Asymmetric Assembly in Microdroplets: Efficient Construction of MOF Micromotors for Anti-Gravity Diffusion.

Janus-micromotors, as efficient self-propelled materials, have garnered considerable attention for their potential applications in non-agitated liquids. However, the design of micromotors is still challenging and with limited approaches, especially concerning speed and mobility in complex environments. Herein, a two-step spray-drying approach encompassing symmetrical assembly and asymmetrical assembly is introduced to fabricate the metal-organic framework (MOF) Janus-micromotors with hierarchical pores. Using a spray-dryer, a symmetrical assembly is first employed to prepare macro-meso-microporous UiO-66 with intrinsic micropores (<0.5 nm) alongside mesopores (≈24 nm) and macropores (≈400 nm). Subsequent asymmetrical assembly yielded the UiO-66-Janus loaded with the reducible nanoparticles, which underwent oxidation by KMnO4 to form MnO2 micromotors. The micromotors efficiently generated O2 for self-propulsion in H2O2, exhibiting ultrahigh speeds (1135 µm s-1, in a 5% H2O2 solution) and unique anti-gravity diffusion effects. In a specially designed simulated sand-water system, the micromotors traversed from the lower water to the upper water through the sand layer. In particular, the as-prepared micromotors demonstrated optimal efficiency in pollutant removal, with an adsorption kinetic coefficient exceeding five times that of the micromotors only possessing micropores and mesopores. This novel strategy fabricating Janus-micromotors shows great potential for efficient treatment in complex environments.

Efficient Construction of pH-Stimuli-Responsive Colloidosomes with High Encapsulation Efficiency.

Intelligent responsive colloidosomes have attracted increasing attention for their potential to enhance the efficacy and decrease the side effects of drugs in biomedical applications. However, a low encapsulation efficiency and complicated preparation method greatly limit their development. Herein, we report an efficient approach for the construction of pH-stimuli-responsive colloidosomes with high encapsulation efficiency by a high-gravity technology. The conditions under which latex particles with different methacrylic acid contents can successfully self-assemble into colloidosomes are explored. During the preparation process, emulsions emulsified for only 10 min at 2500 rpm in a unique high-gravity shearing surroundings are clarified owing to the greatly enhanced micromixing, while the emulsions emulsified for 30 min by a traditional high-speed shear machine at 4000 rpm are still yellow-white. More importantly, regular spherical colloidosomes encapsulating an anticancer drug doxorubicin not only achieve a small mean diameter of 2.82 µm but also realize a high encapsulation efficiency of 76.5%. The release performance of doxorubicin has an obvious pH-stimuli-responsive regularity and follows the first-order model of sustained release. The construction of intelligent responsive colloidosomes as drug carriers provides a route for controlled drug release and biomedical applications.

Greatly Intensified Guest Exchange Strategy for Highly-Efficient Activation of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The preservation and accessibility of pores are prerequisites to the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Activation is a key step to eliciting rich features of pores, but it needs a repeated solvent-exchange process which is tedious and time/cost-consuming. Herein, a facile strategy for highly-efficient activation of MOFs utilizing rotating packed bed is proposed. With the tremendous enhancement of molecular mixing and mass transfer in high-gravity and strong-shearing surrounding, nine representative MOFs are completely activated within 2 h without structural change. Compared with conventional process, this activation displays surprising efficiency by accelerating the diffusion of solvents and redissolution of residual reactants in the pores. The complete activation time can be significantly shortened by over 90%. As a proof-of-concept, the methane storage of as-activated UiO-66 is five times that of as-synthesized UiO-66. This strategy provides a potential platform with industrial worth for the activation of MOF materials with ultra-high efficiency and versatility.

Three-Fluid Nozzle Spray Drying Strategy for Efficient Fabrication of Functional Colloidosomes.

