[Effect of corneal e-value on myopia control in children and adolescents with orthokeratology]

Objective: To investigate the influence of corneal e-value on the effectiveness of orthokeratology in controlling myopia in children and adolescents. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving the data from 1 563 myopic patients (1 563 eyes) who underwent orthokeratology at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2015 to August 2021 and adhered to lens wear for at least 2 years. The cohort consisted of 737 males and 826 females with an average age of (10.84±2.13) years. Based on corneal e-value parameters obtained from corneal topography, patients were categorized into a low e-value group (n=425) and a high e-value group (n=1 138). Data on gender, age, parental myopia history, and baseline measures such as spherical equivalent (SE), axial length, and corneal e-value were collected. Differences in axial length change and corneal fluorescein staining rates were compared between the two groups at 1 and 2 years after the start of lens wear. A generalized linear mixed model was established with axial length change as the dependent variable to analyze the correlation between axial length change and baseline corneal e-value. Results: The initial age of the 1 563 myopic patients was (10.84±2.13) years, with a baseline SE of (-3.05±1.30) D. After 1 year of lens wear, the axial length change was (0.20±0.19) mm in the low e-value group and (0.24±0.20) mm in the high e-value group. After 2 years, the changes were (0.38±0.25) mm and (0.43±0.27) mm, respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The incidence of corneal staining after 1 year of lens wear was 9.2% (39/425) in the low e-value group and 14.1% (160/1 138) in the high e-value group. After 2 years, the rates were 15.8% (67/425) and 21.8% (248/1 138), respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). After adjusting for parental myopia history, age, SE, and baseline axial length, the baseline corneal e-value was positively correlated with axial length change at 1 and 2 years after lens wear (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Corneal e-value is an independent factor influencing the effectiveness of orthokeratology in controlling myopia. A smaller corneal e-value is associated with slower axial length growth after orthokeratology, indicating better control of myopia in treated eyes.

Insulin Use Is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a mortality of 30% with no current targeted therapy. The potential protective effect of insulin on AP has been reported and needs to be confirmed. Thus, we aim to examine the effect of insulin treatment on the outcome of AP patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. Kruskal-Wallis test, t-tests, and Pearson's chi-squared test were used to compare differences between groups. Propensity score matching and further nearest neighbor matching were used to construct a matched cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, logistic regression analyses, and the doubly robust estimation method were used to assess the relationship between insulin use and mortality.

RESULTS

Nine hundred patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Insulin was associated with better outcomes in AP patients admitted to ICU, and could act as an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.24-0.55). Subgroup analysis showed that AP patients with heart failure or without kidney disease or respiratory failure may not benefit from insulin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin treatment is independently associated with lower 30-day mortality in AP patients, except for those with heart failure or without kidney disease or respiratory failure.

[Construction of a risk prediction model for diabetes after kidney transplantation based on genome-wide association study]

Objective: To explore the clinical risk factors and susceptibility genes of diabetes after kidney transplantation (PTDM) and construct a risk prediction model for PTDM. Methods: The data of kidney transplant recipients who underwent follow-up in the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2001 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The recipients were divided into PTDM group and Non-PTDM group according to whether they were complicated with PTDM. The differences in clinical indicators between the two groups were compared, the risk factors affecting the incidence of PTDM were determined, and susceptibility genes of PTDM were screened by genome-wide association study (GWAS). PTDM risk prediction models based only on clinical indicators (Model 1) and clinical indicators combined with susceptibility genes (Model 2) were established respectively, and the predictive performance of the two prediction models was compared. Finally, the Nomogram of the optimal model was drawn, and the discrimination, calibration and clinical applicability of the model were evaluated. Results: A total of 113 kidney transplant recipients (70 males and 43 females) were included, with an average age of (46.2±10.8) years. There were 51 cases in PTDM group and 62 cases in Non-PTDM group. The related factors screened by GWAS and logistic regression analysis included family history of diabetes (OR=88.912, 95%CI: 5.827-1 356.601, P=0.001), preoperative triglyceride (TG) (OR=1.888, 95 %CI: 1.150-3.098, P=0.012), uric acid (UA) (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.000-1.022, P=0.045) and rs802707 (OR=10.046, 95%CI: 1.462-69.042, P=0.019). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics analysis (ROC) predicted by Model 1 for PTDM was 0.891 (95%CI: 0.811-0.972), with the sensitivity of 0.889 and the specificity of 0.742. The AUC of ROC curve predicted by Model 2 for PTDM was 0.930 (95%CI: 0.864-0.995), with the sensitivity of 0.885 and the specificity of 0.900. Conclusions: Family history of diabetes, preoperative TG and UA, and rs802707 are significantly associated with the occurrence of PTDM. In addition, the combination of susceptibility genes could improve the predictive ability of clinical indicators for the risk of PTDM.

Combining Porous Se@SiO2 Nanocomposites and dECM Enhances the Myogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Background

Volumetric Muscle Loss (VML) denotes the traumatic loss of skeletal muscle, a condition that can result in chronic functional impairment and even disability. While the body can naturally repair injured skeletal muscle within a limited scope, patients experiencing local and severe muscle loss due to VML surpass the compensatory capacity of the muscle itself. Currently, clinical treatments for VML are constrained and demonstrate minimal efficacy. Selenium, a recognized antioxidant, plays a crucial role in regulating cell differentiation, anti-inflammatory responses, and various other physiological functions.

Methods

We engineered a porous Se@SiO2 nanocomposite (SeNPs) with the purpose of releasing selenium continuously and gradually. This nanocomposite was subsequently combined with a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to explore their collaborative protective and stimulatory effects on the myogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). The influence of dECM and NPs on the myogenic level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activity of ADSCs was evaluated using Western Blot, ELISA, and Immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that the concurrent application of SeNPs and dECM effectively mitigates the apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels in ADSCs. Furthermore, the combination of dECM with SeNPs significantly upregulated the expression of key myogenic markers, including MYOD, MYOG, Desmin, and myosin heavy chain in ADSCs. Notably, this combination also led to an increase in both the number of mitochondria and the respiratory chain activity in ADSCs.

Conclusion

The concurrent application of SeNPs and dECM effectively diminishes ROS production, boosts mitochondrial function, and stimulates the myogenic differentiation of ADSCs. This study lays the groundwork for future treatments of VML utilizing the combination of SeNPs and dECM.

