A comparison study on polysaccharides extracted from banana flower using different methods: Physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities

This work investigated and compared the physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties in vitro of polysaccharides from a single banana flower variety (BFPs) extracted by different methods. BFPs extracted using hot water (HWE), acidic (CAE), alkaline (AAE), enzymatic (EAE), ultrasonic (UAE) and hot water-alkaline (HAE) methods showed different chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, chain conformation and surface morphology, but similar infrared spectra characteristic, main glycosidic residues, crystalline internal and thermal stability, suggesting that six methods have diverse impacts on the degradation of BFPs without changing the main structure. Then, among six BFPs, the stronger antioxidant activity in vitro was found in BFP extracted by HAE, which was attributed to its maximum uronic acid content (21.67 %) and phenolic content (0.73 %), and moderate molecular weight (158.48 kDa). The highest arabinose and guluronic acid contents (18.59 % and 1.31 % in molar ratios, respectively) and the lowest uronic acid content (14.30 %) in BFP extracted by HWE contributed to its better α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro (66.55 %). The data offered theoretical evidence for choosing suitable extraction methods to acquire BFPs with targeted biological activities for applications, in which HAE and HWE could serve as beneficial methods for preparing antioxidant BFP and antihyperglycemic BFP, respectively.

Achieving Clearance of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infection and Rapid Cutaneous Wound Regeneration Using an ROS-Balancing-Engineered Heterojunction

Intractable infected microenvironments caused by drug-resistant bacteria stalls the normal course of wound healing. Sono-piezodynamic therapy (SPT) is harnessed to combat pathogenic bacteria, but the superabundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during SPT inevitably provoke severe inflammatory response, hindering tissue regeneration. Consequently, an intelligent nanocatalytic membrane composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and black phosphorus /V2C MXene bio-heterojunctions (2D2-bioHJs) is devised. Under ultrasonication, 2D2-bioHJs effectively eliminate drug-resistant bacteria by disrupting metabolism and electron transport chain (ETC). When ultrasonication ceases, they enable the elimination of SPT-generated ROS. The 2D2-bioHJs act as a "lever" that effectively achieves a balance between ROS generation and annihilation, delivering both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to the engineered membrane. More importantly, in vivo assays corroborate that the nanocatalytic membranes transform the stalled chronic wound environment into a regenerative one by eradicating the bacterial population, dampening the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and promoting angiogenesis. As envisaged, this work demonstrates a novel tactic to arm membranes with programmed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to remedy refractory infected wounds from drug-fast bacteria.

Energetic Electron Precipitation Driven by Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves from ELFIN's Low Altitude Perspective

We review comprehensive observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave-driven energetic electron precipitation using data collected by the energetic electron detector on the Electron Losses and Fields InvestigatioN (ELFIN) mission, two polar-orbiting low-altitude spinning CubeSats, measuring 50-5000 keV electrons with good pitch-angle and energy resolution. EMIC wave-driven precipitation exhibits a distinct signature in energy-spectrograms of the precipitating-to-trapped flux ratio: peaks at >0.5 MeV which are abrupt (bursty) (lasting ∼17 s, or Δ L ∼ 0.56 ) with significant substructure (occasionally down to sub-second timescale). We attribute the bursty nature of the precipitation to the spatial extent and structuredness of the wave field at the equator. Multiple ELFIN passes over the same MLT sector allow us to study the spatial and temporal evolution of the EMIC wave - electron interaction region. Case studies employing conjugate ground-based or equatorial observations of the EMIC waves reveal that the energy of moderate and strong precipitation at ELFIN approximately agrees with theoretical expectations for cyclotron resonant interactions in a cold plasma. Using multiple years of ELFIN data uniformly distributed in local time, we assemble a statistical database of ∼50 events of strong EMIC wave-driven precipitation. Most reside at L ∼ 5 - 7 at dusk, while a smaller subset exists at L ∼ 8 - 12 at post-midnight. The energies of the peak-precipitation ratio and of the half-peak precipitation ratio (our proxy for the minimum resonance energy) exhibit an L -shell dependence in good agreement with theoretical estimates based on prior statistical observations of EMIC wave power spectra. The precipitation ratio's spectral shape for the most intense events has an exponential falloff away from the peak (i.e., on either side of ∼ 1.45 MeV). It too agrees well with quasi-linear diffusion theory based on prior statistics of wave spectra. It should be noted though that this diffusive treatment likely includes effects from nonlinear resonant interactions (especially at high energies) and nonresonant effects from sharp wave packet edges (at low energies). Sub-MeV electron precipitation observed concurrently with strong EMIC wave-driven >1 MeV precipitation has a spectral shape that is consistent with efficient pitch-angle scattering down to ∼ 200-300 keV by much less intense higher frequency EMIC waves at dusk (where such waves are most frequent). At ∼100 keV, whistler-mode chorus may be implicated in concurrent precipitation. These results confirm the critical role of EMIC waves in driving relativistic electron losses. Nonlinear effects may abound and require further investigation.

Abundant tannic acid modified gelatin/sodium alginate biocomposite hydrogels with high toughness, antifreezing, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

The acidity of high tannic acid (TA) content solution can destroy the structure of protein, such as gelatin (G). This causes a big challenge to introduce abundant TA into the G-based hydrogels. Here, the G-based hydrogel system with abundant TA as hydrogen bonds provider was constructed by a "protective film" strategy. The protective film around the composite hydrogel was first formed by the chelation of sodium alginate (SA) and Ca2+. Subsequently, abundant TA and Ca2+ were successively introduced into the hydrogel system by immersing method. This strategy effectively protected the structure of the designed hydrogel. After treatment with 0.3 w/v TA and 0.06 w/v Ca2+ solutions, the tensile modulus, elongation at break and toughness of G/SA hydrogel increased about 4-, 2-, and 6-fold, respectively. Besides, G/SA-TA/Ca2+ hydrogels exhibited good water retention, anti-freezing, antioxidant, antibacterial properties and low hemolysis ratio. Cell experiments showed that G/SA-TA/Ca2+ hydrogels possessed good biocompatibility and could promote cell migration. Therefore, G/SA-TA/Ca2+ hydrogels are expected to be used in the field of biomedical engineering. The strategy proposed in this work also provides a new idea for improving the properties of other protein-based hydrogels.

Emblica officinalis mitigates intestinal toxicity of mice by modulating gut microbiota in lead exposure

Lead (Pb) contamination has been affecting public health for decades. As a plant-derived medicine, the safety and effectiveness of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) fruit extract has been emphasized. The current study focused on mitigating the adverse effects of lead (Pb) exposure in reducing its toxicity worldwide. According to our findings, E. officinalis significantly improved weight loss and colon length shortening (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The data of colon histopathology and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines indicated a positive impact to the colonic tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed the expression level improvement of tight junction proteins (TJPs), including ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin. Furthermore, we found that the abundance of some commensal species necessary for maintaining homeostasis and other beneficial function decreased in Pb exposure model, while a remarkable reversion impact was noticed on the intestinal microbiome composition in the treatment group. These findings were consistent with our speculations that E. officinalis could mitigate the adverse effects caused by Pb in alleviating intestinal tissue damage, intestinal barrier disruption, and inflammation. Meanwhile, the variations in gut microbiota might drive the fulfilling current impact. Hence, the present study could provide the theoretical basis for mitigating intestinal toxicity induced by Pb exposure with the help of E. officinalis.

