Exosomal miR-155 from M1-polarized macrophages promotes EndoMT and impairs mitochondrial function via activating NF-κB signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells after traumatic spinal cord injury

Pathologically, blood-spinal-cord-barrier (BSCB) disruption after spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to infiltration of numerous peripheral macrophages into injured areas and accumulation around newborn vessels. Among the leaked macrophages, M1-polarized macrophages are dominant and play a crucial role throughout the whole SCI process. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of M1-polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDMs) on vascular endothelial cells and their underlying mechanism. Microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 cells were treated with conditioned medium or exosomes derived from M1-BMDMs, followed by evaluations of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and mitochondrial function. After administration, we found conditioned medium or exosomes from M1-BMDMs significantly promoted EndoMT of vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo, which aggravated BSCB disruption after SCI. In addition, significant dysfunction of mitochondria and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also detected. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that miR-155 is upregulated in both M1-polarized macrophages and microglia. Experimentally, exosomal transfer of miR-155 participated in M1-BMDMs-induced EndoMT and mitochondrial ROS generation in bEnd.3 cells, and subsequently activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting downstream suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS6), and suppressing SOCS6-mediated p65 ubiquitination and degradation. Finally, a series of rescue assay further verified that exosomal miR155/SOCS6/p65 axis regulated the EndoMT process and mitochondrial function in vascular endothelial cells. In summary, our work revealed a potential mechanism describing the communications between macrophages and vascular endothelial cells after SCI which could benefit for future research and aid in the development of potential therapies for SCI.

Extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate osteoarthritis of the knee in mice model by interacting with METTL3 to reduce m6A of NLRP3 in macrophage

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that not only significantly impairs the quality of life of middle-aged and elderly individuals but also imposes a significant financial burden on patients and society. Due to their significant biological properties, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have steadily received great attention in OA treatment. This study aimed to investigate the influence of EVs on chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and apoptosis and their protective efficacy against OA in mice.

METHODS

The protective impact of EVs derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs-EVs) on OA in mice was investigated by establishing a mouse OA model by surgically destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). Human chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and cultured with THP-1 cells to mimic the in vivo inflammatory environment. Levels of inflammatory factors were then determined in different groups, and the impacts of EVs on chondrocyte proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism were explored. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level of mRNA and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) protein expression in the cells was also measured in addition to microRNA analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanism of exosomal therapy.

RESULTS

The results indicated that hucMSCs-EVs slowed OA progression, decreased osteophyte production, increased COL2A1 and Aggrecan expression, and inhibited ADAMTS5 and MMP13 overexpression in the knee joint of mice via decreasing pro-inflammatory factor secretion. The in vitro cell line analysis revealed that EVs enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. METTL3 is responsible for these protective effects. Further investigations revealed that EVs decreased the m6A level of NLRP3 mRNA following miR-1208 targeted binding to METTL3, resulting in decreased inflammatory factor release and preventing OA progression.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that hucMSCs-EVs inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and the degradation of cartilage ECM after lowering the m6A level of NLRP3 mRNA with miR-1208 targeting combined with METTL3, thereby alleviating OA progression in mice and providing a novel therapy for clinical OA treatment.

Exosomes derived from hypoxia preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells laden in a silk hydrogel promote cartilage regeneration via the miR-205-5p/PTEN/AKT pathway