[Comparison of the effects and safety of dydrogesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate on endometrial hyperplasia without atypia: a randomized controlled non-inferior phase Ⅲ clinical study]

Objective: To compare the effects and safety of dydrogesterone (DG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the treatment in patients with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH). Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, prospective non-inferior randomized controlled phase Ⅲ trial. From February 2019 to November 2021, patients with EH admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University were recruited. Enrolled patients were stratified according to the pathological types of simple hyperplasia (SH) or complex hyperplasia (CH), and were randomised to receive MPA or DG. Untill May 14, 2022, the median follow-up time after complete response (CR) was 9.3 months (1.1-17.2 months). The primary endpoint was the 6-month CR rate (6m-CR rate). The secondary endpoints included the 3-month CR rate (3m-CR rate), adverse events rate, recurrence rate, and pregnancy rate in one year after CR. Results: (1) A total of 292 patients with EH were enrolled in the study with the median age of 39 years (31-45 years). A total of 135 SH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=67) and DG group (n=68), and 157 CH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=79) and DG group (n=78). (2) Among 292 patients, 205 patients enrolled into the primary endpoint analysis, including 92 SH patients and 113 CH patients, with 100 patients in MPA group and 105 in DG group, respectively. The 6m-CR rate of MPA group and DG group were 90.0% (90/100) and 88.6% (93/105) respectively, and there were no statistical significance (χ²=0.11, P=0.741), with the rate difference (RD) was -1.4% (95%CI:-9.9%-7.0%). Stratified by the pathology types, the 6m-CR rate of SH patients was 93.5% (86/92), and MPA group and DG group were respectively 91.1% (41/45) and 95.7% (45/47); and the 6m-CR rate of CH patients was 85.8% (97/113), and MPA group and DG group were 89.1% (49/55) and 82.8% (48/58) respectively. The 6m-CR rates of the two treatments had no statistical significance either (all P>0.05). A total of 194 EH patients enrolled into the secondary endpoint analysis, including 88 SH patients and 106 CH patients, and 96 patients in MPA group and 98 in DG group, respectively. The 3m-CR rate of SH patients were 87.5% (77/88), while the 3m-CR rates of MPA group and DG group were 90.7% (39/43) and 84.4% (38/45), respectively; the 3m-CR rate of CH patients was 66.0% (70/106), and MPA group and DG group had the same 3m-CR rate of 66.0% (35/53). No statistical significance was found between the two treatments both in SH and CH patients (all P>0.05). (3) The incidence of adverse events between MPA group and DG group had no statistical significance (P>0.05). (4) A total of 93 SH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 5.9% and 0 in MPA group and DG group, respectively. While 112 CH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 8.8% and 6.5% in MPA group and DG group, respectively. There were no statistical significance between two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Among the 93 SH patients, 10 patients had family planning but no pregnancy happened during the follow-up period. Among the 112 CH patients, 21 were actively preparing for pregnancy, and the pregnancy rate and live-birth rate in one year after CR in MPA group were 7/9 and 2/7, while in DG group were respectively 4/12 and 2/4, and there were no statistical significance in pregnancy rate and live-birth rate between the two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with MPA, DG is of good efficacy and safety in treating EH. DG is a favorable alternative treatment for EH patients.

Knockdown of RAD51AP1 suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of digestive tract with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) being the main histological subtype. This study aimed to identify potential hub gene associated with the pathophysiology of ESCC through bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation.

METHODS

Three microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by GEO2R tool. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to predict the potential functions of DEGs. Nine hub genes were identified using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Cytoscape software. We selected RAD51-associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) for further research because of its poor prognosis and it has not been sufficiently studied in ESCC. The effects of RAD51AP1 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of ESCC cells were determined by in vitro functional assays.

RESULTS

RAD51AP1 expression was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with normal tissues by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. High expression of RAD51AP1 was associated with worse survival in ESCC patients. RAD51AP1 expression was positively associated with the enrichment of Th2 cells and T helper cells. Furthermore, CCK-8 and colony formation assays showed knockdown of RAD51AP1 inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated knockdown of RAD51AP1 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells. Transwell assay revealed knockdown of RAD51AP1 suppressed the migration and invasion of ESCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, our results demonstrated that RAD51AP1 silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in ESCC, thereby highlighting its potential as a novel target for ESCC treatment.

Molecular Hydrogen Promotes Adipose-derived Stem Cell Myogenic Differentiation via Regulation of Mitochondria

BACKGROUND

Acute skeletal muscle injuries are common physical or sports traumas. Cellular therapy has excellent potential for regeneration after skeletal muscle injury. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a more accessible type of stem cell. However, it has a low survival rate and differentiation efficiency in the oxidative stress-rich microenvironment after transplantation. Although molecular hydrogen (H2) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biological properties, its utility in mitochondrial and stem cell research has not been adequately explored.

OBJECTIVE

Revealing the role of H2 on Adipose-derived stem cells myogenic differentiation.

METHODS

The protective effects of H2 in ADSCs were evaluated by MTT assay, live-dead cell staining, western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, confocal imaging, and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

An appropriate volume fraction of H2 significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increased the number of mitochondria, and promoted mitophagy, thus enhancing the survival and myogenic differentiation of ADSCs.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the application potential of H2 in skeletal muscle diseases or other pathologies related to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Porous Se@SiO2 nanoparticles improve oxidative injury to promote muscle regeneration via modulating mitochondria

Background: Acute skeletal muscle injuries are common among physical or sports traumas. The excessive oxidative stress at the site of injury impairs muscle regeneration. The authors have recently developed porous Se@SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) with antioxidant properties. Methods: The protective effects were evaluated by cell proliferation, myogenic differentiation and mitochondrial activity. Then, the therapeutic effect was investigated in a cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury rat model. Results: Porous Se@SiO₂ NPs significantly protected the morphological and functional stability of mitochondria, thus protecting satellite cells from H₂O₂-induced damage to cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation. In the rat model, intervention with porous Se@SiO₂ NPs promoted muscle regeneration. Conclusion: This study reveals the application potential of porous Se@SiO₂ NPs in skeletal muscle diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Research Progress on the Role of Mitochondrial DNA in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Liver Disease]

Mitochondrial DNA is the mitochondria's own genetic material located within the mitochondrial matrix and is involved in cellular metabolism and energy supply. Mitochondrial DNA damage exacerbates oxidative stress by increasing the release of reactive oxygen species, while mitochondrial DNA release also triggers apoptosis and activates immune inflammatory responses through damage-related molecular patterns. Mitochondrial autophagy regulates mitochondrial DNA damage and release through a negative feedback mechanism to maintain intracellular homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence and development of chronic liver disease are closely related to mitochondrial DNA-mediated immune inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.

