Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve for pregnancy with anti-phospholipid syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management and cardiac surgery in pregnant women with anti-phospholipid syndrome combined with heart valve disease have been rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement in a pregnant woman with bioprosthetic valve failure and anti-phospholipid syndrome at 18 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent a cesarean section delivery at 34 weeks of gestation, resulting in the birth of a healthy baby. CONCLUSIONS: Transapical mitral valve-in-valve surgery resulted in safe maternal and infant outcomes in a pregnant woman with anti-phospholipid syndrome combined with mitral bioprosthetic valve failure. The success of this procedure underscored the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork.

A novel Alisma orientale extract alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice via modulation of PPARα signaling pathway.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leads to irreversible liver damage. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of a novel extract from traditional Chinese medicine Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep (AE) on free fatty acid (FFA)-induced HepG2 cell model and high-fat diet (HFD) + carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of NASH. C57BL/6 J mice were fed a HFD for 10 weeks. Subsequently, the mice were injected with CCl4 to induce NASH and simultaneously treated with AE at daily doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, animals were fasted for 12 h and then sacrificed. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected for analysis. Lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and histopathology were examined. Additionally, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to predict the molecular targets and potential mechanisms involved, which were further validated in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that AE reversed liver damage (plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatocyte ballooning, hepatic steatosis, and NAS score), the accumulation of hepatic lipids (TG and TC), and oxidative stress (MDA and GSH). PCR array analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that AE protects against NASH by regulating the adipocytokine signaling pathway and influencing nuclear receptors such as PPARα. Furthermore, AE increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PPARGC1α) and reversed the decreased expression of PPARα in NASH mice. Moreover, in HepG2 cells, AE reduced FFA-induced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, which was dependent on PPARα up-regulation. Overall, our findings suggest that AE may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for NASH by inhibiting lipid accumulation and reducing oxidative stress specifically through the PPARα pathway.

Discovery and preclinical evaluation of KYS202004A, a novel bispecific fusion protein targeting TNF-α and IL-17A, in autoimmune disease models.

The treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases often requires targeting multiple pathogenic pathways. KYS202004A is a novel bispecific fusion protein designed to antagonize TNF-α and IL-17A, pivotal in the pathophysiology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our initial efforts focused on screening for optimal structure by analyzing expression levels, purity, and binding capabilities. The binding affinity of KYS202004A to TNF-α and IL-17A was evaluated using SPR. In vitro, we assessed the inhibitory capacity of KYS202004A on cytokine-induced CXCL1 expression in HT29 cells. In vivo, its efficacy was tested using a Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) model in transgenic human-IL-17A mice and an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model in cynomolgus monkeys. KYS202004A demonstrated significant inhibition of IL-17A and TNF-α signaling pathways, outperforming the efficacy of monotherapeutic agents ixekizumab and etanercept in reducing CXCL1 expression in vitro and ameliorating disease markers in vivo. In the CIA model, KYS202004A significantly reduced clinical symptoms, joint destruction, and serum IL-6 concentrations. The psoriasis model revealed that KYS202004A, particularly at a 2  mg/kg dose, was as effective as the combination of ixekizumab and etanercept. This discovery represents a significant advancement in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, offering a dual-targeted therapeutic approach with enhanced efficacy over current monotherapies.

Application of hydrophobic eutectic solvent in efficient biotransformation of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedii.

Icaritin, a hydrolysate from total flavonoids of Epimedii (TFE), which has better anti-hepatoma activity than its glycosylated form. In this work, immobilized enzymes 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 were used to hydrolyze TFE to prepare icaritin. Five different hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) were prepared and the most ideal HDES was successfully selected, which was composed of dodecyl alcohol and thymol with the molar ratio of 2:1. The relative enzyme activity of 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 was about 102.4 % and 112.5 %, respectively. In addition, the thermal and binding stability of 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 in HDES was not affected negatively. In the biphasic system composed of 50 % (v/v) HDES and Na2HPO4-citric acid buffer (50 mM, pH 5.5), 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y (1.0 U/mL) and TFE (1 g/L) were reacted at 80 °C for 1 h, and then reacted with DtRha@ES-107 (20 U/mL) at 80 °C for 2 h. Finally, TFE was completely converted to 301.8 mg/L icaritin (0.82 mM). After 10 cycles, 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y/DtRha@ES-107 still maintained 84.1 % original activity. In this study, we developed an efficient methodology for icaritin preparation through the integration of enzymatic catalysis and adsorption separation, presenting a viable approach for large-scale, cost-effective production of icaritin.

