An ultra-thin and highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding composite paper with hydrophobic and antibacterial properties

Facing the increasing electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution in the living environment, it is a new trend to explore an efficient EMI shielding material with facile fabrication and a wide range of application scenarios. A hydrophobic composite paper composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and kapok microfibers cellulose (MFC) was modified by methyl trimethoxy silane (MTMS) through a simple method. As a result, the composite paper has a good EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 61.7 dB with electrical conductivity of 695.41 S/cm. The modification of MTMS improved the thermal stability performance of composite paper, which also increased its water contact angle to 113°. The free silver ions (Ag+) released from AgNWs can kill surrounding microbial bacteria, endowing the composite paper with good antibacterial property. Water resistance and antibacterial property enable MTMS/AgNWs/MFC composite paper to cope with complex application environments.

Transitions of Collective Motions Driven by Phase Resetting

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Gao's group. The image shows the motion patterns transition of the active gel group under the step light intensity, which describes the mechanism of a new collective emergence structure. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202300054.

Influence of calcium-based desensitizing toothpastes on the bonding performance of universal adhesive

The study evaluated the effect of calcium-based desensitizing toothpastes on the dentinal tubule occlusion and its influence on the dentin bond strength of universal adhesive. Mid-coronal dentin samples were prepared for hypersensitivity model and treated by the following calcium-based desensitizing toothpastes: no treatment (Control), Clinpro (fTCP), Pro-Relief (Pro-Argin), and Repair & Protect (Novamin). Single Bond Universal adhesive was applied in self-etch or etch-and-rinse mode. The dentinal tubule occlusion and adhesion interface were evaluated under scanning electron microscope (SEM). A double-fluorescence technique was used to examine interfacial permeability under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) was employed, followed by the fracture interface observation. SEM showed the toothpastes occluded dentinal tubules, and the occlusion exhibited stability against acid and abrasion. Hindered resin infiltration was observed in the adhesion interface after desensitization. CLSM showed more water permeation within or under the adhesion interface in etch-and-rinse mode than self-etch mode. Desensitization decreased the μTBS in self-etch mode. When using etch-and-rinse mode, the desensitized samples presented similar μTBS to the control group. No difference in μTBS was found between the two bonding modes, except for the control group. Calcium-based desensitizing toothpastes can effectively occlude the exposed dentinal tubules with acid-resistant and abrasion-resistant stability. The desensitization reduced the dentin bond strength of the universal adhesive system in self-etch mode but did not affect the bond strength of etch-and-rinse mode.

Transitions of Collective Motions Driven by Phase Resetting

Abrupt (i.e. step) environmental changes, such as natural disasters or the intervention of predators, can alter the internal dynamics of groups with active units, leading to the rapid destruction and/or restructuring of the group, with the emergence of new collective structures that endow the system with adaptability. Few studies, to date, have considered the influence of abrupt environmental changes on emergent behavior. Here, we use a model of active matter, the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) self-oscillating gel, to study the mechanism of formation and transition between modes of collective locomotion caused by changes of illumination intensity in arrays of interacting photosensitive active units. New forms of collective motion can be generated by step changes of illumination intensity. These transformations arise from the phase resetting and wave-signal regeneration induced by the abrupt parameter variation, while gradual change results in different evolution of collective motion. Our results not only suggest a novel mechanism for emergence, but also imply that new collective behaviors could be accessible via discontinuous parameter changes.

Forensic and genetic landscape explorations of Chinese Kyrgyz group based on autosomal SNPs, Y-chromosomal SNPs and STRs

To assess the effect of population genetic polymorphism on forensic research, we investigated the genetic polymorphisms of Chinese Kyrgyz group (n = 98) and evaluated forensic application values in Chinese Kyrgyz group and other 26 reference populations at 90 autosomal SNPs, and then combined with 34 SNPs and 37 STRs on Y chromosome to reveal the genetic background of Kyrgyz group in autosomal and Y-chromosomal inheritances, respectively. The 90 autosomal SNPs and 34 Y-chromosomal SNPs were sequenced base on next generation sequencing technology, and 37 Y-chromosomal STRs were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis platform. The results showed that cumulative power of discrimination and cumulative power of exclusion of 90 autosomal SNPs in the panel met the application need of forensic genetics in Kyrgyz group. The forensic effectivenesses of the panel were high in all 27 populations, although there were genetic differences among these populations. The forensic effectiveness of the panel was relatively higher in the European populations, but relatively lower in the African populations. The population genetic results indicated that the Kyrgyz group had the relatively closer genetic relationships with the reference East Asian populations at autosomal SNPs, and there were gene exchanges between the Kyrgyz group and East Asian, European populations based on the analytical results of autosomal SNPs, Y-chromosomal SNPs and STRs.