Colloidosomes as Pickering emulsion microcapsules are expected to serve various applications, including encapsulation of drugs and loading of functional materials. Normally, when using colloidosomes for drug encapsulation, the latex particles as shell materials need to be mixed with drugs before the assembly process. However, this procedure may cause aggregation of latex particles, thereby resulting in disordered assembled shells or a low loading efficiency. Herein, we propose a three-fluid nozzle spray drying process to efficiently assemble latex particles of P(styrene (St)-co-butyl acrylate (BA)) into colloidosomes. The three-fluid nozzle spray drying equipment allows for the preparation for drug encapsulation without advance mixing of drug and shell materials. This strategy enables the construction of colloidosomes with uniform and controllable pores and the loading of functional materials. The effects of the compressed air flow rate, inlet temperature, feed rate, and solid content were explored, revealing the formation mechanism of colloidosomes during the spray drying process. Doxycycline hydrochloride (DH) was encapsulated in colloidosomes for controllable release, and the sustained release time is up to 100 h. The release rate can be adjusted by varying the glass transition temperature (Tg) and size of latex particles. Furthermore, Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP)-loaded colloidosomes were constructed by this strategy. The magnetic response intensity of colloidosomes can be modulated by varying the amount of Fe3O4 NPs. The anticancer drug encapsulation and loading of other functional particles were also explored to expand applications.

Association between serum uric acid level and endothelial dysfunction in elderly individuals with untreated mild hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is the initial stage in atherosclerotic formation and progression and is associated with high serum uric acid (SUA) level. We hypothesized that reactive hyperemia index (RHI), which reflects endothelial function, is associated with SUA levels in elderly individuals with untreated mild hypertension. METHODS: We recruited 123 patients ≥ 60 years with untreated mild hypertension. The association between SUA level and RHI was analyzed using univariate correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to validate the cutoff value of SUA that can be used to predict endothelial dysfunction. RESULTS: The serum uric acid level significantly increased in the RHI < 1.67 group, and this result was still observed in the subgroup of men. RHI was inversely associated with SUA level (P = 0.006) and the association was still observed after adjusting for factors, such as age, sex, smoking status, and creatinine level (P = 0.014). In the subgroup analysis, a positive association was observed only in men. In the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff values of SUA for predicting endothelial dysfunction was 293.5 µmol/L in elderly mild hypertension patients and 287.0 µmol/L in men. CONCLUSION: A high SUA level was considered an independent predictor of endothelial dysfunction among elderly individuals, particularly men with untreated mild hypertension.

Associations between human aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 (-344T/C) gene polymorphism and antihypertensive response to valsartan in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.

Aldosterone synthase is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 11-deoxycorticosterone to the potent mineralocorticoid aldosterone. The gene encoding aldosterone synthase, CYP11B2, is associated with essential hypertension. But if the genetic variations in aldosterone synthesis could influence the antihypertensive response to Valsartan is not clear. A Chinese sample of 502 persons (217 women) was studied, which was divided into the hypertensive group (EH) of 345 persons and the normotensive group (NB) of 157 persons. Subjects were genotyped through the use of the polymerase chain reaction for the diallelic polymorphisms in CYP11B2. 98 persons of the essential hypertension group received 4 weeks therapy with valsartan. Blood pressure, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, biochemical index were also determined. The frequency of CC+CT genotypes in hypertensive group was significantly higher than that in normotensive group (P<0.05), the frequency of C allele of gene CYP11B2 (-344T/C) in hypertensive group was significantly higher than that in normotensive group (P<0.01). The descending values of SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (diastolic blood pressure), MAP (mean arterial pressure), 24 h SBP (mean SBP of 24 hours), 24 h DBP (mean DBP of 24 hours), 24 h MAP (mean arterial pressure of 24 hours) of CC+CT genotype group were significantly higher than those of the TT genotype group (P<0.05). The aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 (-344T/C) gene polymorphism is associated with essential hypertension in Chinese. And the aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 (-344T/C) gene polymorphism may be the predictor of the antihypertensive response to Valsartan.

Interleukin-6, but not soluble adhesion molecules, predicts a subsequent mortality from cardiovascular disease in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Inflammatory responses are an important element in the atherosclerotic process. Therefore, inflammatory markers can potentially serve as predictors of cardiovascular risk. However, the existing data are limited and controversial. We conducted a prospective cohort study with 263 patients with first acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were admitted to our Hospital within 6 h after the symptoms onset. Clinical data were recorded and serum admission levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) were determined. The patients were then followed up for 3 years to document cardiovascular mortality. During the follow-up, 34 patients died from cardiovascular causes. The admission levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in these patients, whereas sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sP-selectin were comparable between these and the survived patients. The Kaplan-Meier plots revealed a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality with increasing levels of IL-6 (P = 0.0002, χ(2) test). The logistic regression analysis indicated that IL-6 was an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality. To conclude, our findings indicate that elevated admission levels of IL-6, but not soluble adhesion molecules, provide valuable information for risk assessment of long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with STEMI.

