccharides

Wound-healing of drug-resistant bacterial infections has always been a clinical challenge. The design and development of effective and economically safe wound dressings with antimicrobial activity and healing-promoting properties is highly desirable, especially in the context of wound-infections. Herein, we designed a physical dual-network multifunctional hydrogel adhesive based on polysaccharide material for the treatment of full-thickness skin defects infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria. The hydrogel utilized ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy)-modified Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) as the first physical interpenetrating network for providing some brittleness and rigidity; and then branched macromolecules formed after cross-linking Fe³⁺ with dopamine-conjugated di-aldehyde-hyaluronic acid as the second physical interpenetrating network for providing some flexibility and elasticity. In this system, BSP and hyaluronic acid (HA) are used as synthetic matrix materials to provide strong biocompatibility and wound-healing ability. In addition, ligand cross-linking of catechol-Fe³⁺ and quadrupole hydrogen-bonding cross-linking of UPy-dimer can form a highly dynamic physical dual-network structure, which imparts good rapid self-healing, injectability, shape-adaptation, NIR/pH responsiveness, high tissue-adhesion and mechanical properties of this hydrogel. Meanwhile, bioactivity experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel also possesses powerful antioxidant, hemostatic, photothermal-antibacterial and wound-healing effects. In conclusion, this functionalized hydrogel is a promising candidate for clinical treatment of full-thickness bacteria-stained wound dressing materials.

Fabrication and characterization of PVA@PLA electrospinning nanofibers embedded with Bletilla striata polysaccharide and Rosmarinic acid to promote wound healing

In this study, a novel nanofiber material with Polylactic acid (PLA), natural plant polysaccharides-Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and Rosmarinic acid (RA) as the raw materials to facilitate wound healing was well prepared through coaxial electrospinning. The morphology of RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers was characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the successful formation of core-shell structure was verified under confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). RA-BSP-PVA@PLA exhibited suitable air permeability for wound healing, as indicated by the result of the water vapor permeability (WVTR) study. The results of tension test results indicated the RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofiber exhibited excellent flexibility and better accommodates wounds. Moreover, the biocompatibility of RA-BSP-PVA@PLA was examined through MTT assay. Lastly, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers can induce wound tissue growth, as verified by the rat dorsal skin wound models and tissue sections. Furthermore, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA can facilitate the proliferation and transformation of early wound macrophages, and down-regulate MPO⁺ expression of on the wound, thus facilitating wound healing, as confirmed by the result of immunohistochemical. Thus, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers show great potential as wound dressings in wound healing.

[Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into midbrain]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an efficient protocol for directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into functional midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells (DAPs) in vitro.

METHODS

hiPSCs were induced to differentiate into DAPs in two developmental stages. In the first stage (the first 13 days), hiPSCs were induced into intermediate cells morphologically similar to primitive neuroepithelial cells (NECs) in neural induction medium containing a combination of small molecule compounds. In the second stage, the intermediate cells were further induced in neural differentiation medium until day 28 to obtain DAPs. After CM-DiI staining, the induced DAPs were stereotactically transplanted into the right medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Eight weeks after transplantation, the motor behaviors of PD rats was evaluated. Immunofluorescence assay of brain sections of the rats was performed at 2 weeks after transplantation to observe the survival, migration and differentiation of the transplanted cells in the host brain microenvironment.

RESULTS

hiPSCs passaged stably on Matrigel showed a normal diploid karyotype, expressed the pluripotency markers OCT4, SOX2, and Nanog, and were positive for alkaline phosphatase. The primitive neuroepithelial cells obtained on day 13 formed dense cell colonies in the form of neural rosettes and expressed the neuroepithelial markers (SOX2, Nestin, and PAX6, 91.3%-92.8%). The DAPs on day 28 highly expressed the specific markers (TH, FOXA2, LMX1A and NURR1, 93.3-96.7%). In rat models of PD, the hiPSCs-DAPs survived and differentiated into TH⁺, FOXA2⁺ and Tuj1⁺ neurons at 2 weeks after transplantation. Eight weeks after transplantation, the motor function of PD rats was significantly improved as shown by water maze test (P < 0.0001) and apomorphine-induced rotation test (P < 0.0001) compared with rats receiving vehicle injection.