Incidence of Childhood Type 1 Diabetes in Beijing During 2011-2020 and Predicted Incidence for 2025-2035: A Multicenter, Hospitalization-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

China has a low incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM); however, based on the large population, the absolute numbers are high. Our aim was to assess the incidence of childhood T1DM in Beijing during 2011-2020, predicted incidence for 2025-2035, and to determine the incidence of diabetic ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (DK/DKA) in this population.

METHODS

Data on patients aged less than 15 years of age with newly diagnosed T1DM between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020 was obtained from five tertiary hospitals in Beijing and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In all, 636 children aged less than 15 years were diagnosed with T1DM during 2011-2020. The incidence of T1DM was 3.11-5.46 per 100,000 per year, with an average increase of 5.10% per year. The age-specific incidence for ages 0-4 years, 5-9 years, and 10-14 years was 2.97, 4.69, and 4.68 per 100,000 per year, respectively. The highest average annual increase (7.07%) in incidence was for the youngest age group. DK or DKA was present at the time of diagnosis of T1DM in 84.6% of patients. The age-specific incidence of T1DM among children aged less than 15 years was predicted to be 7.32, 11.4, and 11.52 per 100,000 in 2035 for ages 0-4 years, 5-9 years, and 10-14 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The was a gentle increase in the incidence of childhood T1DM during 2011-2020 in Beijing. This increase is expected to continue for the next 15 years.

Quantification of the Real Plasmonic Field Transverse Distribution in a Nanocavity Using the Vibrational Stark Effect

Quantifying the real plasmonic field strength experimentally has been long pursued in expanding the applications related to plasmonic enhancement. However, it is still an enormous challenge to determine the inhomogeneous plasmonic field distribution. Here, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4-mercaptobenzonitrile (MBN) are sandwiched as a gap spacer in a nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPoM) structure, effectively forming ultrahigh field enhancement to observe Stark shifts of the chemical bond. Transverse position-dependent Stark shifts of ν(C═C) and ν(C≡N) in the individual nanocavity measured by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiment combined with the Stark tuning rate by density functional theory (DFT) simulation accurately revealed the inhomogeneous plasmonic field transverse distribution and quantified the transverse plasmonic field strength up to ∼1.9 × 10⁹ V/m, which matches the value predicted by finite element method (FEM) simulation. This work deepens the insight into plasmon-based technologies and will coordinate high-resolution techniques such as tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TESR) to reveal the real plasmonic field distribution.

Solvent-driven biotoxin into nano-units as a versatile and sensitive SERS strategy

In recent years, marine biotoxins have posed a great threat to fishermen, human security and military prevention and control due to their diverse, complex, toxic and widespread nature, and the development of rapid and sensitive methods is essential. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a promising technique for the rapid and sensitive in situ detection of marine biotoxins due to its advantages of rapid, high sensitivity, and fingerprinting information. However, the complex structure of toxin molecules, small Raman scattering cross-section and low affinity to conventional substrates make it difficult to achieve direct and sensitive SERS detection. Here, we generate a large number of active hotspot structures by constructing monolayer nanoparticle films with high density hotspots, which have good target molecules that can actively access the hotspot structures using nanocapillaries. In addition, the efficient and stable signal can be achieved during dynamic detection, increasing the practicality and operability of the method. This versatile SERS method achieves highly sensitive detection of marine biotoxins GTX and NOD, providing good prospects for convenient, rapid and sensitive SERS detection of marine biotoxins.

Molecular mechanism of the unusual biphasic effects of the natural compound hinokitiol on iron-induced cellular DNA damage

Hinokitiol is a natural monoterpene compound found in the heartwood of cupressaceous plants that have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, few studies have focused on its effect on iron-mediated cellular DNA damage. Here we show that hinokitiol exhibited unusual biphasic effects on iron-induced DNA damage in a molar ratio (hinokitiol/iron) dependent manner in HeLa cells. Under low ratios (<3:1), hinokitiol markedly enhanced DNA damage induced by Fe(II) or Fe(II)-H₂O₂; However, when the ratios increased over 3:1, the DNA damage was progressively inhibited. We found that the total cytoplasmic and nuclear iron concentration increased as the ratios of hinokitiol/iron increased. However, the cellular level of labile iron pool (LIP) only increased at ratios lower than 3, and the ROS generation is consistent with LIP change. Hinokitiol was found to interact with iron to form lipophilic hinokitiol-iron complexes with different stoichiometry and redox-activity by complementary applications of various analytical methods. Taken together, we propose that the enhancement of iron-induced cellular DNA damage by hinokitiol at low ratios (<3:1) was due to formation of lipophilic and redox-active iron complexes which facilitated cellular iron uptake and •OH production, while the inhibition at ratios higher than 3 was due to formation of redox-inactive iron complexes. These new findings will help us to design more effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of a series of iron-related diseases via regulating the two critical physicochemical factors (lipophilicity and redox activity of iron complexes) by simple natural compounds with iron-chelating properties.

A glance at transient hyperammonemia of the newborn: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment: A review

Hyperammonemia is the excessive accumulation of ammonia in the blood, and is usually defined as a plasma level above 100 µmol/L in neonates or above 50 µmol/L in term infants, children, and adolescents. Patients with hyperammonemia usually experience life-threatening neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially newborns. It is routinely caused by inherited metabolic diseases and also by acquired disorders, such as liver failure, portosystemic shunting, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ureterosigmoidostomy, renal tubular acidosis, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, infections with urea-metabolizing organisms, and some drugs. Transient hyperammonemia of the newborn (THAN) is a special type of hyperammonemia acknowledged in the field of metabolic disease as an inwell-defined or well-understood entity, which can be diagnosed only after the exclusion of genetic and acquired causes of hyperammonemia. Although the prognosis for THAN is good, timely identification and treatment are essential. Currently, THAN is underdiagnosed and much less is mentioned for early diagnosis and vigorous treatment. Herein, we present common themes that emerge from the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of THAN, based on current evidence. When a newborn presents with sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, or asphyxia that cannot explain coma and seizures, doctors should always keep this disease in mind.

