Fabrication and Photovoltaic Conversion Performances of Imidazolyl and Fumaric Acid Composite Langmuir-Blodgett Membranes.

Novel organic small molecule structures have received increasing attention in the preparation of multifunctional thin film materials and have become the subject of research in many cutting-edge directions. In this work, imidazolyl and transbutylene glycolic acid molecules and dye molecules were designed and prepared as composite films by supramolecular self-assembly in the LB technique, and their morphological features and spectral properties were analyzed. The results showed that the prepared LB films presented different aggregation states. In addition, their photoelectrochemical properties, on ITO sheets were tested, all of which showed good optoelectronic properties, and their binding energies, structure optimization, and electrostatic potentials were theoretically calculated by DFT simulations, which proved that the prepared films have good optoelectronic properties, and have the potential to become optoelectronic multifunctional ultrathin film devices.

The comprehensive role of apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) in pathological conditions.

CD5L/AIM (apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage), as an important component in maintaining tissue homeostasis and inflammation, is mainly produced and secreted by macrophages but partially dissociated and released from blood AIM-IgM. AIM plays a regulatory role in intracellular physiological mechanisms, including lipid metabolism and apoptosis. AIM not only increases in autoimmune diseases, directly targets liver cells in liver cancer and promotes cell clearance in acute kidney injury, but also causes arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events, and aggravates inflammatory reactions in lung diseases and sepsis. Obviously, AIM plays a pleiotropic role in the body. However, to date, studies have failed to decipher the mechanisms behind its different roles (beneficial or harmful) in inflammatory regulation. The inflammatory response is a "double-edged sword," and maintaining balance is critical for effective host defense while minimizing the adverse side effects of acute inflammation. Enhancing the understanding of AIM function could provide the theoretical basis for new therapies in these pathological settings. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the roles of AIM in lipid metabolism, autoimmune diseases and organic tissues, such as liver cancer, myocardial infarction, and kidney disease.

Il-34 regulates MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, JAK and NF-κB pathways and induces the expression of inflammatory factors in RA-FLS.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of interleukin 34 (IL-34) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its related signalling pathways as well as the expression levels of IL-34 in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) modelling mice. METHODS: Recombination IL-34 was used to stimulate cultured RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS). The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the levels of phosphorylation signalling molecules were detected by western blotting assay (WB). After the establishment of the CIA model, paw indexes and serum IL-34 expression levels of mice were evaluated. RESULTS: IL-34 significantly increased the secretion of IL-8 and TNF-α but had no significant effect on IL-6, and this effect could be impaired by signal inhibitors. At the same time, IL-34 activated multiple signalling pathways, whereas treating with inhibitors could reduce phosphorylation intensity. In animal experiments, mice in the model group had lost weight, and their paws were obviously swollen, ulcerous, and even stiffened. The hyperplasia of synovial tissue, infiltration of many inflammatory cells, and destruction of bone and cartilage from the typical pannus formation were also apparently observed. CONCLUSIONS: IL-34 can mediate the production and secretion of IL-8 and TNF-α in RA-FLS cells through MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, JAK and NF-κB signalling pathways, while the expression of serum IL-34 in collagen-induced arthritis mice is also upregulated.

Denatured bovine serum albumin hydrogel-based electrochemical biosensors for detection of IgG.

An antifouling sensing surface was constructed by crosslinking two-dimensional nanomaterial MXene with bovine serum albumin (BSA) denatured by urea previously. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) capture peptide was then modified to the surface to construct a highly selective antifouling electrochemical biosensor. Due to the large specific surface area and good electrical conductivity of MXene, the sensitivity of the biosensor is significantly enhanced. The biosensor at a working potential of around - 0.18 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) provides a wide linear detection range (0.1 ng/mL to 10 µg/mL) for IgG with a limit of detection of 23 pg/mL (3σ/k). The result is consistent with that obtained from the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent kit. Compared with BSA, which is usually used as a passivator or blocker for biosensing platforms, the hydrogel formed through the peptide chain obtained from BSA with good hydrophilicity can provide a better antifouling sensing surface to resist nonspecific adsorption. The prepared biosensor can quantitatively detect the concentration of IgG in complex human serum with high sensitivity. Thus, the antifouling sensing surface constructed without expensive antifouling materials and complex process is expected to develop as a variety of electrochemical biosensors and used for the clinical testing of biomarkers. Graphical abstract An antifouling sensing surface was constructed by crosslinking two-dimensional nanomaterial MXene with bovine serum albumin (BSA) denatured by urea previously. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) capture peptide was then modified to the surface to construct a highly selective antifouling electrochemical biosensor.