CONCLUSION

HiPSCs can be effectively induced to differentiate into DAPs capable of differentiating into functional neurons both in vivo and in vitro. In rat models of PD, the transplanted hiPSCs-DAPs can survive for more than 8 weeks in the MFB and differentiate into multiple functional neurocytes to ameliorate neurological deficits of the rats, suggesting the potential value of hiPSCs-DAPs transplantation for treatment of neurological diseases.

Xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen): A review of its chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity

Xanthotoxin (XAT) is a natural furanocoumarins, a bioactive psoralen isolated from the fruit of the Rutaceae plant Pepper, which has received increasing attention in recent years due to its wide source and low cost. By collecting and compiling literature on XAT, the results show that XAT exhibits significant activity in the treatment of various diseases, including neuroprotection, skin repair, osteoprotection, organ protection, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidative stress and antibacterial. In this paper, we review the pharmacological activity and potential molecular mechanisms of XAT for the treatment of related diseases. The data suggest that XAT can mechanistically induce ROS production and promote apoptosis through mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum pathways, regulate NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/HO-1, MAPK, AKT/mTOR, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways to exert pharmacological effects. In addition, the pharmacokinetics properties and toxicity of XAT are discussed in this paper, further elucidating the relationship between structure and efficacy. It is worth noting that data from clinical studies of XAT are still scarce, limiting the use of XAT in the clinic, and in the future, more in-depth studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of XAT.

235 Assessing coding of diagnosis for atypical parkinsonian syndromes

Background

Atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS), are rare neurodegenerative diseases. Reports showed that the use of the health services for patients with these diseases is underestimated. The NHS uses International Classification of Disease revision 10 (ICD-10) to code health use which has led to error in patient data for these diseases, as they are relatively new entries to this system and there were changes in coding practice in 2016.

Aims

To retrospectively investigate the scale of miscoding of PSP, MSA and CBS in England since the introduction of ICD-10.

Methods

Freedom of information requests were issued to 150 NHS trusts in England to investigate their method of coding and determine the coding error rate.

Results

The coding error rates prior to, and after 2016 respectively were: 29.5%, 0% (PSP); 3.8%, 2.3% (MSA); 24.2%, 24.2% (CBS). The indexing for CBS is difficult as no specific coding exists for CBS in ICD-10.

Conclusion

The high error rate for PSP is contributed by miscoding of PSP (G23.1) as MND (G12.2), due to the coding techniques employed. These errors have largely been rectified in later versions of ICD-10 with the exception of CBS.

ggz1g17@soton.ac.uk

Preparation of Oral Core-Shell Zein Nanoparticles to Improve the Bioavailability of Glycyrrhizic Acid for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

In this study, oral colon-targeted adhesion core-shell nanoparticles were designed by applying FA-Zein as the core and using pectin as the shell to enhance the low bioavailability exhibited by glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and the anti-inflammatory effect in specific parts of the intestine. As indicated by the results, the nanoparticles (NPs) remained stable in the stomach and small intestine, while pectins began to degrade and release GA in considerable amounts in the colon with the abundant flora. Subsequently, folate-acid targeting was further assessed with Raw 264.7 and NCM 460 cells. Lastly, NPs were reported to exhibit high adhesion on the colon by using the DSS-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model. Moreover, as indicated by in vitro and in vivo studies, nanoparticles could decrease the levels of MPO and TNF-α by reducing macrophages and neutrophils. In brief, this study provides an ideal loaded natural anti-inflammatory drug delivery system to treat ulcerative colitis.

Temporal association between antibiotic use and resistance in Gram-negative bacteria

The β-lactam/lactamase inhibitors (BLBLIs) combination drugs are considered an effective alternative to carbapenems. However, there is a growing concern that the increased use of BLBLIs may lead to increased resistance. This study determined the temporal association between the consumption of BLBLI and the antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. In this retrospective study, electronic data on the Gram-negative bacterial isolates, including A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae from in-patients and susceptibility testing results were retrieved from the medical records of the clinical laboratory. A linear regression and cross-correlation analysis were performed on the acquired data. Increasing trends (p<0.05) in the consumption of BIBLI and carbapenem with a median use of 27.68 and 34.46 DDD/1000 PD per quarter were observed, respectively. A decreased trend (p=0.023) in the consumption of fluoroquinolones with a median use of 29.13 DDD/1000 PD per quarter was observed. The resistance rate of K. pneumoniae was synchronized with the BIBLI and carbapenem consumptions with a correlation coefficient of 0.893 (p=0.012) and 0.951 (p=0.016), respectively. The cross-correlation analysis against the consumption of BIBLI and meropenem resistant K. pneumoniae was peaked at 0-quarter lag (r=951, p=0.016). There was an increasing trend in the consumption of BLBLI and carbapenems. The increasing trend in the rates of resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, in line with the increasing consumption of BLBLI, suggests that BLBLI has to be used with caution and cannot be directly considered as a long-term alternative to carbapenems.