Tissue engineering has promising prospects for cartilage regeneration. However, there remains an urgent need to harvest high quality seed cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs), and in particular their exosomes, might promote the function of articular chondrocytes (ACs) via paracrine mechanisms. Furthermore, preconditioned BMSCs could provide an enhanced therapeutic effect. BMSCs naturally exist in a relatively hypoxic environment (1%-5% O₂); however, they are usually cultured under higher oxygen concentrations (21% O₂). Herein, we hypothesized that hypoxia preconditioned exosomes (H-Exos) could improve the quality of ACs and be more conducive to cartilage repair. In our study, we compared the effects of exosomes derived from BMSCs preconditioned with hypoxia and normoxia (N-Exos) on ACs, demonstrating that H-Exos significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, anabolism and anti-inflammation effects of ACs. Furthermore, we confirmed that hypoxia preconditioning upregulated the expression of miR-205-5p in H-Exos, suggesting that ACs were promoted via the miR-205-5p/PTEN/AKT pathway. Finally, an injectable silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel containing ACs and H-Exos (SF/ACs/H-Exos) was utilized to repair cartilage defects and effectively promote cartilage regeneration in vivo. The application of SF/ACs/H-Exos hydrogel in cartilage regeneration therefore has promising prospects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) has presented a promising prospect. However, the quality of seed cells is an important factor affecting the repair efficiency. Our study demonstrates for the first time that the exosomes derived from hypoxia preconditioned BMSCs (H-Exos) effectively promote the proliferation, migration and anabolism of chondrocytes and inhibit inflammation through miR-205-5p/PTEN/AKT pathway. Furthermore, we fabricated an injectable silk fibrion (SF) hydrogel to preserve and sustained release H-Exos. A complex composed of SF hydrogel, H-Exos and chondrocytes can effectively promote the regeneration of cartilage defects. Therefore, this study demonstrates that hypoxia pretreatment could optimize the therapeutic effects of BMSCs-derived exosomes, and the combination of exosomes and SF hydrogel could be a promising therapeutic method for cartilage regeneration.

Exosomal Transfer of LCP1 Promotes Osteosarcoma Cell Tumorigenesis and Metastasis by Activating the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Increasing evidence indicates that lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1) overexpression contributes to tumor progression; however, its role in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of LCP1 in OS and the underlying mechanisms. We first demonstrated that LCP1 is upregulated in OS cell lines and tissues. Then, we found that aberrant expression of LCP1 could induce the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells in vitro and in vivo by destabilizing neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1) and subsequently activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. When coculturing OS cells with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro, we validated that oncogenic LCP1 in OS was transferred from BMSCs via exosomes. Moreover, microRNA (miR)-135a-5p, a tumor suppressor, was found to interact upstream of LCP1 to counteract the pro-tumorigenesis effects of LCP1 in OS. In conclusion, BMSC-derived exosomal LCP1 promotes OS proliferation and metastasis via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Targeting the miR-135a-5p/LCP1 axis may have potential in treating OS.

Extracellular vesicles derived from LPS-preconditioned human synovial mesenchymal stem cells inhibit extracellular matrix degradation and prevent osteoarthritis of the knee in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

Previous studies report that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells have enhanced trophic support and improved regenerative and repair properties. Extracellular vesicles secreted by synovial mesenchymal stem cells (EVs) can reduce cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies show that extracellular vesicles secreted by LPS-preconditioned synovial mesenchymal stem cells (LPS-pre EVs) can improve the response to treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). This study sought to explore effects of LPS-pre EVs on chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and chondrocyte apoptosis, as well as the protective effect of LPS-pre EVs on mouse articular cartilage.

METHODS

Chondrocytes were extracted to explore the effect of LPS-pre EVs on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of chondrocytes. In addition, the effect of LPS-pre EVs on expression level of important proteins of chondrocytes was explored suing in vitro experiments. Further, intraarticular injection of LPS-pre EVs was performed on the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced mouse models of OA to explore the therapeutic effect of LPS-pre EVs on osteoarthritis in vivo.

RESULTS

Analysis showed that LPS-pre EVs significantly promoted proliferation and migration of chondrocytes and inhibited the apoptosis of chondrocytes compared with PBS and EVs. Moreover, LPS-pre EVs inhibited decrease of aggrecan and COL2A1 and increase of ADAMTS5 caused by IL-1β through let-7b. Furthermore, LPS-pre EVs significantly prevented development of OA in DMM-induced mouse models of OA.

CONCLUSIONS

LPS pretreatment is an effective and promising method to improve therapeutic effect of extracellular vesicles secreted from SMSCs on OA.

Ruxolitinib attenuates secondary injury after traumatic spinal cord injury

Excessive inflammation post-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) induces microglial activation, which leads to prolonged neurological dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying microglial activation-induced neuroinflammation remains poorly understood. Ruxolitinib (RUX), a selective inhibitor of JAK1/2, was recently reported to inhibit inflammatory storms caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the lung. However, its role in disrupting inflammation post-SCI has not been confirmed. In this study, microglia were treated with RUX for 24 hours and then activated with interferon-γ for 6 hours. The results showed that interferon-γ-induced phosphorylation of JAK and STAT in microglia was inhibited, and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and cell proliferation marker Ki67 were reduced. In further in vivo experiments, a mouse model of spinal cord injury was treated intragastrically with RUX for 3 successive days, and the findings suggest that RUX can inhibit microglial proliferation by inhibiting the interferon-γ/JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, microglia treated with RUX centripetally migrated toward injured foci, remaining limited and compacted within the glial scar, which resulted in axon preservation and less demyelination. Moreover, the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were reduced. The neuromotor function of SCI mice also recovered. These findings suggest that RUX can inhibit neuroinflammation through inhibiting the interferon-γ/JAK/STAT pathway, thereby reducing secondary injury after SCI and producing neuroprotective effects.