Highly resilient porous polyurethane composite scaffolds filled with whitlockite for bone tissue engineering

The present work is intended to provide a base for further investigation of the composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, and whitlockite/polyurethane (WH/PU) scaffolds, in particular. WH Ca₁₈Mg₂(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₁₂ was successfully prepared by means of a chemical reaction between Ca(OH)₂, Mg(OH)₂ and H₃PO₄. WH/PU scaffolds were synthesized via in situ polymerization. Synthesized WH particles and WH/PU composite scaffolds were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDS. The porosity of scaffolds was calculated by the liquid displacement method. The water contact angle of scaffolds was tested. Mechanical characterization of WH/PU composite scaffolds was evaluated according to monotonic and cyclic compression examination. MC3T3-E1 cells were employed to evaluate the cytocompatibility of scaffolds. The results showed that WH and PU were completely integrated into composite biomaterials. The maximum compressive strength and elastic modulus of WH/PU composite scaffold reached up to 5.2 and 14.1 MPa, respectively. WH/PU composite scaffold had maximum 73% porosity. The minimum contact angle of WH/PU composite scaffold was 89.16°. WH/PU composite scaffolds have a good elasticity. Cyclic compression tests showed that scaffold could recover 90% of its original shape 1 h after removing the load. WH/PU composite scaffolds exhibited a high affinity to MC3T3-E1 cells. WH/PU composite scaffolds significantly promoted proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells when compared to those grown on tissue culture well plates. It is suggested that the WH/PU scaffolds might be suitable for the application of bone tissue engineering.

Spermidine Promotes Nb CAR-T Mediated Cytotoxicity to Lymphoma Cells Through Elevating Proliferation and Memory

Purpose

Due to the natural advantages of spermidine in immunity, we investigated the effects of spermidine pretreatment on nanobody-based CAR-T cells (Nb CAR-T) mediated cytotoxicity and potential mechanism.

Patients and Methods

The optimal concentration of spermidine was determined by detecting its impact on viability and proliferation of T cells. The phenotypic characteristic of CAR-T cells, which were treated with spermidine for 4 days, was examined by flow cytometry. The expansion ability of CAR-T cells was monitored in being cocultured with tumor cells. Additionally, CAR-T cells were stimulated by lymphoma cells to test its cytotoxicity in vitro, and the supernatant in co-culture models were collected to test the cytokine production. Furthermore, xenograft models were constructed to detect the anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells in vivo.

Results

The optimal concentration of spermidine acting on T cells was 5μM. The antigen-dependent proliferation of spermidine pretreatment CD19 CAR-T cells or Nb CAR-T cells was increased compared to control. Central memory T cells(TCM) dominated the CAR-T cell population in the presence of spermidine. When spermidine pretreatment CAR-T cells were stimulated with Daudi cells, the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ has been significantly enhanced. The ability of CAR-T cells to lysis Daudi cells was enhanced with the help of spermidine, even at higher tumor loads. Pre-treated Nb CAR-T cells with spermidine were able to control tumor cells in vivo, and therefore prolong mice survival.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that spermidine could promote Nb CAR-T mediated cytotoxicity to lymphomas cells through enhancing memory and proliferation, and provided a meaningful approach to strengthen the anti-tumor effect of CAR-T cells.

[Association study between the KCNE family gene polymorphisms of potassium channel gene and the susceptibility of atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between KCNE family gene polymorphisms of potassium channel gene and the susceptibility of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: In the case-control study, a total of 648 subjects were studied, of which 338 patients with atrial fibrillation were selected from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to December 2019, and 310 healthy people were selected from the physical examination population during the same period. DNA sequencing technology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect the genotype and allele frequency of rs1805127 of KCNE1, rs9984281 of KCNE2, rs9516, rs626930 of KCNE3 and rs12621643 of KCNE4. Results: The ages of subjects in atrial fibrillation group and control group were (69±13) and (73±8) years, respectively (P=0.077). Men subjects accounted for 57.70% (195 men) and 40.00% (124 men) in the two groups, respectively (P=0.092). The distribution frequencies of the allele C at rs1805127 of gene KCNE1, the allele A at rs9984281 of gene KCNE2 and the allele G at rs12621643 of gene KCNE4 were significantly different between groups (P<0.05). After adjustment for sex, smoking, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency and other factors, it was found that the increase in the frequency of the above three loci would increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (rs1805127 OR=7.064, 95%CI:1.559-31.997; rs9984281 OR=4.210, 95%CI:1.118-15.850; rs12621643 OR=2.679, 95%CI:1.025-6.998). Conclusion: The rs1805127 of KCNE1, the rs9984281 of KCNE2,the rs12621643 of KCNE4 were significantly associated with the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation.

Polyethylene glycol recombinant human growth hormone in Chinese prepubertal slow-growing short children: doses reported in a multicenter real-world study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effectiveness of individualized-dose polyethylene glycol recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) for short stature.

METHODS

This real-world study enrolled children with short stature in 19 hospitals throughout China. They were treated with PEG-rhGH for 6 months. The starting dosage ranged from 0.10 to 0.20 mg/kg/week. The primary outcome was the change in height standard deviation score (ΔHt SDS).

RESULTS

Five hundred and ten patients were included and grouped based on dosage as A (0.10-0.14 mg/kg/week), B (0.15-0.16 mg/kg/week), C (0.17-0.19 mg/kg/week), and D (0.20 mg/kg/week). The mean 6-month ΔHt SDS for the total cohort was 0.49 ± 0.27, and the means differed among the four dose groups (P = 0.002). The ΔHt SDS was lower in group A than in groups B (LSM difference [95%CI], -0.09 [-0.17, -0.01]), C (LSM difference [95%CI], -0.10 [-0.18, -0.02]), and D (LSM difference [95%CI], -0.13 [-0.21, -0.05]) after adjusting baseline covariates. There were no significant differences among groups B, C, and D. When the baseline IGF-1 was < -2 SDS or > 0 SDS, the △Ht SDS was not different among the four groups (P = 0.931 and P = 0.400). In children with baseline IGF-1 SDS of -2 ~ 0 SDS, a higher dosage was associated with a better treatment effect (P = 0.003), and the △Ht SDS was lower in older children than in younger ones (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PEG-rhGH could effectively increase height in prepubertal short children. When the baseline IGF-1 was < -2 SDS, 0.10 mg/kg/week could be a starting dose. In other IGF-1 statuses, 0.15-0.20 mg/kg/week might be preferred.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03249480 , retrospectively registered.