[Targeted therapy of pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne syndrome (PAPA): a case report and literature review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical course and targeted therapy of pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne (PAPA) syndrome. Methods: The clinical history of a 6-year-old boy with PAPA syndrome, who was admitted to Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital in September 2017, was reviewed. His genetic diagnosis was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. The response to targeted therapy was evaluated by comparing the inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) and serum cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) before and after biological agents treatment. For literature review, "PAPA syndrome" and"PSTPIP1 gene"were used as keywords to retrieve papers published from January 1997 to December 2019 from Pubmed, Wanfang and CNKI database. Results: The patient was a 6-year-old boy, admitted to the hospital due to recurrent joint swelling and pain for more than 4 years. Before treatment, the CRP (256 mg/L), ESR (105 mm/1 h) and cytokines including serum TNF-α (7.43 ng/L), IL-1 (<5 ng/L), IL-6 (301 ng/L) were significantly elevated. Culture of the joint effusion was negative, but the IL-6 level was above 1 000 ng/L. MRI showed osteomyelitis at the lower end of the right femur. Gene detection found a heterozygous variation of PSTPIP1 gene (c.748G>A, p.E250K). Arthralgia once alleviated after the initiation of tocilizumab and infliximab, but recurred after 1 year of treatment. Thereafter, the anti-IL-1 receptor antagonist (Anakinra) was commenced, followed by a significant improvement of the arthralgia, and a complete remission during the follow-up. Besides, the level of CRP, ESR, serum TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were all decreased to normal on the last followed up in December 2019. Literature review found 29 articles and 87 patients in total. The initial symptoms included those of arthritis (n=58), pyoderma gangrenosum (n=33), and acne (n=24). Among all the cases, 13 genotypes were confirmed, and 47 variations involved amino acid p.E250. Steroid and/or biological agents were used in most patients. Conclusions: PAPA syndrome should be suspected in children with recurrent pyogenic sterile arthritis, and an early diagnosis could be achieved by genetic test. Targeted treatment with biological agent may control the symptoms effectively. Biological agents can control symptoms of this disorder effectively.

Gastric cancer nodal tumour-stroma ratios influence prognosis

This study showed that nodal tumour-stroma ratio (NTSR) is an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival of patients with gastric cancer. Both relative stroma-rich primary tumour-stroma ratio (PTSR) and NTSR were independent negative prognostic factors for overall survival in gastric cancer. This study supports assessment of tumour-stroma ratio in the routine pathological diagnosis of gastric cancer. validated in node-positive disease.

Large debris dumps in the northern South China Sea

Knowledge of the abundance, source, and fate of marine debris in the deep sea is largely constrained thus far. Here, we report the existence of large deep-sea debris dumps that have not been reported before on the seafloor worldwide. Marine debris remarkably accumulated at ~1700-1800 m in the tributary submarine canyons of the Xisha Trough, northern South China Sea (SCS). Although marine debris in Xisha Trough is patchy, the debris abundance was as high as 36,818 and 51,929 items/km² at locations SY78 and SY82, respectively, which is one order of magnitude higher than that in other submarine canyons. We propose that most of the debris came from fishery and navigation activities, as indicated by the categories of debris collected from the seafloor dumps. Seasonal surface ocean currents of the SCS and geomorphology of submarine canyons possibly influence the movement of the debris from coasts to the deep seafloor.

The applied anatomy and clinical significance of the proximal, V1 segment of vertebral artery

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to probe the morphological features of the proximal segment (V1) of vertebral artery (VA) in a sample of Chinese cadavers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The origin, course and outer diameter at origin of the pre-vertebral part of the VAs were evaluated in 119 adult cadavers.