Zero-valent iron addition in anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactors for preconcentrated wastewater treatment: Performance and impact

Wastewater preconcentration to capture abundant organics is promising for facilitating subsequent anaerobic digestion (AD) to recover bioenergy, however research efforts are still needed to verify the effectiveness of such an emerging strategy as carbon capture plus AD. Therefore, lab-scale anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactors (AnDMBRs) without and with the addition of zero-valent iron (ZVI) (i.e., AnDMBR1 versus AnDMBR2) were developed for preconcentrated domestic wastewater (PDW) treatment, and the impact of ZVI addition on process performance and associated mechanisms were investigated. The stepwise addition of ZVI from 2 to 4 to 6 g/L improved the treatment performance as COD removal slightly increased and TP removal and methane production were enhanced by 53.3%-62.9% and 22.6%-31.3%, respectively, in consecutive operational phases. However, the average increasing rate of the transmembrane pressure (TMP) in AnDMBR2 (0.18 kPa/d) was obviously higher than that in AnDMBR1 (0.05 kPa/d), indicating an unfavorable impact of dosing ZVI on the dynamic membrane (DM) filtration performance. ZVI that has transformed to iron ions (mainly Fe²⁺) can behave as a coagulant, electron donor or inorganic foulant, thus enabling the excellent removal of dissolved phosphorous, enhancing the enrichment and activities of specific methanogens and causing the formation of a compact DM layer. Morphological, componential, and microbial community analyses provided new insights into the functional mechanisms of ZVI added to membrane-assisted anaerobic digesters, indicating that ZVI has the potential to improve bioenergy production and resource recovery, while optimizing the ZVI dosage should be considered to alleviate membrane fouling.

Circular RNA-Related CeRNA Network and Prognostic Signature for Patients with Osteosarcoma

Introduction

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is characterized by its relatively high morbidity in children and adolescents. Patients usually have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, resulting in poor outcomes. This study focused on building a circular RNA-based ceRNA network to develop a reliable model for OSA risk prediction.

Methods

We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to explore the expression patterns of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA in OSA. The prognostic value of circRNA host genes was assessed with data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. We established a circRNA-related ceRNA network and annotated its biological functions. Next, we developed a prognostic risk signature based on mRNAs extracted from the ceRNA network. We also developed a prognostic model and constructed a nomogram to enhance the prediction of OSA prognosis.

Results

We identified 166 DEcircRNAs, 233 DEmiRNAs, and 1317 DEmRNAs and used them to create a circRNA-related ceRNA network. We then established a prognostic risk model consisting of four genes (MLLT11, TNFRSF11B, SLC7A7, and PARVA). Moreover, we found that inhibition of MLLT11 and SLC7A7 blocked OSA cell proliferation and migration in in vitro experiments.

Conclusion

Our study identifies crucial prognostic genes and provides a circRNA-related ceRNA network for OSA, which will contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and development of OSA.

Characterization of preconcentrated domestic wastewater toward efficient bioenergy recovery: Applying size fractionation, chemical composition and biomethane potential assay

Domestic wastewater (DWW) can be preconcentrated to facilitate energy recovery via anaerobic digestion (AD), following the concept of "carbon capture-anaerobic conversion-bioenergy utilization." Herein, real DWW and preconcentrated domestic wastewater (PDWW) were both subject to particle size fractionation (0.45-2000 μm). DWW is a type of low-strength wastewater (average COD of 440.26 mg/L), wherein 60% of the COD is attributed to the substances with particle size greater than 0.45 μm. Proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids are the major DWW components. PDWW with a high COD concentration of 2125.89 ± 273.71 mg/L was obtained by the dynamic membrane filtration (DMF) process. PDWW shows larger proportions of settleable and suspended fractions, and accounted for 63.4% and 33.8% of the particle size distribution, and 52.4% and 32.2% of the COD, respectively. The acceptable biomethane potential of 262.52 ± 11.86 mL CH₄/g COD of PDWW indicates bioenergy recovery is feasible based on DWW preconcentration and AD.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Inhibits Osteoarthritis by Modulating Interaction Between Vitamin D Receptor and NLRP3 in Macrophages