Insight into the Heterogeneity of Longitudinal Plasmonic Field in a Nanocavity Using an Intercalated Two-Dimensional Atomic Crystal Probe with a ∼7 Å Resolution

Quantitative measurement of the plasmonic field distribution is of great significance for optimizing highly efficient optical nanodevices. However, the quantitative and precise measurement of the plasmonic field distribution is still an enormous challenge. In this work, we design a unique nanoruler with a ∼7 Å spatial resolution, which is based on a two-dimensional atomic crystal where the intercalated monolayer WS₂ is a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe and four layers of MoS₂ are a reference layer in a nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPoM) structure to quantitatively and directionally probe the longitudinal plasmonic field distribution at high permittivity by the quantitative SERS intensity of WS₂ located in different layers. A subnanometer two-dimensional atomic crystal was used as a spacer layer to overcome the randomness of the molecular adsorption and Raman vibration direction. Combined with comprehensive theoretical derivation, numerical calculations, and spectroscopic measurements, it is shown that the longitudinal plasmonic field in an individual nanocavity is heterogeneously distributed with an unexpectedly large intensity gradient. We analyze the SERS enhancement factor on the horizontal component, which shows a great attenuation trend in the nanocavity and further provides precise insight into the horizontal component distribution of the longitudinal plasmonic field. We also provide a direct experimental verification that the longitudinal plasmonic field decays more slowly in high dielectric constant materials. These precise experimental insights into the plasmonic field using a two-dimensional atomic crystal itself as a Raman probe may propel understanding of the nanostructure optical response and applications based on the plasmonic field distribution.

Preparation of PAA/PAM/MXene/TA hydrogel with antioxidant, healable ability as strain sensor

Conductive hydrogels based on MXene have gained more attention due to the excellent conductive property and biocompatibility. At present, they have great potential in electronic skins, personally healthcare monitoring and human motion sensing. However, MXene are prone to be oxidized due to the abundant hydroxyls, which results in the unstable conductive property of hydrogel. To improve the shortcoming, conductive PAA/PAM/MXene/TA hydrogel was prepared, in which the introduction of TA can prevent MXene from oxidation owing to the great deal of pyrogallol groups. Mechanical tests showed that the tensile strength, toughness and elongation at break of PAA/PAM/MXene/TA hydrogel are 0.251 ± 0.05 MPa, 0.895 ± 0.16 MJ/m³ and 560.82 ± 19.56%, respectively, indicating the hydrogel possess good stretchability. In addition, the MXene and TA were introduced into hydrogel through hydrogen bonds, which endow the hydrogel with good restorability and self-healing property. Resistance variation-strain curves demonstrated that the introduction of MXene endue the hydrogel with appreciable sensing performances. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity assay indicated that the hydrogel has good biocompatibility. In conclusion, PAA/PAM/MXene/TA hydrogel has great potential in flexible wearable sensor field.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte: features and prognosis of lymphocytes infiltration on colorectal cancer

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are vital elements of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the anti-tumor activity of TILs on colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a topic of concern. However, the characteristics and prognosis of the various types of lymphocyte infiltration in CRC have not been fully explained. Our study aimed to identify distinct features and prognosis of TILs. We integrated multiple-cohort databases to illustrate the features, proportions, and prognosis of TILs on CRC. We found that macrophages were significantly enriched in CRC. When we used the scRNA-seq database to further evaluate the proportion of TILs, we noticed markedly higher numbers of CD4 + T cell, B cell, and CD8 + T cell in four Gene Expression Omnibus Series (GSE) CRC cohorts. Interestingly, we found that the infiltrating level of TIL subgroups from highest to lowest is always dendritic cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, neutrophils, B cells, and macrophages; the proportion of infiltration is largely constant regardless of mutations in specific genes or somatic copy number variation (sCNV). In addition, the data corroborated that CD4+ TILs and CD8+ TILs have certain application values in the prognosis of CRCs, and age negatively related to CD8+ TILs and B plasma infiltration. Finally, patients with CRC who are older than 70 years have a better response to immune-checkpoint blockade.

First Clinical Study on Long-Acting Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Turner Sydrome

Study on long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy in Turner syndrome (TS) is a 2-year retrospective study including patients diagnosed with TS from 2018-2021. Patients were divided into four groups: Group 1 to 4 were low dose (0.1 mg/kg/ w), high-dose (0.2 mg/kg/w) LAGH, daily GH (0.38 mg/kg/w), and untreated control. The efficacy and safety data were analyzed. Seventy-five TS cases with the age 7.9±2.9 years and the bone age 6.8±2.8 years were recruited. In year 1: The change of height standard deviation score (ΔHtSDS) and height velocity (HV) in Group 2 were comparable to Group 3, both two groups were higher than Group 1. ΔHtSDS and HV in all GH treatment group were higher than untreated group. IGF1 increased in all treatment groups, only 4 cases had IGF1>3 SD. In year 2: ΔHtSDS and HV in Group 2 and 3 were comparable. Five cases had IGF1>3 SD. Correlation analysis for LAGH efficacy at year 1 indicated that baseline variables correlated with ΔHtSDS include: GH dose, CA (chronological age), and bone age (BA). The HV was positively correlated with baseline GH dose, HtSDS, IGF-1SDS and negatively correlated with baseline CA, BA, and BMI. No GH-related serious adverse effects were observed. The high-dose LAGH treatment in TS patients is effective and safe as daily GH for 2 years. The favorable prognosis factors include sufficient GH dose and early treatment. IGF1 monitoring and weight control are important.

Intelligent and robust DNA robots capable of swarming into leakless nonlinear amplification in response to a trigger

Nonlinear DNA signal amplification with an enzyme-free isothermal self-assembly process is uniquely useful in nanotechnology and nanomedicine. However, progress in this direction is hampered by the lack of effective design models of leak-resistant DNA building blocks. Here, we propose two conceptual models of intelligent and robust DNA robots to perform a leakless nonlinear signal amplification in response to a trigger. Two conceptual models are based on super-hairpin nanostructures, which are designed by innovating novel principles in methodology and codifying them into embedded programs. The dynamical and thermodynamical analyses reveal the critical elements and leak-resistant mechanisms of the designed models, and the leak-resistant behaviors of the intelligent DNA robots and morphologies of swarming into nonlinear amplification are separately verified. The applications of the designed models are also illustrated in specific signal amplification and targeted payload enrichment via integration with an aptamer, a fluorescent molecule and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This work has the potential to serve as design guidelines of intelligent and robust DNA robots and leakless nonlinear DNA amplification, and also as the design blueprint of cargo delivery robots with the performance of swarming into nonlinear amplification in response to a target automatically, facilitating their future applications in biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine.

Controlling the Shrinkage of 3D Hot Spot Droplets as a Microreactor for Quantitative SERS Detection of Anticancer Drugs in Serum Using a Handheld Raman Spectrometer

Quantitative measurement is one of the ultimate targets for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), but it suffers from difficulties in controlling the uniformity of hot spots and placing the target molecules in the hot spot space. Here, a convenient approach of three-phase equilibrium controlling the shrinkage of three-dimensional (3D) hot spot droplets has been demonstrated for the quantitative detection of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in serum using a handheld Raman spectrometer. Droplet shrinkage, triggered by the shaking of aqueous nanoparticle (NP) colloids with immiscible oil chloroform (CHCl₃) after the addition of negative ions and acetone, not only brings the nanoparticles in close proximity but can also act as a microreactor to enhance the spatial enrichment capability of the analyte in plasmonic sites and thereby realize simultaneously controlling 3D hot spots and placing target molecules in hot spots. Moreover, the shrinking process of Ag colloid droplets has been investigated using a high-speed camera, an in situ transmission electron microscope (in situ TEM), and a dark-field microscope (DFM), demonstrating the high stability and uniformity of nanoparticles in droplets. The shrunk Ag NP droplets exhibit excellent SERS sensitivity and reproducibility for the quantitative analysis of 5-FU over a large range of 50-1000 ppb. Hence, it is promising for quantitative analysis of complex systems and long-term monitoring of bioreactions.