RESULTS

It was found that 94.12% of the VAs originated from the subclavian arteries, bilaterally. The variant origins were present in 5.88% of the cadavers and all originated directly from the arch of the aorta. All the variations were observed on the left side of male cadavers. The average outer diameters at origin of the normal and variation groups were 4.35 ± 1.00 mm and 4.82 ± ± 1.42 mm, respectively, p = 0.035. In the normal group, but not in the variation group, the average diameter in the males was significantly larger than that in the females (4.50 ± 0.99 mm, 3.92 ± 0.92 mm, respectively, p = 0.000). In addition, only 5 cadavers in the normal group had hypoplastic VAs (4.20%, 4 males, 3 right-sided). Vertebral artery dominance (VAD) was present in 91 (69 males) out of 112 cadavers and more common on the left (n = 48). In addition, 3 cadavers satisfied conditions for coexistence of VAD and vertebral artery hypoplasia. All 7 cadavers in the variation group exhibited VAD, which was more common on the right side (n = 5).

CONCLUSIONS

The morphologic variations and frequencies described above have implications for the early prevention, abnormal anatomy detection, accurate diagnosis, safe surgery and endovascular treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disease.

A long-acting pegylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong® ) in healthy adult subjects: Two single-dose trials evaluating safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Jintrolong^® is a pegylated recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (PEG-rhGH) developed for weekly subcutaneous (sc) injection. The current human tolerability trial and pharmacokinetics (PK) trial evaluated the safety, tolerability and PK of single-dose Jintrolong^® injection in healthy adult subjects.

METHODS

Both trials were single-centre, randomized, open-label and single-dose studies. In the human tolerability trial, 34 healthy subjects were randomized to receive single-dose Jintrolong^® sc injection (0.01, 0.06, 0.2, 0.5 or 0.8 mg/kg) or placebo. In the PK study, 30 healthy male subjects were evenly randomized into 3 groups to receive single-dose Jintrolong^® sc injection (0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg), and the subjects receiving 0.4 mg/kg Jintrolong^® were given a single sc injection of conventional rhGH (0.067 mg/kg) after a 14-day washout period. Safety and PK profiles of Jintrolong^® were evaluated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Jintrolong^® was well tolerated with no serious adverse events or local injection responses. The PK trial showed that the plasma growth hormone concentration elevated quickly and stayed at peak level between 12 and 48 hours post-Jintrolong^® injection, then decreased gradually back to baseline within 168 hours. Compared to single-dose conventional rhGH, Jintrolong^® at all doses demonstrated significantly longer half time and time to maximum plasma concentration, lower clearance and higher systemic drug exposure, indicating prolonged presence of GH in the subjects' circulation. Additionally, systemic exposure to Jintrolong^® increased in a dose-dependent manner.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Single-dose Jintrolong^® injection was well tolerated in healthy adult subjects, and the maximum tolerable dose was no lower than 0.8 mg/kg. Jintrolong^® was long-acting with the potential for weekly administration.

Enzymatic [4+2] Cycloadditions in the Biosynthesis of Spirotetramates and Spirotetronates

The Diels-Alder reaction is a quintessential type of [4+2] cycloaddition that remains one of the most intriguing transformations in synthetic chemistry. This reaction has long been envisaged to participate in the biosynthesis of a number of cyclohexene-containing natural products, although the question of whether a bona fide Diels-Alderase exists remains unsolved. In nature, there are remarkably few enzymes known to have the activity of [4+2] cycloaddition. These enzymes are phylogenetically distinct and are often classified according to the specific chemical structures. The variation of protein ancestors and in many cases the instability/complexity of the substrates and products pose a significant challenge in identification of the [4+2] cycloaddition catalysts using general homology-based mining approaches. We here provide the detailed description of the multiple comparison-based strategy and methods for the characterization of two distinct types of dedicated [4+2] cyclases (eg, PyrE3 and PyrI4) in the biosynthesis of spirotetramates and spirotetronates, where they act in tandem for coordinated cross-bridging of a linear polyene intermediate into a enantiomerically pure pentacyclic core. The search of new protein scaffolds with the [4+2] cycloaddition activity could enrich the pool of the candidates for mechanistic examination of a true enzymatic Diels-Alder reaction. The protocols presented in this study would also be applicable to the study of other functionally similar but phylogenetically different proteins, eg, the spiroketal cyclases.