Nanogel Crosslinking-Based Belousov-Zhabotinsky Self-Oscillating Polyacrylamide Gel with Improved Mechanical Properties and Fast Oscillatory Response

The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) self-oscillating gel is a unique actuator suited for studying the behavior of intelligent soft robots. However, the traditional BZ self-oscillating polyacrylamide (PAAm) gel is easily broken and is slow to response to stimuli, which limits its practical application. Therefore, the preparation of BZ gels with sensitive responses to external stimuli and desirable, robust mechanical properties remains a challenge. In this work, PAAm-activated nanogels with unpolymerized double bonds are used as nanocrosslinkers to synthesize a nanogel crosslinking-based BZ (NCBZ) self-oscillating PAAm gel, whose mechanical properties, for example, antipuncture, cutting, and tensile properties, are superior to those of traditional PAAm BZ-self-oscillating gels. The oscillatory period of the traditional gel is much longer than that of the corresponding homogeneous BZ system, resulting from the slow response of the gel to changes in redox potential, whereas large, interconnected pores inside the NCBZ gel provide efficient channels for rapid species transport, supporting fast response of the gel, which results in almost the same period of chemomechanical oscillations as the homogeneous system under the same conditions. Scanning electron microscopy results show that the NCBZ gel is more stable than the traditional BZ PAAm gel after 7 h of oscillation. Our results make it possible to prepare robust gel motors and provide promising application prospects for smart soft robots, actuators, sensors, tissue engineering, and other applications.

Rotational Locomotion of an Active Gel Driven by Internal Chemical Signals

Chemical waves arising from coupled reaction and transport can serve as biomimetic "nerve signals" to study the underlying origin and regulation of active locomotion. During wave propagation in more than one spatial dimension, the propagation direction of spiral and pulse waves in a nanogel-based PAAm self-oscillating gel, i.e., the orientation of the driving force, may deviate from the normal direction to the wave fronts. Alternating forward and backward retrograde wave locomotion along the normal and tangential kinematic vectors with a phase difference leads to a curved path, i.e., rotational locomotion. This work indicates that appendages in an organism are not required for this type of locomotion. This locomotion mechanism reveals a general principle underlying the dynamical origin of biological helical locomotion and also suggests design approaches for complex locomotion of soft robots and smart materials.

Combination of Polydopamine Coating and Plasma Pretreatment to Improve Bond Ability Between PEEK and Primary Teeth

Preformed crowns are preferred to reduce the failure risk of restoration of primary teeth, but some drawback of conventional material is still a main barrier for their clinical use. Polyether etherketone (PEEK), a tooth colored, high-performance thermoplastic polymer, has been recognized as a promising alternative to manufacture the restoration of primary teeth. However, the hydrophobic surface and low surface energy of PEEK make it hard to establish a strong and durable adhesion. In this study, we have evaluated a modification method of polydopamine (PDA) coating with plasma pretreatment for the PEEK films by physical and chemical characterization, bonding properties, and biocompatibility. The surface properties of PEEK were well-characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adhesive strength of the PEEK films was greatly improved without significant reduction of the proliferation rate of human gingival fibroblast cells in MTT and Live/Dead assays. Therefore, PDA coating with plasma pretreatment may give a new solution for effective clinical application of PEEK in primary performed crowns.

A novel CD2 staining-based flow cytometric assay for assessment of natural killer cell cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Assessing cytotoxicity is fundamental to studying natural killer (NK) cell function. Various radioactive and non-radioactive cytotoxicity assays measuring target cell death have been developed. Among these methods, the most commonly used ⁵¹ Chromium-release assay (CRA) and flow cytometry-based cytotoxicity assays (FCCs) are the major representatives. Nonetheless, several drawbacks, including dye leakage and the potential effects of prior labeling on cells, curb the broad applicability of the FCCs.

METHODS

Here, we report a rapid FCC for quantifying target cell death after co-incubation with NK cells. In this assay, after 4 hours of NK cell-target cell co-incubation, fluorochrome-conjugated CD2 antibody was used to identify NK cells, and SYTOX Green and Annexin V-FITC were further used to detect target cell death in CD2-negative population. In parallel, both CRA and FCC assay using CFSE/ 7-AAD were performed to validate the reproducibility and replicability.

RESULTS

We observed that CD2 is exclusively positive on NK cells other than the most common hematological target tumor cells, such as K562, HL60, MOLM13, Raji, NCI-H929, rpmi8226, MM.1S, and KMS11. Assessment of target cell death using the CD2-based FCC shows a significantly higher percent specific lysis of the target cells compared to the standard CRA and the FCC assay using CFSE and 7-AAD.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that this CD2-based FCC is a fast, simple, and reliable method for evaluating NK cell cytotoxicity.

Chemomechanical origin of directed locomotion driven by internal chemical signals

Asymmetry in the interaction between an individual and its environment is generally considered essential for the directional properties of active matter, but can directional locomotions and their transitions be generated only from intrinsic chemical dynamics and its modulation? Here, we examine this question by simulating the locomotion of a bioinspired active gel in a homogeneous environment. We find that autonomous directional locomotion emerges in the absence of asymmetric interaction with the environment and that a transition between modes of gel locomotion can be induced by adjusting the spatially uniform intensity of illumination or certain kinetic and mechanical system parameters. The internal wave dynamics and its structural modulation act as the impetus for signal-driven active locomotion in a manner similar to the way in which an animal's locomotion is generated via driving by nerve pulses. Our results may have implications for the development of soft robots and biomimetic materials.