A fungal hyphae-derived biomass carbon for magnetic solid-phase extraction of the organochlorine pesticides in water samples, tea beverages, and Chinese traditional medicines before gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination.

A magnetic biochar nanomaterial derived from fungal hyphae was introduced into the sample preparation field. The magnetic fungal hyphae-derived biomass carbon (MFHBC) could be produced by a controllable hydrothermal method. In order to obtain the best sorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE), the reaction conditions containing temperature, time and the consumption of fungal hyphae were investigated. A series of MFHBC materials were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. A material with a satisfactory saturation magnetization (21.58 emu g-1) and largest surface area (88.06 m2 g-1) was selected as the sorbent to extract ten typical organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The extraction conditions were optimized as 20 mL of sample solution with 70 mg of sorbent and 2.0 g of NaCl oscillated at 50 °C for 5.0 min. And the optimum desorption was performed by oscillating sorbent in 1.0 mL acetonitrile for 5.0 min. Then, the MFHBC-based MSPE-GC-MS/MS methods were established for different samples including water samples, tea beverages, and Chinese traditional medicines. The linearities were 10-2500 ng L-1 or 100-25,000 ng kg-1, and the limits of detection were 0.3-13.9 ng L-1 for water sample, 0.1-9.7 ng L-1 for tea beverage samples, 0.1-21.4 ng L-1 for Shenqi Fuzheng injection samples, and 7.2-278.3 ng kg-1 for Astragali Radix decoction pieces. Except for satisfactory repeatability (RSDs ≤13.8%) in intra-day and inter-day tests (n = 3), the reproducibility (RSDs ≤13.5%, n = 3) of MFHBC was acceptable. The methods were applied in the determination of OCPs from above real samples, with the recoveries of 80.5-117.2% and the RSDs (n = 3) <8.9%. The methods were suitable in the sensitive determination of OCPs from simple to complex matrix samples.

[Effects of epimedium total flavone capsules on post-stroke cognitive impairment in rats].

To investigate the effect of epimedium total flavone capsules on post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI) in rats. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(tMCAO) model was constructed on selected rats, and rats with impaired neurological function were randomly divided into the model group, low, middle, and high dose groups of epimedium total flavone capsules, and nimodipine tablet group. The cognitive function of rats was measured after administration. Pathological changes in brain tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE). Neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) distribution in brain tissue were tested by immunofluorescent staining. The level of amyloid beta 1-42(Aß_(1-42)), neuron specific enolase(NSE), acetylcholine(ACH), dopamine(DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), norepinephrine(NE), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) in rat serum was tested. Moreover, Western blot was utilized to test the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB), p-NF-κB, alpha inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα) protein, and p-IκBα protein in the hippocampus. The experimental results showed that epimedium total flavone capsules can improve the cognitive function of model rats, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB proteins, so as to inhibit inflammatory response induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

Case Report: Totally endoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve surgery during pregnancy: a case series.

A totally endoscopic minimally invasive approach is widely used for cardiac valve surgery in normal adults. However, minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy is rarely reported. In addition to traditional median thoracotomy, totally endoscopic minimally invasive approaches can now be used for pregnant patients. We describe our experience with totally endoscopic cardiac valve surgery (TECVS) during pregnancy, which is safe for both mothers and fetuses.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide from Poria cocos.

In order to investigate the structural characteristics and immunomodulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides, a water-soluble homogeneous polysaccharide (PCP-2) was isolated by water extraction and alcohol precipitation and further purified by Cellulose DEAE-52 and Sephacryl S-100HR column chromatography. PCP-2 is a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 42.0: 35.0: 13.9: 9.1. It exhibits a narrow molecular weight distribution at 2.35 kDa with a branching degree of 37.1 %. The main chain types of PCP-2 include 1,3-ß-D-Glc and 1,6-ß-D-Glc as the backbone glucans and 1,6-α-D-Gal as the backbone heterogalactan. In vitro experiments demonstrate that PCP-2 directly stimulate RAW264.7 cell proliferation and secretion of inflammatory factors such as NO and TNF-α. In cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mice, it promotes the development of thymus and spleen immune organs, elevates the blood levels of IgG, IgA, IgM and CD3+CD4+ T cells, increases the intestinal villus height/ crypt depth ratio and improves gut barrier dysfunctions. These findings suggest that PCP-2 is a natural fungal polysaccharide with broad spectrum of immunoenhancing effects, which can significantly ameliorate the immunocompromised state.

Superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic integrated system based on copper mesh for continuous and efficient oil-water separation.

In petroleum, petrochemicals, metallurgy, and chemical industries, a significant volume of oily wastewater is unavoidably generated throughout the production processes. This not only harms the environment but also brings about diverse adverse effects on social and economic progress. In this study, copper mesh separation membranes exhibiting superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity were fabricated through in situ oxidation, chemical vapor deposition, and other physical and chemical modification techniques. Moreover, copper meshes possessing contrasting wetting properties were incorporated into a system combining superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity enabling the continuous and efficient separation of mixed oil-water liquids. The separation efficiency of both the superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic membranes surpassed 99.0% and remained above 97.0% after 15 days of continuous use, showcasing the remarkable effectiveness and durability of the integrated system design. This research presents a straightforward and cost-effective design approach for the large-scale treatment of oily wastewater in industrial settings, which is expected to have extensive applications in practical production.

Mechanisms of action underlying the effect of Tongsaimai on wound healing based on experimental and network pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tongsaimai (TSM) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has several therapeutic qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-vasculitis effects. However, its impacts and underlying mechanisms on wound healing remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of our study was to evaluate TSM for its pro-healing effect and the relevant mechanisms using both experimental validation and network pharmacology analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The components of TSM were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Skin wounds with a diameter of 4 mm were created on the backs of mice, after which, topical treatments of 2.5-10% TSM were applied onto the lesions once daily for either 2 or 7 days. Then, the wound tissues were collected to determine the impacts of TSM on collagen deposition, epithelial cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the effects of TSM (0.5-2 mg/mL) on the cell viability of HUVECs and HaCaT cells were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 11 components in TSM were identified by HPLC-DAD. TSM was found to enhance the rate of wound contraction and increase epithelial thickness and collagen deposition during the healing process. In addition, TSM increased SOD activity and downregulated MDA and IL-1ß levels in the wound tissues. Immunofluorescence analysis further indicated an increased expression of Ki67, CD31, and VEGF in wound tissues following TSM administration. Results of the network pharmacology analysis revealed that multiple pathways including VEGF, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways were involved in the pharmacological actions of TSM on wound healing. Accordantly, in vitro experiments revealed that TSM promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and HaCaT cells while activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TSM may serve as a therapeutic medication to improve wound healing by employing multiple regulatory mechanisms that affect proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

A comprehensive review: Botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Spatholobus suberectus vine stems.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Spatholobus suberectus vine stem (SSVS) is the dried lianoid stem of the leguminous plant, Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, which is mainly distributed in China and some Southeast Asian countries. Due to its notable effects of promoting blood circulation and tonifying blood, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, this phytomedicine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review is designed to provide a comprehensive profile of SSVS concerning its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology and attempts to provide a scientific basis and future directions for further research and development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Related document information was collected with the help of databases such as the Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Flora of China. RESULTS: SSVS is reported to be traditionally used to treat rheumatic arthralgia, numbness and paralysis, blood deficiency, irregular menstruation and other gynecological diseases. Botanical studies have revealed that there are some confusable varieties in some specific locations with a long history. Additionally, 145 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from SSVS, including flavonoids, organic acids, terpenoids, lignans, and phenolic glycosides. Pharmacological studies have shown that SSVS has a variety of effects, such as nervous system regulation, and antioxidative, antitumor, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in regard to the absorption-distribution-metabolism-elimination-toxicity (ADMET) of SSVS, few studies have been carried out, and few articles have been published. CONCLUSION: With a long history of traditional uses, a variety of bioactive phytochemicals and a wide range of definite pharmacological activities, SSVS is believed to have great potential in clinical applications and further research, development and exploitation. The precise action mechanisms, rational quality control and quality markers, and explicit ADMET routes should be highlighted in the future, which might provide effective help to safely, effectively and sustainably use this herbal medicine.

Competitive electrochemical sensing for cancer cell evaluation based on thionine-interlinked signal probes.