Correlation Analysis of Genotypes and Phenotypes in Chinese Male Pediatric Patients With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can be divided into Kallmann syndrome (KS) and normosmic HH (nHH). The clinical and genetic characteristics of CHH have been studied in adults, but less in pre-adults. The medical records of patients with CHH in our gonad disease database from 2008 to 2020 were evaluated. In total, 125 patients aged 0 to 18 years were enrolled in our study. KS patients had a higher incidence of micropenis compared with nHH (86.2% vs. 65.8%, p=0.009), and 7 patients (5.6%) had hypospadias. Among the 39 patients with traceable family history, delayed puberty, KS/nHH, and olfactory abnormalities accounted for 56.4%, 17.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. In total, 65 patients completed the hCG prolongation test after undergoing the standard hCG test, and the testosterone levels of 24 patients (22.9%) were still lower than 100 ng/dL. In 77 patients, 25 CHH-related genes were identified, including digenic and trigenic mutations in 23 and 3 patients, respectively. The proportion of oligogenic mutations was significantly higher than that in our previous study (27.7% vs. 9.8%). The most common pathogenic genes were FGFR1, PROKR2, CHD7 and ANOS1. The incidence rate of the genes named above was 21.3%, 18.1%, 12.8% and 11.7%, respectively; all were higher than those in adults (<10%). Most mutations in CHH probands were private, except for W178S in PROKR2, V560I in ANOS1, H63D in HS6ST1, and P191L and S671L in IL17RD. By analyzing family history and genes, we found that both PROKR2 and KISS1R may also be shared between constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) and CHH. L173R of PROKR2 accounts for 40% of the CHH population in Europe and the United States; W178S of PROKR2 accounts for 58.8% of Chinese CHH patients. Micropenis and cryptorchidism are important cues for CHH in children. They are more common in pediatric patients than in adult patients. It is not rare of Leydig cell dysfunction (dual CHH), neither of oligogenic mutations diagnosed CHH in children. Both PROKR2 and KISS1R maybe the potential shared pathogenic genes of CDGP and CHH, and W178S in PROKR2 may be a founder mutation in Chinese CHH patients.

Three-Dimensional Culture Decreases the Angiogenic Ability of Mouse Macrophages

Macrophages play important roles in angiogenesis; however, previous studies on macrophage angiogenesis have focused on traditional 2D cultures. In this study, we established a 3D culture system for macrophages using collagen microcarriers and assessed the effect of 3D culture on their angiogenic capabilities. Macrophages grown in 3D culture displayed a significantly different morphology and arrangement under electron microscopy compared to those grown in 2D culture. Tube formation assays and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assays further revealed that 3D-cultured macrophages were less angiogenic than those in 2D culture. Whole-transcriptome sequencing showed that nearly 40% of genes were significantly differently expressed, including nine important angiogenic factors of which seven had been downregulated. In addition, the expression of almost all genes related to two important angiogenic pathways was decreased in 3D-cultured macrophages, including the two key angiogenic factors, VEGFA and ANG2. Together, the findings of our study improve our understanding of angiogenesis and 3D macrophage culture in tissues, and provide new avenues and methods for future research on macrophages.

Fabrication of adhesive hydrogels based on poly (acrylic acid) and modified hyaluronic acid

Hydrogel wound dressings with good flexibility and adhesiveness to resist deformation during wound movement are urgently needed in clinical application. In this work, the hydrogels based on poly (acrylic acid) and N-hydroxysuccinimide grafted hyaluronic acid (PAA/HA_-NHS) with good elasticity and adhesiveness were prepared by chemical cross-linking and hydrogen bonding. The elastic and adhesive properties within the PAA hydrogels could reach a balance by adjusting the concentration of potassium persulfate (KPS) and N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Subsequently, HA_-NHS was incorporated into the PAA hydrogel system. The mechanical test revealed that the elongation at break and interfacial toughness of the PAA/HA_-NHS hydrogels could reach 265.79 ± 21.93% and 52.88 ± 3.51 J/m², respectively. In addition, the hydrogels possess a connected porous network and well water absorption ability (with porosity of 51.90 ± 0.11% and swelling ratio in wet state of 122.17 ± 2.78%). In vitro experiment demonstrates that the PAA/HA_-NHS hydrogels exhibit nontoxic and cell in-adhesive properties. The PAA/HA_-NHS hydrogels could cover the wound spots directly, stretch with the skin movement and gently remove from the wound tissue due to the suitable adhesiveness and poor cell adhesion. In conclusion, the PAA/HA_-NHS hydrogels show great application value in the field of wound dressing.

Construction of Optimal SERS Hotspots Based on Capturing the Spike Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 for Highly Sensitive and Specific Detection by a Fish Model

It is highly challenging to construct the best SERS hotspots for the detection of proteins by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Using its own characteristics to construct hotspots can achieve the effect of sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we built a fishing mode device to detect the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at low concentrations in different detection environments and obtained a sensitive SERS signal response. Based on the spatial resolution of proteins and their protein-specific recognition functions, SERS hotspots were constructed using aptamers and small molecules that can specifically bind to RBD and cooperate with Au nanoparticles (NPs) to detect RBD in the environment using SERS signals of beacon molecules. Therefore, two kinds of AuNPs modified with aptamers and small molecules were used in the fishing mode device, which can specifically recognize and bind RBD to form a stable hotspot to achieve high sensitivity and specificity for RBD detection. The fishing mode device can detect the presence of RBD at concentrations as low as 0.625 ng/mL and can produce a good SERS signal response within 15 min. Meanwhile, we can detect an RBD of 0.625 ng/mL in the mixed solution with various proteins, and the concentration of RBD in the complex environment of urine and blood can be as low as 1.25 ng/mL. This provides a research basis for SERS in practical applications for protein detection work.

