Bio-Based Copolyester PEIFT: Enhanced Hydrophilicity, Rigidity, and Applications in Nanofibers.

The raw materials of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are derived from petroleum-based resources, which are no sustainable. Therefore, previous researchers introduced biomass-derived 2,5-tetrahydrofurfuryl dimethanol (THFDM) into PET. However, its heat resistance has decreased compared to PET. In this paper, a novel bio-based copolyester, poly(ethylene glycol-co-2,5-tetrahydrofuran dimethanol-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PEIFT), is prepared by introducing biomass-derived isosorbide (ISB) and THFDM into the PET chains through melting copolymerization process. With the introduction of ISB content, copolyesters' hydrophilicity and rigidity improve. Compared to PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) increases by over 5 °C. In addition, the toughness and spinning performance of PEIFT have also been improved as a result of the addition of THFDM components. The hydrophobicity of PEIFTs electrospinning is greatly improved, with a contact angle exceeding 135°. Finally, due to the good hydrophobicity of PEIFTs nanofibers, they have potential application value in the manufacture of hydrophobic nanofiber and filter films. Given its biomass source and excellent performance, they make it easier to replace materials derived from petroleum.

Dried lemon slices improve bowel cleansing quality of polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy preparation: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: adequate bowel preparation is related to the quality of colonoscopy. Dried lemon slices can increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, which has shown potential as an adjuvant of bowel preparation. We hypothesized that the combination of dried lemon slices and polyethylene glycol (PEG) could improve the efficacy of bowel preparation and be more acceptable to participants. AIM: to investigate the effectiveness of lemon slices combined with PEG for colonoscopy preparation. METHODS: a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled trial was performed of 521 patients randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 254 patients were given lemon slices based on conventional 4-L PEG treatment for the bowel, while 267 patients received only 4-L PEG treatment. Patients' basic information, procedure-related parameters, adverse effects, and subjective feelings were collected by questionnaires. Intestinal tract cleanliness was scored according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) by experienced endoscopists. Data were analyzed by the two-sample t-test or the Chi-squared test. RESULTS: the BBPS scores were significantly higher in the PEG + lemon slice group (p < 0.05). The taste acceptability, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat bowel preparation were significantly higher in the PEG+ lemon slice group (p < 0.05). However, a larger proportion of patients from the PEG+ lemon slice group (30.7 %) suffered abdominal distension compared with the PEG group (20.6 %), while the incidence of other adverse effects was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: the addition of dried lemon slices to conventional PEG showed its superiority for bowel preparation.

ROS-responsive liposomes as an inhaled drug delivery nanoplatform for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment via Nrf2 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic disease with pathophysiological characteristics of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced excessive fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix deposition. Macrophages are closely involved in the development of fibrosis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key molecule regulating ROS and TGF-ß expression. Therefore, Nrf2 signaling modulation might be a promising therapy for fibrosis. The inhalation-based drug delivery can reduce systemic side effects and improve therapeutic effects, and is currently receiving increasing attention, but direct inhaled drugs are easily cleared and difficult to exert their efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to design a ROS-responsive liposome for the Nrf2 agonist dimethyl fumarate (DMF) delivery in the fibrotic lung. Moreover, we explored its therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis and macrophage activation. RESULTS: We synthesized DMF-loaded ROS-responsive DSPE-TK-PEG@DMF liposomes (DTP@DMF NPs). DTP@DMF NPs had suitable size and negative zeta potential and excellent capability to rapidly release DMF in a high-ROS environment. We found that macrophage accumulation and polarization were closely related to fibrosis development, while DTP@DMF NPs could attenuate macrophage activity and fibrosis in mice. RAW264.7 and NIH-3T3 cells coculture revealed that DTP@DMF NPs could promote Nrf2 and downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and suppress TGF-ß and ROS production in macrophages, thereby reducing fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and collagen production by NIH-3T3 cells. In vivo experiments confirmed the above findings. Compared with direct DMF instillation, DTP@DMF NPs treatment presented enhanced antifibrotic effect. DTP@DMF NPs also had a prolonged residence time in the lung as well as excellent biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: DTP@DMF NPs can reduce macrophage-mediated fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix deposition to attenuate lung fibrosis by upregulating Nrf2 signaling. This ROS-responsive liposome is clinically promising as an ideal delivery system for inhaled drug delivery.