Programmed Locomotion of an Active Gel Driven by Spiral Waves

Active media that host spiral waves can display complex modes of locomotion driven by the dynamics of those waves. We use a model of a photosensitive stimulus-responsive gel that supports the propagation of spiral chemical waves to study locomotive transition and programmed locomotion. The mode transition between circular and toroidal locomotion results from the onset of spiral tip meandering that arises via a secondary Hopf bifurcation as the level of illumination is increased. This dynamic instability of the system introduces a second circular locomotion with a small diameter caused by tip meandering. The original circular locomotion with large diameter is driven by the push-pull asymmetry of the wavefront and waveback of the simple spiral waves initiated at one corner of gel. By harnessing this mode transition of the gel locomotion via coded illumination, we design programmable pathways of nature-inspired angular locomotion of the gel.

Effect of Reaction Parameters on the Wavelength of Pulse Waves in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction-Diffusion System

The wavelength of Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) traveling waves is the key factor that limits the scale of BZ self-oscillating gel motors. To achieve control of the wavelength, it is necessary to evaluate the wavelength dependence on species concentrations and temperature. In this work, the effect of reaction parameters on the wavelength of BZ pulse waves was studied. The most effective way to reduce the wavelength of pulse waves is to increase the concentration of organic species and/or the temperature. Decreasing the concentration of bromate, hydrogen ion, or metal catalyst also reduces the wavelength of pulse waves. This work provides a convenient and direct method to produce sub-millimeter BZ waves, which could be applied to designing BZ wave-driven small-scale gel motors as well as providing insight into other emergent behaviors of self-oscillating gels.

Effects of autologous platelet transfusion on platelet inhibition in ticagrelor-treated and clopidogrel-treated subjects

Essentials Limited data on hemostatic benefits of platelet transfusion (PT) exist. 44 healthy subjects had a single dose of ticagrelor or clopidogrel ± autologous PT post-dosing. PT did not reverse ticagrelor's antiplatelet effects and had minimal impact post clopidogrel. Post-ticagrelor, PT is unlikely to be beneficial, and the benefits post-clopidogrel are unknown.

SUMMARY

Background Antiplatelet agents increase bleeding risk. Few data on hemostatic benefits of platelet transfusion exist. Objective To assess the effect of autologous platelet transfusion on ticagrelor-mediated and clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition in a single-center, open-label, randomized, cross-over study (NCT01744288). Methods Forty-four healthy subjects received ticagrelor (180 mg) or clopidogrel (600 mg; two functional CYP2C19 alleles [*1 or *17] required) with or without platelet transfusion (14-day washout). Subjects received one autologous platelet apheresis unit (approximately six pooled donor platelet units) 24 h (n = 15) or 48 h (n = 13) after ticagrelor or 48 h after clopidogrel (n = 16). Platelet apheresis was conducted 72 h before transfusion. Aspirin (81 mg per day) was taken from after apheresis until 24 h before transfusion. P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs) and inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) induced by ADP were measured. Results Mean age and body mass index were 30 years (standard deviation [SD] 6 years) and 26.9 kg m-2 (SD 4.0 kg m-2 ), respectively; 98% of subjects were men, and 39 of 44 completed treatment. Platelet transfusion 24 h after ticagrelor had minimal effects on IPA or PRU values within 48 h after transfusion. Platelet transfusion 48 h after ticagrelor also had minimal effects on IPA or PRU values at most post-transfusion times. Platelet transfusion 48 h after clopidogrel, versus no transfusion, had a small reversing effect on IPA (24 h, 36 h, and 48 h) and PRU values (12 h, 24 h, and 36 h) after transfusion. Conclusions Autologous platelet transfusion is unlikely to be of clinical benefit in reversing the antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor. The clinical relevance of the small effects seen with clopidogrel is unknown.

[Expression of TRPV1 and CGRP in rat trigeminal ganglion during orthodontic tooth movement]

PURPOSE

Sprague-Dawley rat models of tooth movement were established to investigate the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in rat trigeminal ganglion during orthodontic tooth movement, and to explore the roles of TRPV1 and CGRP in orthodontic pain.

METHODS

Sixty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (n=6), sham operation group (n=6), and experimental group (n=54). Tooth movement models were established, orthodontic force (50 g) was applied on the maxillary first molar in the rats of experimental group, and then the trigeminal ganglia were collected at 4, 8 h, 1 d (3 subgroups were set up according to the force: 1 d-30 g, 1 d-50 g, 1 d-80 g), 3, 5, 7, 14 d after tooth movement. The changes of TRPV1 and CGRP expression were detected by immunofluorescence staining. SPSS16.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

According to immunofluorescence staining, the TRPV1-IR and CGRP-IR neurons were mostly small to medium sized. The percentages of TRPV1-IR and CGRP-IR neurons in trigeminal ganglion increased after applying force, and reached the peak at 1-3 d and then fell to the initial level gradually. In addition, the application of greater force during experimental tooth movement induced higher percentages of TRPV1-IR and CGRP-IR neurons in trigeminal ganglion.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental tooth movement leads to the regular changes of TRPV1-IR and CGRP-IR neurons in trigeminal ganglion, indicating that TRPV1 and CGRP may play important roles in orthodontic pain.