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disease globally. Loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) by chondrocytes is a classic feature of OA. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), secreted mainly by macrophages, promote expression of matrix degrading proteins and further aggravate progression of OA. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25VD) modulates inflammation thus exerting protective effects on cartilage tissue. However, the underlying mechanisms of 1,25VD activity have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

The destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced mice model of OA was established to investigate the protective effects of 1,25VD by micro-CT and Safranin-O and Fast Green staining. And the co-culture system between THP-1 cells and primary chondrocytes was constructed to explore the effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1,25VD on chondrogenic proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. The immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expressions of ECM proteins and matrix degradation-associated proteases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Results

The findings of the study showed that 1,25VD prevented cartilage degeneration and osteophyte formation by inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines in OA mice model. These protective effects were exerted through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Further studies showed that 1,25VD increased ubiquitination level of NLRP3 by binding to VDR, resulting in decrease in IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. These findings indicate that 1,25VD binds to VDR thus preventing chondrogenic ECM degradation by modulating macrophage NLRP3 activation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, thus alleviating OA progression.

Conclusion

Here, our study suggests that 1,25VD, targeting to VDR, prevents chondrogenic ECM degradation through regulating macrophage NLRP3 activation and inflammatory cytokines secretion, thereby alleviating OA. These findings provide information on a novel molecular mechanism for application of 1,25VD as OA therapy.

Synthesis and evaluation of pentacyclic triterpenoids conjugates as novel HBV entry inhibitors targeting NTCP receptor

Chronic liver diseases caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) are the accepted main cause leading to liver cirrhosis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatic carcinoma. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), a specific membrane receptor of hepatocytes for triggering HBV infection, is a promising target against HBV entry. In this study, pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) including glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA) and betulinic acid (BA) were modified via molecular hybridization with podophyllotoxin respectively, and resulted in thirty-two novel conjugates. The anti-HBV activities of conjugates were evaluated in HepG2.2.15 cells. The results showed that 66% of the conjugates exhibited lower toxicity to the host cells and had significant inhibitory effects on the two HBV antigens, especially HBsAg. Notably, the compounds BA-PPT1, BA-PPT3, BA-PPT4, and UA-PPT3 not only inhibited the secretion of HBsAg but also suppressed HBV DNA replication. A significant difference in the binding of active conjugates to NTCP compared to the HBV PreS1 antigen was observed by SPR assays. The mechanism of action was found to be the competitive binding of these compounds to the NTCP 157-165 epitopes, blocking HBV entry into host cells. Molecular docking results indicated that BA-PPT3 interacted with the amino acid residues of the target protein mainly through π-cation, hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction, suggesting its potential as a promising HBV entry inhibitor targeting the NTCP receptor.

[The role of serum osmolality monitoring in patients with severe intracranial lesion]

We dynamically determined serum osmolality in 1379 patients with severe intracranial lesion for 2843 times between January 1992 and July 1995. Using auto-control and after abandoned osmolality related interference factors we obtained the following results. Quantitative correlation analysis on the level of serum osmolality, intracranial pressure and the dose of mannitol showed that there was a negative correlation between the level of serum osmolality and intracranial pressure, while a positive correlation existed between the intracranial pressure and the dose of mannitol. The reasonable dose of mannitol was that which elevated the level of serum osmolality some 15-20 mOsm/kgH2O than its normal upper limit. The level of serum osmolality increesed to raised up 20-30 mOsm/kgH2O after administration of a single dose of mannitol. Complication increased with the increased level of osmolality of 300 mOsm/kgH2O, a warning level. An elevation of osmolality over 320 mOsm/kgH2O was considered the critical level for developing acute renal failure. The level of over 330 mOsm/kg H2O was another warning level for inducing nonketotic hyperosmotic diabetic coma. The efficious duration of mannitol, two different ways of diminishing or withdrawing the dose of mannitol, and the more safer velocity for correcting the state of hyperosmolality were also discussed. We conclude that to monitor the dynamic change of serum osmolality from time to time is of great help in lowering the incidence and mortality of hyperosmotic complications. Serum osmolality monitoring plays an important role in making fluid balance and compromizing the contradiction between dehydration and infusion as well as prevention and therapy of hyperosmotic complications, and outcome estimation as well.