Thalidomide suppresses angiogenesis and immune evasion via lncRNA FGD5-AS1/miR-454-3p/ZEB1 axis-mediated VEGFA expression and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80-85% of total lung cancer cases. Identifying the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor drugs is essential for improving therapeutic effects. Herein, we aim to investigate the role of thalidomide in the tumorigenicity of NSCLC.

METHODS

The A549 xenograft nude mouse model was established to explore therapeutic effects of thalidomide. The expression of FGD5-AS1 was evaluated in carcinomatous and paracarcinomatous tissues from NSCLC patients as well as NSCLC cell lines. CCK-8 assay was performed to assess cell viability. The invasive capacity was examined using transwell assay. The tube formation assay was applied to determine cell angiogenesis. Flow cytometry was subjected to validate CD8⁺ T cell activity. The FGD5-AS1/miR-454-3p/ZEB1 regulatory network was analyzed using luciferase reporter, RIP and ChIP assays.

RESULTS

Thalidomide reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis and increased CD8⁺ T cell ratio in a mouse model. Enhanced expression of FGD5-AS1 was positively correlated with the poor survival of NSCLC patients. Knockdown of FGD5-AS1 notably suppressed the proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of cancer cells as well as the apoptosis of CD8⁺ T cells. Thalidomide targeted FGD5-AS1 to exert its anti-tumor activity in NSCLC. FGD5-AS1 acted as a sponge of miR-454-3p to upregulate ZEB1, thus increasing the expression of PD-L1 and VEGFA. Simultaneous overexpression of FGD5-AS1 and silencing of miR-454-3p reversed thalidomide-mediated anti-tumor effects in NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

Thalidomide inhibits NSCLC angiogenesis and immune evasion via FGD5-AS1/miR-454-3p/ZEB1 axis-mediated regulation of VEGFA expression and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint.

Discovery of novel indole derivatives that inhibit NEDDylation and MAPK pathways against gastric cancer MGC803 cells

A series of novel indole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against three selected cancer cell lines (MGC803, EC-109 and PC-3). Among these analogues, 2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-1-yl)-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetamide (V7) showed the best inhibitory activity against MGC803 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 1.59 μM. Cellular mechanisms elucidated that V7 inhibited colony formation, induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. Importantly, indole analogue V7 inhibited NEDDylation pathway and MAPK pathway against MGC803 cells.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amino Chalcone Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents

Chalcone is a common scaffold found in many biologically active compounds. The chalcone scaffold was also frequently utilized to design novel anticancer agents with potent biological efficacy. Aiming to continue the research of effective chalcone derivatives to treat cancers with potent anticancer activity, fourteen amino chalcone derivatives were designed and synthesized. The antiproliferative activity of amino chalcone derivatives was studied in vitro and 5-Fu as a control group. Some of the compounds showed moderate to good activity against three human cancer cells (MGC-803, HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells) and compound 13e displayed the best antiproliferative activity against MGC-803 cells, HCT-116 cells and MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 1.52 μM (MGC-803), 1.83 μM (HCT-116) and 2.54 μM (MCF-7), respectively which was more potent than the positive control (5-Fu). Further mechanism studies were explored. The results of cell colony formatting assay suggested compound 10e inhibited the colony formation of MGC-803 cells. DAPI fluorescent staining and flow cytometry assay showed compound 13e induced MGC-803 cells apoptosis. Western blotting experiment indicated compound 13e induced cell apoptosis via the extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis pathway in MGC-803 cells. Therefore, compound 13e might be a valuable lead compound as antiproliferative agents and amino chalcone derivatives worth further effort to improve amino chalcone derivatives' potency.

LncRNA SNHG7 Mediates the Chemoresistance and Stemness of Breast Cancer by Sponging miR-34a

Chemoresistance is considered to be a major cause of the recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer (BC). LncRNA SNHG7 has been reported to be upregulated in breast cancer and to promote tumor progression and metastasis. Nevertheless, the function and potential regulatory mechanism of SNHG7 in BC drug resistance are still largely unclear. This study indicated that SNHG7 was highly expressed in chemoresistant BC tissues and cells. Upregulated SNHG7 might predict a low pCR rate and poor clinical outcome in BC patients. Knockdown of SNHG7 enhanced drug sensitivity and drug-induced apoptosis in chemoresistant BC cells. In terms of the mechanism, miR-34a was found to be a target of SNHG7 and its expression in breast cancer tissues and chemoresistant cell lines was negatively correlated with SNHG7 expression. Importantly, sh-SNHG7 upregulated miR-34a expression, reduced the percentages of CD44⁺/CD24⁻cells, and inhibited sphere-formation and stem cell factor (Oct4, Nanog, SOX2) expression. Functional loss experiments showed that the repressive effect of SNHG7 knockdown on BC cell stemness was partially reversed by transfection with miR-34a inhibitors. In summary, this study indicated that SNHG7 contributed to the chemoresistance of BC and mediated chemoresistance and cancer stemness by sponging miR-34a.

[A survey on sexual needs and factors of HIV risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture]

Objective: To understand sexual needs and factors of risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture and provide basis for targeted HIV prevention and intervention. Methods: Two communities in the prefecture were selected as study sites. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among elderly men aged 50 and over who visited or consulted in the communities from June to December 2018, and they were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies. Results: Among 400 elderly men, 209 (52.2%) were 50-64 years old, and 191(47.8%) were above 65 years old. They were mainly Miao people, accounting for 66.3% (265/400), and 235 (58.8%) had an education no more than 6 years. HIV awareness of the two age groups were only 25.8% (54/199) and 26.2% (50/191), respectively. Among those aged 50-64, 142 (68.0%) felt normal sexual desire, and 153 (73.6%) reported penile erections or erections in most cases whenever sex, and 52.9% (110) ejaculated most of the time. HIV prevalence was 1.0% (4/400). Compared with the over 65-year-old group, the proportion of having sex with spouse/stable partners (89.5%, 179/200), proportion of no condom use with their spouse/stable sexual partners during the most recent sex (93.8%, 168/179), proportion of having casual sex (11.0%, 23/209) and commercial sex (3.8%, 8/209) were all higher among 50-64 age group. In comparison to those aged over 65 years old, average monthly income>3 000, and use of sex helper, aged 50-64 (OR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.22-5.95), average monthly income ≤1 000 yuan (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.25-6.21), and no use of sex helper (OR=3.78) (95%CI: 1.65-8.67) were related factors of HIV risky sexual behavior last time. Conclusion: Elderly men in the minority prefecture had low HIV awareness. Compared with those≥65 years old, the 50-64 age group had more active sexual behaviors and higher sexual needs. Those from 50-64 age group, with lower economic level and good sexual ability were more likely to have HIV risky sexual behaviors.