Enhanced stability of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine antigens with a novel formulation.

The structural instability of inactivated Foot-and-mouth disease virus antigen hinders the development of vaccine industry. The use of an inexpensive, biocompatible formulation to slow down the degradation of antigen would address the problem. Here, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was showed to be effective in stabilizing 146S and hence determined as basic solution buffer. Excipients such as trehalose, sucrose, arginine, cysteine, calcium chloride, BSA and ascorbic acid were found to protect 146S from massive structural breakdown. Using orthogonal test, we confirmed the novel formulation as a combination of 5% (w/v) trehalose, 5% (w/v) sucrose, 0.05 M arginine, 0.01 M cysteine, 0.01 M calcium chloride, 1% (W/V) BSA and 0.001 M ascorbic acid in PBS. The formulation increased vaccine stabilization, with retention rate of 14% after storage at 4 °C for 14 months. Particle size for vaccine was at approximately 220 nm and physicochemical detecting findings were rarely abnormal in morphology and emulsion type. In summary, these results revealed that the novel formulation is beneficial to make the FMD vaccine more stable and effective, reducing the dependence on cold storage and delivery.

Theoretical Studies on Bimetallic Salen Complexes Catalyzed Epoxide Hydration: Effects of Metal Centers, Substrates, and Ligands.

To provide guiding information for developing efficient and stable catalysts for epoxide hydration, we investigated the mechanism of propylene oxide (PO) to 1,2-propylene glycol (PG) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The mechanism was identified to follow the cooperative bimetallic mechanism in which a metal-salen complex activated H2O attacks the middle carbon atom of a metal-salen complex activated PO from the oxygen side of three-membered ring. Analyses reveal that the distortion energy correlates linearly with the barrier, and the hydrogen bonding between H2O and PO increases from reaction precursors to transition states. A nice linear relationship exists between the ratio of square root of ionic potential to the square of the distance from the metal ion spherical surface to the oxygen atom center of PO. It is demonstrated that the substrates with larger polarizability tend to have lower hydration barriers and the influence of ligands is less than that of metal centers and substrates. Modifying metal ions is the first choice for developing metal-salen catalysts, and metal ions with more formal charges and larger radius are expected to exhibit high activity. These findings shed lights on the mechanism and provide guiding information for developing efficient metal-salen catalysts for epoxide hydration.

Novel Acute Retinal Artery Ischemia and Reperfusion Model in Nonhuman Primates.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The retina, as an externally located neural tissue, offers unique advantages in investigating the effect of therapeutic intervention on the brain. In this study, we put forth a clinically relevant model of retinal ischemia and reperfusion in nonhuman primates. METHODS: Acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion was induced by injecting an autologous clot into the ophthalmic artery of adult rhesus monkeys, and recanalization was achieved by focal thrombolysis with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography were used to evaluate blood flow in the retina and the choroid. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the structure and function of the retina after ischemia. RESULTS: Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography images confirmed occlusion of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, as well as recanalization after tPA thrombolysis. Electroretinogram indicated retinal functional damage following ischemia, and thrombolysis partially rescued its impairment. Optical coherence tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ischemia-induced changes in the retina, and tPA partially mitigated these damages. CONCLUSIONS: This novel acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion model in rhesus monkeys may closely simulate retinal ischemia/reperfusion in clinical practice and provide an optimal platform for screening neuroprotective strategies.