Metformin and arsenic trioxide synergize to trigger Parkin/pink1-dependent mitophagic cell death in human cervical cancer HeLa cells

Mitochondria are involved in various biological processes including intracellular homeostasis, proliferation, senescence, and death, and mitochondrial mitophagy is closely related to the development and regression of malignant tumors. Recent studies confirmed that the hypoglycemic drug metformin (Met) exerted various antitumor effects, protected neural cells, and improved immunity, while arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the clinical treatment of leukemia and various solid tumors. However, the possible combined antitumor effects of Met and ATO and their cellular molecular mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the role of Parkin-mediated mitochondrial mitophagy in the anti-tumor mechanism of Met and ATO by studying the effects of Met and/or ATO on the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer HeLa cells. Both Met and ATO effectively inhibited the proliferative activity of HeLa cells and induced apoptosis by activating Bax and inhibiting Bcl-2. Met and ATO treatment alone or in combination stimulated mitophagosome accumulation in HeLa cells, increased the conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II, and decreased levels of the mitophagic lysosomal substrate protein P62. The mitochondrial membrane potential of HeLa cells also decreased, accompanied by activation of the mitochondrial translocase TOM system and the Pink1/Parkin signaling pathway. These results suggested that Met and/or ATO could induce mitophagy in HeLa cells via the Pink1/Parkin signaling pathway, leading to mitophagic apoptosis and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The combination of Met and ATO thus has enhanced antitumor effects, suggesting that this combination has potential clinical applications for the treatment of cervical cancer and other tumors.

[Interpretation of the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries (2020)]

An update version of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries has been released in June 2020 (http://www.dentaltraumaguide.org). In this current revision, IADT has put forward a "core outcome set" (COS) for the diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma both in children and adults. The COS was developed and underpinned by a systematic review of the outcomes in the literature of dental trauma treatment. An outcome that was relevant to all traumatic dental injuries (TDI) was identified as "generic outcome" and those related only to one or more particular TDI were then included as "injury-specific outcomes". The aims of the present article are to help the dental clinicians in learning the latest version of the guideline so that they may quickly and accurately grasp the essence of the updated content and to assist them to choose the optimized treatment plan after judging and evaluating the specific clinical circumstances so as to maximize the chance of a favorable outcome.

[Occlusal contact of primary dentition at intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion]

Objective: To record occlusal contact of primary dentition at maximal intercuspal position in children with individual normal occlusion. Methods: A total of 57 children were recruited from patients of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were 3-5 years old with no visually detectable caries or pupal and periapical diseases, had complete primary dentition, had individual normal occlusion, had normal function of craniofacial system, were medically healthy, could cooperate with sampling and had obtained written informed consent from the parents or guardians. Finally, forty-seven children aged 3 to 5 years old were enrolled, including 24 males and 23 females. The age, height and weight of all subjects were (4.1±0.7) years old (ranging 3.0-5.8 years old), (103.7±7.2) cm (ranging 90-120 cm) and (17.1±2.5) kg (ranging 12.5-22.5 kg), respectively. Occlusal abilities such as occlusal contact area, average bite pressure, maximum bite pressure, maximum bite force and occlusal balance were measured with Dental Prescale Ⅱ system. Results: Maximum bite force and occlusal contact area at intercuspal position in children with primary dentition were (567.40±223.84) N (ranging 226.7-1 154.6 N) and (18.56±6.54) mm² (ranging 8.4-41.2 mm²), respectively. There was a significantly strong correlation between maximum bite force and occlusal contact area (r=0.954, P<0.01). Height and weight of children were also positively correlated with their maximum bite force (r=0.397, P=0.022 and r=0.453, P=0.008, respectively). Maximum occlusal bite force and contact occlusal area of boys [(651.80±224.34) N and (20.77±6.97) mm²] were significantly higher and larger than those of girls [(479.34±190.45) N and (16.25±5.27) mm²] (P<0.05). Thirty-two of all 47 children had one occlusal contact point with maximum bite pressure, mostly locating within the primary molar region. Bite forces of anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition were (124.12±56.99) N and (450.11±205.09) N, respectively, about (21.82±11.40)% and (71.80±21.35)% of maximum bite force of the whole primary dentition. All of the occlusal balance points located in posterior teeth regions. Occlusal contacts were observed at both anterior and posterior teeth of primary dentition with individual normal occlusion. Conclusions: There was a great variation of maximum bite forces of primary dentitions at intercuspal position of children with individual normal occlusion. Maximum bite force of primary dentition was significantly correlated with occlusal contact area, height and weight of children. Occlusal contact points with maximum bite pressure and occlusal bite balance points of primary dentitions mostly located in primary molar regions.

In-situ SERS readout strategy to improve the reliability of beta-galactosidase activity assay based on X-gal staining in shortening incubation times

Beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity is closed related with senescence cells and aging-associated diseases, however, the traditional readout of β-gal activity based on X-gal staining was limited to low sensitivity in short incubation times and false positives in long incubation times. Here, we expose the potential role of insoluble X-gal hydrolysates in causing false positives by diffusion pollution depending on organic medium and then propose the in-situ Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) readout strategy to identify and locate β-gal positive cells. By building the blue-white screening model and fabricating SERS-active needle sensor, the sensitive detection of β-gal has been realized with the detection limit of less than 1 nmol L^-1. The in-situ SERS readout strategy is proved to be necessary and feasible to improve the reliability of X-gal staining assay through shortening the time to a few hours. Moreover, its application was also preliminarily evaluated to analyse individual cells and tissues, which showed the well consistency for judgement of β-gal activity cells at different times. Consequently, by improving reliability and reducing time consumption, this SERS readout strategy may be of great significance to promote the application of X-gal staining assay in biology and biomedicine.

Protective effects of melatonin on the white matter damage of neonatal rats by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects and relevant mechanisms of melatonin on the white matter damage (WMD) caused by endotoxin and ischemic hypoxia in neonatal rats.

METHODS

Seventy-two female neonatal rats (postnatal day 3) were randomly divided into the sham, melatonin-treated, and control groups (n = 24 for each group). The periventricular white matter was collected to evaluate the WMD and apoptosis. In addition, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured. The expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, pink1, parkin, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were detected.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin and eosin and terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining showed that the WMD, as well as cell degeneration, necrosis, and apoptosis in the control group, were more severe than those in the melatonin-treated group. Endotoxin and ischemic hypoxia upregulated the expression of NLRP3 and downstream inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and IL-18, which could be reversed by melatonin treatment. Melatonin increased mitochondrial autophagy marker (pink1 and parkin) expression in the white matter and reduced ROS production. Moreover, melatonin-reduced TLR4 and NF-κB expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin can inhibit the hyperactivity of NLRP3 inflammasomes by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity. Thus, melatonin may be a promising treatment for alleviating the WMD caused by endotoxin and ischemic hypoxia in neonatal rats.