Single- and Multiple-dose Pharmacokinetic, Safety and Tolerability Study of Mildronate Injection in Healthy Chinese Subjects Pharmacokinetic of Mildronate Injection

Mildronate is an agent for cardioprotection and neuroprotection. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles, safety and tolerability of mildronate injection after single escalating doses and multiple doses in healthy Chinese subjects. We performed a randomized, open-label, single- and multiple-dose phase I trial including 3 doses of mildronate: 250, 500 and 750 mg. Plasma and urine samples were collected and concentrations of mildronate were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Safety and tolerability was assessed throughout noting subjects' vital signs and monitoring adverse events (AEs) and conduct a comprehensive physical examination and laboratory analyses before and after the study. There was no significant difference in C 0, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ among 3 single-dose groups, whereas T 1/2 had significant statistical difference which may be caused by the inhibition of metabolic enzymes. Single- and multiple-dose intravenous injection of mildronate exhibited linear PK profiles in the range of 250-750 mg. An unconspicuous accumulation phenomenon was found after multiple-dose mildronate administration. No significant gender difference was found and mildronate is primarily excreted by the kidney. No serious AEs were observed. The formulation was safe and well tolerated from 250 to 750 mg.

Carbon nanotube growth for through silicon via application

Through silicon via (TSV) technology is key for next generation three-dimensional integrated circuits, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) provide a promising alternative to metal for filling the TSV. Three catalyst preparation methods for achieving CNT growth from the bottom of the TSV are investigated. Compared with sputtering and evaporation, catalyst deposition using dip-coating in a FeCl2 solution is found to be a more efficient method for realizing a bottom-up filling of the TSV (aspect ratio 5 or 10) with CNT. The CNT bundles grown in 5 min exceed the 50 μm length of the TSV and are multi-wall CNT with three to eight walls. The CNT bundles inside the TSV were electrically characterized by creating a direct contact using a four-point nanoprober setup. A low resistance of the CNT bundle of 69.7 Ω (297 Ω) was measured when the CNT bundle was contacted midway along (over the full length of) the 25 μm deep TSV. The electrical characterization in combination with the good filling of the TSV demonstrates the potential use of CNT in fully integrated TSV applications.

Bioequivalence evaluation of 2 tablet formulations of entecavir in healthy chinese volunteers: a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label crossover study

A randomized, 2-way crossover study was conducted in healthy Chinese male volunteers to evaluate the bioequivalence of a new generic formulation of entecavir (CAS 142217-69-4) tablets (test) and the available branded formulation (reference) to meet the requirements for marketing the test product in China. Test and reference tablets were administered as a single dose on 2 treatment days separated by a 2-week washout period. Blood samples were collected for a period of 24 h following drug administration. Plasma concentration of entecavir was determined by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental model. Bioequivalence was determined by calculating 90% CIs for the ratios of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values for the test and reference products. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring vital signs, laboratory tests and interviews with the volunteers before administration and every 2 h during the study. The 90% CIs of entecavir for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ were 95.2-106.9%, 98.4-104.6% and 97.3-104.4%, respectively, which fell within the interval of 80-125%. No clinically important adverse effects were reported. These results suggested that the test formulation of entecavir tablets met the regulatory criterion for bioequivalence to the reference formulation.

Abnormal motor reflexes and dormant facial motor neurons in rats with facial-facial anastomosis

After facial nerve injury, some post-paralysis sequelae, such as synkinesis, hemispasm and 'crocodile tears' syndrome appear. The psychosocial impact of these sequelae is unavoidable. Despite recent advances and the growing popularity of this field, the pathophysiological mechanisms of facial nerve injury and regeneration are still not well understood. In this report, an abnormal motor reflex coincident with synkinetic facial movement was examined in a rat model using the blink reflex technique. Some dormant facial motor neurons were found which could not innervate through the suture site but remained alive. These results suggest that such dormant neurons might exert roles distinct from those of re-innervated neurons during facial nerve injury and regeneration. Further study is required to elucidate the biomolecular structure and electrophysiological features of such neurons.

Controlling the catalyst during carbon nanotube growth

We have recently been able to grow single-walled carbon nanotubes by purely thermal chemical vapour deposition (CVD) at temperatures as low as 400 degrees C. This has been achieved by separating the catalyst pre-treatment step from the growth step. In the pre-treatment step, a thin film catalyst is re-arranged into a series of nano-droplets, which are then the active catalysts. Both steps have been studied by in-situ environmental transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. We have also studied the catalyst yield, the weight of nanotubes grown per weight of transition metal catalyst. Using very thin layers of Fe on Al2O3 support in a remote plasma-assisted CVD, we have achieved yields of order 100,000. This may be due to control of catalyst poisoning by ensuring an etching path.