Exploring the mechanism and counterion activity regulation in the CoIII(salen)-catalyzed hydration of propylene oxide.

CoIII(salen)-X (X = Cl-, OAc-, and OTs-) mediated hydration of propylene oxide (PO) to propylene glycol has been investigated in detail using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two kinds of reaction mechanisms, the concerted and stepwise pathways, were scrutinized. For the eight concerted routes, the cooperative bimetallic route in which the middle carbon atom is attacked by the nucleophilic oxygen atom (route VI-m) was calculated to be the most favorable, and among the three catalysts examined H2O-CoIII-OTs was found to be the most active, due to the strong hydrogen bonding between the nucleophilic H2O and the ring oxygen atom in the epoxides as well as the extra π-π stacking interaction. For the stepwise mechanism which consists of the formation of H2O-CoIII-OH, the ring-opening of PO and propylene glycol formation, our studies reveal that different H2O-CoIII-Xs behave kinetically very similarly in the course of propylene glycol formation, but show a notable difference in the rate of H2O-CoIII-OH formation with Cl- > OAc- > OTs-. The rate ordering with which we rationalize the experimental phenomena well is disclosed to be consistent with the nucleophilicity of the counterions by molecular electrostatic potential, condensed Fukui function and condensed local softness. We show that the nucleophilicity of the counterion determines the favorable mechanism that PO hydration follows.

Comprehension of the Effect of a Hydroxyl Group in Ancillary Ligand on Phosphorescent Property for Heteroleptic Ir(III) Complexes: A Computational Study Using Quantitative Prediction.

A new Ir(III) complex (dfpypya)2Ir(pic-OH) (2) is theoretically designed by introduction of a simple hydroxyl group into the ancillary ligand on the basis of (dfpypya)2Ir(pic) (1) with the aim to get the high-efficiency and stable blue-emitting phosphors, where dfpypya is 3-methyl-6-(2',4'-difluoro-pyridinato)pyridazine, pic is picolinate, and pic-OH is 3-hydroxypicolinic acid. The other configuration (dfpypya)2Ir(pic-OH)' (3) is also investigated to compare with 2. The difference between 2 and 3 is whether the intramolecular hydrogen bond is formed in the (dfpypya)2Ir(pic-OH). The quantum yield is determined by three different methods including the semiquantitative and quantitative methods. To quantitatively determine the quantum yield is still not an easy task to be completed. This work would provide some useful advices to select the suitable method to reliably evaluate the quantum yield. Complex 2 has larger quantum yield and more stability as compared with 1 and 3. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond would become a new method to design new phosphor with the desired properties.

[Application of Cationic Aluminum Phthalocyanine, a Red-Emitting Fluorescent Probe, for Sensitive Quantitative Analysis of RNA at Nanogram Level].

Tetrasubstituted trimethyl ammonium iodide aluminum phthalocyanine (TTMAAlPc), a positively charged phthalocyanine compound, is an emerging and potentially useful red-emitting fluorescence probe. The study showed that the fluorescence of TTMAAlPc could be quenched by RNA with high efficiency in weak alkaline media, and the degree of quenching has a linear relationship with RNA in a wide concentration range. The mechanism of quenching behavior of RNA on TTMAAlPc was discussed. It was attributed by the static interaction between RNA and TTMAAlPc, and the assembly of TTMAAlPc induced by RNA. Based on this new discovery, a novel method for quantitative determination of RNA at nanogram level has been established. The factors, including the pH of medium, buffer system, reaction time, reaction temperature, the usage of TTMAAlPc as well as the interferences, which affected the determination, were investigated and discussed. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve was 7.71-1 705.57 ng x mL(-1). The detection limit for RNA was 1.55 ng x mL(-1). This method has been applied to the analysis of practical samples with satisfied results. The constructed method is of high sensitivity and has a wide linear range, it also showed strong ability in the tolerance of foreign substances from anions, cations, surfactants and vitamins, all of which are common interferences encountered in the determination of RNA. Besides, it is the first report that the fluorescence quantum yield of TTMAAlPc has been measured at different pH by reference method in this work. The achieved data indicated that the fluorescence quantum yield of TTMAAlPc is larger than 20% and it keeps constant in a wide range of acidity, implying that TTMAAlPc is a high-quality red-emitting fluorescence probe, it has great potential for practical applications, thus is worthy of further study. This work expands the application of phthalocyanine compound in analytical sciences.

