Construction of various lipid carriers to study the transdermal penetration mechanism of sinomenine hydrochloride

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the transdermal mechanisms and compare the differences in transdermal delivery of Sinomenine hydrochloride (SN) between solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), liposomes (LS), and nanoemulsions (NE).

METHODS

SN-SLN, SN-LS and SN-NE were prepared by ultrasound, ethanol injection and spontaneous emulsification, respectively. FTIR, DSC, in vitro skin penetration, activation energy (Ea) analysis were used to explore the mechanism of drug penetration across the skin.

RESULTS

The particle size and encapsulation efficiency were 126.60 nm, 43.23 ± 0.48%(w/w) for SN-SLN, 224.90 nm, 78.31 ± 0.75%(w/w) for SN-LS, and 83.22 nm, 89.01 ± 2.16%(w/w) for SN-LS. FTIR and DSC showed the preparations had various levels of impacts on the stratum corneum's lipid structure which was in the order of SLN > NE > LS. Ea values of SN-SLN, SN-LS, and SN-NE crossing the skin were 2.504, 1.161, and 2.510 kcal/mol, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SLN had a greater degree of alteration on the skin cuticle, which allows SN to permeate skin more effectively.

Trends in antidiabetic drug use and expenditure in public hospitals in Northwest China, 2012-21: a case study of Gansu Province

BACKGROUND

Since the twenty-first century, the prevalence of diabetes has risen globally year by year. In Gansu Province, an economically underdeveloped province in northwest China, the cost of drugs for diabetes patients accounted for one-third of their total drug costs. To fundamentally reduce national drug expenditures and the burden of medication on the population, the relevant departments of government have continued to reform and improve drug policies. This study aimed to analyse long-term trends in antidiabetic drug use and expenditure in Gansu Province from 2012 to 2021 and to explore the role of pharmaceutical policy.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the provincial centralised bidding and purchasing (CBP) platform. Drug use was quantified using the anatomical therapeutic chemistry/defined daily dose (ATC/DDD) method and standardised by DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), and drug expenditure was expressed in terms of the total amount and defined daily cost (DDC). Linear regression was used to analyse the trends and magnitude of drug use and expenditure.

RESULTS

The overall trend in the use and expenditure of antidiabetic drugs was on the rise, with the use increasing from 1.04 in 2012 to 16.02 DID in 2021 and the expenditure increasing from 48.36 in 2012 to 496.42 million yuan in 2021 (from 7.66 to 76.95 million USD). Some new and expensive drugs changed in the use pattern, and their use and expenditure shares (as the percentage of all antidiabetic drugs) increased from 0 to 11.17% and 11.37%, but insulins and analogues and biguanides remained the most used drug class. The DDC of oral drugs all showed a decreasing trend, but essential medicines (EMs) and medical insurance drugs DDC gradually decreased with increasing use. The price reduction of the bid-winning drugs was over 40%, and the top three drugs were glimepiride 2mg/30, acarbose 50mg/30 and acarbose 100mg/30.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of pharmaceutical policies has significantly increased drug use and expenditure while reducing drug prices, and the introduction of novel drugs and updated treatment guidelines has led to changes in use patterns.

Suppression of microRNA-320 Induces Cerebral Protection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Targeting HMGB1/NF-kappaB Axis

MicroRNAs have been shown to potentially function in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. This study aimed to examine the expression of microRNA-320 (miR-320) in cerebral IR injury and its involvement in cerebral mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses by targeting the HMGB1/NF-kappaB axis. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion to simulate cerebral IR injury. The cerebral expression of miR-320 was assessed using qRT-PCR. Neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using relevant methods, including staining, fluorometry, and ELISA. HMGB1 expression was analyzed through Western blotting. The levels of miR-320, HMGB1, neurological deficits, and cerebral infarction were significantly higher after IR induction. Intracerebral overexpression of miR-320 resulted in substantial neurological deficits, increased infarct volume, elevated levels of 8-isoprostane, NF-kappaBp65, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and HMGB1 expression. It also promoted the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS levels while reducing MnSOD and GSH levels. Downregulation of miR-320 and inhibition of HMGB1 activity significantly reversed the outcomes of cerebral IR injury. MiR-320 plays a negative role in regulating cerebral inflammatory/oxidative reactions induced by IR injury by enhancing HMGB1 activity and modulating mitochondrial function.

Bi-functional KIT-PR1P peptides combine with VEGF to protect ischemic kidney in rats by targeting to Kim-1

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) was a disease with a high mortality mainly caused by renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). Although the current non-targeted administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for AKI had been revealed to facilitate the recovery of renal I/R, how to targeted deliver VEGF and to retain it efficiently in the ischemic kidney was critical for its clinical application.

Methods

In present study, bi-functional KIT-PR1P peptides were constructed which bond VEGF through PR1P domain, and targeted ischemic kidney through KIT domain to interact with biomarker of AKI-kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). Then the targeted and therapeutic effects of KIT-PR1P/VEGF in AKI was explored in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The results showed KIT-PR1P exhibited better angiogenic capacity and targeting ability to hypoxia HK-2 cells with up-regulated Kim-1 in vitro. When KIT-PR1P/VEGF was used for the treatment of renal I/R through intravenous administration in vivo, KIT-PR1P could guide VEGF and retain its effective concentration in ischemic kidney. In addition, KIT-PR1P/VEGF promoted angiogenesis, alleviated renal tubular injury and fibrosis, and finally promoted functional recovery of renal I/R.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the bi-functional KIT-PR1P peptides combined with VEGF would be a promising strategy for the treatment of AKI by targeting to Kim-1.

[The 504th case: Multiple lymph node enlargement, renal insufficiency, blindness, and white matter lesions of the brain]

A 65-year-old male patient was admitted for recurrent lymph node enlargement for 5 years and elevated creatinine for 6 months. This patient was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma 5 years ago and underwent multiple lines of anti-tumor therapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy; epigenetic modifying drugs such as chidamide and azacitidine; the immunomodulator lenalidomide; and targeted therapy such as rituximab, a CD20-targeting antibody, and brentuximab vedotin, which targets CD30. Although the tumor was considered stable, multiple virus activation (including BK virus, JC virus, and cytomegalovirus) accompanied by the corresponding organ damage (polyomavirus nephropathy, cytomegalovirus retinitis, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) occurred during anti-tumor treatment. Anti-tumor therapy was suspended and ganciclovir was used. The serum viral load decreased and organ functions were stabilized. The purpose of this report was to raise clinicians' awareness of opportunistic virus reactivation during anti-tumor treatment.

Age effect on the shared etiology of glycemic traits and serum lipids: evidence from a Chinese twin study

PURPOSE

Diabetes and dyslipidemia are among the most common chronic diseases with increasing global disease burdens, and they frequently occur together. The study aimed to investigate differences in the heritability of glycemic traits and serum lipid indicators and differences in overlapping genetic and environmental influences between them across age groups.

METHODS

This study included 1189 twin pairs from the Chinese National Twin Registry and divided them into three groups: aged ≤ 40, 41-50, and > 50 years old. Univariate and bivariate structural equation models (SEMs) were conducted on glycemic indicators and serum lipid indicators, including blood glucose (GLU), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), in the total sample and three age groups.

RESULTS

All phenotypes showed moderate to high heritability (0.37-0.64). The heritability of HbA1c demonstrated a downward trend with age (HbA1c: 0.50-0.79), while others remained relatively stable (GLU: 0.55-0.62, TC: 0.58-0.66, TG: 0.50-0.63, LDL-C: 0.24-0.58, HDL-C: 0.31-0.57). The bivariate SEMs demonstrated that GLU and HbA1c were correlated with each serum lipid indicator (0.10-0.17), except HDL-C. Except for HbA1c and LDL-C, as well as HbA1c and HDL-C, differences in genetic correlations underlying glycemic traits and serum lipids between age groups were observed, with the youngest group showing a significantly higher genetic correlation than the oldest group.