Association between two common polymorphisms of PPARgamma gene and metabolic syndrome families in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated the association between the two common polymorphisms, C1431T and Pro12Ala of PPARgamma gene, and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a Chinese population. METHODS: We included 423 subjects with MS and families without MS. Subjects were divided into three groups: MS probands and first- and second-degree relatives of probands, spouses and controls. Each group was then divided into two subgroups according to genotype (Pro/Pro and Pro/Ala for Pro12Ala, CC and CT + TT for 1431C/T). Anthropometric indices, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, Sv1 + Rv5 of electrocardiogram and single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. RESULTS: Frequencies of C1431T genotypes, but not Pro12Ala, were different among the three groups. MS patients with Pro/Ala genotype had higher fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and Sv1 + Rv5. Controls with Ala allele had lower total cholesterol levels. In relatives, Ala carriers had higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. BMI of the different groups were not significant. MS patients with T allele had higher FBS and Sv1 + Rv5. In relatives of MS subjects, T-allele carriers had lower blood uric acid, creatinine and higher HDL-c levels and Sv1 + Rv5. CONCLUSIONS: C1431T, but not Pro12Ala polymorphisms, are associated with MS in a Chinese population. In MS patients, Ala allele and T allele are both associated with higher fasting blood sugar and higher left ventricular voltage. In controls, Ala carriers have lower total cholesterol. In MS relatives, Ala carriers had higher HDL-c levels and T-allele carriers had lower uric acid, creatinine and higher HDL-c levels and left ventricular voltage.

[Investigation and analysis of the prevalence and risk factors for impaired fasting glucose in outpatients with essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in outpatients with essential hypertension and the influencing factors. METHODS: 1026 essential hypertensive outpatients aged 15 - 87 years [531 males and 495 females, mean age (51.6 +/- 12.5) years] who visited Xuanwu hospital between February 2004 and January 2007 were recruited in the study. Their medical history, blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumferences (WC), hip circumference (HC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C were detected and analyzed. RESULTS: The abnormal rate of FPG in hypertensive outpatients was 38.5% and incidence of IFG was 30.5%. The differences of gender, systolic blood pressure, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), TG, TC between the normal glucose group and the IFG group were significant. Gender, family history of diabetes mellitus, TC and LDL-C enter into the logistic regression model (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The detection rate of IFG is high in hypertensive outpatients and it is related with gender, family history of diabetes mellitus and disorders of lipid metabolism.

[A cohort study on the correlation between birth weight, simple obesity, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure from childhood to adolescence].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between birth weight and simple obesity, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure from childhood to adolescence. METHODS: A vertical sectional survey on 193 children aged 7 - 11 years was performed in 1996. A questionnaire consisting of items on environmental factors and lifestyle, physical examination and biochemical assessment was conducted at baseline and the 9th year of follow-up. RESULTS: The incidence of obesity and over-weight in childhood in high (6.1%) and low birth-weight group (5.6%) was higher than that in normal birth-weight group (2.8%), but did not reach statistic significance; The levels of body mass index in adolescence in high and low birth-weight group were significantly higher than that in normal birth-weight group (P = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively), and the incidence of obesity and over-weight in adolescence was significantly higher in high (33.3%) and low birth-weight group (38.9%) than that in normal birth-weight group (16.2%, P = 0.025 and 0.020, respectively). There were no significant differences in the levels of blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure between different birth weight groups (all, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine growth is linked to physical growth during childhood and adolescence. Nutritional guidance in pregnant phase may help to control the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescent.