Ser-2030, but not Ser-2808, is the major phosphorylation site in cardiac ryanodine receptors responding to protein kinase A activation upon beta-adrenergic stimulation in normal and failing hearts

We have recently shown that RyR2 (cardiac ryanodine receptor) is phosphorylated by PKA (protein kinase A/cAMP-dependent protein kinase) at two major sites, Ser-2030 and Ser-2808. In the present study, we examined the properties and physiological relevance of phosphorylation of these two sites. Using site- and phospho-specific antibodies, we demonstrated that Ser-2030 of both recombinant and native RyR2 from a number of species was phosphorylated by PKA, indicating that Ser-2030 is a highly conserved PKA site. Furthermore, we found that the phosphorylation of Ser-2030 responded to isoproterenol (isoprenaline) stimulation in rat cardiac myocytes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, whereas Ser-2808 was already substantially phosphorylated before beta-adrenergic stimulation, and the extent of the increase in Ser-2808 phosphorylation after beta-adrenergic stimulation was much less than that for Ser-2030. Interestingly, the isoproterenol-induced phosphorylation of Ser-2030, but not of Ser-2808, was markedly inhibited by PKI, a specific inhibitor of PKA. The basal phosphorylation of Ser-2808 was also insensitive to PKA inhibition. Moreover, Ser-2808, but not Ser-2030, was stoichiometrically phosphorylated by PKG (protein kinase G). In addition, we found no significant phosphorylation of RyR2 at the Ser-2030 PKA site in failing rat hearts. Importantly, isoproterenol stimulation markedly increased the phosphorylation of Ser-2030, but not of Ser-2808, in failing rat hearts. Taken together, these observations indicate that Ser-2030, but not Ser-2808, is the major PKA phosphorylation site in RyR2 responding to PKA activation upon beta-adrenergic stimulation in both normal and failing hearts, and that RyR2 is not hyperphosphorylated by PKA in heart failure. Our results also suggest that phosphorylation of RyR2 at Ser-2030 may be an important event associated with altered Ca2+ handling and cardiac arrhythmia that is commonly observed in heart failure upon beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Enhanced Maturation and Functional Capacity of Dendritic Cells Induced by Mannosylated L2 Domain of ErbB2 Receptor

The nature of antigens and functional state of dendritic cells (DC) are important in antigen presentation. The ability of DC for the induction of T-cell responses is promoted by maturation. It has been confirmed that mannose receptors mediate highly efficient endocytosis and presentation of mannosylated proteins. In the present study, L2 domain of ErbB2 ectodomain was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and mannosylated. The maturation and functional capacity of DC induced by mannosylated L2 (mL2) protein were investigated. The results showed that L2 protein could induce DC maturation, which was accompanied by elevated expression of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules. The effect of mL2 protein on DC maturation was more remarkable than that of non-mL2 proteins. Uptake of mL2 antigens by DC was more efficient. Furthermore, the T cells can be stimulated to proliferate in vitro and secrete Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Higher levels of both IFN-gamma and IL-10 were detected from the T cells stimulated by mL2-pulsed DC, suggesting a concurrent activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The results demonstrated that L2 domain of ErbB2 receptor is an immunodominant molecule. The mL2 domain of ErbB2 can induce an enhanced maturation and functional capacity of DC. It may become an effective strategy to induce anti-ErbB2 response.

Expression of estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

We assessed the expression of estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and ERbeta in 114 human endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of both ER isoforms in human endometrial tissue by immunohistochemistry. From normal proliferation to simple and complex hyperplasia, the expression of ERalpha was increased (P < 0.05), while ERbeta did not change much (P > 0.05). In atypia hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma, both ERalpha and ERbeta were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Most endometrial adenocarcinomas expressed ERalpha, either alone or in combination with ERbeta, and the ERbeta/ERalpha ratio was decreased when compared to normal proliferation (P < 0.05). Also, we found that the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta has no relationship with the status of lymph node of adenocarcinoma (P > 0.05). Both ERalpha and ERbeta play an important role in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinomas, the levels of ERalpha and ERbeta appear be used as prognostic indicators.