[Changes of Main Syndromes of Gan Failing to Maintain Normal Flow of Qi in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder].

Objective To observe the changes of Chinese medicine (CM) symptoms, the distri- bution characteristics of CM syndromes, and related neuroendocrine levels in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) patients. Methods Totally 3 541 female outpatients (18 -45 years old) were inter- viewed by clinical epidemiological questionnaire. According to PMDD diagnostic criteria in DSM-IV , PMDD patients' CM syndromes were identified. Their scores of main symptoms and CM symptoms of common CM syndromes were compared. Contents of 8 neuroendocrine indicators in serum were detected [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) , adrenocorticotropic hormore (ACTH) , angiotensin-II (Ang-II ) , glucocorti- coid (GC), homocysteine (Hcy), melatonin (MLT), nitrogen monoxide (NO), neuropeptide Y (NPY)]. Results Totally 258 PMDD were detected in 3 541 female outpatients (18 -45 years old). The main syn- drome and common syndromes of PMDD patients were reversed invasion of Gan qi syndrome [40.3% (104/258)] and stagnation of Gan qi syndrome [34. 9% (90/258) ], followed by Gan stagnation Pi deficiency syndrome [7.8%(20/258)], Gan stagnation blood stasis syndrome [7.4% (19/258)], Gan stagnation induced fire hyperactivity syndrome [ 6.2% ( 16258 )], Gan stagnation Shen deficiency syndrome [3.1%(8/258)], and Pi-Shen yang deficiency syndrome [0.4%(1258)]. Compared with reversed invasion of Gan qi syndrome, emotional depression and low spirits were main symptoms of stagnation of Gan qi syndrome. Scores for the two symptoms increased (P <0.05). Compared with stagnation of Gan qi syn- drome, irritability, upset, abdominal distension, anxiety, headache, dizziness, insomnia, head distension, bitter mouth, unclear vision were main symptoms of reversed invasion of Gan qi syndrome. Scores for the 10 symptoms increased (P <0.05). Compared with stagnation of Gan qi syndrome, the Hcy level in serum obviously decreased in reversed invasion of Gan qi syndrome (P <0.05). There was no statistical difference in the rest indices (P >0. 05). Conclusions PMDD is closely related to Gan failing to maintain normal flow of qi. Reversed invasion of Gan qi syndrome and stagnation of Gan qi syndrome have different scientif- ic connotations and biological bases. So regulating Gan should be considered as the first choice.

A novel combined therapeutic strategy of Nano-EN-IR@Lip mediated photothermal therapy and stem cell inhibition for gastric cancer.

Recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer is a major therapeutic challenge for treatment. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a major obstacle to the success of current cancer therapy, often leading to treatment resistance and tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, it is important to develop effective strategies to eradicate CSCs. In this study, we developed a combined therapeutic strategy of photothermal therapy (PTT) and gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) inhibition by successfully synthesizing nanoliposomes loaded with IR780 (photosensitizer) and EN4 (c-Myc inhibitor). The nanocomposites are biocompatible and exhibit superior photoacoustic (PA) imaging properties. Under laser irradiation, IR780-mediated PTT effectively and rapidly killed tumor cells, while EN4 synergistically inhibited the self-renewal and stemness of GCSCs by suppressing the expression and activity of the pluripotent transcription factor c-Myc, preventing the tumor progression of gastric cancer. This Nano-EN-IR@Lip is expected to be a novel clinical nanomedicine for the integration of gastric cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Identification and Genomic Characterization of Two Novel Hepatoviruses in Shrews from Yunnan Province, China.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a member of the genus Hepatovirus (Picornaviridae HepV), remains a significant viral pathogen, frequently causing enterically transmitted hepatitis worldwide. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of HepVs carried by small terrestrial mammals in the wild in Yunnan Province, China. Utilizing HepV-specific broad-spectrum RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and QNome nanopore sequencing (QNS) techniques, we identified and characterized two novel HepVs provisionally named EpMa-HAV and EpLe-HAV, discovered in the long-tailed mountain shrew (Episoriculus macrurus) and long-tailed brown-toothed shrew (Episoriculus leucops), respectively. Our sequence and phylogenetic analyses of EpMa-HAV and EpLe-HAV indicated that they belong to the species Hepatovirus I (HepV-I) clade II, also known as the Chinese shrew HepV clade. Notably, the codon usage bias pattern of novel shrew HepVs is consistent with that of previously identified Chinese shrew HepV. Furthermore, our structural analysis demonstrated that shrew HepVs differ from other mammalian HepVs in RNA secondary structure and exhibit variances in key protein sites. Overall, the discovery of two novel HepVs in shrews expands the host range of HepV and underscores the existence of genetically diverse animal homologs of human HAV within the genus HepV.

Polydopamine spheres as active templates for convenient synthesis of various nanostructures.

In this work, monodisperse polydopamine (PDA) spheres with tunable diameters have been synthesized through a facile and low cost method using a deionized water and alcohol mixed solvent. The PDA spheres possess surface functional groups (-OH, -NH(2)), exhibiting an extraordinary versatile active nature. It is demonstrated that the PDA spheres could serve as an active template for the convenient synthesis of various nanostructures, e.g., MnO(2) hollow spheres or PDA/Fe(3)O(4) and PDA/Ag core/shell nanostructures. No surface modification or special treatment is required for the synthesis of these nanostructures, which makes the fabrication process simple and very convenient. The novel application of PDA/Fe(3)O(4) spheres as fillers in nanocomposites for high-performance capacitors is demonstrated, indicating a promising practicality. The PDA spheres provide a new general platform not only for the facile assembly of nanostructures but also a green synthetic template for practical applications.

Systemically administered liposome-encapsulated Ad-PEDF potentiates the anti-cancer effects in mouse lung metastasis melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The use of adenoviral vector for gene therapy is still an important strategy for advanced cancers, however, the lack of the requisite coxsackie-adenovirus receptor in cancer cells and host immune response to adenovirus limit the application of adenoviral vector in vivo. METHOD: We designed the antiangiogenic gene therapy with recombinant PEDF adenovirus (Ad-PEDF) encapsulated in cationic liposome (Ad-PEDF/Liposome), and investigated the anti-tumor efficacy of Ad-PEDF/Liposome complex on inhibition of tumor metastasis. RESULTS: We found that systemic administration of Ad-PEDF/liposome was well tolerated and resulted in marked suppression of tumor growth, and was more potent than uncoated Ad-PEDF to induce apoptosis in B16-F10 melanoma cells and inhibit murine pulmonary metastases in vivo. After Ad-luciferase was encapsulated with liposome, its distribution decreased in liver and increased in lung. The anti-Ad IgG level of Ad-PEDF/Liposome was significantly lower than Ad-PEDF used alone. CONCLUSION: The present findings provide evidences of systematic administration of cationic liposome-encapsulated Ad-PEDF in pulmonary metastatic melanoma mice model, and show an encouraging therapeutic effect for further exploration and application of more complexes based on liposome-encapsulated adenovirus for more cancers.

The dose limits of teeth protection for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy based on the early oral health-related quality of life.