The development of effective methods for tracking cancer cells is of significant importance in the early diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases. Compared with the developed techniques, the electrochemical assay has shown considerable potential for monitoring glycan expression on the cell surface using nondestructive means. However, the application expansion of the electrochemical strategy is strongly impeded owing to its dependence on electroactive species. In this study, a competitive electrochemical strategy was reported for monitoring cancer cells based on mannose (a typical glycan) as a clinical biomarker. Herein, functionalized carbon nanotubes were used to load the thiomannosyl dimer, and thionine-interlinking signal probes were designed for competitive recognition. After effective competition between cancer cells and the anchored mannose, a decreased current was obtained as the cell concentration increased. Under optimal conditions, the proposed biosensor exhibited attractive performance for cancer cell analysis with a detection limit as low as 20 cells per mL for QGY-7701 and 35 cells per mL for QGY-7703, facilitating great promise for the sensitive detection of cancer cells and thus showing potential applications in cancer diagnosis.

Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus expressing the co-stimulator OX40L as immunopotentiator for colorectal cancer therapy.

NDV as an attractive candidate for oncolytic immunotherapy selectively lyses tumor cells but shows limited anti-tumor immunity. Immune co-stimulator OX40 ligand (OX40L) boosts anti-tumor immunity response by delivering a potent costimulatory signal to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To improve the anti-tumor immunity of NDV, the recombinant NDV expressing the murine OX40L (rNDV-mOX40L) was engineered. The viral growth kinetics was examined in CT26 cell lines. The ability of rNDV-mOX40L to express mOX40L was detected in the infected tumor cells and tumor tissues. The anti-tumor activity of rNDV-mOX40L was studied in the CT26 animal model. Tumor-specific CD4+, CD8+ and OX40+ T cells were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The virus growth curve showed that the insertion of the mOX40L gene did not affect the growth kinetics of NDV. rNDV-mOX40L expresses mOX40L and effectively inhibits the growth of CT26 colorectal cancer in vivo. The tumor inhibition rate of the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group was increased by 15.8% compared to that of  NDV-treated group in the CT26 model. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues removed from the CT26 model revealed that intense infiltration of tumor-specific CD4+, CD8+ T cells, especially OX40+ T cells were found in the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group. FACS showed that rNDV-mOX40L significantly enhanced the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen. Moreover, compared to the NDV-treated group, the level of mouse IFN-γ protein in the tumor site increased significantly in the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group. Taken together, rNDV-mOX40L exhibited superior anti-tumor immunity by stimulating tumor-specific T cells and may be a promising agent for cancer immunotherapy.

Mechanism of Jinzhen Oral Liquid against influenza-induced lung injury based on metabonomics and gut microbiome.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jinzhen Oral Liquid (JZOL) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine and widely used clinically, which consists of eight herbs including Bovis Calculus Atifactus, Fritillariae Ussuriensis Bulbus (Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim.), Caprae Hircus Cornu, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Rheum palmatum L.), Scutellariae Radix (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.), Chloriti Lapis, and Gypsum Fibrosum (Their ratio is 9.45 : 47.25: 94.5 : 31.5: 15.75 : 31.5: 15.75 : 23.62). A large number of clinical studies have proved that JZOL has a good antiviral effect and can treat lung injury, pneumonia, and bronchitis caused by a variety of viral infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: Influenza infection frequently exhibit dysregulation of gut microbiota and host metabolomes, but the mechanism of JZOL is still unclear and needs to be further explored. Here, after influenza virus infection induced lung injury, the regulation roles of JZOL in metabolic and gut microbiota balances are investigated to comprehensively elucidate its therapeutic mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mouse model of lung injury was replicated via intranasal instillation of influenza A (H1N1). The efficacy of JZOL was evaluated by pathological sections, lung index, the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ, and viral load in lung tissue. Its modulation of endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota was assessed using plasma metabolomic technique and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technique. RESULTS: JZOL not only significantly relieved lung inflammation and edema in influenza mice, but also alleviated the disturbance of endogenous metabolites and the imbalance of gut microbiota mainly by regulating glycerophospholipid and fatty acid metabolism and Lactobacillus. The anti-influenza effects of JZOL were gut microbiota dependent, as demonstrated by antibiotic treatment. The altered metabolites were significantly correlated with Lactobacillus and pharmacodynamic indicators, further confirming the reliability of these results. CONCLUSIONS: JZOL attenuates H1N1 influenza infection induced lung injury by regulating lipid metabolism via the modulation of Lactobacillus. The results support the clinical application of JZOL, and are useful to further understand the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of influenza.