Feasibility and efficacy evaluation of metallic biliary stents eluting gemcitabine and cisplatin for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Effective endoscopic management is fundamental for the treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). However, current biliary stents that are widely used in clinical practice showed no antitumor effect. Drug-eluting stents (DESs) may achieve a combination of local chemotherapy and biliary drainage to prolong stent patency and improve prognosis.

AIM

To develop novel DESs coated with gemcitabine (GEM) and cisplatin (CIS)-coloaded nanofilms that can maintain the continuous and long-term release of antitumor agents in the bile duct to inhibit tumor growth and reduce systemic toxicity.

METHODS

Stents coated with different drug-eluting components were prepared by the mixed electrospinning method, with poly-L-lactide-caprolactone (PLCL) as the drug-loaded nanofiber membrane and GEM and/or CIS as the antitumor agents. Four different DESs were manufactured with four drug-loading ratios (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), including bare-loaded (PLCL-0), single-drug-loaded (PLCL-GEM and PLCL-CIS), and dual-drug-loaded (PLCL-GC) stents. The drug release property, antitumor activity, and biocompatibility were evaluated in vitro and in vivo to confirm the feasibility and efficacy of this novel DES for ECC.

RESULTS

The in vitro drug release study showed the stable, continuous release of both GEM and CIS, which was sustained for over 30 d without an obvious initial burst, and a higher drug-loaded content induced a lower release rate. The drug-loading ratio of 10% was used for further experiments due to its ideal inhibitory efficiency and relatively low toxicity. All drug-loaded nanofilms effectively inhibited the growth of EGI-1 cells in vitro and the tumor xenografts of nude mice in vivo; in addition, the dual-loaded nanofilm (PLCL-GC) had a significantly better effect than the single-drug-loaded nanofilms (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the serological analysis (P > 0.05) or histopathological changes were observed between the single-loaded and drug-loaded nanofilms after stent placement in the normal porcine biliary tract.

CONCLUSION

This novel PLCL-GEM and CIS-eluting stent maintains continuous, stable drug release locally and inhibits tumor growth effectively in vitro and in vivo. It can also be used safely in normal porcine bile ducts. We anticipate that it might be considered an alternative strategy for the palliative therapy of ECC patients.

[Brief discussion on the taboo and application of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of liver cancer]

Liver cancer is the second-highest mortality cancer in China. It is highly occult, and there is no effective treatment so far. In recent years, stem cell transplantation, especially mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) transplantation, has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Nevertheless, the industry has reached a consensus that malignant tumors are the forbidden area of this transplantation therapy. This is closely related to the two main characteristics of stem cells themselves, namely "self-renewal" and "pluripotency". The following is an overview of the reasons why stem cells, especially MSCs, have become taboo in tumor treatment and their potential application methods, so as to provide some references for further research on this therapy.

PAX3 silencing suppresses gastric cancer proliferation and angiogenesis via MET/PI3K signaling

PAX3 is the key factor in cell signal transduction pathway and may be involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of PAX3 silencing on the gastric cancer. Specific PAX3 silencing was performed both in vitro and in vivo using small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry and in vitro tube formation assay. Mice with gastric xenografts, which expressed either si-PAX3 or non-coding siRNA (si-NC), were developed and the effects of PAX3 silencing on tumor progression were evaluated. PCNA is a proliferating cell nuclear antigen and can be used as an index for evaluating cell proliferation status. Immunocytochemistry assay was used to quantify PAX3 and PCNA expression. After 4 weeks of tumor inoculation, tumor tissues were weighed. Tumor tissue morphology and apoptosis were evaluated using HE staining and TUNEL assay. In order to investigate the effect of silencing PAX3 on cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and MET/PI3K pathway, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot were used to detect the expression levels of caspase-3, VEGF, MET, p-MET, PI3K and p-PI3K. After PAX3 silencing, PAX3 expression was significantly decreased in two gastric cancer cell lines, MKN-28 and SGC-7901 (p<0.05 vs Control). PAX3 silencing reduced cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and inhibited tube formation. PAX3 and PCNA expression were also significantly decreased. In mice, silencing PAX3 significantly inhibited tumor growth and decreased microvessel density in tumor. PAX3 silencing also decreased cell density in tumors, which concurred with increased apoptosis and PAX3 expression. PAX3 silencing upregulated the expression of caspase-3, downregulated the expression of VEGF, phosphorylation of PI3K and MET. Our data showed that these anti-tumor effects of PAX3 silencing might be attributed to its role in inducing cell apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

[Influence of gender, age and season on thyroid hormone reference interval]

Objective: Using clinical "big data" , to investigate the factors that affect the levels of thyroid hormones, and to explore the partitioning criteria for reference intervals (RI) of these hormones. Methods: An observation study was conducted. Information of 107 107 individuals undergoing routine physical examination in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1(st,) 2013 to August 31(st,) 2016 was collected, thyroid hormone of these subjects were detected. To explore the test results distribution and differences of TSH, FT4 and FT3 by gender and age; according to the seasonal division standard of China Meteorological Administration, the study period was divided into four seasons, and the seasonal fluctuation on TSH was analyzed.To define the appropriate partition by gender, age and season according to significant difference analysis. Results: In male and female, the distributions of TSH were 1.779(0.578-4.758), 2.023(0.420-5.343)mU/L, respectively, and the level of TSH in female was higher than in male (Z=-37.600, P<0.001). The distributions of FT4 were 0.127(0.098-0.162), 0.117(0.091-0.151) μg/L, the distributions of FT3 were 3.33(2.47-3.74), 3.01(2.35-3.57)ng/L. And the level of FT4, FT3 in female were significantly lower than in male (Z=-94.000, -154.600, all P<0.001). Furthermore, males were divided into two groups by 65 years old and female were divided by 50 years old, respectively, and the distributions of TSH in male and female of older group were 1.818(0.528-5.240), 2.111(0.348-5.735)mU/L, in younger group were 1.778(0.582-4.696), 1.991(0.427-5.316)mU/L. The level of TSH in older group was significantly higher than in younger group (Z=-2.269, -10.400, all P<0.05), and the distribution of TSH in older group was much wider than in younger. The distribution of whole in spring, summer and autumn was 1.869( 0.510-5.042)mU/L, in winter was 1.978(0.527-5.250) mU/L, and the difference between them had statistical significance (Z=-15.000, P<0.001). Conclusions: Gender and age significantly affect the serum levels of TSH, FT4, and FT3, the distribution of TSH in female and elder group are wider than in male, and that of FT4, FT3 are lower.Seasons significantly affect the serum TSH level, the peak value is observed in winter. There are obviously differences between "rough" RIs and manufacture recommended RIs. Each laboratory should establish reference intervals for thyroid hormones on the premise of appropriate grouping.