CONCLUSION

Across the whole adulthood, genetic influences were consistently important for GLU, TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C, and age may affect the shared genetic influences between glycemic traits and serum lipids. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of age in the interactions of genes related to glycemic traits and serum lipids.

Activating two-dimensional semiconductors for photocatalysis: a cross-dimensional strategy

The emerging two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors substantially extend materials bases for versatile applications such as semiconductor photocatalysis demanding semiconductive matrices and large surface areas. The dimensionality, while endowing 2D semiconductors the unique properties to host photocatalytic functionality of pollutant removal and hydrogen evolution, hurdles the activation paths to form heterogenous photocatalysts where the photochemical processes are normally superior over these on the mono-compositional counterparts. In this perspective, we present a cross-dimensional strategy to employ thenD (n= 0-2) clusters or nanomaterials as activation partners to boost the photocatalytic activities of the 2D semiconductors. The formation principles of heterogenous photocatalysts are illustrated specifically for the 2D matrices, followed by selection criteria of them among the vast 2D database. The computer investigations are illustrated in the density functional theory route and machine learning benefitted from the vast samples in the 2D library. Synthetic realizations and characterizations of the 2D heterogenous systems are introduced with an emphasis on chemical methods and advanced techniques to understand materials and mechanistic studies. The perspective outlooks cross-dimensional activation strategies of the 2D materials for other applications such as CO2removal, and materials matrices in other dimensions which may inspire incoming research within these fields.

[An investigation on the nutritional status and support of in-patients with common variable immunodeficiency]

The study aimed to reveal for the first time the clinical characteristics, nutritional and metabolic status and support of hospitalized patients with common variant immunodeficiency disease (CVID), and provide reference to improve the long-term nutritional management for such patients. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Through searching the electronic medical record system of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the study included 33 consecutive in-patients with CVID diagnosed in Jan 2016 to Jun 2021, with the male to female ratio of 16∶17. All their medical data, nutritional assessment and intervention retrospectively summarized and analyzed. Data with normal distribution were described using (x¯±s), and analyzed with independent sample t-test. Data with non-normal distribution were compared with non-parametric test. The results showed that the median onset-age of the included patients was 22 (10.0,36.5) years old, and the median duration was 9.0 (2.0,16.0) years. All patients had recurrent infections involving various systems (33/33), with development of autoimmune diseases (8/33) and lymphoproliferative disease or malignancy (9/33) in some cases among them. The nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) scores revealed that 85.19% of adults had an NRS 2002≥3 points, and 33.33% of children had a BMI-for-age z score<-2. Weight loss occurred in 66.67% of patients (22/33), while 87.88% (29/33), 69.70% (23/33) and 81.82% (27/33) of patients respectively had anemia, hypoalbuminemia and decreased prealbumin. Among 22 patients with micronutrients status evaluated, 77.27% (17/22), 22.73% (5/22) and 31.82% (7/22) of patients respectively had lowered serum iron, folate deficiency and vitamin B12 insufficiency. Six patients underwent 25-OH-VD3 measurement, and were all testified to have vitamin D deficiency. Among all patients with nutritional risk, 56.00% of them underwent nutritional support: oral nutritional supplements (14 cases), enteral feeding (4 cases) and parenteral nutrition (5 cases). In conclusion, the condition of malnutrition was prevalent in patients with CVID, but was under-recognized and undertreated to some degree.

Treatment Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Chemotherapy Combined with Radiotherapy for Patients with Stage I-II Nasal-Type Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment outcome and the potential prognostic factors for patients with stage I-II nasal ENKTL treated with radiotherapy (RT) combined chemotherapy (CT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

From July, 2005 to January, 2019, 118 eligible patients were retrospective included in the study. Among the 118 patients, 84 were male and 34 were female. The median age was 45 years (range: 14-77 years). According to the Ann Arbor staging system, 66 patients had stage I disease (Primary tumor invasion (PTI) was present in 29 patients), and 52 patients had stage II disease. B symptoms were observed in 61 patients. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score was 0 to 1 in 88 patients. Cervical lymph node involvement was observed in 51 patients. The primary lesions were located in the nasal cavity in 92 cases and in the Waldeyer ring in 26 cases. Five patients had received RT followed by CT (RT + CT), 20 patients had received CT followed by RT (CT + RT), 90 patients had received CT followed by RT, again followed by CT (CT+RT+CT), and 3 patients had received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (1 patient received CRT + CT, other 2 patients received CT+CRT+CT). Patients were irradiated with a median dose of 50 Gy (range, 24-61.2). All patients received chemotherapy, 91 received non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy, whereas 27 patients received anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The median number of courses of chemotherapy was four (range: 1-10). Patients were scored as having low-risk disease (n = 50), intermediate-risk disease (n = 60) or high-risk disease (n = 8) according to the prognostic index of natural killer cell lymphoma (PINK).

RESULTS

Among the 118 patients, after initial therapy, the complete response (CR) rate was 82.2% (n = 97), and the partial response (PR) rate was 11.0% (n = 13). The stable disease (SD) rate was 2.5% (n = 3), and the progressive disease (PD) rate was 4.2% (n = 5). With a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 4-201) after irradiation, the 3-year PFS and OS were 76.9% and 82.9%, respectively. The 3-year OS rate was 75.0% for RT + CT, 70.0% for CT + RT, 87.1% for CT + RT+ CT, and 50.0% for CRT (P = 0.052). Three-year OS and PFS were 88.6% and 83.4%, respectively, for non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen compared to 61.6% (P = 0.001) and 58.4% (P = 0.003), respectively, for the anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen. Three-year OS and PFS were 84.0% and 79.0%, respectively, for patients receiving high-dose RT (≥50 Gy, n = 111) compared to 71.4% (P = 0.076) and 71.4% (P = 0.228), respectively, for low-dose RT (<50 Gy, n = 7). In multivariate analysis, adverse factors associated with OS in our study were chemotherapy regimen and response to RT and CT (P = 0.047, <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy reported promising response rate and a favorable survival for patients with stage I-II nasal ENKTL. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen and no remission after RT and CT were adverse factors of OS.

A Novel Molecular Reservoir Based on Reverse Self-Assembled Liquid Crystals - A New Strategy for Prolonging the Duration in Action of Analgesics

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to develop liquid crystal (LC) precursors to obtain novel long-acting analgesics for injection based on depot systems and compare the difference between the cubic and hexagonal precursors in delivering Diclofenac sodium (DS).

METHODS

Diclofenac sodium liquid crystal precursor injections were prepared and characterized, followed by in vitro release, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic studies.

RESULTS

The optimal formulations were prepared with a ratio of Phytantriol/ethanol/water as 76:19:5 for cubic LC precursors, and a ratio of Phytantriol/ethanol/water/Vitamine-E acetate as 72:18:5:5 for hexagonal, both loading various drug dosages (2.5%, 3.75% and 5%), respectively. Polarized light microscopy and small angle diffraction confirmed that the precursors were isotropic fluids and transformed into gels with Pn3m or HII framework in water. Rheological studies have shown that precursors belong to Newtonian fluids and gels to pseudoplastic fluids. The release showed that the DS in the commercial injection (DS-inj) was completely liberated within 6 h, whereas only 46.55% and 49.73% of the DS in 2.5% cubic precursors and 2.5% hexagonal precursors were freed, respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that cubic, hexagonal and DS-inj raised the pain threshold in mice by 169.4%, 157.3% and 113.79%, respectively. The mean retention times of DS in cubic and hexagonal were 3.16 and 2.67 times longer than DS-inj, respectively, according to pharmacokinetic results.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, cubic and hexagonal are both promising analgesic sustained release formulations. In addition, based only on the current comparison, cubic seems to have a better long-acting effect.