Efficacy and safety of initial combination treatment with sitagliptin and pioglitazone--a factorial study

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy of sitagliptin 100 mg/day coadministered with all marketed doses of pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients with A1c ≥7.5 and ≤11.0% were randomized among seven arms that received, once daily, 100 mg sitagliptin alone; 15, 30 or 45 mg pioglitazone alone, or 100 mg sitagliptin plus 15, 30 or 45 mg pioglitazone for 54 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in A1c at week 24. Protocol-specified analyses compared combination therapies with monotherapies at respective dose-strengths and combination of sitagliptin plus pioglitazone 30 mg with pioglitazone 45 mg monotherapy. Post-hoc analyses compared sitagliptin plus pioglitazone 15 mg with pioglitazone monotherapy at the two higher doses.

RESULTS

Initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone provided significantly greater reductions in A1c (0.4-0.7% differences) and other glycaemic endpoints than either monotherapy at the same doses. Combining sitagliptin with low-dose pioglitazone generally produced greater glycaemic improvements than higher doses of pioglitazone monotherapy (0.3-0.4% differences in A1c). Combination therapy was generally well tolerated; adverse events (AEs) of hypoglycaemia were reported with similar incidence (7.8-11.1%) in all treatment groups over the 54 weeks of study; oedema was reported in 0.5% of patients in the sitagliptin monotherapy group and 2.7-5.3% among pioglitazone-treated groups. Significant weight gain was observed in all combination-treated groups compared with the sitagliptin monotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone provided better glycaemic control than either monotherapy and was generally well tolerated.

The localized discovery and recovery for query packet losses in wireless sensor networks with distributed detector clusters

An essential application of wireless sensor networks is to successfully respond to user queries. Query packet losses occur in the query dissemination due to wireless communication problems such as interference, multipath fading, packet collisions, etc. The losses of query messages at sensor nodes result in the failure of sensor nodes reporting the requested data. Hence, the reliable and successful dissemination of query messages to sensor nodes is a non-trivial problem. The target of this paper is to enable highly successful query delivery to sensor nodes by localized and energy-efficient discovery, and recovery of query losses. We adopt local and collective cooperation among sensor nodes to increase the success rate of distributed discoveries and recoveries. To enable the scalability in the operations of discoveries and recoveries, we employ a distributed name resolution mechanism at each sensor node to allow sensor nodes to self-detect the correlated queries and query losses, and then efficiently locally respond to the query losses. We prove that the collective discovery of query losses has a high impact on the success of query dissemination and reveal that scalability can be achieved by using the proposed approach. We further study the novel features of the cooperation and competition in the collective recovery at PHY and MAC layers, and show that the appropriate number of detectors can achieve optimal successful recovery rate. We evaluate the proposed approach with both mathematical analyses and computer simulations. The proposed approach enables a high rate of successful delivery of query messages and it results in short route lengths to recover from query losses. The proposed approach is scalable and operates in a fully distributed manner.

Efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 54-week study

AIM

To assess the 54-week efficacy of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone, compared with pioglitazone monotherapy, and to assess safety in these groups during the 30 weeks after the dosage of pioglitazone was increased from 30 to 45 mg/day, in drug-naÏve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycaemic control [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8-12%].

METHODS

Following a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study (Sitagliptin Protocol 064, Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00397631; Yoon KH, Shockey GR, Teng R et al. Effect of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and pioglitazone on glycaemic control and measures of beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Int J Clin Pract 2011; 65: 154-164) in which patients were treated with the combination of sitagliptin 100 mg/day and pioglitazone 30 mg/day or monotherapy with pioglitazone 30 mg/day, patients entered a 30-week extension study. In the extension study, the pioglitazone dose was increased from 30 to 45 mg/day in both groups. Depending upon treatment allocation, patients took one tablet of sitagliptin 100 mg or matching placebo daily. Pioglitazone was administered in an open-label fashion as a single 45-mg tablet taken once daily. Patients not meeting specific glycaemic goals in the extension study were rescued with metformin therapy. Efficacy and safety results for the extension study excluded data after initiation of rescue therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 520 patients initially randomized, 446 completed the base study and, of these, 317 entered the extension. In this extension study cohort, the mean reductions from baseline in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at the end of the base study (week 24) were -2.5% and -62.1 mg/dl with the combination of sitagliptin 100 mg and pioglitazone 30 mg versus -1.9% and -48.7 mg/dl with pioglitazone monotherapy. At the end of the extension study (week 54), the mean reduction in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was -2.4% with the combination of sitagliptin 100 mg and pioglitazone 45 mg versus -1.9% with pioglitazone monotherapy [between-group difference (95% CI) = -0.5% (-0.8, -0.3)] and the mean reduction in FPG was -61.3 mg/dl versus -52.8 mg/dl, respectively [between-group difference (95% CI) = -8.5 mg/dl (-16.3, -0.7)]. Safety and tolerability of initial treatment with the combination of sitagliptin and pioglitazone and pioglitazone monotherapy were similar. As expected, increases in body weight from baseline were observed in both treatment groups at week 54: 4.8 and 4.1 kg in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively [between-group difference (95% CI) = 0.7 kg (-0.7, 2.1)].