Screening bioactive compounds from Fangji Huangqi decoction for treating rheumatoid arthritis via COX-2 magnetic ligand fishing combined with in vivo validation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fangji Huangqi Decoction (FHD) is a classical Chinese compound formula for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with satisfactory effects. FHD is reputed for its ability to tonify qi with strengthening exterior, and dispel wind while removing dampness, but its mechanisms and bioactive compounds for treating RA remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore the key target and bioactive compounds that were responsible for FHD-mediated improvements in RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using network pharmacology, we discovered that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was the key target of FHD against RA. We utilized a ligand fishing technique with COX-2 immobilized magnetic beads to recognize the bioactive components that act on COX-2. Then we carried out an in vitro assay of COX-2 enzyme inhibition and in vivo assay of carrageenan-induced inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to validate the bioactive effects of these captured ingredients. In the CIA assay, micro-CT, hematoxylin‒eosin staining and safranin-O/fast green staining were employed to assess the influence of the captured ligand on bone damage, pathological injury and cartilage destruction, respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to detect the expression of COX-2 target in the ankle joint. interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the serum were also detected by ELISA. Molecular docking was used to reveal the binding mechanism of the COX-2 protein and the captured ligand.

RESULTS

Eleven ligands, including tetrandrine, fangchinoline, cyclanoline, licochalcone B, ononin, calycosin and liquiritin, were specifically bound to the COX-2 protein, as determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), seven of which were present at high levels. One ligand, tetrandrine, not only had a great inhibitory effect on COX-2 enzyme activity but also significantly reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation. In the CIA assay, middle- and high-dose tetrandrine (25 and 50 mg/kg) had effects comparable to those of FHD and celecoxib on ameliorating RA symptoms in CIA mice via the COX-2 target. Furthermore, compared with the low-dose tetrandrine group (12.5 mg/kg), the FHD group exhibited significantly lower arthritis index scores and serum IL-6 expression, although the content of tetrandrine in FHD extract solution was approximately 0.1% of that in the low-dose tetrandrine group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hence, we inferred that tetrandrine was the main bioactive component responsible for the effects of FHD against RA by suppressing the expression of the COX-2 protein and inhibiting the enzyme catalytic activity of COX-2. The reason for these effects may be that tetrandrine can interact with the residue Tyr385 of COX-2, the enzymatic catalytic site of COX-2 to transform arachidonic acid (AA) to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and thereby reduce the production of prostaglandins and inflammatory metabolites. Moreover, in addition to tetrandrine, FHD contains other compounds that could supplement the activity of tetrandrine when FHD was used to treat RA, which is manifested the "multi-component" characteristic of how Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas treat diseases.

[Clinico-transcranial Doppler sonography monitoring on vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after resection of intracranial tumors]

The occurrence of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after resection of intracranial tumor has not received extensive attention clinically, and is often misdiagnosed and improperly treated as surgical brain damage or brain swelling. Seventy-two patients with intracranial tumor were continuously monitored pre- and postoperatively by means of neurological assessment and transcranial Doppler sonography. Vasospasm was found in 35 (48.6%) patients (18 mild, 13 moderate and 4 severe vasospasm). No significant difference among age, sex, surgical approaches, pathological diagnosis, duration of surgery, amount of blood loss and transfusion during surgery were found, but significant difference was seen in cisternal hemorrhage on CT scan and the amount of blood in cerebrospinal fluid. The cause and features of postoperative vasospasm were discussed, transcranial Doppler sonography played an important role in the diagnosis of vasospasm. To decrease the amount of blood in basal cistern by microsurgery in preventing vasospasm and to differentiate vasospasm from brain swelling are helpful to confirm the coexistent or causal relation based on neurological assessment, CT imagine, transcranial Doppler sonography and ICP monitoring both in deciding therapeutic strategy and successfully controlling vasospasm. Nimotop played a key role in preventing brain damage from vasospasm and cerebral swelling.