[Electroencephalographic microstates in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biomarkers of tinnitus in vestibular schwannoma patients using electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate technology.

METHODS

The EEG and clinical data of 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma were collected. All the patients were evaluated by SAS, SDS, THI and VAS scales. The EEG acquisition time was 10-15 min, and the EEG data were preprocessed and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB software package.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients with vestibular schwannoma, 29 patients had tinnitus and 12 did not have tinnitus, and their clinical parameters were comparable. The average global explanation variances of the non-tinnitus and tinnitus groups were 78.8% and 80.1%, respectively. The results of EEG microstate analysis showed that compared with those without tinnitus, the patients with tinnitus had an increased frequency (P=0.033) and contribution (P=0.028) of microstate C. Correlation analysis showed that THI scale scores of the patients were negatively correlated with the duration of microstate A (R=-0.435, P=0.018) and positively with the frequencies of microstate B (R=0.456, P=0.013) and microstate C (R=0.412, P=0.026). Syntax analysis showed that the probability of transition from microstate C to microstate B increased significantly in vestibular schwannoma patients with tinnitus (P=0.031).

CONCLUSION

EEG microstate features differ significantly between vestibular schwannoma patients with and without tinnitus. This abnormality in patients with tinnitus may reflect the potential abnormality in the allocation of neural resources and the transition of brain functional activity.

Mechanism of Qingre Huoxue Fang treatment on inhibiting angiogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Qingre Huoxue Fang (QRHXF) treatment on anti-angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Therapeutic Target (TTD) database to extract the active components of QRHXF and potential targets for regulating angiogenesis. First, we used Cytoscape bioinformatics software to construct the network of QRHXF-angiogenesis and screened the potential targets. Then, we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the potential core targets. In addition, enzyme-linked immune assay and Western blot were used for in vitro validation and to verify the effects of different concentrations of QRHXF on the expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGFR-2 cytokines and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3k) and Ak strain transforming (Akt) proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In results, we screened 179 core QRHXF antiangiogenic targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cytokines. Enrichment analysis showed that the targets were enriched in 56 core signaling pathways, including PI3k and Akt. In vitro experiments showed that the migration distance and square, adhesion optical density (OD) values, and the number of branch points in tube formation significantly decreased in the QRHXF group compared with the induced group (P<0.01). Notably, the serum levels of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were lower compared with the induced group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, the expressions of PI3K and p-Akt proteins were decreased in the middle- and high doses groups (P<0.01). This study's results suggest that the downstream mechanism of QRHXF anti-angiogenesis might inhibit the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and downregulate VEGF-1 and VEGF-2.

Mechanism of Qingre Huoxue Fang treatment on inhibiting angiogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Qingre Huoxue Fang (QRHXF) treatment on anti-angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Therapeutic Target (TTD) database to extract the active components of QRHXF and potential targets for regulating angiogenesis. First, we used Cytoscape bioinformatics software to construct the network of QRHXF-angiogenesis and screened the potential targets. Then, we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the potential core targets. In addition, enzyme-linked immune assay and Western blot were used for in vitro validation and to verify the effects of different concentrations of QRHXF on the expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGFR-2 cytokines and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3k) and Ak strain transforming (Akt) proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In results, we screened 179 core QRHXF antiangiogenic targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cytokines. Enrichment analysis showed that the targets were enriched in 56 core signaling pathways, including PI3k and Akt. In vitro experiments showed that the migration distance and square, adhesion optical density (OD) values, and the number of branch points in tube formation significantly decreased in the QRHXF group compared with the induced group (P<0.01). Notably, the serum levels of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were lower compared with the induced group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, the expressions of PI3K and p-Akt proteins were decreased in the middle- and high doses groups (P<0.01). This study's results suggest that the downstream mechanism of QRHXF anti-angiogenesis might inhibit the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and downregulate VEGF-1 and VEGF-2.

Long-term trend of antibiotic use at public health care institutions in northwest China, 2012-20 -- a case study of Gansu Province

BACKGROUND

Over the past 20 years, excessive antibiotic use has led to serious antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, and the phenomenon is particularly serious in China. To this end, the Chinese health sector took a series of measures to promote rational antibiotic use. In this study, to reveal the impact of policies on antibiotic use, we explored the long-term trend and patterns of antibiotic use at public health care institutions from 2012 to 2020 in northwest China, taking Gansu Province as an example.

METHODS

Antibiotic procurement data were obtained from the provincial centralized bidding procurement (CBP) platform between 2012 and 2020. Antibiotic use was quantified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/defined daily doses (DDD) methodology and standardized using the DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). Twelve relevant quality indicators were calculated for comparison with the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) project monitoring results.

RESULTS

Total antibiotic use increased from 18.75 DID to 57.07 DID and then decreased to 19.11 DID, a turning point in 2014. The top three antibiotics used were J01C (beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins), J01F (macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins), and J01D (other beta-lactam antibacterials, cephalosporins), accounting for 45.15%, 31.40%, and 11.99% respectively. The oral antibiotics used were approximately 2.5 times the parenteral antibiotics, accounting for 71.81% and 28.19%, respectively. Different use preferences were shown in public hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCs), and the latter accounted for more than half of total use. The absolute use of all classes of antibiotics in Gansu is almost higher than any of the 31 European countries included in the ESAC, but the relative use of some focused antibiotics is lower than theirs.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention policies of the health department reduced antibiotic use in Gansu Province, but the proportion of broad-spectrum and parenteral antibiotics was still high. It is necessary to further improve the quality of antibiotic prescriptions and pay more attention to the rationality of antibiotic use in PHCs.

Modified CFBP-bFGF targeting to ischemic brain promoted the functional recovery of cerebral ischemia

The cerebral ischemia was one of the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was reported to have neuroprotective function as well as promoting angiogenesis in the ischemic brain, but the targeting delivery of bFGF to ischemic brain was still difficult. In present study, a specific peptide was used to modify bFGF to construct recombinant CFBP-bFGF, and CFBP-bFGF could specifically deliver to ischemic brain through binding with the upregulated protein-connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). When CFBP-bFGF was used in rats with cerebral ischemia by intravenous injection, local concentration of the bFGF in ischemic brain was significantly increased. In addition, enhanced neurons survival, increased angiogenesis, decreased neuroinflammation were observed, that improved the motor functional recovery of cerebral ischemic injury. These results demonstrated that the targeting delivery of CFBP-bFGF would be a potential therapeutic approach for cerebral ischemia.

Functional recovery of myocardial infarction by specific EBP-PR1P peptides bridging injectable cardiac extracellular matrix and vascular endothelial growth factor

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent angiogenic factor and plays an important role in therapy of myocardial infarction (MI). Currently, how to retain regional concentration and decrease rapid diffusion is critical for its clinical application of VEGF. In recent years, the application of targeting peptides has been developed rapidly and provides new strategies for the sustained release of VEGF. In present study, a bi-functional EBP-PR1P peptide was designed and bridged VEGF to injectable cardiac extracellular matrix (c-ECM). Through EBP-PR1P peptides, VEGF could specifically bind with c-ECM to realize the sustained release, without impacting the bioactivity of VEGF. Then VEGF/EBP-PR1P/c-ECM scaffolds were constructed and administrated into rats with MI. The results showed VEGF/EBP-PR1P/c-ECM could promote angiogenesis, protect cardiomyocytes survival against apoptosis, and improve the recovery of cardiac function. In addition, the mechanism of EBP-PR1P/VEGF was also investigated which canonical downstream of VEGF-Akt signaling pathway was activated. These results showed specific VEGF/EBP-PR1P/c-ECM scaffolds served as promising delivery system for VEGF that facilitated the functional recovery of MI.