The role of Cdk5-mediated Drp1 phosphorylation in Aβ1-42 induced mitochondrial fission and neuronal apoptosis

Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, is pathologically characterized by Amyloid beta containing plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid beta (Aβ) induces neuronal apoptosis through the intracellular Ca²⁺ increase, subsequent hyperactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and mitochondrial abnormality. Recently, Cdk5 was identified as an upstream regulator of mitochondrial fission during neuronal apoptosis, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, in vitro phosphorylation assays showed that Cdk5 could phosphorylate the recombinant Drp1 at Serine 579. Aβ_1-42 stimulation increased the phosphorylation level of Drp1 at Serine 579 in mouse cortical neurons. Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine and knockdown of Cdk5 by a lentiviral vector expressing shRNA targeting Cdk5 (Lenti-Cdk5-shRNA) efficiently prevented Aβ_1-42 induced Drp1 phosphorylation in neurons. In addition, Aβ_1-42 stimulation induced markedly mitochondrial fission in neurons. Roscovitine, Lenti-Cdk5-shRNA and expression of phospho-defect mutatant GFP-Drp1-S579A in neurons attenuated Aβ_1-42 induced mitochondrial fission, whereas expression of phospho-mimetic mutant GFP-Drp1-S579D alone resulted in mitochondiral fission similar to Aβ_1-42 stimulation. Moreover, Roscovitine and Lenti-Cdk5-shRNA suppressed the cleavage of caspase-3 and protected neurons against Aβ_1-42 induced neuronal apoptosis.Thus, our data indicate that Drp1 is a direct target of Cdk5, and Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of Drp1 at Serine 579 regulates Aβ_1-42 induced mitochondrial fission and neuronal toxicity.

[Analysis of Spatial Clustering of HIV infected in men who have sex with men in Chongqing of 2004-2015]

Objective: To analyze the spatial clustering characteristics of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing from January 2004 to December 2015 and understand the HIV/AIDS related behaviors among MSM by interview. Methods: Data related to MSM who were infected with HIV and whose present address were in Chongqing, were collected from Information System on the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control. Information included the age when the information was inputted, address, occupation, education level, and marital status. The total number of MSM who were infected with HIV and reported was 6 604 in Chongqing. Those with unknown address were ruled out. The spatial autocorrelation analysis and the local spatial autocorrelation analysis were carried out by using ArcGIS 10.3. In addition, in November 2015 and May 2016, using a convenience sampling, we conducted one-on-one interviews among 23 MSM in the Chongqing Center for Disease Control and prevention.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Receiving voluntary counseling and testing in the urban area of Chongqing and willing to participate in the interview by oral informed consent; male and self-described as MSM. The content of the interview included basic information, sexual orientation, sexual role, the main place of making friends, the main place of sexual behavior, a long-term experience in other provinces and drug abuse. Results: The HIV/AIDS reported number in Chongqing from 2004 to 2015 showed an uptrend, except in 2010. The age distribution of 6 604 cases of HIV positive patients was mainly concentrated in the 15-34 years old, about 68.5% (4 522 cases). There was a positive spatial autocorrelation in MSM, except 2005 (Moran's I=-0.046, P=0.823), form 2004 to 2015, Global Moran's I values were 0.308, 0.254, 0.335, 0.683, 0.673, 0.558, 0.620, 0.673, 0.685, 0.654 and 0.649, respectively; all P values were <0.01. The result of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that high-high accumulation area development in Chongqing city was divided into two stages in 2004-2015, which were Yuzhong, Jiangbei, and Shapingba district in 2004-2007 and the expanded Jiulongpo, Nan'an, and Yubei district in 2008-2015. Qualitative interviews results revealed that the age of the respondents was 20-44, and the mainly way of making friends were using mobile phone App and internet (17 participants). Most of the participants (11 participants) were making friends in the bar. The majority of respondents would ask the friends or themselves to use condoms when meeting with them the first time (19 participants), and 8 of respondents reported that they would not use condoms when their old friends refused to use condoms. Conclusion: The HIV infected MSM mainly aged between 15-34 years old and the spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS among MSM was clustered in economically developed main area in Chongqing. MSM began to make friends on the Internet, and could not adhere to using condom, which indicated that we should focus on internet intervention to find more efficacious interventions.

Amyloid β-42 induces neuronal apoptosis by targeting mitochondria

Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a typical pathological hallmark of amyloid-beta (Aβ)-containing plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, is one of the most common types of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Aβ oligomers serve a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD, and lead to neuronal loss. However, the precise mechanism of Aβ oligomers in AD remains to be elucidated. The present study demonstrated that 10 µM Aβ-42 activated the caspase signaling pathway, and induced significant apoptosis in primary cultured mouse cerebral cortical neurons. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting demonstrated that Aβ-42 (10 µM) also significantly upregulated the transcription and expression of the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and downregulated the transcription and expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins, including mitofusin 1/2 (Mfn1/2) and mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase (OPA-1). Neurons were transfected with pDsRed2-Mito for mitochondrial imaging, which revealed that 10 µM Aβ-42 induced mitochondrial fission in cortical neurons. In addition, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester staining indicated that Aβ-42 increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in neurons. Inhibition of Drp1 activity by Mdivi-1 efficiently prevented Aβ-42-induced ROS production and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential may activate PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (Pink1), the prominent sensor for mitochondrial damage, and trigger the process of mitophagy to remove the damaged mitochondria. In the present study, western blotting revealed that the levels of autophagy marker microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) and Pink1 were upregulated after Aβ-42 stimulation. In conclusion, these data indicated that Aβ-42 induces neuronal apoptosis by targeting mitochondria, including promotion of mitochondrial fission, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing intracellular ROS level and activation of the process of mitophagy. Therefore, mitochondria may represent a potential therapeutic target for AD in the future.