Highly Biocompatible Polyester-Based Piezoelectric Elastomer with Antitumor and Antibacterial Activity for Ultrasound-Enhanced Piezoelectric Therapy

Currently, the use of piezoelectric materials to provide sustainable and noninvasive bioelectric stimulation to eradicate tumor cells and accelerate wound healing has raised wide attention. The development of a multifunctional piezoelectric elastomer with the ability to perform in situ tumor therapy as well as wound repair is of paramount importance. However, current piezoelectric materials have a large elastic modulus and limited stretchability, making it difficult to match with the dynamic curvature changes of the wound. Therefore, by copolymerizing lactic acid, butanediol, sebacic acid, and itaconic acid to develop a piezoelectric elastomer (PLBSIE), we construct a new ultrasound-activated PLBSIE-based tumor/wound unified therapeutic platform. Excitedly, it showed outstanding piezoelectric performance and high stretchability, and the separated carrier could react with water to generate highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to effectively killing tumor cells and eliminating bacteria through piezoelectric therapy. In addition, ultrasound-triggered piezoelectric effects could promote the migration and differentiation of wound-healing-related cells, thus accelerating wound healing. Herein, such a piezoelectric elastomer exerted a critical role in postoperative tumor-induced wound therapy and healing with the merits of possessing multifunctional abilities. Taken together, the developed ultrasound-activated PLBSIE will offer a comprehensive treatment for postoperative osteosarcoma therapy.

Discovery of pentacyclic triterpene conjugates as HBV polymerase/NTCP dual-targeting inhibitors with potent anti-HBV activities

The inhibition of HBV DNA and elimination of HBsAg has already been established as an indicator for HBV clinic cure, and a novel dual-targeting inhibitors of HBV polymerase/entry are designed and synthesized in this study. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) scaffold of exhibiting a high affinity to NTCP, including glycyrrhitinic acid (GA), oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA), and betulinic acid (BA) were linked neatly with the nucleoside drug zidovudine (AZT) through a molecular hybrid strategy to synthesize twenty of PTs-AZT conjugates for targeting HBV polymerase as well as sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The conjugates showed significant inhibitory effects on the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2.2.15 cells, and the activity on HBsAg were better. Moreover, HBV DNA replication was also notably suppressed after incubated with the conjugates. The IC50 value of BA-AZT1 on HBsAg inhibition was 0.65 ± 0.07 μM, and it was 284.2 times and 442.2 times higher comparing to corresponding parent compound BA and AZT. Additionally, the therapeutic index (TI) was also improved by 87.8 times than AZT. And the IC50 value of BA-AZT1 on inhibition of HBV DNA replication was 0.70 ± 0.02 μM, 10.4 times higher than that of AZT besides conspicuous TI. Molecular docking suggested that AZT skeleton of conjugate BA-AZT1 interacted with B region of HBV Polymerase reverse transcription region, and BA structure simultaneously targeted to C region of polymerase via hydrophobic chain, establishing strong binding interactions with the HBV Pol protein. In addition, docked with NTCP, BA-AZT1 with flat pentacyclic structure inserted into the interface and also formed hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and van der Waals forces with the amino residue 157-165 of NTCP. Further SPR analysis demonstrated the binding affinity of BA-AZT1 to C region of polymerase was 19.55 μM, stronger than 53.21 μM of BA and 31.82 μM of AZT. BA-AZT1 selectively bound to the 157-165 epitopes of NTCP receptors in host cell but not PreS1 of virus. As a result, we deduced that the designed conjugates targeted NTCP and HBV polymerase, not only prevented HBV from entering host cells via selective binding NTCP, but also inhibited HBV DNA replication through obstructing the function of HBV polymerase, and it could potentially serve as a promising dual-functional and dual-target inhibitor with both replication and entry inhibition to exert anti-HBV activity.

[Comprehensive treatment of intracranial aneurysm complicated by postoperative vasospasm]

Forty six patients suffered from intracranial aneurysm complicated by postoperative vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia were monitored dynamically both by clinical observation of neurologic status and multiple items such as transcranial Doppler, serum osmolality, intracranial pressure and other somatic physiologic items related to monitoring. Patients were intensively and comprehensively treated according to individualized grading of vasospasm. Forty four patients (95.6%) were completely recovered from postoperative vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, while 2 patients (4.3%) complicated by hemipalsy as a consequence of delayed cerebral ischemia. The occurrence of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, the criteria of TCD grading, the valuableness of multiple physiologic items and problems related to comprehensive treatment are discussed.