Blow-Spun Nanofibrous Membrane for Simultaneous Treatment of Emulsified Oil/Water Mixtures, Dyes, and Bacteria

Membrane separation is of great significance due to its unique performance in treating wastewater. However, the simultaneous treatment of oily emulsions and other complex pollutants in water remains challenging. Herein, we have proposed a simple strategy to prepare a multifunctional titanium dioxide/silver nanoparticles/polyacrylonitrile (TiO₂/AgNPs/PAN) nanofibrous membrane. The experimental results showed that the combination of the hierarchical structure composed of PAN nanofibers and Ag/TiO₂ nanoprotrusions contributed to the superhydrophilicity and superoleophobicity (UOCA = 153.3 ± 2.0°). Further, the nanofibrous membrane exhibited a rapid gravity-driven permeate flux (>1829.37 ± 83.51 L m^-2 h^-1) and an ultrahigh separation efficiency (>99.9%) for the surfactant-stabilized oil/water emulsions. Moreover, due to the synergistic effect between the PAN fibers and TiO₂/Ag heterojunction, Rhodamine B dye in water can be removed quickly and efficiently (up to 97.67% in 90 min). More importantly, the obtained nanofibrous membrane exhibited ultrahigh stability in different harsh environments. The design of superoleophobic nanofiber membrane with a high separation efficiency and high photocatalytic activity has great potential for practical applications in the purification of oily wastewater.

[Status and related factors on the drinking behavior among primary and secondary students in China rural middle and western regions in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the daily drinking behavior and related factors of primary and middle school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) pilot regions. Methods: Multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select one to three national pilot counties in 22 provinces in central and western China where the NIPRCES was implemented in 2019. According to different feeding patterns, two primary schools and two middle schools were selected as key monitoring schools. One or two classes were selected from grade 3 to grade 9. The student questionnaire was used to collect the basic information and daily drinking behavior. Taking whether the drinking water ≥5 cups every day as the dependent variable, multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of drinking behavior among students. Results: A total of 27 374 students were included. On average, primary and middle school students in the regions where NIPRCES was implemented had 3.9 cups of water every day. Logistic regression model showed that boys (OR=1.230, P<0.001), primary school students (OR=1.379, P<0.001), father worked outside the home (OR=1.169, P<0.001), both parents worked outside the home (OR=1.228, P<0.001), non-resident students (OR=1.142, P<0.001), the school in the village (OR=1.638, P<0.001) or township (OR=1.358, P<0.001), school feeding (OR=1.252, P<0.001), the school building with flush toilets (OR=1.384, P<0.001) and the central regions (OR=1.300, P<0.001) students were more likely to drink ≥5 cups water every day. Conclusion: The water consumption of primary and middle school students in the pilot regions of NIPRCES is low, and their drinking behaviors are affected by many factors.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System Enhances Tissue Distribution of Cinnamaldehyde by Altering the Properties of the Mucus Layer

Oral delivery is considered the preferred route of administration due to its convenience and favorable compliance. However, this delivery often faces difficulties, such as poor solubility, limited absorption, and undesirable stability, especially for some volatile oils. The aim of this study was to develop self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing cinnamaldehyde (CA) to overcome these shortcomings. The CA-SEDDS were spherical and smooth with an average size of 14.96 ± 0.18 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attenuated total reflection by Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) showed that CA has been successfully loaded into SEDDS. The accumulative release of CA-SEDDS (73.39%) was approximately 2.14-fold that of free CA when using simulated intestinal fluid as the release medium. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the mucus network structure. Rheological tests found that CA-SEDDS can appropriately enhance the viscosity of the mucus system. We found from tissue distribution studies that CA was more widely distributed in various tissues in the CA-SEDDS group compared to the free CA group. The cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon acid also accumulated more in various tissues in the CA-SEDDS group than in the free CA group, especially in the kidney. These findings hinted that SEDDS exhibited lower irritation, good release, and penetration, which demonstrated great potential for utilizing CA. Our research supports the rational implications of SEDDS in delivering similar volatile substances by improving the solubility, mucus penetration, and stability, resulting in excellent clinical efficacy.

[Overweight and obesity status and its associated factors among primary and secondary school students in China rural middle and western regions]

Objective: To analyze the overweight and obesity status of students in the national pilot counties of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in 2019 and its associated factors. Methods: In 2019, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to select about 40 students from each grade in primary and secondary schools in China's central and western regions where the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students was implemented. The height and weight of the children were measured using height or weight scales. The school questionnaire and county questionnaire were used to investigate the associated factors. A Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the associated factors. Results: In 2019, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural primary and secondary school students aged 6-15 years in central and western China 2019 was 11.5%. It was higher for boys (13.1%) than that for girls (9.8%), higher in central (14.3%) than that in the west (9.9%) and higher for elementary school students (12.4%) than that for secondary school students (9.5%, all P<0.001). The logistic regression showed that boys (OR=1.388), primary school students (OR=1.271), students without other dietary subsidies(OR=1.037), schools in rural areas (OR=1.133), schools with enterprise-based feeding mode (OR=1.043), schools without the provision of lunch (OR=1.143), schools without the provision of dinner (OR=1.122), and schools without providing drinking water (OR=1.015) were positively associated with overweight and obesity among students (P<0.05). Schools with snack shops (OR=0.952) were negatively associated with overweight and obesity among students (P<0.001). Conclusion: A certain proportion of primary and secondary school students in rural areas of central and western China are overweight and obese. The prevalence is not only related to children's gender, school section and county area but also related to school meals, whether schools provide drinking water and other factors.

Liposome and microemulsion loaded with ibuprofen: from preparation to mechanism of drug transport

To compare the difference between liposome (LP) and microemulsion (ME) in delivering ibuprofen (IBU) transdermally and explore relative mechanism. IBU-LP and IBU-ME were prepared by ethanol injection and spontaneous emulsification, respectively. The percutaneous delivery was evaluated using Franz diffusion cells. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), activation energy (Ea), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to investigate the transdermal mechanism. The particle size and encapsulation efficiency were 228.00 ± 8.60 nm, 86.68 ± 1.43%(w/w) for IBU-LP, and 56.74 ± 7.11 nm, 91.08 ± 3.27%(w/w) for IBU-ME. Percutaneous study showed that formulations enhanced permeation and drug retention in the skin. FTIR and DSC showed that the permeation occurred due to the interaction of the formulations with the lipid bilayer and the protein. The decrease in Ea (1.506 and 0.939 kcal/mol) revealed that the stratum corneum (SC) lipid bilayers were significantly disrupted and this destructive effect of IBU-LP was stronger. IBU-LP was superior to IBU-ME in the aspects of transdermal delivery of IBU.

The role of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel in diseases

Mechanotransduction is associated with organ development and homoeostasis. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are novel mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs) in mammals. MSCs are membrane proteins that are critical for the mechanotransduction of living cells. Current studies have demonstrated that the Piezo protein family not only functions in volume regulation, cellular migration, proliferation, and apoptosis but is also important for human diseases of various systems. The complete loss of Piezo1 and Piezo2 function is fatal in the embryonic period. This review summarizes the role of Piezo1 in diseases of different systems and perspectives potential treatments related to Piezo1 for these diseases.

