DNAzyme-Derived Aptamer Reversely Regulates the Two Types of Enzymatic Activities of Covalent-Organic Frameworks for the Colorimetric Analysis of Uranium.

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzyme-mimetic activity. It is known that DNA can interact with various nanozymes in different ways, enhancing or inhibiting the activity of nanozymes, which can be used to develop various biosensors. In this work, we synthesized a photosensitive covalent-organic framework (Tph-BT) as a nanozyme, and its oxidase and peroxidase activities could be reversely regulated by surface modification of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) for the colorimetric detection of UO22+. Tph-BT exhibits excellent oxidase activity and weak peroxidase activity, and it is surprising to find that the UO22+-specific DNA aptamer can significantly inhibit the oxidase activity while greatly enhancing the peroxidase activity. The present UO22+ interacts with the DNA aptamer to form secondary structures and detaches from the surface of Tph-BT, thereby restoring the enzymatic activity of Tph-BT. Based on the reversed regulation effects of the DNA aptamer on the two types of enzymatic activities of Tph-BT, a novel "off-on" and "on-off" sensing platform can be constructed for the colorimetric analysis of UO22+. This research demonstrates that ssDNA can effectively regulate the different types of enzymatic activities of single COFs and achieve the sensitive and selective colorimetric analysis of radionuclides by the naked eye.

Facile Construction of Covalent Organic Framework Nanozyme for Colorimetric Detection of Uranium.

2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) have been recognized as a novel class of photoactive materials owing to their extended π-electron conjugation and high chemical stabilities. Herein, a new covalent organic framework (Tph-BDP) is facilely synthesized by using a porphyrin derivative and an organic dye BODIPY derivative (5,5-difluoro-2,8-diformyl-1,3,7,9-tetramethyl-10-phenyl-5H-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:2',1'-f][1,3,2]diazabori-nin-4-ium-5-uide) as monomers for the first time, and their unique photosensitive properties endow them excellent simulated oxidase activity under 635 nm laser irradiation that can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Further findings demonstrate that the presence of uranium (UO22+ ) can coordinate with imines of the oxidation products of TMB, thus modulating the charge transfer process of the colored products accompanied with intensive aggregation and remarkable color fading. This research provides a preparation strategy for COFs with excellent photocatalytic properties and nanozyme activity, and broadens the applications of the simple colorimetric methods for sensitive and selective radionuclide detection.

The experiences of nurses and midwives who provide surgical abortion care: A qualitative systematic review.

AIM: To synthesize qualitative evidence on nurses' and midwives' experiences in the provision of surgical abortion care. We address three specific questions: (a) what are the experiences of nurses and midwives in surgical abortion care? (b) what are their responses and coping strategies? (c) what are the deficiencies in surgical abortion care? DESIGN: Qualitative studies were synthesized using Thomas and Harden's qualitative thematic synthesis method. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched. Grey literature using ProQuest was searched. The databases were searched from inception to 5 August 2020. REVIEW METHODS: The SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type) search tool was used in the literature search. Data synthesis was conducted using the three-stage thematic synthesis method described by Thomas and Harden. RESULTS: 966 studies were identified in the initial search and 18 studies were included. Four analytical themes were generated: 'Providing abortion care requires high emotional labour'; 'Professionalism of abortion care providers'; 'Initiatives in professional development' and 'Improving directions for high-quality abortion care'. CONCLUSION: Nurses and midwives indicated that they require support to enhance psychological health and improve professional skills. Hospital managers should organize regular debriefing or structured group workshops for exchange of practical experiences and strengthening emotional support. More research is required to establish comprehensive training related to abortion care for nurses and midwives. The findings demonstrate that optimization of abortion services should start from hospital management models, pain management and bereavement care. IMPACT: Understanding the experiences of nurses and midwives in abortion provision will inform future clinical practice in surgical abortion care, which would be helpful in improving the professionalism and confidence of abortion providers. Our findings have implications for the training, development of policies and standards for surgical abortion care for nurses and midwives.

Increased matrix stiffness promotes tumor progression of residual hepatocellular carcinoma after insufficient heat treatment.

Aggravated behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will occur after inadequate thermal ablation. However, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we assessed whether the increased matrix stiffness after thermal ablation could promote the progression of residual HCC. Heat-treated residual HCC cells were cultured on tailorable 3D gel with different matrix stiffness, simulating the changed physical environment after thermal ablation, and then the mechanical alterations of matrix stiffness on cell phenotypes were explored. Increased stiffness was found to significantly promote the proliferation of the heat-treated residual HCC cells when the cells were cultured on stiffer versus soft supports, which was associated with stiffness-dependent regulation of ERK phosphorylation. Heat-exposed HCC cells cultured on stiffer supports showed enhanced motility. More importantly, vitamin K1 reduced stiffness-dependent residual HCC cell proliferation by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation and suppressed the in vivo tumor growth, which was further enhanced by combining with sorafenib. Increased matrix stiffness promotes the progression of heat-treated residual HCC cells, proposing a new mechanism of an altered biomechanical environment after thermal ablation accelerates HCC development. Vitamin K1 plus sorafenib can reverse this protumor effect.