CONCLUSION

In this study, initial combination therapy with sitagliptin 100 mg and pioglitazone 30 mg increased to 45 mg after 24 weeks led to a substantial and durable incremental improvement in glycaemic control compared with initial treatment with pioglitazone monotherapy during a 54-week treatment period. Both initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone and pioglitazone monotherapy were generally well tolerated (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01028391).

On-demand information retrieval in sensor networks with localised query and energy-balanced data collection

On-demand information retrieval enables users to query and collect up-to-date sensing information from sensor nodes. Since high energy efficiency is required in a sensor network, it is desirable to disseminate query messages with small traffic overhead and to collect sensing data with low energy consumption. However, on-demand query messages are generally forwarded to sensor nodes in network-wide broadcasts, which create large traffic overhead. In addition, since on-demand information retrieval may introduce intermittent and spatial data collections, the construction and maintenance of conventional aggregation structures such as clusters and chains will be at high cost. In this paper, we propose an on-demand information retrieval approach that exploits the name resolution of data queries according to the attribute and location of each sensor node. The proposed approach localises each query dissemination and enable localised data collection with maximised aggregation. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an analytical model that describes the criteria of sink proxy selection is provided. The evaluation results reveal that the proposed scheme significantly reduces energy consumption and improves the balance of energy consumption among sensor nodes by alleviating heavy traffic near the sink.

Effect of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and metformin on β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To examine the effect of sitagliptin and metformin, alone and in combination, on modelled parameters of β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The data used in the present analyses are from a 104-week study, which included a 24-week, placebo- and active controlled phase followed by a 30-week, active controlled, continuation phase and an additional 50-week, active controlled extension phase. Patients were randomised to one of six blinded treatments: sitagliptin 50 mg + metformin 1000 mg b.i.d., sitagliptin 50 mg + metformin 500 mg b.i.d., metformin 1000 mg b.i.d., metformin 500 mg b.i.d., sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. or placebo. Patients on placebo were switched in a blinded manner to metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. at week 24. Subsets of patients volunteered to undergo frequently sampled meal tolerance tests at baseline and at weeks 24, 54 and 104. β-cell responsivity was assessed with the C-peptide minimal model. The static component (Φ(s)) estimates the rate of insulin secretion related to above-basal glucose concentration. The dynamic component (Φ(d)) is related to the rate of change in glucose. The total index (Φ(total)) represents the overall response to a glycaemic stimulus and is calculated as a function of Φ(s) and Φ(d). Insulin sensitivity was estimated with the Matsuda index (ISI). The disposition index, which assesses insulin secretion relative to the prevailing insulin sensitivity, was calculated based on the Φ(total) and ISI.

RESULTS

At week 24, substantial reductions in postmeal glucose were observed with all active treatment groups relative to the placebo group. Φ(s), Φ(total) and the disposition index were significantly improved from baseline at week 24 with all active treatments relative to placebo. Generally larger effects were observed with the initial combination of sitagliptin and metformin relative to the monotherapy groups. When expressed as median percent change from baseline, Φ(s) increased from baseline by 137 and 177% in the low- and high-dose combination groups and by 85, 54, 73 and -9% in the high-dose metformin, low-dose metformin, sitagliptin monotherapy and placebo groups, respectively. At weeks 54 and 104, the combination treatment groups continued to demonstrate greater improvements in β-cell function relative to their respective monotherapy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After 24 weeks of therapy, relative to placebo, initial treatment with sitagliptin or metformin monotherapy improved β-cell function; moreover, initial combination therapy demonstrated larger improvements than the individual monotherapies. Improvements in β-cell function were found with treatments for up to 2 years.

Lack of significant food effect on the pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor in healthy volunteers

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Ticagrelor is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y(12) receptor antagonist and has been approved in the European Union and the USA for the reduction of clinical thrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndromes. This study aimed to assess the effect of food on ticagrelor pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

The study was an open-label, randomized, 2-period crossover single-centre trial; 26 healthy volunteers received a single 270 mg (3×90 mg tablets) ticagrelor dose orally following: (i) a 10-h overnight fast; and (ii) after a standard high-fat, high-calorie breakfast. Ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX (a major pharmacologically active metabolite) plasma concentrations were quantified for pharmacokinetic analysis.