[Relationship between insulin resistance, serum VCAM-1, FGF19, IGF-1 and colorectal polyps]

Objective: To explore the relationship between insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism related molecules and colorectal polyps. Methods: A total of 262 healthy people who underwent colonoscopy in Shandong cancer hospital from June 2019 to September 2020 were selected. The levels of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), fasting blood glucose and fasting blood insulin were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and the influencing factors of occurrence, pathological type, size and number of polyps were analyzed. Results: Among 262 cases, 116 cases were polyp free, 113 cases were adenomatous polyp and 33 cases were inflammatory polyp. HOMA-IR, VCAM-1 and FGF19 in polyp group were 2.904±1.754, (334.415±139.573) ng/ml and (135.865±98.470) pg/ml, respectively, which were higher than 2.369±1.306, (302.480±99.946) ng/ml and(110.694±76.044) ng/ml in non-polyp group, respectively (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the gender (OR=4.269, 95%CI: 1.963-9.405) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.385, 95%CI: 1.155-4.926) were independent factors of colorectal polyps. The gender (OR=3.799, 95%CI: 1.650-8.748) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.290, 95%CI: 1.072-4.891) were independent factors of colorectal adenomatous polyps. The gender(OR=6.725, 95%CI: 1.853-24.410) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.047, 95%CI: 0.009-0.245) were independent factors of colorectal inflammatory polyps. The gender (OR=3.539, 95% CI: 1.293-9.689) was an independent factor for the occurrence of single polyp. The gender (OR=5.063, 95% CI: 2.048-12.515), FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.502, 95%CI: 1.102-5.681), fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.095-0.839) were independent factors of multiple polyps. The gender (OR=3.416, 95% CI: 1.134-10.289) and fasting insulin (≥9.4 μU/ml: OR=9.480, 95% CI: 1.485-60.521) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps<0.5 cm. The gender (OR=3.151, 95%CI: 1.244-7.984) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.310, 95%CI: 0.102-0.941) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps with the size of 0.5-0.9 cm. The gender (OR=22.649, 95%CI: 4.154-123.485), age (55 to 64 years old: OR=4.473, 95%CI: 1.070-18.704; ≥65 years old: OR=5.815, 95%CI: 1.300-26.009), BMI (≥28 kg/m(2): OR=5.310, 95%CI: 1.224-23.032) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=7.474, 95%CI: 1.903-29.351) were independent factors for colorectal polyps with size ≥ 1.0 cm. Gender stratification analysis showed that FGF19 was an independent factor for the occurrence of male polyps (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.109, 95%CI: 1.688-22.104) and adenomas (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.401, 95%CI: 1.717-23.864). The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=3.783, 95%CI: 1.052-13.611) and VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=4.341, 95%CI: 1.142-16.493) were independent risk factors of female polyps. The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=5.743, 95%CI: 1.205-27.362, ≥65 years old: OR=6.885, 95%CI: 1.143-41.467), VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=6.313, 95%CI: 1.415-28.159) and IGF-1 (≥7.6 ng/ml: OR=5.621, 95%CI: 1.069-29.543) were independent factors of female adenoma. Conclusions: The occurrences of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps are related to insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism. Serum FGF19 is an independent influencing factor for the occurrence of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps, and is a potential serological diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps.

General Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Method for Actively Capturing Target Molecules in Small Gaps

Over the past decade, many efforts have been devoted to designing and fabricating substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with abundant hot spots to improve the sensitivity of detection. However, there have been many difficulties involved in causing molecules to enter hot spots actively or effectively. Here, we report a general SERS method for actively capturing target molecules in small gaps (hot spots) by constructing a nanocapillary pumping model. The ubiquity of hot spots and the inevitability of molecules entering them lights up all the hot spots and makes them effective. This general method can realize the highly sensitive detection of different types of molecules, including organic pollutants, drugs, poisons, toxins, pesticide residues, dyes, antibiotics, amino acids, antitumor drugs, explosives, and plasticizers. Additionally, in the dynamic detection process, an efficient and stable signal can be maintained for 1-2 min, which increases the practicality and operability of this method. Moreover, a dynamic detection process like this corresponds to the processes of material transformation in some organisms, so the method can be used to monitor transformation processes such as the death of a single cell caused by photothermal stimulation. Our method provides a novel pathway for generating hot spots that actively attract target molecules, and it can achieve general ultratrace detection of diverse substances and be applied to the study of cell behaviors in biological systems.

Exploring the utility of Au@PVP-polyamide-Triton X-114 for SERS tracking of extracellular senescence associated-beta-galactosidase activity

A compound with enrichment and SERS enhancement was successfully developed, which could rapidly adsorb X-gal hydrolysates from a liquid matrix in 5 minutes and further be used for SERS analysis with a detection limit of less than 1 × 10-9 mol L-1. This novel strategy will facilitate the development of an analytical approach for cellular senescence.

A systematic review of olfactory related questionnaires and scales

PURPOSE

Although neglected by science for a long time, the sense of olfaction has received increasing attention from research areas including psychology, neuroscience, clinical medicine and nutrition. With the rise of psychophysical and neuroimaging re- search into olfaction, psychometric tools (e.g. questionnaires and scales) are the basis for the quantitative exploration of inter-in- dividual variability regarding olfactory related responses. The current systematic review is to summarize existing olfaction related questionnaires and/or scales.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed literature on scales and questionnaires related to perception of odors were searched from online databa- ses (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Twenty-one articles that meet the following criteria were included in the review: "human species", "physical odor stimuli" and "describing the original development of the tool" and "specific focus on olfaction or odor related responses or behaviors". The psychometric properties, advantages and possible disadvantages were discussed.

RESULTS

Existing psychometric measures focus on various aspects of olfactory related responses and behaviors, including af- fective experiences of odor perception, awareness and attitude towards olfaction, olfactory function and the quality of life change due to olfactory dysfunction, and the ability to create vivid mental odor images. While most of them have been tested to have good reliability and validity, some were relatively time-consuming due to the number of questionnaire items. Besides, although many measures have been used in clinical populations, few have provided information on the predictive validity regarding effecti- veness of clinical intervention on changes of certain responses or behaviors.

SUMMARY

The current review provides an overview of olfactory related questionnaires and scales, highlighting the emotional and affective impact of olfaction and the impact on quality of life due to olfactory dysfunction. With growing interest in olfaction as an important sense, the development and use of psychometrically sound measurements in conjunction with objective assess- ments will advance our understanding of human olfaction and olfactory dysfunction. The review provides a guide for researchers and clinicians alike to select olfactory scales suitable for olfactory research with different experimental purposes and specific samples.

Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with human menopausal gonadotropin and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone pump for male adolescents with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

BACKGROUND

Compared to adult studies, studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.

METHODS

Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG (n = 20) or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pump (n = 21). The treatment was divided into a study phase (0-3 months) and a follow-up phase (3-12 months). The testicular volume (TV), penile length (PL), penis diameter (PD), and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups. The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test (equal variance) or a rank sum test (unequal variance).

RESULTS

Before treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry, hormones, and other demographic indicators. After 3 months of treatment, the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1 ± 2.3 mL and 4.1 ± 1.8 mL, respectively; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, t = 1.394). The PL reached 6.9 ± 1.8 cm and 5.1 ± 1.6 cm (P < 0.05, t = 3.083), the PD reached 2.4 ± 0.5 cm and 2.0 ± 0.6 cm (P < 0.05, t = 2.224), respectively, in the two groups. At the end of 6 months of treatment, biomarkers were in normal range in the two groups. Compared with the GnRH group, the testosterone (T) level and growth of PL and PD were significantly greater in the hCG/hMG group (all P < 0.05). While the TV of both groups increased, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, t = 0.314). After 9 to 12 months of treatment, the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group. Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH. The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy. Furthermore, results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark; however, the long-term effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02880280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.