Expression of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ in endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

We assessed the expression of estrogen receptors (ER)α and ERβ in 114 human endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of both ER isoforms in human endometrial tissue by immunohistochemistry. From normal proliferation to simple and complex hyperplasia, the expression of ERα was increased (P < 0.05), while ERβ did not change much (P > 0.05). In atypia hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma, both ERα and ERβ were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Most endometrial adenocarcinomas expressed ERα, either alone or in combination with ERβ, and the ERβ/ERα ratio was decreased when compared to normal proliferation (P < 0.05). Also, we found that the expression of ERα and ERβ has no relationship with the status of lymph node of adenocarcinoma (P > 0.05). Both ERα and ERβ play an important role in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinomas, the levels of ERα and ERβ appear be used as prognostic indicators.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 expression is not regulated by norgestimate or norelgestromin

Steroid hormones regulate endometrial expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. Synthetic progestins are widely used in oral contraceptives and for hormone replacement therapy. To assess whether the synthetic progestins norgestimate and its derivative norelgestromin (17-deacetylnorgestimate) modulate the expression of MMPs, Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells were separately treated with 17 beta-estradiol, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, norgestimate and norelgestromin. Culture supernatants were assayed for MMPs 2, 3 and 9, and for tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). No marked modulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression was observed upon incubation of the cells with the synthetic progestins. By ELISA, neither MMP-3 or MMP-9 nor TIMP-1 immunoreactivity was detected. Interestingly, TIMP-2 expression was down-regulated by 17 beta-estradiol and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.

LacSwitch II regulation of connexin43 cDNA expression enables gap-junction single-channel analysis

Metabolic and electrical coupling through gap junction channels is implicated in cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and electrotonic propagation of signals in excitable tissues. The characterization of gating properties of these channels requires electrophysiological recordings at both single- and multiple-channel levels. Hence, a system that is able to control connexin expression by external means would provide a useful tool. To regulate the expression of connexins in cells, plasmids encoding a transactivator and/or a lac-operon IPTG response-dependent Cx43 target gene were transfected into communication-deficient N2a neuroblastoma cells. Immunoblotting, dye coupling, and electrophysiological methods revealed that expression of Cx43 in selected clones could be tightly regulated. After 15-20 h of acute induction with IPTG, cell-to-cell communication reached its peak with junctional conductances of 15-30 nS. Chronic induction at specific doses of IPTG produced constant, controlled levels of Cx43 expression, which were reflected by predictable junctional coupling levels. These conditions allowed prolonged recordings from either lowly or highly coupled cells, making lac operon an ideal regulatory system for channel gating studies at a single-channel level.

[A textual research on drinking disease and antidrinking remedies]

This subject is investigated through three aspects, viz., definition of drinking disease, its manifestations and treatment, and recipes and drug for antidrinking. The term "drinking disease" (Jiu Bing) was first recorded in Wang Shuhe's Canon of Pulsology, while abnormal drinking (Jiu Bo) was mentioned in Miraculous Pivot (Ling Shu). On Pathogenesis Manifestation of all diseases (Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun) gives the pathology and etiology. Great influence was exerted from Jin-yuan dynasties concerning its treatment. Zhang Jiebin expounded the comatous syndrome due to drinking (Jiu Jue). The earliest antidrinking drug was recorded in Shen Nong's Classic of Herbology. Through investigation, the commonly applied drug for relieving drunk include Flos Puerariae, Fructus Hovenariae, while the famous recipe for relieving drunk is Anti-tipsy Decoction of Flos Puerariae.

Chlamydia pneumoniae major outer membrane protein is a surface-exposed antigen that elicits antibodies primarily directed against conformation-dependent determinants

The major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia trachomatis serovariants is known to be an immunodominant surface antigen. Moreover, it is known that the C. trachomatis MOMP elicits antibodies that recognize both linear and conformational antigenic determinants. In contrast, it has been reported that the MOMP of Chlamydia pneumoniae is not surface exposed and is immunorecessive. We hypothesized that the discrepancies between C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae MOMP exposure on intact chlamydiae and immunogenic properties might be because the focus of the host's immune response is directed to conformational epitopes of the C. pneumoniae MOMP. We therefore conducted studies aimed at defining the surface exposure of MOMP and the conformational dominance of MOMP antibodies. We present here a description of C. pneumoniae species-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb), GZD1E8, which recognizes a conformational epitope on the surface of C. pneumoniae. This MAb is potent in the neutralization of C. pneumoniae infectivity in vitro. Another previously described C. pneumoniae species-specific monoclonal antibody, RR-402, displayed very similar characteristics. However, the antigenic determinant recognized by RR-402 has yet to be identified. We show by immunoprecipitation of C. pneumoniae with GZD1E8 and RR-402 MAbs and by mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins that both antibodies GZD1E8 and RR-402 recognize the MOMP of C. pneumoniae and that this protein is localized on the surface of the organism. We also show that human sera from C. pneumoniae-positive donors consistently recognize the MOMP by immunoprecipitation, indicating that the MOMP of C. pneumoniae is an immunogenic protein. These findings have potential implications for both C. pneumoniae vaccine and diagnostic assay development.