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity

Abstract The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 4–8 d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80 °C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.

Endophytic fungus strain 28 isolated from Houttuynia cordata possesses wide-spectrum antifungal activity.

The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate an endophytic fungus (strain 28) that was isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a famous and widely-used Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on morphological methods and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences, this strain was identified as Chaetomium globosum. An antifungal activity bioassay demonstrated that the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of strain 28 had a wide antifungal spectrum and strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard et Suggs, Botrytis cinerea persoon and Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Furthermore, the fermentation conditions, extraction method and the heat stability of antifungal substances from strain 28 were also studied. The results showed that optimal antifungal activity can be obtained with the following parameters: using potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the base culture medium, fermentation for 4-8d (initial pH: 7.5), followed by extraction with EtOAc. The extract was stable at temperatures up to 80°C. This is the first report on the isolation of endophytic C. globosum from H. cordata to identify potential alternative biocontrol agents that could provide new opportunities for practical applications involving H. cordata.

[Effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: From May, 2011 to October, 2012, 98 patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty received rivaroxaban therapy for prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Forty-five of the patients used a drained blood reinfusion device (group A) and 53 patients did not (group B). Hidden blood loss and the maximal changes of postoperative circumferential length of the mid-thigh were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean total blood loss, the hidden blood loss, and the maximal changes of postoperative thigh circumference were 1591.1∓337.3 ml, 1591.1∓337.3 ml, and 5.1∓2.8 cm in group A, as compared to 1374.5∓317.3 ml, 467∓96.8 ml, 3.9∓1.4 cm in group B, respectively. The two groups showed a significant difference in the maximal changes of postoperative mid-thigh circumference (P<0.01) but not in hidden blood loss (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Reinfusion of autologous drained blood does not affect hidden blood loss but can increase limb swelling following primary total hip arthroplasty with rivaroxaban anticoagulation.

[Multicentric randomized double blinded clinical study of Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid against angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid (YQTM), a traditional compound Chinese herbal medicine, in treating angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: A multicentric, randomized, double blinded and paralleled controlled trial was conducted on 110 patients in trial group treated with YQTM, and 109 patients in control group treated with Shuxin Oral Liquid (SX). Cure and effective rates in both groups were evaluated. Frequency and duration of angina attack were counted and measured. Coronary angiography (CAG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and flat exercise test were taken in both groups. Blood lipid indexes, such as cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), were determined at pre- and post-treatment. The hemodynamic indexes, such as whole blood viscosity (J2), high-shear reduced viscosity (Eh), low-shear reduced viscosity (Ei), red cell aggregation index (Lb), red cell rigidity index (Rh), fibrinogen (Fb), blood sedimentation rate (BSR) and hematocrit (HCT), were determined at pre-and post-treatment. The indicated scores of symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration and tongue proper, tongue coating were evaluated in week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 during the treatment course. The safety indexes, such as body temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure were observed. Routine tests of blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test were taken at pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the total effective rate of the trial group and that of the control group, which were 91.82% and 85.32%, respectively (P>0.05). Trial groups percentile of cure rate is significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The frequency and duration of angina attack, the positive ratio of CAG and flat exercise test of both groups were lowered, while the effect of the trial group on frequency and duration of angina attack was better. No significant difference was found in ECG features between the two groups (P>0.05). The levels of CH, TG and LDL of both groups were lowered significantly (P<0.05). The effect of lowering CH, TG and LDL of the trial group was stronger than that of the control group (P<0.05). The hemodynamic indexes, such as J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb, BSR and HCT were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb and SR in the trial group were greater than those of control group (P<0.05). The TCM symptoms and signs, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of chest constriction, palpitation, fatigue and spontaneous perspiration in the trial group were greater than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total indicated score of TCM symptoms and signs was lowered more significantly than that of the control group (P<0.01). No significant changes were found at pre- and post-treatment in safety indexes, such as routine tests for blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test. There was no significant difference in safety features of both groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid bears good therapeutic effect on angina pectoris without adverse reaction, and is superior to Shuxin Oral Liquid. Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid is a new effective and safe medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease.

[Orthogonal experiments to select spraying granulation technique for Baoshen granules].

OBJECTIVE: To raise the end-product and economical efficiency of spraying granulation, we demand screening preparation technique. METHOD: Adopting newly spraying granulation technique, taking extracting technique, adhesive material, temperature of exit and entry,and the matching of accessories as inspecting factors, two levels of each factors, end-product as inspecting marker, we selected the best Baoshen granules preparation technique by orthogonal design. RESULT: Among the 4 factors, adhesive material is most notable, next is temperature of exit and entry, the other two is of little importance. CONCLUSION: The optimum spraying granulation technique of Baoshen granules is A2B1C2D1.