Coated electrospun polyamide-6/chitosan scaffold with hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering

Polyamide-6 (PA6) is a synthetic polymer that bears resemblance to collagen in its backbone and has excellent stability in human body fluid. Chitosan (CS) with the similar structure to that of the polysaccharides existing in the extracellular matrix (ECM), has a more suitable biodegradation rate for the formation of new-bone. Electrospun fiber have nanoscale structure, high porosity and large specific surface area, can simulate the structure and biological function of the natural ECM. To meet the requirements of mechanical properties and biocompatibility of bone tissue engineering, electrospun PA6/CS scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning technology. The mineralized PA6/CS scaffolds were obtained through immersion in 1.5× simulated body fluid (1.5SBF), which allowed the hydroxyapatite (HA) layer to grow into the thickness range under very mild reaction conditions without the need of a prior chemical modification of the substrate surface. The results showed that electrospun PA6/CS fibrous scaffolds in the diameter range of 60-260 nm mimic the nanostructure of the ECM. The tensile strength and modulus of 10PA6/CS fibrous scaffolds reach up to 12.67 ± 2.31 MPa and 95.52 ± 6.78 MPa, respectively. After mineralization, HA particles uniformly distributed on the surface of PA6/CS fibrous scaffolds in a porous honeycomb structure, and the content of mineral was about 40%. In addition, cell culture study indicated that the mineralized PA6/CS composite scaffolds were non-cytotoxic, and had a good biocompatibility and an ability to promote MC3T3-E1 cell attachment and proliferation.

Electrospun polyamide-6/chitosan nanofibers reinforced nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-6 composite bilayered membranes for guided bone regeneration

Periodontal defect poses a significant challenge in orthopedics. Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) membrane is considered as one of the most successful methods applied to reconstruct alveolar bone and then to achieve periodontal defect repair/regeneration. In this paper, a novel polyamide-6/chitosan@nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-6 (PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6) bilayered tissue guided membranes by combining a solvent casting and an electrospinning technique was designed. The developed PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 composites were characterized by a series of tests. The results show that n-HA/PA6 and electrospun PA6/CS layers are tightly bound by molecular interaction and chemical bonding, which enhances the bonding strength between two distinct layers. The porosity and adsorption average pore diameter of the PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 membranes are 36.90 % and 22.61 nm, respectively. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 composites are 1.41 ± 0.18 MPa and 7.15 ± 1.09 MPa, respectively. In vitro cell culture studies demonstrate that PA6/CS@n-HA/PA6 bilayered scaffolds have biological safety, good bioactivity, biocompatibility and osteoconductivity.

Understanding the Mechanism of Activation/Deactivation of GLP-1R via Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), as a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose level signal recognition through its activation. The conformation changes during the activation pathway are of particular importance for its function. To investigate the activation mechanism of GLP-1R, the crystal structures of active and inactive forms are chosen to perform a total of 2 μs of accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations and 400ns of conventional molecular dynamics (cMD) simulations. With the aid of structural analysis and potential of mean force (PMF) calculations, we reveal the role of different helices in the activation and deactivation process and obtain the intermediate states during activation and deactivation that are difficult to capture in experiments. Protein structure network (PSN) was utilised to clarify the allosteric communication pathways of activation and deactivation and reveal the mechanisms of its activation and deactivation. The results could advance our understanding of the activation mechanism of GLP-1R and the related drug design.

The first familial NSD2 cases with a novel variant in a Chinese father and daughter with atypical WHS facial features and a 7.5-year follow-up of growth hormone therapy

BACKGROUND

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is a well-characterized genomic disorder caused by 4p16.3 deletions. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome patients exhibit characteristic facial dysmorphism, growth retardation, developmental delay, intellectual disability and seizure disorders. Recently, NSD2 gene located within the 165 kb Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome critical region was identified as the key causal gene responsible for most if not all phenotypes of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. So far, eight NSD2 loss of function variants have been reported in patients from different parts of the world, all were de novo variants.

METHODS

In our study, we performed whole exome sequencing for two patients from one family. We also reviewed more NSD2 mutation cases in pervious literature.

RESULTS

A novel loss of function NSD2 variant, c.1577dupG (p.Asn527Lysfs*14), was identified in a Chinese family in the proband and her father both affected with intellectual disability. After reviewing more NSD2 mutation cases in pervious literature, we found none of them had facial features that can be recognized as Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. In addition, we have given our proband growth hormone and followed up with this family for 7.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we reported the first familial NSD2 variant and the long-term effect of growth hormone therapy for patients. Our results suggested NSD2 mutation might cause a distinct intellectual disability and short stature syndrome.

High strength polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (PVA/PAA) hydrogel fabricated by Cold-Drawn method for cartilage tissue substitutes

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel has been considered as promising cartilage replacement materials due to its excellent characteristics such as high water content, low frictional behavior and excellent biocompatibility. However, lack of sufficient mechanical properties and cytocompatibility are two key obstacles for PVA hydrogel to be applied as cartilage substitutes. Herein, Polyacrylic acid (PAA) has been introduced into PVA hydrogel to balance these problems. Compared with pure PVA hydrogel, PVA/PAA hydrogel has the equal excellent biocompatibility, and its cell adhesion is significantly improved. In order to further improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels, Cold-Drawn treatment of hydrogels is performed in this paper. Compared to pure 12% PVA hydrogel, 40.8-fold, 50.8-fold, and 46.8-fold increase in tensile strength, tensile modulus, and toughness, respectively, which can be obtained from 12% PVA/PAA Cold-Drawn hydrogel. These biocompatible composite hydrogels have a great application potential as cartilage tissue substitutes.

An Improved Total Uncertainty Measure in the Evidence Theory and Its Application in Decision Making

Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (DS theory) has some superiorities in uncertain information processing for a large variety of applications. However, the problem of how to quantify the uncertainty of basic probability assignment (BPA) in DS theory framework remain unresolved. The goal of this paper is to define a new belief entropy for measuring uncertainty of BPA with desirable properties. The new entropy can be helpful for uncertainty management in practical applications such as decision making. The proposed uncertainty measure has two components. The first component is an improved version of Dubois–Prade entropy, which aims to capture the non-specificity portion of uncertainty with a consideration of the element number in frame of discernment (FOD). The second component is adopted from Nguyen entropy, which captures conflict in BPA. We prove that the proposed entropy satisfies some desired properties proposed in the literature. In addition, the proposed entropy can be reduced to Shannon entropy if the BPA is a probability distribution. Numerical examples are presented to show the efficiency and superiority of the proposed measure as well as an application in decision making.