[The 498th case: rash, fever and hematuria]

A 50-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Rheumatology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital with rash for 6 months, and fever and hematuria for 5 months. The main clinical manifestations included fever, fatigue, purpura, hematuria and thrombocytopenia. He was positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and rheumatoid factor (RF), and had low complement levels. Initial blood culture, echocardiography and chest CT showed no signs of infection. Diagnosis of connective tissue disease was made initially. His disease improved under treatment with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, but relapsed when glucocorticoids were tapered. After admission, the diagnosis was reconsidered, and infective endocarditis was finally diagnosed with repeated positive blood cultures and vegetations detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium were initiated, and surgery was performed. His symptoms finally recovered gradually.

[Perspectives on recent monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic areas]

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which used to occur endemically in central and western Africa. As of 25th May, a total of 219 recently confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported from 19 non-endemic countries. This outbreak unusually takes place in non-endemic areas for monkeypox virus and has exhibited features of high risk of human-to-human transmission. Onset of multiple human monkeypox cases may be related to the decreased level of herd cross-immunity after the cessation of smallpox vaccination. Moreover, behavioral patterns in specific populations may account for the human-to-human transmission in this outbreak. Currently, possibility of global epidemic of monkeypox is extremely low, but China should be cautious about risks of importation of monkeypox cases. The key to prevention and control is to establish a surveillance system to identify suspicious cases and close contacts as soon as possible.

Hexagonal liquid crystalline system containing Cinnamaldehyde for enhancement of skin permeation of Sinomenine hydrochloride

Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) is usually applied to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with severe side effect due to oral administration. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) as essential oil possesses anti-RA effect and can facilitate transdermal penetration. Hence, this study developed hexagonal liquid crystalline (HII) gels to deliver two components (SH and CA) across the skins. HII gels were prepared and characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheology. Moreover, in vitro drug release behavior and ex vivo skin permeation were investigated. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to explore the skin penetration mechanism. PLM and SAXS showed that the inner structure of the gels was HII phase. The addition of lipophilic or hydrophilic molecule slowed down one another's release and the release model was dominated by Fickian diffusion (n< 0.43). Furthermore, in vitro permeation studies indicated that appropriate CA could improve the skin permeability of SH. FTIR and CLSM suggested that infiltration occurred due to disruption of the lipid bilayer structure and increased fluidity of the skin. In conclusion, HII gels and CA exhibited a penetration-promoting effect for transdermal applications in SH.

[Exploration on teaching reform of cancer epidemiology course]

This study aims to explore optimized teaching mode of cancer epidemiology for undergraduates, and provide scientific ideas and basis for improving teaching quality. Non-randomized concurrent control study was used. Undergraduates, enrolled in 2018, from the department of preventive medicine in A and B medical universities were selected as research objects. Traditional teaching mode was used for cancer epidemiology course in A medical university, and innovative teaching mode named "one core, four dimensions" was adopted in B medical university. After the course, questionnaire method was used to investigate self-cognition of students, teaching satisfaction and class preparation time of teachers in B Medical University. The post-class test method was used to compare the students' grades of cancer epidemiology in the two universities. The results indicated that among the 58 students of B medical university, 94.83% (55/58) students were familiar with common types of epidemiological studies and 86.21% (50/58) mastered the evaluation indicators of screening research. Among the nine teaching faculties from B medical university, seven reported that the new teaching plan helped students to learn frontier knowledge of cancer epidemiology, and eight reported the new teaching model was conducive to the interaction between teachers and students. The text score of students in B medical university was 50.34±4.90, significantly higher than that in A medical university (46.21±4.91, t=5.20, P<0.001). The optimized teaching mode of cancer epidemiology is highly praised by students and teachers, which has the potential to improve students' grasp of cancer epidemiology, the ability to combine theory with practice, and the teaching effect of cancer epidemiology.

[Clinical features and influencing factors of long-term prognosis in patients with tuberculous meningitis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and influencing factors of long-term prognosis of tuberculous meningitis(TBM), and to provide a recommendation for treatment and early intervention of TBM. Methods: Clinical data of TBM patients were retrospectively collected at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to December 2021. Patients who were followed-up more than one year were divided into two groups according to modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Risk factors associated with long-term prognosis were analyze by conditional logistic stepwise regression. Results: A total of 60 subjects were enrolled including 33 (55%) males and 27 (45%) females with age 15-79 (44.5±19.8) years. There were 30 cases (50%) complicated with encephalitis, 21 cases (35%) with miliary tuberculosis. The diagnosis was microbiologically confirmed in 22 patients (36.7%), including 5 cases (22.7%, 5/22) by acid-fast staining, 8 cases (36.4%, 8/22) by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture, and 20 cases (90.9%, 20/22) by molecular biology. The median follow-up period was 52(43, 66 ) months in 55 cases surviving more than one year. Among them, 40 cases (72.7%) were in favorable group (mRS 0-2) and 15 cases (27.3%) were in unfavorable group (mRS 3-6) with poor prognosis. The mortality rate was 20% (11/55). Elderly (OR=1.06, P=0.048 ) , hyponatremia(OR=0.81,P=0.020), high protein level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (OR=3.32,P=0.033), cerebral infarction(OR=10.50,P=0.040) and hydrocephalus(OR=8.51,P=0.049) were associated with poor prognosis in TBM patients. Conclusions: The mortality rate is high in patients with TBM. Molecular biology tests improves the sensitivity and shorten the diagnosis time of TBM. Elderly, hyponatremia, high protein level in CSF, cerebral infarction and hydrocephalus are independent risk factors of long-term survival in TBM patients.

Specific bFGF targeting of KIM-1 in ischemic kidneys protects against renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the major causes of acute kidney injury. However, there is still no effective treatment for this disease. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been reported to be beneficial for recovery from ischemic diseases. It is vital to increase the local concentration and reduce the diffusion of bFGF in vivo for renal I/R injury therapy. A targeted growth factor delivery system that responds to specific biological signals in the regenerative environment to guide release has been highlighted in tissue repair. In the present study, a specific peptide was fused with bFGF and called bFGF-kidney injury targeting (KIT-bFGF), and this compound specifically targeted kidney injury molecule-1 both in hypoxic renal HK-2 cells in vitro and ischemic kidneys in vivo after intravenous injection. When administered to rat models of renal I/R injury, KIT-bFGF attenuated renal tubule damage and fibrosis, and promoted functional recovery compared to the effects of native bFGF and the control. We also investigated the mechanism by which KIT-bFGF activated the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways to significantly reduce apoptosis and protect against ischemic injury in the kidney. These results demonstrated that targeted delivery of KIT-bFGF could be an effective strategy for the treatment of renal I/R injury.

[Anemia prevalence and its influencing factors among students involved in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in 2019]

Objective: To analyze anemia prevalence and its influencing factors of students involved in the Nutritional Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in 2019. Methods: From the 2019 surveillance system of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students, 47 297 primary and middle school students aged 6-17 were included in the study. Hemoglobin level was tested according to the criteria of WHO 2011. Anemia prevalence of different genders, ages, and regions was analyzed. Results: The average hemoglobin level was 135.19 g/L, with the prevalence of anemia as 8.7% in the children aged 6-17. The prevalence of anemia was 10.0% in girls, higher than that in boys (7.4%). The prevalence rates in western and central areas were 9.8% and 7.1%, respectively. From northwest, southwest, central and south, east, north to northeast areas of China, the anemia rate appeared gradually decreasing (10.2%, 9.7%, 8.3%, 7.5%, 5.7% and 3.5%). The anemia prevalence rates were 8.0%, 8.3%, and 10.9% in children from the 6-, 11-, and 14-17 years age groups, respectively. Logistic regression models revealed that students from schools not using catering software (OR=1.482, 95%CI:1.296-1.694,P<0.001), schools not serving lunch (OR=1.241, 95%CI:1.103-1.395,P<0.001), and from relatively low-income families (OR=1.297, 95%CI:1.211-1.389, P<0.001) showed as risk factors for anemia. After supplementing students' dietary factors, the results showed that students who ate meat three or more times a week had a lower risk of anemia (OR=0.907, 95%CI:0.832-0.989, P=0.026). Conclusions: The Nutritional Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students had an essential impact on improving the anemia prevalence of primary and middle school students. Family income, school location, economic factors, school feeding, and students' diet programs all impacted the prevalence of anemia.