RESULTS

Ticagrelor median time to maximum concentration (t(max); 2·5 h vs. 1·5 h) was slightly delayed in the fed vs. fasting state. Maximum concentration of ticagrelor (C(max)) was comparable between the two states with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the geometric least-squares (GLS) mean ratio (0·85-1·03) being within no-effect limits (0·80-1·25). Ticagrelor exposure was slightly higher with food intake; area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC) was 21% higher compared with fasting state (95% CI of GLS mean ratio=1·13-1·30). For AR-C124910XX, AUC (95% CI of GLS mean ratio=0·93-1·07) was unaffected by food consumption. Median t(max) of the metabolite was slightly longer in the fed than fasting state (3·5 h vs. 1·5 h). Mean C(max) for AR-C124910XX was slightly lower (22%) with food intake vs. fasting (95% CI of GLS mean ratio 0·69-0·88).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Food effects on ticagrelor AUC and AR-C124910XX C(max) were small and are considered to be of minimal clinical significance. Thus, ticagrelor can be administered with or without food.

Effect of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and pioglitazone on glycemic control and measures of β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the safety and efficacy of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone compared with pioglitazone monotherapy in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 520 patients were randomised to initial combination therapy with sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. and pioglitazone 30 mg q.d. or pioglitazone 30 mg q.d. monotherapy for 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone led to a mean reduction from baseline in A1C of -2.4% compared with -1.5% for pioglitazone monotherapy (p<0.001). Mean reductions from baseline were greater in patients with a baseline A1C≥10% (-3.0% with combination therapy vs. -2.1% with pioglitazone monotherapy) compared with patients with a baseline A1C<10% (-2.0% with combination therapy vs. -1.1% with pioglitazone monotherapy). Sixty percent of patients in the combination therapy group vs. 28% in the pioglitazone monotherapy group had an A1C of <7% at week 24 (p<0.001). Fasting plasma glucose decreased by -63.0 mg/dl (-3.5 mmol/l) in the combination therapy group compared with -40.2 mg/dl (-2.2 mmol/l) for pioglitazone monotherapy (p<0.001), and 2-h post meal glucose decreased by -113.6 mg/dl (-6.3 mmol/l) with combination therapy compared with -68.9 mg/dl (-3.8 mmol/l) for pioglitazone monotherapy (p<0.001). Measures related to β-cell function also improved significantly with combination therapy compared with pioglitazone monotherapy. Combination therapy was generally well-tolerated compared with pioglitazone monotherapy, with similar incidences of hypoglycemia (1.1% and 0.8%, respectively), gastrointestinal adverse events (5.7% and 6.9%, respectively), and oedema (2.7% and 3.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone substantially improved glycemic control and was generally well-tolerated compared with pioglitazone monotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin and metformin as initial combination therapy and as monotherapy over 2 years in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess the 104-week efficacy and safety of sitagliptin and metformin as initial combination therapy and as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control (HbA(1c) 7.5-11%) on diet and exercise.

METHODS

This study was a 50-week, double-blind extension of a 54-week, randomized, double-blind, factorial study of the initial combination of sitagliptin and metformin, metformin monotherapy and sitagliptin monotherapy (104 weeks total duration). Patients assigned to active therapy in the 54-week base study remained on those treatments in the extension study: sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. + metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. (higher dose combination), sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. + metformin 500 mg b.i.d. (lower dose combination), metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. (higher dose), metformin 500 mg b.i.d. (lower dose) and sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. Patients randomized to receive the sequence of placebo/metformin were switched, in a blinded manner, from placebo to metformin monotherapy uptitrated to 1000 mg b.i.d. beginning at week 24 and remained on higher dose metformin through the extension.

RESULTS

Amongst patients who entered the extension study without having initiated glycaemic rescue therapy, least-squares mean changes in HbA(1c) from baseline at week 104 were -1.7% (higher dose combination), -1.4% (lower dose combination), -1.3% (higher dose), -1.1% (lower dose) and -1.2% (sitagliptin). The proportions of patients with an HbA(1c) <7% at week 104 were 60% (higher dose combination), 45% (lower dose combination), 45% (higher dose), 28% (lower dose) and 32% (sitagliptin). Fasting and postmeal measures of glycaemic control and beta-cell function improved in all groups, with glycaemic responses generally maintained over the 104-week treatment period. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was low across all groups. The incidences of gastrointestinal adverse experiences were generally lower in the sitagliptin group and similar between the metformin monotherapy and combination groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and metformin and monotherapy with either drug alone provided substantial and sustained glycaemic improvements and were well tolerated over 104 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Breakdown of K selection in 178Hf

Coulomb activation of the four quasiparticle Kpi=16+ 178Hf isomer (t1/2=31 y) has led to the measurement of a set of Elamda matrix elements coupling the isomer band to the ground band. The present data combined with earlier 178 Hf Coulomb excitation data have probed the components in the wave functions and revealed the onset and saturation of K mixing in low-K bands, whereas the mixing is negligible in the high-K bands. The implications can be applied to other quadrupole-deformed nuclei.