Thinner changes of the retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and patients often have visual disorders. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a memory deficit when compared with those of a similar age and education level which could indicate an earlier onset of AD. The aim of this study is to measure the changes of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of AD and MCI patients in comparison with the normal age controls. METHODS: The RNFL thickness was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with MCI, AD (mild, moderate and severe) and the age matched controls. RESULTS: The thickness of RNFL in the superior quadrant and total mean values are gradually and significantly decreased from MCI to severe AD when compared to that in the controls. There is also a significant reduction of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the inferior quadrant in severe AD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the retinal nerve fiber layer degeneration is paralleled with dementia progression. Owing to its non-invasive and cost effective nature, monitoring RNFL thickness may have a value in assessing disease progression and the efficacy of any treatments.

[Sensitive Determination of Chondroitin Sulfate by Fluorescence Recovery of an Anionic Aluminum Phthalocyanine-Cationic Surfactant Ion-Association Complex Used as a Fluorescent Probe Emitting at Red Region].

Determination of chondroitin sulfate in the biomedical field has an important value. The conventional methods for the assay of chondroitin sulfate are still unsatisfactory in sensitivity, selectivity or simplicity. This work aimed at developing a novel method for sensitive and selective determination of chondroitin sulfate by fluorimetry. We found that some kinds of cationic surfactants have the ability to quench the fluorescence of tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlS4Pc), a strongly fluorescent compound which emits at red region, with high efficiency. But, the fluorescence of the above-mentioned fluorescence quenching system recovered significantly when chondroitin sulfate (CS) exits. Tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride(TDBAC) which was screened from all of the candidates of cationic surfactants was chosen as the quencher because it shows the most efficient quenching effect. It was found that the fluorescence of AlS4Pc was extremely quenched by TDBAC because of the formation of association complex between AlS4Pc and TDBAC. Fluorescence of the association complex recovered dramatically after the addition of chondroitin sulfate (CS) due to the ability of chondroitin sulfate to shift the association equilibrium of the association, leading to the release of AlS4Pc, thus resulting in an increase in the fluorescence of the reaction system. Based on this phenomenon, a novel method with simplicity, accuracy and sensitivity was developed for quantitative determination of CS. Factors including the reaction time, influencing factors and the effect of coexisting substances were investigated and discussed. Under optimum conditions the linear range of the calibration curve was 0.20~10.0 µg · mL(-1). The detection limit for CS was 0.070 µg · mL(-1). The method has been applied to the analysis of practical samples with satisfied results. This work expands the applications of AlS4Pc in biomedical area.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency after glucocorticosteroid administration in acute spinal cord injury: a case report.

CONTEXT/BACKGROUND: A 61-year-old female with cervical stenosis underwent an elective cervical laminectomy with post-op worsening upper extremity weakness. Over the first 3 weeks post-op, she received two separate courses of intravenous steroids. Two days after cessation of steroids, she presented with non-specific symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (AI). Initial formal diagnostic tests of random cortisol level and 250 µg cosyntropin challenge were non-diagnostic; however, symptoms resolved with the initiation of empiric treatment with hydrocortisone. Ten days later, repeat cosyntropin (adrenocortocotropic hormone stimulation) test confirmed the diagnosis of AI. FINDINGS: AI is a potentially life-threatening complication of acute spinal cord injury (ASCI), especially in those receiving steroids acutely. Only three cases have been reported to date of AI occurring in ASCI after steroid treatment. The presenting symptoms can be non-specific (as in this patient) and easily confused with other common sequelae of ASCI such as orthostasis and diffuse weakness. The 250 µg cosyntropin simulation test may not the most sensitive test to diagnose AI in ASCI. CONCLUSION: The non-specific presentations and variability of diagnosis criteria make diagnosis more difficult. One microgram cosyntropin simulation test may be more sensitive than higher dose. Clinicians should be aware that AI can be a potential life-threatening complication of ASCI post-steroid treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reverse symptoms and minimize mortality.