[Growth retardation of children and its influencing factors in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in 2019]

Objective: To understand the growth retardation among primary and secondary school students in areas covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students and its influencing factors to provide evidence for improving the nutrition status of rural students in China. Methods: The multi-stage cluster random sampling method selected 1 550 969 primary and secondary school students aged 6-15 years from China's central and western regions. The ratio of male and female students was balanced. The height was measured, and the growth retardation of students was determined according to the Screening Criteria for School-age Children and Adolescents malnutrition (WS/T 456-2014), from the school and county questionnaire survey related factors. The number of cases and percentages described the growth retardation of students, and the χ² test was used for comparison between groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze students' growth retardation factors. Results: In 2019, the growth retardation rate of primary and secondary school students in areas covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students was 5.7% (88 631/1 550 969), the growth retardation rate in the western part (7.1%, 66 167/927 954) was higher than that in the central part (3.7%,19 511/533 973) with difference statistically significant (P<0.001). The growth retardation rate of the boys (6.3%,50 665/803 851) were higher than that of girls (5.1%, 37 966/747 118), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The growth retardation rate of primary school students in central China was 3.9%(14 914/380 598), higher than that of junior middle school students (3.0%,4 597/153 375, P<0.001). In contrast, the growth retardation rate of the western junior high school students (7.2%, 21 494/297 217) were higher than that of elementary school students (7.1%, 44 673/630 737), with a difference statistically significant (all P=0.009). Multi-factor logistic regression results showed that, in high income area (OR=0.829, 95%CI: 0.816-0.842, P<0.001), parents providing part of the meal cost (OR=0.948, 95%CI: 0.931-0.965, P<0.001), enterprises providing meals (OR=0.845, 95%CI: 0.805-0.887, P<0.001), schools providing milk (OR=0.780, 95%CI: 0.767-0.793, P<0.001), health education courses (OR=0.702, 95%CI: 0.682-0.723, P<0.001) and other local nutrition improvement efforts (OR=0.739, 95%CI: 0.720-0.758, P<0.001) were negatively correlated with the occurrence of growth retardation, The growth retardation rate of the students was lower. Conclusions: There appeared significant regional, gender, and age differences in the growth retardation rate of primary and middle school students in areas covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students. Appropriate food supply in schools, health education courses, and parental participation in nutritional improvement was related to children's lower growth retardation rate.

[Status and influencing factors on the leftover school meals among students the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the situation and influencing factors of school meals leftover among primary and secondary school students in the area of the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students, improve the quality of school meals, develop healthy dietary behavior, and reduce food waste. Methods: In 2019, among the 50 monitoring counties that implemented the Compulsory Education Student Nutrition Improvement Program, two primary schools and two junior schools were randomly selected according to different food supply patterns.This study randomly selected one or two classes from grade 3 to grade 9. Basic information and school meals of 26 778 students were collected by using a student questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of leftovers rate. Results: 54.93% (14 709) of students wasted school meals, in which the highest rate was the staple food, with the main reason as "not in favor". 11.87% (1 743) of the students wasted school meals 6-7 days a week, with 54.20% (7 957) of students wasted but in less amount. The leftover rate of staple food was the highest (29.78%), followed by vegetables and meat. The main reason of leftovers was that they didn't like this kind of food (33.52%). The rate of school meal waste was higher for girls (OR=1.19,95%CI:1.13-1.25), junior high school students (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.11-1.25), resident students (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.12), lower economic level (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.12), parents working outside their houses (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.13-1.30), health education classes (OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.40-2.06), company-based meals (OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.71-2.07) and school meals were not as good as home food(OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.78-2.00)(P<0.05). Conclusions: It is common for poor rural primary and middle school students in central and western China to waste school meals, and the reasons were affected by many factors. Reducing food waste requires the joint efforts of individuals, families, schools and society.

[Regulatory effect of Ac-SDKP on phosphorylated heat shock protein 27/SNAI1 pathway in silicotic rats]

Objective: To study the effect of anti-fibrotic tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) on phosphorylated heat shock protein 27 (P-HSP27) and zinc finger family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) expression to explore the anti-silicosis fibrosis effect of Ac-SDKP. Methods: In December 2014, the rat silicosis animal model was prepared by one-time bronchial infusion of silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) dust. 80 SPF healthy adult Wistar rats were selected, and the rats were divided into 8 groups according to the random number table method, 10 in each group. Model control group for 4 weeks (feeding for 4 weeks) , model control group for 8 weeks (feeding for 8 weeks) : bronchial perfusion with normal saline 1.0 ml per animal. Silicosis model group for 4 weeks (feeding for 4 weeks) and silicosis model group for 8 weeks (feeding for 8 weeks) : bronchial perfusion of 50 mg/ml SiO(2) suspension 1.0 ml per animal. Ac-SDKP administration group for 4 weeks (feeding for 4 weeks) , Ac-SDKP administration group for 8 weeks (feeding for 8 weeks) : Ac-SDKP 800 μg·kg(-1)·d(-1) was administered by intraperitoneal pump. Ac-SDKP preventive treatment group: 48 h after Ac-SDKP 800 μg·kg(-1)·d(-1) administration, bronchial perfusion of SiO(2) suspension 1.0 ml per animal, raised for 8 weeks. Ac-SDKP anti-fibrosis treatment group: after bronchial perfusion of 1.0 ml of SiO(2) suspension for 4 weeks, Ac-SDKP 800 μg·kg(-1)·d(-1) was administered for 4 weeks. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of P-HSP27, SNAI1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) , and collage typeⅠ and Ⅲ in each group. The expression of P-HSP27 and SNAI1 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the co-localized expression of P-HSP27 and α-SMA was detected by laser confocal microscopy. Results: Compared with the model control group, the expressions of P-HSP27, SNAI1, α-SMA, and collage typeⅠ and Ⅲ in the silicosis fibrosis area of the rats in the silicosis model group were enhanced, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . After Ac-SDKP intervention, compared with silicosis model group for 8 weeks, the expressions of P-HSP27, SNAI1 α-SMA, and collage typeⅠ and Ⅲ in the Ac-SDKP preventive and anti-fibrosis treatment groups were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . However, the expressions of P-HSP27 SNAI1, and collage typeⅠ and Ⅲ between the Ac-SDKP administration group and the model control group did not change significantly, and the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05) . Laser confocal results showed that the positive cells expressing P-HSP27 and α-SMA in the lung tissue of the silicosis model group were more than those in the model control group. Compared with the silicosis model group, the Ac-SDKP prevention and anti-fibrosis treatment groups expressing the positive cells of P-HSP27 and α-SMA decreased. Compared with the model control group for 8 weeks, there were some double-positive cells expressing P-HSP27 and α-SMA in the nodules of the silicosis model group for 8 weeks. Conclusion: Ac-SDKP may play an anti-silicic fibrosis effect by regulating the P-HSP27/SNAI1 pathway.