Morphological analysis of leucocyte transmigration in the pleural cavity

The role that pleural mesothelial cells play in leucocyte transmigration into the pleural cavity was investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mice. Changes in mesothelial cell morphology and changes in expression of adhesion molecules on mesothelial cells and leucocytes were analysed by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immuno-scanning electron microscopy (immuno-SEM). After stimulation, the mesothelial cells separated completely from one another before leucocyte penetration across the mesothelial layer occurred. These changes occurred primarily in the immediate vicinity of ribs, where a large number of leucocytes accumulated. Immuno-SEM showed that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the parietal pleural mesothelial cells was significantly up-regulated by lipopolysaccharide stimulation, and that of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was induced. Both were restricted to the microvilli of the mesothelial cells. By contrast, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), peripheral node addressin (PNAd) and fibronectin were not detected. Lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), macrophage-1 molecule (Mac-1) and very late appearing antigen-4 (VLA-4), all ligands of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, were present on the transmigrated neutrophils and macrophages. These findings demonstrate that the immediate vicinity of ribs is a source of leucocyte migration into the pleural space.

Centrality dependence of charged-hadron transverse-momentum spectra in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We have measured transverse momentum distributions of charged hadrons produced in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The spectra were obtained for transverse momenta 0.25<p(T)<6.0 GeV/c, in a pseudorapidity range of 0.2<eta<1.4 in the deuteron direction. The evolution of the spectra with collision centrality is presented in comparison to p+pmacr; collisions at the same collision energy. With increasing centrality, the yield at high transverse momenta increases more rapidly than the overall particle density, leading to a strong modification of the spectral shape. This change in spectral shape is qualitatively different from observations in Au+Au collisions at the same energy. The results provide important information for discriminating between different models for the suppression of high-p(T) hadrons observed in Au+Au collisions.

Significance of the fragmentation region in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions

We present measurements of the pseudorapidity distribution of primary charged particles produced in Au+Au collisions at three energies, sqrt[s(NN)]=19.6, 130, and 200 GeV, for a range of collision centrali-ties. The distribution narrows for more central collisions and excess particles are produced at high pseudorapidity in peripheral collisions. For a given centrality, however, the distributions are found to scale with energy according to the "limiting fragmentation" hypothesis. The universal fragmentation region described by this scaling grows in pseudorapidity with increasing collision energy, extending well away from the beam rapidity and covering more than half of the pseudorapidity range over which particles are produced. This approach to a universal limiting curve appears to be a dominant feature of the pseudorapidity distribution and therefore of the total particle production in these collisions.

Coulomb excitation paths of high-K isomer bands in 178Hf

Three distinctly different mechanisms are shown to populate the K(pi)=6(+) (t(1/2)=77 ns), 16(+) (31 yr), and 8(-) (4 s) isomer bands of 178Hf by Coulomb excitation. High spin states of the three isomer bands were populated by Coulomb excitation of a hafnium target with a 650 MeV 136Xe beam. Although direct population of high-K bands is highly K-forbidden, isomer bands in 178Hf were populated up to spins 13(+)(K=6), 20(+)(K=16), and 14(-)(K=8) with in-band gamma yields of approximately 10(-4) of the ground state band. The data are consistent with a rapid increase in K mixing with increasing spin in the isomer bands.

Pseudorapidity and centrality dependence of the collective flow of charged particles in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV

This paper describes the measurement of collective flow for charged particles in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV using the PHOBOS detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The measured azimuthal hit anisotropy is presented over a wide range of pseudorapidity (-5.0<eta<5.3) for the first time at this energy. The result, averaged over momenta and particle species, is observed to reach 7% for peripheral collisions at midrapidity, falling off with centrality and increasing |eta|. These results call into question the common assumption of longitudinal boost invariance over a large region of rapidity in RHIC collisions.

Energy dependence of particle multiplicities in central Au+Au collisions

We present the first measurement of the pseudorapidity density of primary charged particles in Au+Au collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 200 GeV. For the 6% most central collisions, we obtain dN(ch)/d(eta)/(/eta/<1) = 650+/-35(syst). Compared to collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 130 GeV, the highest energy studied previously, an increase by a factor of 1.14+/-0.05 at 90% confidence level, is found. The energy dependence of the pseudorapidity density is discussed in comparison with data from proton-induced collisions and theoretical predictions.

Ratios of charged antiparticles-to-particles near mid-rapidity in Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV

We have measured the ratios of antiparticles to particles for charged pions, kaons, and protons near mid-rapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV. We observe <pi(-)>/<pi(+)> = 1.00+/-0.01(stat)+/-0.02(syst), <K->/<K+> = 0.91+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.06(syst), and <p>/<p> = 0.60+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.06(syst). The <K->/<K+> and <p>/<p> ratios give a consistent estimate of the baryo-chemical potential mu(B) of 45 MeV, a factor of 5-6 smaller than in central Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 17.2 GeV.