Radiation-related teeth damage is a common complication in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) that seriously affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, few studies have focused on protecting teeth function. This study aimed to calculate dental dose limits based on OHRQoL. Analysis was performed on 96 NPC patients who received RT (all received routine pre-radiotherapy dental interventions in our department). Based on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), OHRQoL was assigned into poor (<46) and good condition groups (≥46). The binary logistic regression analysis model was used for single-factor and multivariate analyses to identify the independent factors affecting OHRQoL. The cut-off value of dose received by teeth was obtained by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve. NPC patients experienced a decline in OHRQoL following RT (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis of GOHAI revealed that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth, the average dose received by the oral cavity, tumor volume (GTVnx), and liking of the sweet food all affected GOHAI (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth and liking sweet food were independent factors that influenced the OHRQoL of NPC patients with RT. When the average dose received by maxillary anterior teeth is greater than 28.78 Gy, and there is a tendency in sweet food, the OHRQoL will deteriorate. NPC patients who received RT had a better OHRQoL if the average dose to maxillary anterior teeth was limited to less than 28.78 Gy and the intake of high-sugar foods was reduced.

Effectiveness of bone substitute materials in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of bone substitute materials (BSMs) in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A comprehensive literature search was performed, and studies comparing BSM with bone graft (BG) and without bone graft (WG) were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 1.0) and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were used to assess the risk of bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRSs), respectively. The outcomes measured were the osteotomy gap size, the occurrence rates of non-union and lateral hinge fractures, knee functional score, infection and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The quality of evidences was evaluated by Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group system. RESULTS: Five RCTs and eight NRS including 769 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The BSM group had a larger osteotomy gap size than the control group (MD: 0.41 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.06, 0.76], p=.02, I2=0%), with a significant difference. No significant difference was found between BSM and control group in main analysis in terms of bone non-union, but with a higher non-union rate when BSM combined with long locking plate was used. No significant differences were found in other outcome measures except for VAS from NRS subgroup. The quality of evidence for outcomes was low. CONCLUSIONS: BSM combined with locking plate techniques offers a safe and efficient alternative option in OWHTO for osteotomy gap larger than 10 mm, but be aware of the possibility of bone non-union. Given the inherent heterogeneity and low quality of the included studies, future well-designed RCTs are essential to verify the findings.KEY MESSAGEThe treatment of the osteotomy gap is still controversial.BSM combined with a locking plate offers a safe and efficient alternative option for OWHTO with an over 10 mm of osteotomy gap over 10 mm.Due to the inherent heterogeneity and low quality of the included studies, the results should be cautiously interpreted in clinical practice.

Large scale synthesis of single-chain/colloid Janus nanoparticles with tunable composition.

A general approach is proposed to large scale synthesize tadpole-like composite Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). Within the head of a starting JNP achieved by electrostatic-mediated intramolecular crosslinking, a free radical initiator is incorporated. By polymerizing vinyl monomers within the head nanoreactor, the composition and performance of the JNPs are broadly tunable.

Differentiation of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth into Retinal Photoreceptor-Like Cells and Their Sustainability In Vivo.

Retinal degeneration is characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors, and stem cell therapy has become a promising strategy. Many studies have reported that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can sustain retinal structure and prolong retinal functions based on two mechanisms. One is cell replacement, and the other is the paracrine action of stem cells. Cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) show characteristics typical of mesenchymal stem cells. They are derived from the neural crest and are a potential cellular source for neural regeneration in stem cell therapy. In this study, we explored the potential of SHEDs to be induced towards the retinal photoreceptor phenotype and to be sustainable in an animal model of retinal degeneration. A factor-cocktail protocol was used to induce SHEDs towards retinal photoreceptors for 24 days, and the characteristics of the induced cells were identified in terms of morphological changes, biomarker expression and subcellular distribution, and calcium influx. SHEDs were labeled with firefly luciferase for in vivo tracking by bioluminescent imaging and then transplanted into the subretinal space of mice. Our results showed that SHEDs successfully transdifferentiated into photoreceptor-like cells, which displayed neuron-like morphology, and expressed specific genes and proteins associated with retinal precursors, photoreceptor precursors, and mature photoreceptors. In addition, calcium influx was significantly greater in the retinal-induced than in noninduced SHEDs. In vivo tracking confirmed at least 2 weeks of good survival by bioluminescent imaging and 3 months of sustainability of SHEDs by histological analysis. We conclude that SHEDs have the potential to transdifferentiate into retinal photoreceptor-like cells in vitro and maintain good viability in vivo after transplantation into mice with a normal immune system. This demonstrates preliminary success in generating photoreceptor-like cells from SHEDs and applying SHEDs in treating retinal degeneration.