Multifunctional nanofibrous membranes with sunlight-driven self-cleaning performance for complex oily wastewater remediation

Developing multifunctional, efficient and durable membrane for long-term usage for treating complex oily wastewater is highly desirable but still a challenge due to the severe membrane fouling. Herein, a hierarchical structured superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic nanofibrous with antifouling and visible-light-induced self-cleaning performance was manufactured by a facile combination of electrospun silver/β-cyclodextrin/polyacrylonitrile (Ag/β-CD/PAN) nanofibers and then the in-situ growth of a zinc oxide (ZnO) layer. The formed micro/nano sized hierarchical structure greatly increased the roughness and improved the underwater superoleophobic ability of the membrane. Therefore, the resultant ZnO/Ag/β-CD/PAN membrane displays splendid separation performance for oil/dye/water complex emulsions and high flux recovery (>90%). Meanwhile, the permeation flux of a variety of oil/water emulsions was higher than 619 L m^-2h^-1 with a separation efficiency above 99.7% under the action of gravity. Furthermore, the as-fabricated membrane exhibits excellent stability towards different harsh conditions (e. g. corrosive solution, high temperature, UV irradiation and ultrasound washing). The robust mechanical and chemical stability, outstanding separation capabilities as well as excellent flux recovery capabilities makes the self-cleaning membrane a good candidate for the remediation of complex oily wastewater.

Blow-spun nanofibrous composite Self-cleaning membrane for enhanced purification of oily wastewater

Membrane separation is one of the most effective strategies for water treatment. However, problems such as poor emulsion separation performance, single function and easy membrane fouling limit its application in dealing with complex wastewater. The synergistic treatment technology of adsorption and visible light catalysis is an efficient and environment-friendly method to degrade organic pollutants. Here, we report a simple method to fabricate Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8/Graphene oxide/Polyacrylonitrile (ZIF-8/GO/PAN) nanofibrous membranes and their multifunctional treatment capacity for complex wastewater. The construction of superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic surface structure has achieved excellent emulsion separation performance (with a maximum flux of 6779.66 L m^-2h^-1), visible light photocatalytic degradation (with an efficiency of 96.5% in 90 min) and antibacterial properties. Moreover, the fibrous membrane also shows good biosafety, and will not have toxic effects on aquatic organisms. These excellent performances endow this membrane with great potential in complex wastewater purification.

[China guideline for the screening and early detection of prostate cancer (2022, Beijing)]

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the malignant tumors of the genitourinary system that occurs more often in elderly men. Screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of the PC high risk population are essential to improve the cure rate of PC. The development of the guideline for PC screening and early detection in line with epidemic characteristics of PC in China will greatly promote the homogeneity and quality of PC screening. This guideline was commissioned by the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention of the National Health Commission. The National Cancer Center of China initiated and convened a working group comprising multidisciplinary experts. This guideline strictly followed the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development and combined the most up-to-date evidence of PC screening, China's national conditions, and practical experience in cancer screening. A total of fifteen detailed evidence-based recommendations were provided with respect to the screening population, technology, procedure management, and quality control in the process of PC screening. This guideline aimed to standardize the practice of PC screening and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of PC prevention and control in China.

Application of biomaterials and tissue engineering in bladder regeneration

The primary functions of the bladder are storing urine under low and stable pressure and micturition. Various forms of trauma, tumors, and iatrogenic injuries can cause the loss of or reduce bladder function or capacity. If such damage is not treated in time, it will eventually lead to kidney damage and can even be life-threatening in severe cases. The emergence of tissue engineering technology has led to the development of more possibilities for bladder repair and reconstruction, in which the selection of scaffolds is crucial. In recent years, a growing number of tissue-engineered bladder scaffolds have been constructed. Therefore, this paper will discuss the development of tissue-engineered bladder scaffolds and will further analyze the limitations of and challenges encountered in bladder reconstruction.

Melanodevriesia, a new genus of endolichenic oleaginous black yeast recovered from the Inner Mongolia Region of China

Black yeasts are a phylogenetically diverse group of ascomycetous fungi that may exist in both unicellular and mycelial morphs. This group of fungi contains numerous commercially significant species as well as others whose precise roles are unknown, such as endolichenic species. There is currently a paucity of data about endolichenic black yeast species. To bridge this gap, we surveyed China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in July 2019. Several fungal species associated with diverse lichens were isolated during this survey. Among these were two isolates of a previously unknown species of oleaginous black yeast from Mycosphaerellales. Analyses of morphological and molecular data revealed that these two isolates were closely related to Xenodevriesia strelitziicola (Xenodevriesiaceae), although with significant differences. As a result, we established the genus Melanodevriesiagen. nov. to describe this previously unknown species, Melanodevriesia melanelixiaesp. nov. In addition, we used Transmission Electron Microscopy to visualise the intracellular oil bodies metabolised by this fungus in its unicellular state. The black yeast species identified in this study may have a wide range of commercial applications. More research is needed to determine the chemical composition of the microbial oil synthesized by this fungus and whether it has commercial value.

Citation: Chang R, Cao W, Wang Y, Li S, Li X, Bose T, Si HL (2022). Melanodevriesia, a new genus of endolichenic oleaginous black yeast recovered from the Inner Mongolia Region of China. Fungal Systematics and Evolution9: 1–9. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.01

In Situ Liquid Crystal Gel as a Promising Strategy for Improving Ocular Administration of Dexamethasone: Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to design an in situ liquid crystal gel (ISLG) as an ophthalmic drug delivery system for dexamethasone (DEX) to enhance its eye retention and ocular bioavailability. The in situ liquid crystal gels (ISLGs) were prepared using a phytantriol/PEG400/water (65:30:5, w/w) ternary system. Polarized light microscope (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheology analysis confirmed that the internal structure of the preparations was Pn3m cubic phase liquid crystal gels with pseudoplastic fluid properties. Meanwhile, in vitro release behavior of the preparations conforms to the Higuchi equation. Corneal penetration experiments showed that compared with DEX sodium phosphate eye drops, DEX-ISLGs(F2) produced a 5.45-fold increase in the P_app value, indicating a significant enhancement of corneal penetration. In addition, in vivo experiments have confirmed that the ISLGs have better biocompatibility and longer retention time in the cornea. Simultaneously, corneal hydration level, eye irritation experiments, and histological observations proved the safety of the preparations. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the ISLG could maintain the DEX concentration in aqueous humor for at least 12 h after administration, which significantly improves the bioavailability of the drug. Collectively, these results indicated that ISLG would be a potential drug carrier for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Healable, Adhesive, and Conductive Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Ultrastretchability for Flexible Sensors

In recent years, conductive hydrogels have generated tremendous attention in biomedicals and bioelectronics fields due to their excellent physiochemical properties. In this study, a physically cross-linked conducting hydrogel has been designed in combination with cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC), polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains, laurel methacrylate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The obtained result shows that the hydrogel prepared is ultrastretchable, mechanically robust, transparent, biocompatible, conductive, and self-healing. The mechanical property of the prepared hydrogel is optimized through variation of the CNC content. The optimal hydrogel (CNC-1/PAA) exhibits an impressive mechanics, including high stretchability (∼1800%) and compressibility, good elasticity, and fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the conductivity of the hydrogel enables tensile strain- and pressure-sensing capabilities. The CNC/PAA-based flexible sensors are successfully designed, which shows high sensitivity, fast response (290 ms), and excellent cycle stability as well as the pressure sensing capability. As a result, the designed hydrogel has the ability to sense and detect diverse human motion, including elbow/finger/wrist bending and speaking, which demonstrates that the designed self-healing conductive hydrogels have significant potential for applications in flexible electronics.