Linker-peptide-mediated one-step purification and immobilization of α-L-rhamnosidase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron for direct biotransformation from epimedin C to icariin.

Icariin, the most effective bioactive component in Epimedium, is also the index component of Epimedium quality control in Pharmacopoeia. It was a very attractive approach for bioconversion from epimedin C to icariin. However, its potential was impeded by poor stability and non-recyclable properties of free enzymes. In this study, we have fused the linker (4LP) to α-L-rhamnosidase BtRha and successfully prepared the immobilized enzyme (incubated 4LP-BtRha@Na-Y) to produce icariin from epimedin C. The activity recovery of 4LP-BtRha@Na-Y was 79.6 %, and enzyme activity was 209.8 U/g, which was 1.75-fold and 1.6-fold higher than that of immobilized BtRha (BtRha@Na-Y), respectively. The optimal reaction temperature and pH of 4LP-BtRha@Na-Y was 55 °C and 6.5, respectively. The thermal stability of immobilized enzyme was significantly improved by incubation in phosphate buffer containing 20 % glycerol and 10 % fructose. The kcat/Km value of incubated 4LP-BtRha@Na-Y was 7.98 × 105 s-1M-1, which increased by 8 % compared with free BtRha. Finally, under suitable conditions, 1 g/L epimedin C was transformed into icariin with icariin yield 75.1 %, and the relative conversion rate retained 74.9 % after reused 13 cycles. This experiment provides a new idea for one-step purification and immobilization of α-L-rhamnosidase for direct biotransformation from epimedin C to icariin, which will have great prospects in food and pharmaceutical production.

Exploring the potential mechanism of Yixiang capsule immune-enhancing function based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular docking, and Animal function experiment.

BACKGROUND: The Yixiang capsule with traditional Chinese herbs Cistanches Herba, Hedysarum multijugum Maxim,Fructus Ligustri Lucidi,and Fructus lycii are the main raw materials in a modern herbal medicine preparation containing corresponding bioactive ingredients after extraction and processing. This study aimed to investigate the immune-enhancing function of the Yixiang capsule and explore its potential mechanism. METHODS: After oral administration of the Yixiang capsule to mice for 30 days, the spleen lymphocyte transformation activity, NK cell activity, DTH, macrophage phagocytosis, HC50 value, amounts of antibody-producing cells, carbon particle clearance rate, spleen, and thymus index were determined to evaluate the regulation effect of the Yixiang capsule on immune function. The potential mechanism underlying the immune-enhancing function of the Yixiang capsule was studied based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. RESULTS: The results showed that the Yixiang capsules can obviously increase the HC50 values in all groups, significantly enhance the DTH reaction of mice, the carbon clearance function in medium and high dose groups,and the phagocytic function of macrophages in high dose groups, but had no significant effect on NK cell activity, T lymphocyte proliferation, body weight and immune organ weight of mice. A total of 78 compounds of the Yixiang capsule may affect 123 metabolic pathways and 1022 GO terms by regulating 232 targets, such as the cancer signaling pathway ad the signal pathways of response to lipopolysaccharide, and the key targets predicted could stably bind to the core active components of the Yixiang capsule. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the Yixiang capsule could enhance the immune function of mice and have the characteristics of a multi-component and multi-target synergistic effect on the enhanced immunity function, which provides the basis for the follow-up study.

Role of social organization engagement in high-risk groups intervention against HIV/AIDS: a case study from 176 cities of China.