CD5L induces inflammation and survival in RA-FLS through ERK1/2 MAPK pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of CD5-like molecule (CD5L) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and the relative molecular mechanism of CD5L in it. METHODS: Recombinant protein CD5L was used to stimulate the cultured RA-FLS cells. The inflammation-related cytokines were determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The signal molecules and apoptosis-related molecules were detected by western blot assay (WB), and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the proliferation. RESULTS: CD5L can increase the production of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and this effect can be inhibited by signal pathway inhibitor. At the same time, CD5L activated ERK1/2 MAPK signal, inhibitor treatment can weaken the intensity of phosphorylation. In addition, CD5L can enhance the proliferation ability of RA-FLS. CONCLUSION: CD5L induces the production of inflammatory cytokines in RA-FLS through the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway and increases cell survival.

A one-two punch targeting reactive oxygen species and fibril for rescuing Alzheimer's disease.

Toxic amyloid-beta (Aß) plaque and harmful inflammation are two leading symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, precise AD therapy is unrealizable due to the lack of dual-targeting therapy function, poor BBB penetration, and low imaging sensitivity. Here, we design a near-infrared-II aggregation-induced emission (AIE) nanotheranostic for precise AD therapy. The anti-quenching emission at 1350 nm accurately monitors the in vivo BBB penetration and specifically binding of nanotheranostic with plaques. Triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS), two encapsulated therapeutic-type AIE molecules are controllably released to activate a self-enhanced therapy program. One specifically inhibits the Aß fibrils formation, degrades Aß fibrils, and prevents the reaggregation via multi-competitive interactions that are verified by computational analysis, which further alleviates the inflammation. Another effectively scavenges ROS and inflammation to remodel the cerebral redox balance and enhances the therapy effect, together reversing the neurotoxicity and achieving effective behavioral and cognitive improvements in the female AD mice model.

Analysis of clinical features and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical features and efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) combined with peripheral neuropathy (PN) syndrome and to explore the risk factors for PN in patients with PSS. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with PSS admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, from January 2014 to June 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into a PN group (N = 15) and a non-PN group (N = 45). The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the independent risk factors for PN combined with PSS were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. The patients with PSS combined with PN were followed up to observe the effect of immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS: The patients with PN had a longer course of disease than those without PN (z = - 3.225, P = 0.001), and the incidence of Raynaud's phenomenon, anti-SSB antibody, rheumatoid factor and hyperglobulinaemia was higher (all P < 0.05) in patients with PN than in those without PN. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hyperglobulinaemia, RF and anti-SSB antibodies were independent risk factors for PN with PSS (P < 0.05). Fourteen patients with PSS-PN were treated with immunosuppressants. The clinical symptoms of 10 patients were relieved, and mRS scores of 10 patients were decreased. CONCLUSION: PN is a common complication in PSS patients. Patients with PSS combined with PN have a longer course of disease and a significantly higher percentage of Raynaud's phenomenon, positive anti-SSB antibody, positive RF and hyperglobulinaemia. Immunosuppressive therapy was effective for partial remission of PN with PSS.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the involvement of an MYB transcriptional activator, SmMYB108, in anther dehiscence in eggplant.

Male sterility is a highly attractive agronomic trait as it effectively prevents self-fertilization and facilitates the production of high-quality hybrid seeds in plants. Timely release of mature pollen following anther dehiscence is essential for stamen development in flowering plants. Although several theories have been proposed regarding this, the specific mechanism of anther development in eggplant remains elusive. In this study, we selected an R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, SmMYB108, that encodes a protein localized primarily in the nucleus by comparing the transcriptomics of different floral bud developmental stages of the eggplant fertile line, F142. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that SmMYB108 was preferentially expressed in flowers, and its expression increased significantly on the day of flowering. Overexpression of SmMYB108 in tobacco caused anther dehiscence. In addition, we found that SmMYB108 primarily functions as a transcriptional activator via C-terminal activation (amino acid 262-317). Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that genes (SmMYB21, SmARF6, and SmARF8) related to anther development targeted the SmMYB108 promoter. Overall, our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of anther development by SmMYB108.