Physicochemical Evaluation and Pharmacodynamics of Itraconazole-loaded Liquid Crystal Precursor for Vaginal Delivery

PURPOSE

To develop liquid crystal (LC) precursor that can be used as a novel vaginal delivery system for Itraconazole (ITZ) and evaluate its pharmacodynamics. Methods: The LC precursor was prepared by using phytantriol (PYT) as lipid matrix and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMAC) as solvent. Swelling studies were performed to assess the phase conversion ability. The formulations were characterized by crossed polarized light microscopy (CPLM), small-angle X-ray scatterin (SAXS). Moreover, the rheological and in vitro drug release behavior were investigated. Then the vaginal retention time of ITZ in the optimal prescription was evaluated. Finally, the pharmacodynamics studies of the ITZ-loaded LC precursor were performed in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Results: The LC precursor could transform to LC gels after administration into the vagina. Based on PLM and SAXS, the LC gels, formed after phase-conversion, were cubic LC. The LC precursor was Non-Newtonian, while the LC gels exhibited a pseudo-plastic fluid behavior. In vitro release results revealed that F2 (68.0 %) had a higher cumulative drug release than that of F1 (59.17 %) at 72 h. Most of the LC gels could be retained in the vagina of mice for 24 - 36 h. Pharmacodynamics studies showed that there was only mild inflammation or no inflammatory stimulation in the control group. The ITZ-loaded LC precursor significantly improved the symptoms of vaginitis in mice and had a better therapeutic effect than that of positive control group. Conclusions: The ITZ-loaded LC precursor would be a promising formulation for vaginal drug delivery.

Relationships Among Trophic Niche Width, Morphological Variation, and Genetic Diversity of Hemiculter leucisculus in China

According to the niche variation hypothesis (NVH), the populations with wider niches are phenotypically more variable than those with narrow niches. Giller expanded the NVH, suggesting that the niche width, morphological variation, and genetic diversity are all positively correlated. However, the hypothesis has been a subject of debate and discussion. In the present study, the NVH was tested by analyzing the relationships among trophic niche width, morphological variation, and genetic diversity of Hemiculter leucisculus, a widespread cyprinid fish. The fish samples were collected from six sites across Haihe, the Yellow, and the Yangtze River basins in China. The relationships among trophic niche width, morphological variation, and genetic diversity were analyzed using Pearson correlation at the inter-population level. Our analysis indicated that trophic niche width is significantly positively correlated with morphological variation, which corroborates the NVH. Morphological variation was significantly correlated to genetic diversity. However, no relationship was observed between trophic niche width and genetic diversity. We inferred that the dietary niche of H. leucisculus might change due to the plastic response toward environmental changes rather than due to the genetic variation. We also suggest that the effects of environment and heredity on the niche of the freshwater fish should be quantified separately in further studies.

The progression of pancreatic cancer cells is promoted by a long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 by activating AKT phosphorylation

OBJECTIVE

In many cancers, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are largely involved; they can regulate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the research of lncRNA regulation on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is vacant. The aim of this article was to lucubrate the specific role of lncRNA LUCAT1 in regulating the progression of pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pancreatic cancer and adjacent tissues were collected, and the expression of LUCAT1, one potential involved LucRNA, was measured using real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR). Different pathological types of pancreatic cancer cell lines were cultured, and the expression difference of LncRNA LUCAT1 was detected by RT-qPCR, and two cell lines were selected for downstream experiments. si-RNA was used to knockdown the expression of LUCAT1, comparing the difference in expression of LUCAT1, characterizing cell proliferation by MTT and BrdU staining, detecting apoptosis, and cell cycle changes by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, Western blotting was used for the detection of cyclin expression and thus investigate two important associated signaling pathways. Besides, the expression of signaling pathway was validated by signaling inhibitor.

RESULTS

In comparison to normal cells, LUCAT1 was highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (p<0.05). The higher expression of LUCAT1 resulted in enhanced pathogenesis of PDA cells and motivated the development to S phase by regulation of cyclin D1, CDK4. Furthermore, LUCAT1 promoted PDA cells development by inducing AKT's and p38 MAPK's phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

LUCAT1, as the key factor, played a positive role in the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cells via AKT/MAPK signaling.

Interfacial ferroelectricity by van der Waals sliding

Despite their partial ionic nature, many layered diatomic crystals avoid internal electric polarization by forming a centrosymmetric lattice at their optimal van-der-Waals stacking. Here, we report a stable ferroelectric order emerging at the interface between two naturally-grown flakes of hexagonal-boron-nitride, which are stacked together in a metastable non-centrosymmetric parallel orientation. We observe alternating domains of inverted normal polarization, caused by a lateral shift of one lattice site between the domains. Reversible polarization switching coupled to lateral sliding is achieved by scanning a biased tip above the surface. Our calculations trace the origin of the phenomenon to a subtle interplay between charge redistribution and ionic displacement, and provide intuitive insights to explore the interfacial polarization and its unique "slidetronics" switching mechanism.

[Analysis of low-dose computed tomography compliance and related factors among high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer screening program in urban China]

Objective: To analyze the compliance and related factors of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among the high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer early diagnosis and early treatment program in urban areas of China. Methods: From October 2017 to October 2018, 17 983 people aged between 40 and 74 years old at high risk of lung cancer were recruited from Zhejiang, Anhui and Liaoning provinces. The basic demographic characteristics, living habits, history of the disease and family history of cancer were collected by using a cancer risk assessment questionnaire, and the data of participants examined by LDCT were obtained from the hospitals participating in the program. The screening compliance was quantified by the screening participation rate, and it was calculated as the proportion of participants completing LDCT scan among high-risk population. The related factors of LDCT screening compliance were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The age of 17 983 participants was (56.52±8.22) years old. Males accounted for 51.9% (N=9 332), and 69.5% (N=12 495) had ever smoked, including former smokers and current smokers. A total of 6 269 participants were screened by LDCT, and the screening participation rate was 34.86%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 50 to 69 years old, female, passive smokers, alcohol consumption, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory diseases were more likely to be screened by LDCT, while the compliance of LDCT screening in current smokers was low. Conclusions: The LDCT screening compliance of the high-risk population of lung cancer in urban areas of China still needs to be improved. Age, sex, smoking, drinking, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory disease are associated with screening compliance.

Multifunctional Applications of Blow-Spinning Setaria viridis Structured Fibrous Membranes in Water Purification

With increasing water pollution and human health problems caused by oily wastewater, the fabrication of oil-water separation materials has become an urgent task. However, most of the reported materials have a single function and poor performance. In this paper, a multifunctional zinc oxide/polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile (ZnO/PANI/PAN) nanofibrous membrane with needle-like ZnO nanorods was prepared by in situ synthesis of PANI and a hydrothermal reaction on a highly stable self-standing PAN blow-spinning fibrous membrane. Due to the electronic synergistic effect of ZnO and PANI, the fibrous membrane exhibits excellent antibacterial activity and visible-light degradation ability of organic dyes. Moreover, the micro-/nanosized pores of the ZnO/PANI/PAN fibrous membranes also guarantee its excellent emulsion separation performance, including an ultrahigh surfactant-free emulsion permeate flux (∼8597.40 L/(m² h)), ultrahigh surfactant-stabilized emulsion permeate flux (∼2253.50 L/(m² h)), and excellent separation efficiency (above 99%). Furthermore, the composite membrane maintains stable underwater superoleophobicity and hydrophilicity under adverse conditions, shows good biological safety, and is harmless to the water environment. These excellent properties endow the ZnO/PANI/PAN nanofibrous membranes with great potential in treating oily wastewater.