[Orchidopexy increases the levels of serum anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B in cryptorchidism patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the levels of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB) in patients with unilateral cryptorchidism before and after orchidopexy.

METHODS

This study included 58 cases of unilateral cryptorchidism treated by orchidopexy and 32 healthy controls. Before and at 6 months after surgery, we measured the length and circumference of the penis, the volume of the undescended testis, and levels of serum AMH and INHB.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the unilateral cryptorchidism and healthy control groups in the levels of serum AMH (［102.80 ± 17.35 vs 108.76 ± 13.64］ ng/ml, P<0.05) and INHB (［70.24 ± 5.73］ vs ［ 77.72 ± 5.94］ pg/ml, P<0.05) at the baseline, but not at 6 months after orchidopexy (AMH: ［109.76 ± 17.25］ vs ［108.03 ± 14.13］ ng/ml, P>0.05; INHB: ［75.76 ± 5.94］ vs ［77.63 ± 5.99］ pg/ml, P>0.05). No remarkable differences were observed between the unilateral cryptorchidism and healthy control groups in the preoperative penile length (［2.05 ± 0.23］ vs ［2.11 ± 0.22］ cm, P>0.05), penile circumference (［3.91 ± 0.23］ vs ［3.99 ± 0.20］ cm, P>0.05) and volume of the undescended testis (［0.45 ± 0.02］ vs ［0.46 ± 0.02］ ml, P>0.05), or in the postoperative penile length (［2.09 ± 0.23］ vs ［2.16 ± 0.22］ cm, P>0.05), penile circumference (［4.00 ± 0.25］ vs ［3.98 ± 0.19］ cm, P>0.05) and volume of the undescended testis (［0.45 ± 0.02］ vs ［0.45 ± 0.02］ ml, P>0.05). Compared with the baseline, the cryptorchidism patients showed markedly increased levels of serum AMH (［102.80 ± 17.35］ vs ［109.76 ± 17.25］ ng/ml, P<0.05) and INHB (［70.24 ± 5.73］ vs ［75.76 ± 5.94］ pg/ml, P<0.05) after orchidopexy.

CONCLUSIONS

Orchidopexy can elevate the levels of serum AMH and INHB and protect the testicular function of cryptorchidism patients.

[Impacts of different procedures of testicular sperm retrieval on testicular function and antisperm antibodies in azoospermia patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of different procedures of testicular sperm retrieval on the levels of serum inhibin B (INHB), antisperm antibodies (AsAb), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T) in patients with azoospermia.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 210 azoospermia patients to receive testicular sperm extraction (TESE, n = 50), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA, n = 56), testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA, n = 64), or microscopic TESE (micro-TESE, n = 40). We measured the levels of serum INHB, FSH, and T and the positive rate of AsAb before and at 1 and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with the baseline, the levels of serum FSH at 1 and 3 months after surgery showed no statistically significant differences in the TESE (［8.51 ± 4.34］ vs ［8.76 ± 3.07］ and ［7.24 ± 3.32］ IU/L, P >0.05), TESA (［7.70 ± 2.72］ vs ［7.90 ± 4.57］ and ［8.04 ± 3.65］ IU/L, P >0.05), TEFNA (［6.04 ± 3.17］ vs ［6.08 ± 2.70］ and ［6.10 ± 3.32］ IU/L, P >0.05), or micro-TESE group (［6.59 ± 2.74］ vs ［6.89 ± 1.78］ and ［6.75 ± 2.57］ IU/L, P >0.05); the positive rate of AsAb (IgM) was significantly increased at 1 month in the TESE (0.00 vs 14.00%, P <0.05) and micro-TESE groups (2.50% vs 15.00%, P <0.05), while the serum T level markedly decreased in the two groups (［16.52 ± 6.25］ vs ［9.25 ± 5.76］ nmol/L and ［14.16 ± 5.45］ vs ［8.23 ± 4.12］ nmol/L, P <0.05); the levels of serum INHB were remarkably reduced at 1 and 3 months in the TESE (［70.56 ± 23.17］ vs ［42.63 ± 15.34］ and ［44.05 ± 18.47］ pg/ml, P <0.05), TESA (［68.71 ± 14.74］ vs ［40.55 ± 20.51］ and ［42.11 ± 19.34］ pg/ml, P <0.05), TEFNA (［76.81 ± 27.04］ vs ［46.31 ± 19.28］ and ［48.32 ± 20.54］ pg/ml, P <0.05), and micro-TESE groups (［74.74 ± 28.35］ vs ［45.27 ± 18.83］ and ［47.64 ± 28.34］ pg/ml, P <0.05), but with no statistically significant differences among the four groups (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Different procedures of testicular sperm retrieval have different impacts on the testicular function and AsAb in patients with azoospermia.

[Study on the role of NALP3 inflammasome in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induced RAW264.7]

Objective: To illuminate the effect of NALP3 inflammasome on regulating the expression of cytokines of macrophages in periodontitis. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were cultured and divided into three groups. The first group stayed normal as control, the second group was stimulated by 1 mg/L Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the third group was pretreated with AC-YVAD-CMK (caspase-1 inhibitor) before stimulated with 1 mg/L Pg LPS. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with various concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 μmol/L) of AC-YVAD-CMK for 2 h, and stimulated by 1 mg/L Pg LPS for 24 h in the third group. After that, cell survival rate were detected by cell counting kit-8. Every group cells gene transcription of NALP3 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) after 6 h, protein expression of NALP3 and IL-1β were separately detected by Western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 24 h, respectively. Results: It is observed that treatment with 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 μmol/L AC-YVAD-CMK did not significantly affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells. qPCR showed that mRNA expression of IL-1β level (1.03±0.08, 5.48±0.22, 4.31±0.20) and NALP3 level (0.96±0.05, 2.62±0.44, 1.73±0.09). Western blotting showed that protein expression of NALP3 level (1.00±0.10, 2.34±0.04, 1.64±0.04), ELISA showed protein secretion of IL-1β level ([40.20±0.25], [61.50±1.81], [52.40±1.91] ng/L). After stimulated by Pg LPS, mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β (P<0.01, P<0.01) and NALP3 (P<0.01, P<0.01) significantly increased; but the expression of IL-1β (P=0.002, P=0.027) and NALP3 (P<0.01, P<0.01) were decreased when pretreated with AC-YVAD-CMK. Conclusions: NALP3 inflammasome signal pathway can be activated by Pg LPS in RAW264.7. Block of the pathway can inhibit Pg LPS-induced secretion of cytokines.