BACKGROUND: A high-risk prevention strategy is an effective way to fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The China AIDS Fund for Non-Governmental Organizations (CAFNGO) was established in 2015 to help social organizations intervene to protect high-risk populations in 176 cities. This study aimed to evaluate the role of social organizations in high-risk population interventions against HIV/AIDS. METHODS: This study was based on the CAFNGO program from 2016 to 2020. The collected data included the number and types of social organizations participating in high-risk group interventions and the amount of funds obtained by these organizations each year. We explored the factors influencing the number of newly diagnosed AIDS cases using a spatial econometric model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effectiveness of intervention activities by comparing the percentages of the individuals who initially tested positive, and the individuals who took the confirmatory test, as well as those who retested positive and underwent the treatment. RESULTS: Overall, from 2016 to 2020, the number of social organizations involved in interventions to protect HIV/AIDS high-risk populations increased from 441 to 532, and the invested fund increased from $3.98 to $10.58 million. The number of newly diagnosed cases decreased from 9128 to 8546 during the same period. Although the number of cities with overall spatial correlations decreased, the spatial agglomeration effect persisted in the large cities. City-wise, the number of social organizations (direct effect 19.13), the permanent resident population (direct effect 0.12), GDP per capita (direct effect 17.58; indirect effect - 15.38), and passenger turnover volume (direct effect 5.50; indirect effect - 8.64) were the major factors influencing new positive cases confirmed through the testing interventions performed by the social organizations. The initial positive test rates among high-risk populations were below 5.5%, the retesting rates among those who initially tested positive were above 60%, and the treatment rates among diagnosed cases were above 70%. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial effect of social organizations participating in interventions targeting high-risk populations funded by CAFNGO is statistically significant. Nevertheless, despite the achievements of these social organizations in tracking new cases and encouraging treatment, a series of measures should be taken to further optimize the use of CAFNGO. Working data should be updated from social organizations to CAFNGO more frequently by establishing a data monitoring system to help better track newly diagnosed AIDS cases. Multichannel financing should be expanded as well.

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry untargeted urinary metabonomics combined with quantitative analysis of seven amino acids biomarkers on yaobitong capsule in the intervention of rheumatoid arthritis rats.

Yaobitong capsule is a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely applied in disease treatment. To insight into the therapeutic effects of the yaobitong capsule on rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanisms, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry untargeted urine metabolomics method was established and validated, combined with the quantitative analysis of seven potential amino acid biomarkers in rat urine. The results showed that 35 potential biomarkers were found in untargeted metabonomics, which was related to amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and purine metabolism. Moreover, seven amino acid biomarkers, including proline, methionine, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, cysteine, and glutamine, were further separated and quantified in multiple-reaction monitoring with a positive ionization mode. Then the linearity, standard curves, accuracy, precision, limit of quantitation, recovery, stability, carryover, and matrix effect of the quantitative method were examined. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied to investigate the urine samples of the control group, adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis model group, yaobitong capsule-treatment group, and positive control group in rats. The contents of seven amino acids in different groups showed significant differences. Consequently, our findings revealed that the yaobitong capsule exerted therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis rats by maintaining amino acid homeostasis.

Formation of Nano-Fibrous Patterns on Aluminum Substrates via Photolithographic Fabrication of Electrospun Photosensitive Polyimide Fibrous Membranes.

The formation of polymeric micro-patterns on various substrates via a photolithography procedure has been widely used in semiconductor fabrication. Standard polymer patterns are usually fabricated via photosensitive polymer varnishes, in which large amounts of potentially harmful solvents with weight ratios over 50 wt% have to be removed. In the current work, a novel pattern-formation methodology via solvent-free electrospun photosensitive polymeric fibrous membranes (NFMs) instead of the conventional photosensitive solutions as the starting photoresists was proposed and practiced. For this purpose, a series of preimidized negative auto-photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) resins were first prepared via the two-step chemical imidization procedure from the copolymerization reactions of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic- dianhydride (BTDA) and two ortho-methyl-substituted aromatic diamines, including 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (TMMDA) and 3,7-diamino-2,8-dimethyl- dibenzothiophene sulfone (TSN). The derived homopolymer PI-1 (BTDA-TMMDA) and the copolymers, including SPI-2~SPI-6, with the molar ratio of 5~25% for TSN in the diamine units, showed good solubility in polar solvents. Then, a series of PSPI NFMs were fabricated via standard electrospinning procedure with the developed PSPI solutions in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with a solid content of 25 wt% as the starting materials. The derived PSPI NFMs showed good thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperatures higher than 500 °C in nitrogen. Meanwhile, the derived PSPIs showed good photosensitivity to the ultraviolet (UV) emitting wavelengths of i-line (365 nm), g-line (405 nm) and h-line (436 nm) of the high-pressure mercury lamps in both forms of transparent films and opaque NFMs. Fine micro-patterns with a line width of around 100 µm were directly obtained from the representative SPI-4 NFM via standard photolithography procedure.