Treatment with Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth and Their Derived Conditioned Medium Improves Retinal Visual Function and Delays the Degeneration of Photoreceptors.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary disease characterized by degeneration and the loss of photoreceptors. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating RP. Stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), a type of mesenchymal stem cell from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, have the potential to differentiate into photoreceptor-like cells under specific induction in vitro. It has been confirmed that through paracrine secreta, SHEDs exert neurotrophic, angiogenic, immunoregulatory, and antiapoptotic functions in injured tissues. This study was designed to determine whether retinal-differentiated SHEDs and the conditioned medium derived from SHEDs (SHEDs-CM) have therapeutic effects in a mouse model of RP. The results showed that both SHEDs and SHEDs-CM improved electroretinogram responses, ameliorated photoreceptor degeneration, and maintained the structure of the outer segments of photoreceptors. The therapeutic effects were related to antiapoptotic activity of SHEDs and SHEDs-CM. Thus, SHEDs may be a promising stem cell source for treating retinal degeneration.

Fluorescent magnetic PEI-PLGA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel for concurrent cell imaging, enhanced apoptosis and autophagy in human brain cancer.

Magnetic nanoparticles are regarded as a promising drug delivery vehicle with the improved efficacy and lowered side effects for antitumor therapy. Herein, the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) modified magnetic nanoplatform was synthesized using superparamagnetic γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (MNPs) as a core, and then labelled with polyethylenimine (PEI)-conjugated fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and simultaneously loaded with antitumor drug paclitaxel (PTX) for theranostic analysis of antitumor effects investigated in human brain glioblastoma U251 cells. As a result, the prepared PEI-PLGA-MNPs showed a relatively round sphere with an average size of 80 nm approximately, and the FITC-labeling PEI-PLGA-MNPs were efficiently endocytosed by the U251 cells for cellular imaging. Moreover, the fabricated PEI-PLGA-PTX-MNPs also demonstrated an inhibition of the targeted cell proliferation and migration, and a programmed cell death, via both apoptosis modulating by a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy with accumulation of autophagosomes and LC3-II signals detected in the treated glioblastoma U251 cells after uptaking. Therefore, the constructed nanoplatform could be effectively applied for simultaneous cellular imaging and drug delivery in human brain glioblastoma treatment in future.

Astragalus Saponins and Liposome Constitute an Efficacious Adjuvant Formulation for Cancer Vaccines.

Cancer vaccines mostly aim to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against tumors. An appropriate adjuvant is of fundamental importance for inducing cellular immune response. Since the antigen in particulate form is substantially more immunogenic than soluble form antigen, it is beneficial to interact with antigen-presenting cells membrane to induce robust CD8+ T cell activation following vaccination. Based on previous research, we designed an adjuvant formulation by combining Astragalus saponins, cholesterol, and liposome to incorporate antigen into a particulate delivery system, so as to enhance cellular immune response. Meanwhile, angiogenesis contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is involved in tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, using lipo-saponins adjuvant formulation and a human recombinant bFGF antigen protein, we tried to induce bFGF-specific CTL response to inhibit tumor angiogenesis to achieve antitumor activity. After five immunizations, the lipo-saponins/bFGF complex elicited robust antibody response and markedly higher amount of interferon-γ in BALB/c mice, resulting in superior antitumor activities. Decreased microvessel density in CD31 immunohistochemistry and the lysis of vascular endothelial cells by the T lymphocytes from the immunized mice indicated that the immunity inhibited the angiogenesis of tumors and further led to the inhibition of tumors. Our data suggest that the approach to construct adjuvant formulation between liposome and Astragalus saponins appeared highly desirable, and that Astragalus saponins may be utilized as a valuable additive for enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines and stimulating an appropriate immune response that can benefit tumor therapy.