[The clinical characteristics of 128 childhood- and adolescent-onset hypoparathyroidism in Peking Union Medical College Hospital: a retrospective analysis]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of childhood- and adolescent- onset hypoparathyroidism. Methods: The clinical data of 128 hypoparathyroidism patients with onset before the age of 18 years were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The predominant features of the hypoparathyroidism were carpopedal spasm (89.3%, 108/121) and seizures (66.1%, 84/127). Intracranial calcification was identified in 89.4%(101/113) of the patients. Duration is an independent predictive factor (OR=1.483, P=0.011) for intracranial calcification. All the patients were treated with calcium and vitamin D or its metabolites. Hypercalciuria was associated with serum calcium (P=0.016). Conclusions: Carpopedal spasm and seizures were the main manifestations of childhood- and adolescent- onset hypoparathyroidism. Calcium and vitamin D or its metabolites are effective. Monitoring the concentration of serum and urinary calcium is of highly importance for the prevention of hypercalciuria.

[Impact of unilateral cryptorchidism on the levels of serum anti-müllerian hormone and inhibin B]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of unilateral cryptorchidism on the levels of serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B in children.

METHODS

We enrolled 65 patients with unilateral cryptorchidism and 45 healthy children in this study. We measured the length and circumference of the penis, the testis volume in the cryptorchidism side, and the levels of serum AMH and inhibin B at the age of 6 and 12 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy controls, the patients with unilateral cryptorchidism showed significant decreases at 12 months in serum AMH (［108.06±12.40］ vs ［103.26±17.57］ ng/ml, P<0.05) and inhibin B (［77.43±5.66］ vs ［70.21±5.69］ pg/ml, P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the length and circumference of the penis and the testis volume in the cryptorchidism side at 6 and 12 months (P>0.05), or in the levels of serum AMH and inhibin B at 6 months (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral cryptorchidism affects the gonadal function of the patient, and orchiopexy should be timely performed in order to reduce its impact.

Electronic properties and nonlinear optical responses of boron/nitrogen-doped zigzag graphene nanoribbons

The electronic properties and second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) responses of B/N-doped zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) have been investigated using quantum chemistry methods. The electron-deficient B atoms prefer to form π-conjugation with the C atoms nearby along the B-doped zigzag edge. On the other hand, the electron-rich N atoms with radical characteristics weaken the conjugated bonding effects in the N-doped ZGNR. The NLO response of the ZGNR is enhanced by doping only one zigzag edge with B or N atoms. The conjugated B-doped zigzag edge takes the role of electron donor, while the N-doped zigzag edge serves as electron acceptor, giving rise to the discordant impact on the second-order NLO response of the BN-doped ZGNR.

New self-assembly hybrid compounds based on arsenic–vanadium clusters and transition metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes

Seven compounds exhibiting novel structures constructed from arsenic–vanadium polyoxoanions and metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes have been synthesized and characterized.

New organic–inorganic hybrid compounds constructed from polyoxometalates and transition metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes

Five compounds constructed from different polyoxoanions and metal mixed-organic complexes of carboxylates and nitrogen-containing ligands have been synthesized and characterized.

The electronic properties and nonlinear optical responses of the intermediate structures in rolling graphene to carbon nanotubes

From the same piece of finite size graphene (F-graphene) sheet through different directions (zigzag edge or armchair edge), (4, 4) and (8, 0) carbon nanotube clips form. The electronic properties of the intermediate structures in the two rolling processes 44 (zigzag) and 80 (armchair) have been investigated using quantum chemistry method. The magnetism of the F-graphene sheet disappears with the rolling operation in 44, while it is maintained throughout the whole rolling operation in 80. Furthermore, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) α and HOMO β gradually extend to the whole framework from the zigzag edges with the rolling operation in 44, and they gradually localize to the lower and upper half of the framework in 80. Oxygen passivation along the opening of the intermediate structures effectively improves the nonlinear optical (NLO) response of the intermediate structures in both the zigzag and the armchair processes. Oxygen passivation along the armchair opening in 80 enhances the βtot value, yet does not bring essential changes to the electron transitions contributed to the NLO response. Oxygen passivation along the zigzag opening in 44 is able not only to enhance the βtot value but also to change the transition nature of electron excitations with a major contribution to the NLO response.

Tuning the structures based on polyoxometalates from 1-D to 2-D by using different secondary organic ligands

Six new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds based on [XM12O40](4-) (X = heteroatom, M = metal atom), namely [Cu(pic)2][H2XM12O40]·2Hapy·2apy (X = Si, M = W for , X = Ge, M = W for and X = Si, M = Mo for ), [Cu(2,2'-bpy)2][Cu(2,2'-bpy)(H2O)][Cu(pic)2]0.5[XM12O40]·nH2O (X = Si, M = Mo, n = 0.5 for , X = Ge, M = W, n = 1 for ) and [Cu(phen)(H2O)]2[Cu(pic)2][GeW12O40]·2.5H2O () (pic = deprotonated picolinic acid, apy = 2-aminopyridine, 2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-Vis, XRD, cyclic voltammetric measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that compounds are isomorphous and isostructural, in which each is based on [H2XM12O40](2-) and [Cu(pic)2]. Compounds and are also isomorphous and isostructural, of which the structures are more interesting than those of compounds . Both structures are constructed from [XM12O40](4-) and metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes. Compound is also constructed from Keggin ions and metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes, which are, however, thoroughly different from those of compounds and . The photodegradation properties of compounds have been analyzed. Compounds also exhibit rapid absorption properties for RhB (Rhodamine B). Detailed analysis of the photodegradation properties of compounds reveals that the molybdate POM has stronger degradation ability for RhB than the tungstate one.

Meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of polyethylene glycol vs mannitol for colonoscopy preparation

AIM: To assess systematically the effectiveness and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) vs mannitol for colonoscopy preparation.

METHODS: Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, China Biology Medicine disc and China Journal Full-text Database were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of PEG and mannitol for colonoscopy preparation. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the studies were determined. The quality of the included studies was evaluated, and Meta-analysis was performed using Stata12 software.

RESULTS: A total of 15 studies involving 3131 cases were included. Meta-analysis showed that the PEG group had a higher rate of adequate cleaning quality (RR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.05-1.12, P = 0.000) of all colon segments than the mannitol group, and the rate of excellent cleansing quality (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09-1.39, P = 0.001) in the PEG group was also superior to that in the mannitol group. The PEG group was associated with significantly lower incidences of cramps and bloating (RR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.22-0.39, P = 0.000), nausea and emesis (RR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.20-0.50, P = 0.000), as well as hunger, dizziness and fatigue (RR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.12-0.50, P = 0.000) than the mannitol group.

CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol is superior to mannitol in terms of effectiveness and safety for colonoscopy preparation, however, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our finding.

TUNEL staining combined with cell morphologic characteristics for identifying acinar cell death mode in rats with acute pancreatitis

AIM: To detect acinar cell death in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP) by TdT-mediated dUTP nick labeling (TUNEL) staining and to study the correlation between the morphology of TUNEL positive cells and their death modes.

METHODS: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) was induced in rats by injection of 4% sodium taurocholate in the pancreaticobiliary duct, and the pathological changes in pancreatic tissue were observed. Pancreatic tissue sections were stained by TUNEL, and the morphological changes of TUNEL positive cells were evaluated under a light microscope.

RESULTS: Compared to the sham operated group, the pancreas of ANP rats exhibited typical pathological changes of AP, and had a large number of TUNEL positive acinar cells. The TUNEL positive cells showed various morphologic characteristics, which included the manifestations of both apoptosis and necrosis. The apoptotic morphology was characterized by nuclear condensation and karyorrhexis followed by the formation of apoptotic bodies, while necrotic cells demonstrated nuclear swelling, karyolysis and cytoplasmic vacuolization. There were significant differences between the morphologic characteristics of the two cell death modes.

CONCLUSION: TUNEL staining itself cannot well differentiate the apoptosis and necrosis of acinar cells in AP. However, when combined with the morphologic characteristics of TUNEL positive cells, TUNEL staining can preliminarily identify the two modes of cell death.

Improved autophagic flux is correlated with mTOR activation in the later recovery stage of experimental acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Lysosomal/autophagic pathway plays important role in the early onset of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, its role in the later recovery phase of AP is unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of lysosomal/autophagic pathway in the self-limited program of AP and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

AP was induced in the rat by 3% sodium taurocholate injection in the pancreaticobiliary duct. Serum amylase activity assay, histological examination, and cell death detection were used to assess the time course of AP severity. Meanwhile, the expression of LC3-II, p62 and Lamp-2 was measured to evaluate the status of autophagic flux. S6RP phosphorylation was detected to determine the time course of mTOR activation. Rapamycin was administered to block mTOR activity.

RESULTS

AP developed in the rats to the most severe at 24 h but tended to self-restore at 36 and 48 h. The impairment of autophagic flux characterized by the accumulation of LC3-II and p62 and the depletion of Lamp-2 occurred at 24 h after AP induction followed by the restoration over the following 24 h. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of S6RP was increased at 36 and 48 h after AP induction despite the initial inhibition. Rapamycin treatment reduced the level of phospho-S6RP and inhibited the restoration of autophagic homeostasis and pancreatic tissue injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of mTOR is correlated with the improvement of autophagic flux and pancreatic injury, suggesting that mTOR activation plays a potential protective role in the later recovery of AP.

Improved autophagic flux is correlated with mTOR activation in the later recovery stage of experimental acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Lysosomal/autophagic pathway plays important role in the early onset of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, its role in the later recovery phase of AP is unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of lysosomal/autophagic pathway in the self-limited program of AP and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

AP was induced in the rat by 3% sodium taurocholate injection in the pancreaticobiliary duct. Serum amylase activity assay, histological examination, and cell death detection were used to assess the time course of AP severity. Meanwhile, the expression of LC3-II, p62 and Lamp-2 was measured to evaluate the status of autophagic flux. S6RP phosphorylation was detected to determine the time course of mTOR activation. Rapamycin was administered to block mTOR activity.

RESULTS

AP developed in the rats to the most severe at 24 h but tended to self-restore at 36 and 48 h. The impairment of autophagic flux characterized by the accumulation of LC3-II and p62 and the depletion of Lamp-2 occurred at 24 h after AP induction followed by the restoration over the following 24 h. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of S6RP was increased at 36 and 48 h after AP induction despite the initial inhibition. Rapamycin treatment reduced the level of phospho-S6RP and inhibited the restoration of autophagic homeostasis and pancreatic tissue injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of mTOR is correlated with the improvement of autophagic flux and pancreatic injury, suggesting that mTOR activation plays a potential protective role in the later recovery of AP.

From Graphene to Carbon Nanotubes: Variation of the Electronic States and Nonlinear Optical Responses

From the same piece of graphene sheet, (3, 3) and (6, 0) carbon nanotube clips were obtained on the basis of the different manners of rolling. The nature of the electronic state varies differently with different manners of rolling and is significantly affected by zigzag edges. The intermediate structures formed during the rolling process were functionalized with fluorine and oxygen atoms to investigate the electronic states and nonlinear optical (NLO) responses. Passivation of the intermediate structures with fluorine neither changes the nature of electronic states and nor improves the NLO responses. In constrast, passivation with oxygen enhances the NLO properties and changes the electronic states of the structures upon passivating at the open zigzag edges.

Two novel structures based on an organic ligand with two different coordination modes

Two novel 3-D POMMOF structures containing both metal–organic frameworks and pure inorganic frameworks have been synthesized.

Secondary organic moiety templated organic–inorganic polyoxometalate-based frameworks

Four secondary organic moiety templated organic–inorganic polyoxometalate-based framework compounds have been synthesized and characterized.

Enhanced anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge of low organic content in a novel digester

A novel digester, termed an internal circulation anaerobic digester (ICAD), was developed to intensify sludge digestion. It consists of reaction zone, settling zone, thickening zone, riser and downcomer. Internal circulation in the digester is intensified by backflow biogas. The mesophilic ICAD treating thermal pretreated waste activated sludge with volatile suspended solids (VSS)/suspended solids (SS) of 0.45-0.49 was conducted in this study to reduce and stabilize the low organic content sludge. The results showed that the VSS removal rate and biogas rate reached 46.0% and 0.72 m(3)/kg VSS(fed) at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 15 days. VSS/SS and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of the effluent sludge ranged from 0.39 to 0.41 and 274 mg/L to 473 mg/L, respectively, under various HRTs from 10 to 27 days. The degradation ability of ICAD derived from the improved mass transfer by internal circulation and long solid retention time at short HRT is compared with continuous stirred tank reactor.

Polyoxometalate-based organic–inorganic hybrid compounds containing transition metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes of N-containing and pyridinecarboxylate ligands

Five compounds exhibiting novel structures constructed from polyoxoanions and metal mixed-organic-ligand complexes have been synthesized and characterized.