Charged-particle pseudorapidity density distributions from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density dN(ch)/d eta has been measured for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV at RHIC, using the PHOBOS apparatus. The total number of charged particles produced for the 3% most-central Au+Au collisions for /eta/<or=5.4 is found to be 4200+/-470. The evolution of dN(ch)/d eta with centrality is discussed, and compared to model calculations and to data from proton-induced collisions. The data show an enhancement in charged-particle production at midrapidity, while in the fragmentation regions, the results are consistent with expectations from pp and pA scattering.

Three-dimensional morphological analysis of antigen-antibody reaction in hepatic sinusoids preserved in hypothermic UW solution

ICAM-1 antigen-antibody reaction was visualized by three-dimensional immunoscanning electron microscopy of hepatic sinusoids in rat liver treated with hypothermic University of Wisconsin (UW) organ preservation solution. The results were compared with similar antigen-antibody reactions carried out with immunoliposomes injected in vivo. Morphologically, the hepatic sinusoids were preserved well during the hypothermic procedure. Endothelial cells had a large number of fenestrations, which partly aggregated and formed sieve plates. ICAM-1 expression was induced by injection of LPS and detected by monoclonal antibody in the UW solution followed by gold-labeled secondary antibody. ICAM-1 was restricted mostly to the unique areas of sieve plates with immature, small fenestrations. A similar distribution of ICAM-1 was present when detected by in vivo injection of immunoliposomes containing the monoclonal ICAM-1 antibody. The results showed that antigen-antibody reactions can take place in livers preserved in hypothermic UW solution. Further, the reaction is similar to that which could occur in vivo during transplantation. This suggests that it may be possible to block potentially harmful antigen-antibody reactions by addition of appropriate antibodies to hypothermic UW solution prior to transplantation.

Two new epimeric isopavine N-oxides from Meconopsis horridula var. racemosa

Two new epimeric isopavine N-oxides, amuresinine N-oxide A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Meconopsis horridula var. racemosa. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Charged-particle multiplicity near midrapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[SNN]=56 and 130 GeV

We present the first measurement of pseudorapidity densities of primary charged particles near midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 56 and 130 GeV. For the most central collisions, we find the charged-particle pseudorapidity density to be dN/deta|(|eta|<1) = 408+/-12(stat)+/-30(syst) at 56 GeV and 555+/-12(stat)+/-35(syst) at 130 GeV, values that are higher than any previously observed in nuclear collisions. Compared to proton-antiproton collisions, our data show an increase in the pseudorapidity density per participant by more than 40% at the higher energy.

Two new cyclic peptides from Drymaria diandra

Two new cyclic peptides, drymarins A and B, were isolated from the whole plants of Drymaria diandra B1. Their structures were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis as cyclo(-Phe1-Pro1-Pro2-Pro3-Phe2-Phe3-Val-Ile-Ala-) and cyclo (-Pro1-Phe-Tyr-Pro2-Gly-Leu-).

Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in the perinatal period

Many of the actions of nitric oxide are not due to nitric oxide itself, but rather by the secondary formation of oxidants like peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite leaves a footprint in the nitration of tyrosine, which helps track the formation of reactive nitric oxide-derived species in diseases and even normal development.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infants and children

A single institutional experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients was reviewed, focusing on the method of anesthesia, choice of an endoscope, indications, and complications. The medical records of 50 ERCPs performed in 42 infants and children (14 male and 28 female) were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' ages ranged from 57 days to 15 years. Forty-four ERCPs were diagnostic and 6 were therapeutic, including incision of choledochocele, and sphincterotomy and extraction of pancreatic stones. All procedures were successful. The most common indication for ERCP was to evaluate congenital biliary dilatation, in 28 patients (67%). Mild cholangitis occurred as a complication in 1 patient, but was alleviated with medication. A conventional duodenoscope could be used in patients older than 10 years. A pediatric duodenoscope was always used in patients under 1 year of age. Either type was chosen individually for those aged 1 to 10 years depending on the purpose, diagnostic or therapeutic. It is noteworthy that ERCP and/or sphincterotomy in a 1-year-old infant and two 2-year-old children were safely performed with the conventional endoscope. General anesthesia was employed in those younger than 9 years and intravenous sedation and local anesthesia in those older than 11 years. For children aged 9 to 11 years, anesthesia was chosen individually. We concluded that ERCP is a relatively easy and safe technique even for infants and children when performed by skilled hands with an appropriate duodenoscope under suitable anesthesia. The minimum age for use of the conventional duodenoscope may be 1 year.

Oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of trovafloxacin in patients with AIDS

Trovafloxacin pharmacokinetics were evaluated in 12 subjects with AIDS. By using a randomized design, single 200-mg doses of oral trovafloxacin and intravenous alatrofloxacin were administered. The mean absolute bioavailability was 91%. The pharmacokinetics of trovafloxacin when administered orally as the active form or intravenously as the prodrug (alatrofloxacin) are not altered in subjects with AIDS compared to those in healthy adults.