Cancer cell-mitochondria hybrid membrane coated Gboxin loaded nanomedicines for glioblastoma treatment.

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal malignant tumours. Gboxin, an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, specifically restrains GBM growth by inhibiting the activity of F0F1 ATPase complex V. However, its anti-GBM effect is seriously limited by poor blood circulation, the blood brain barrier (BBB) and non-specific GBM tissue/cell uptake, leading to insufficient Gboxin accumulation at GBM sites, which limits its further clinical application. Here we present a biomimetic nanomedicine (HM-NPs@G) by coating cancer cell-mitochondria hybrid membrane (HM) on the surface of Gboxin-loaded nanoparticles. An additional design element uses a reactive oxygen species responsive polymer to facilitate at-site Gboxin release. The HM camouflaging endows HM-NPs@G with unique features including good biocompatibility, improved pharmacokinetic profile, efficient BBB permeability and homotypic dual tumour cell and mitochondria targeting. The results suggest that HM-NPs@G achieve improved blood circulation (4.90 h versus 0.47 h of free Gboxin) and tumour accumulation (7.73% ID/g versus 1.06% ID/g shown by free Gboxin). Effective tumour inhibition in orthotopic U87MG GBM and patient derived X01 GBM stem cell xenografts in female mice with extended survival time and negligible side effects are also noted. We believe that the biomimetic Gboxin nanomedicine represents a promising treatment for brain tumours with clinical potential.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. plantarum Combination Treatment Ameliorated Colitis Symptoms in a Mouse Model by Altering Intestinal Microbial Composition and Suppressing Inflammatory Response.

SCOPE: Changes in composition of intestinal microbes may disrupt the balance of their interaction with a susceptible host, resulting in development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study applied in combination two Lactobacillus strains (L. rhamnosus BY-02, L. plantarum BY-05) ("LS treatment"), previously isolates from feces of healthy human infants, in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, and evaluates their ameliorative effect and its possible mechanism. LS treatment suppresses weight loss and colon shortening, and reduces disease activity index in the mice. It also has several additional beneficial effects: i) maintains goblet cell numbers and ameliorates intestinal barrier damage in colonic tissue; ii) alters intestinal microbial composition close to normal by increasing abundances of Muribaculaceae, Akkermansia, Clostridia, Oscillospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae, and decreasing abundance of Escherichia-Shigella; iii) increases content of short-chain fatty acids; iv) reduces content of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharides; v) suppresses overactivation of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with two Lactobacillus strains strongly ameliorates colitis symptoms in the mouse model by favorably altering intestinal microbial composition and suppressing inflammatory response.

Intraocular pressure vs intracranial pressure in disease conditions: a prospective cohort study (Beijing iCOP study).

BACKGROUND: The correlation between intracranial pressure (ICP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) is still controversial in literature and hence whether IOP can be used as a non-invasive surrogate of ICP remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to further clarify the potential correlation between ICP and IOP. METHODS: The IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer was carried out on 130 patients whose ICP was determined via lumber puncture. The Pearson correlation coefficient between ICP and IOP was calculated, the fisher line discriminated analysis to evaluate the effectivity of using IOP to predict the ICP level. RESULTS: A significant correlation between ICP and IOP was found. ICP was correlated significantly with IOP of the right eyes (p < 0.001) and IOP of the left eyes (p = 0.001) and mean IOP of both eyes (p < 0.001), respectively. However, using IOP as a measurement to predict ICP, the accuracy rate was found to be 65.4%. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that although a significant correlation exists between ICP and IOP, caution needs to be taken when using IOP readings by Goldmann applanation tonometer as a surrogate for direct cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurement of ICP.