[A cohort study on the relationship between body mass index and blood pressure, blood lipid, blood glucose, left ventricular structure and function in adolescents during transition period].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between body mass index(BMI) and blood pressure, blood lipid level, blood glucose, left ventricular structure and function in adolescents during transition period. METHODS: A vertical sectional survey on 193 pupils aged 7-11 years in primary school in 1996 was performed. 9 years later, the same research subjects aged 16-20 years were studied again in 2005. The subjects were divided into obesity,overweight and normal weight groups according to their BMI in 1996. Height, body weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood glucose were collected and analyzed, and left ventricular structure and function were examined by echocardiography. RESULTS: Body mass index (24.71 kg/m(2)+/-4.57 kg/m(2), 20.54 kg/m(2)+/-2.84 kg/m(2) ), systolic blood pressure (117.22 mm Hg+/-17.44 mm Hg vs. 102.20 mm Hg+/-11.68 mm Hg), thickness of inter-ventricular septum and posterior wall (0.87 cm+/-0.12 cm vs. 0.77 cm+/-0.12 cm, and 0.91 cm+/-0.13 cm vs. 0.79 cm+/-0.31 cm), left ventricular mass and mass index (167.84 g+/-16.29 g vs. 128.95 g+/-63.00 g, and 88.12 g/m(2) +/-17.19 g/m(2) vs. 79.35 g/m(2)+/-39.01 g/m(2)) were found significantly higher in obesity group than in normal weight group 9 years later (P<0.05, P< 0.01 or P< 0.001). End diastolic volume and cardiac output were increased(P <0.05) and ejection fraction and fractional shortening decreased( P< 0.05). There were no differences found in cardiac diastolic function between the studied groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that simple obesity in childhood was an important cardiovascular risk factor when they grew into adolescents and adults. ;

[Effect of E-selectin A561C (S128R) polymorphism on blood pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of E-selectin A561C (S128R) polymorphism on blood pressure. METHODS: 347 essential hypertensive patients (male 163 and female 184, age 46.08 +/- 12.49 y, and body mass index 26.13 +/- 3.14 kg/m(2)) and 315 normal controls (male 93 and female 222, age 42.21 +/- 14.67 y, and body mass index 25.66 +/- 3.19 kg/m(2)) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Phenotypic measurements included blood pressure, blood glucose, serum triglycerides, serum total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, nitric oxide, endothelin, angiotensin I, and II and plasma aldosterone. RESULTS: The frequencies of the AC and CC genotypes (6.92%) and C allele (4.76%) were significantly (P = 0.029 and 0.013) higher in hypertensive patients than normal controls (3.17% and 2.22%). The relative risk of hypertension associated with the C allele was 2.197 (95% CI: 1.164-4.144). Both diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were higher in C allele carriers than AA subjects (P = 0.049 and 0.024). Furthermore, C allele carriers, compared with AA subjects, had higher concentrations of blood glucose, and total and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.031, 0.046, and 0.003) and lower concentrations of nitric oxide (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The E-selectin A561C (S128R) polymorphism might affect blood pressure in Chinese.

[A study on the risk factors of cardiovascular between hypertensive patients and normal subjects in the same family].

OBJECTIVE: Through studying the difference between the hypertensive patients and those with normal blood pressure who all from the same hypertensive pedigree, we tried to find the factors which would decrease the risk of hypertension. METHODS: Hypertensive patients, when coming to the cardiovascular clinic of Xuan Wu Hospital from 2003 to 2004, were defined as the members of the hypertensive pedigrees through inquiry. 84 families including 368 persons, with 192 syblings were involved. Metabolic syndrome could be defined by the criterion of adult treatment panel III. RESULTS: When compared with normal blood pressure persons, clinical examinations of the hypertensive patients had an higher levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose and body mass index (BMI). The hypertensive group showed higher ratios among male patients, smokers, alcohol drinkers, having irritable personality and high-salt-intake. Through logistic regression, overweight, smoking and irritable temperament showed positive relations with hypertension. The rate of metabolic syndrome was higher in hypertension group. CONCLUSION: It is important that either persons with normal blood pressure or hypertension should control their body weights (BMI) since the rate of metabolic syndrome in hypertension group was high.

[Relationship between the patients' knowledge on hypertension prevention and control and the rate on blood pressure control].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between blood pressure control status and patients' knowledge on hypertension prevention and control among hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 726 hypertensives were selected from four community health service centers (2 urban and 2 rural) in Beijing. All subjects were investigated by questionnaires and their blood pressures were measured at the same time. RESULTS: The rate for blood pressure under control (< 140/90 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) in the rural and urban patients were 46.4% and 23.9% respectively. The control rate increased with the increase of patients' knowledge on prevention and control of hypertension in both urban and rural patients. The cumulative effect of knowledge on hypertension control status could contribute 30.0% to the difference in hypertension control rate between rural and urban patients. CONCLUSION: Patients' knowledge on hypertension control was significantly related to the rate on hypertension control. Health education should be helpful to improve the rate on hypertension control.