Intracranial aneurysms: experience in treating 500 patients

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience in surgical treatment of patients with intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

The measures used in the treatment of 500 patients with intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed with regard to timing of surgery, induced-hypotensive anesthesia, brain protection combined with temporal occlusion of the feeding artery, dynamically monitoring of transcranial Doppler ultrasound, antivasospasm treatment, techniques of direct surgery, and endovascular embolization.

RESULTS

In 465 patients undergoing surgery, intraoperative rupture was observed in 27(6.2%), postoperative death in 13 (2.7%), hemipalsy in 8(2.2%), and vegetative state in 2 (5.0%). The operative mortality was 3.8% in 210 patients before 1990, while 1.9% in 255 patients after 1990.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of patients with intracranial aneurysms can be markedly improved by comprehensive measures.

Molecularly imprinted polymer for solid-phase extraction of oleanolic acid from Ligustrum lucidum fruit

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized for the selective extraction of oleanolic acid (OA), employing OA as the template molecule, acrylamide as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent, azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator, and chloroform as the porogenic solvent. The characterization of the obtained MIPs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The MIPs reached adsorption equilibrium within 2 hours to OA, with high adsorption capacity of 124.68 mg/g. Subsequently, these MIPs were packed in empty solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge to enrichment OA from Ligustrum lucidum fruit extract. The parameters of SPE were optimized as follows: loading 0.5 ml of a 1.0 mg/ml OA reference solution, washing with 0.5 ml of toluene, and eluting with 4 ml of methanol. Under these conditions, the enrichment rate of OA from L. lucidum extract reached 76.0%. Additionally, an high-performance liquid chromatography method for determining OA content was validated. This study provides an effective approach for the separation and enrichment of OA from complex matrices and also provides practical feasibility for the separation and enrichment of other triterpenoids.

Mutation of the gene encoding the PHD-type transcription factor SAB23 confers submergence tolerance in rice

Submergence is a major constraint on rice production in South and Southeast Asia. In this study, we determined that a gene of the Sub1A-binding protein family, SAB23, encodes a plant homeodomain (PHD)-type transcription factor that has a novel function of negatively regulating submergence tolerance in rice. The T-DNA insertion mutant sab23 displayed reduced plant height, delayed seed maturation, and lower percentage seed set. Importantly, this mutant also exhibited enhanced submergence tolerance. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 knock out of SAB23 resulted in a significant reduction in the content of the gibberellin GA4 and a dramatic increase in the content of GA1 in the plants. SAB23 binds to the promoter of CYTOCHROME P450 714B2 (CYP714B2), which encodes a GA13-oxidase that catalyses the conversion of GA53 to GA19. Disruption of SAB23 function led to increased CYP714B2 transcription, and overexpression of CYP714B2 produced phenotypes similar to those of the SAB23-knockout plants. Taken together, our results reveal that SAB23 negatively regulates rice submergence tolerance by modulating CYP714B2 expression, which has significant potential for use in future breeding.

Biocompatible and stretchable chitosan piezoelectric gel with antibacterial capability and motion monitoring function for Achilles tendon rupture treatment

Achilles tendon rupture is a common and serious condition that remains a challenge in the restoration of tendon structure and function. The design and use of high-performance piezoelectric materials serve as an effective solution to enhance repair outcomes, shorten recovery times, and reduce the risk of recurrence. In this study, we prepared a chitosan piezoelectric gel (CSPG) as an organic polymer with excellent biocompatibility, stretchability, and piezoelectric properties as well as excellent antibacterial properties. In vitro experiments showed that CSPG, which induces a piezoelectric effect, can inhibit bacterial growth, promote cell proliferation and migration, upregulate the expression of tendon-related genes, and inhibit the expression of inflammation-related genes. In vivo experiments showed improved outcomes for Achilles tendon repair following CSPG intervention, as evidenced by enhanced animal mobility and improved mechanical test results. In addition, the CSPG exhibited sensory functions capable of monitoring temperature and motion, providing timely feedback on repair efficacy. In summary, this study not only successfully prepared a multifunctional piezoelectric material that can effectively promote Achilles tendon rupture repair and regeneration and control inflammatory response, it also possesses antibacterial and sensing functions, thus offering a new strategy for Achilles tendon rupture repair.