Identification of a chlamydial protease-like activity factor responsible for the degradation of host transcription factors

Microbial pathogens have been selected for the capacity to evade or manipulate host responses in order to survive after infection. Chlamydia, an obligate intracellular pathogen and the causative agent for many human diseases, can escape T lymphocyte immune recognition by degrading host transcription factors required for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen expression. We have now identified a chlamydial protease- or proteasome-like activity factor (CPAF) that is secreted into the host cell cytosol and that is both necessary and sufficient for the degradation of host transcription factors RFX5 and upstream stimulation factor 1 (USF-1). The CPAF gene is highly conserved among chlamydial strains, but has no significant overall homology with other known genes. Thus, CPAF represents a unique secreted protein produced by an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen to interfere with effective host adaptive immunity.

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection significantly exacerbates aortic atherosclerosis in an LDLR-/- mouse model within six months

We have previously shown that infection with the C. pneumoniae AR39 strain once monthly for 9 consecutive months significantly exacerbated atherosclerosis in mice with LDL receptor deficiency (LDLR-/-) in the presence of a high cholesterol diet. To further optimize the LDLR-/- mouse model for studying the mechanisms of C. pneumoniae atherogenesis, we have tested a different infection protocol with intranasal inoculation twice monthly for 6 consecutive months in the present study. We found that C. pneumoniae infection for 6 months was sufficient to produce a 130%, significantly greater exacerbation of aortic atherosclerosis in LDLR-/- mice in the presence of a high cholesterol diet. Mice receiving a high cholesterol diet alone displayed a lesion area index of 18.2 +/- 6.1 (S.D.) while mice treated with both the high cholesterol diet and C. pneumoniae infection had a lesion area index of 41.8 +/- 15.2 (S.D.). However, the chlamydial infection did not significantly alter the mouse serum total cholesterol or the LDL levels induced by the high cholesterol diet. This study not only confirms our previous findings that C. pneumoniae infection can exacerbate aortic atherosclerosis lesion in the LDLR-/- mice, but also further optimizes the LDLR-/- mouse model for future mechanism studies.

A motif shared by TFIIF and TFIIB mediates their interaction with the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain phosphatase Fcp1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transcription by RNA polymerase II is accompanied by cyclic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal heptapeptide repeat domain (CTD) of its largest subunit. We have used deletion and point mutations in Fcp1p, a TFIIF-interacting CTD phosphatase, to show that the integrity of its BRCT domain, like that of its catalytic domain, is important for cell viability, mRNA synthesis, and CTD dephosphorylation in vivo. Although regions of Fcp1p carboxy terminal to its BRCT domain and at its amino terminus were not essential for viability, deletion of either of these regions affected the phosphorylation state of the CTD. Two portions of this carboxy-terminal region of Fcp1p bound directly to the first cyclin-like repeat in the core domain of the general transcription factor TFIIB, as well as to the RAP74 subunit of TFIIF. These regulatory interactions with Fcp1p involved closely related amino acid sequence motifs in TFIIB and RAP74. Mutating the Fcp1p-binding motif KEFGK in the RAP74 (Tfg1p) subunit of TFIIF to EEFGE led to both synthetic phenotypes in certain fcp1 tfg1 double mutants and a reduced ability of Fcp1p to activate transcription when it is artificially tethered to a promoter. These results suggest strongly that this KEFGK motif in RAP74 mediates its interaction with Fcp1p in vivo.

[Inner-hemangioma ligation and pingyangmycin injection in hemangioma (with 30 cases report)]

OBJECTIVE

To provide a simple and safe surgical approach in treating cavernous and racemose hemangioma.

METHODS

First cross-ligate the hemangioma, as to divide the tumor into independent compartments, them inject pingyangmycin into the compartments respectively.

RESULTS

There are 30 cases in this group (35 hemangiomas). Twenty-four cases (28 hemangiomas) were totally cured, accounting for 80%; Six cases were improved (7 hemangiomas) for 20%; There was no ineffective case.

CONCLUSION

"Inner-hemangioma ligation and injection of pingyangmycin" has broad surgical indications, with desirable outcome in treating cavernous and racemose hemangioma, especially those unsuitable for surgery, or ineffective simply by inner-hemangioma injection.