Enhancing siRNA-based cancer therapy using a new pH-responsive activatable cell-penetrating peptide-modified liposomal system.

As a potent therapeutic agent, small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been exploited to silence critical genes involved in tumor initiation and progression. However, development of a desirable delivery system is required to overcome the unfavorable properties of siRNA such as its high degradability, molecular size, and negative charge to help increase its accumulation in tumor tissues and promote efficient cellular uptake and endosomal/lysosomal escape of the nucleic acids. In this study, we developed a new activatable cell-penetrating peptide (ACPP) that is responsive to an acidic tumor microenvironment, which was then used to modify the surfaces of siRNA-loaded liposomes. The ACPP is composed of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), an acid-labile linker (hydrazone), and a polyanionic domain, including glutamic acid and histidine. In the systemic circulation (pH 7.4), the surface polycationic moieties of the CPP (polyarginine) are "shielded" by the intramolecular electrostatic interaction of the inhibitory domain. When exposed to a lower pH, a common property of solid tumors, the ACPP undergoes acid-catalyzed breakage at the hydrazone site, and the consequent protonation of histidine residues promotes detachment of the inhibitory peptide. Subsequently, the unshielded CPP would facilitate the cellular membrane penetration and efficient endosomal/lysosomal evasion of liposomal siRNA. A series of investigations demonstrated that once exposed to an acidic pH, the ACPP-modified liposomes showed elevated cellular uptake, downregulated expression of polo-like kinase 1, and augmented cell apoptosis. In addition, favorable siRNA avoidance of the endosome/lysosome was observed in both MCF-7 and A549 cells, followed by effective cytoplasmic release. In view of its acid sensitivity and therapeutic potency, this newly developed pH-responsive and ACPP-mediated liposome system represents a potential platform for siRNA-based cancer treatment.

Identification of a novel NHS mutation in a Chinese family with Nance-Horan syndrome.

PURPOSE: To identiy the disease causing mutation in a Chinese family presenting with early-onset cataract and dental anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A specific Hereditary Eye Disease Enrichment Panel (HEDEP) (personalized customization by MyGenostics, Baltimore, MD) based on targeted exome capture technology was used to collect the protein coding regions of 30 early-onset cataract associated genes, and high throughput sequencing was done with Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. The identified variant was confirmed with Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A novel deletion in exon 4 (c.852delG) of NHS gene was identified; the identified 1 bp deletion altered the reading frame and was predicted to result in a premature stop codon after the addition of twelve novel amino acid (p.S285PfsX13). This mutation co-segregated in affected males and obligate female carriers, but was absent in 100 matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings broaden the spectrum of NHS mutations causing Nance-Horan syndrome and phenotypic spectrum of the disease in Chinese patients.

pH and thermo dual-stimuli-responsive drug carrier based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles encapsulated in a copolymer-lipid bilayer.

A pH and thermo dual-controllable composite structure was developed as a triggerable drug delivery carrier. In such a drug carrier, a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) acts as the drug loading core, while a layer of copolymer-lipid serves as the dual-responsive gating shell. Specifically, the copolymer-lipid bilayer consists of natural phospholipids (soy phosphatidylcholine, SPC) and the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-methacrylic acid-octadecyl acrylate) (p(NIPAM-MAA-ODA)) copolymer. With this structure, a high drug loading capacity and a sustained release effect could be provided by the MSN core, while a pH and thermo dual-responsive releasing ability could be offered by the copolymer-lipid bilayer. In addition, the introduction of SPC instead of the traditionally used phospholipids (such as dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)) results in a much lower cost and a better serum stability. Using doxorubicin (DOX) as the drug model, our results confirmed that either pH or temperature can trigger the drug release. However, much more drugs could be released by simultaneously controlling the pH and temperature. Furthermore, after being cocultured with cancer cells (MCF-7), the drug carriers transported DOX into the cells and exhibited a pH-sensitive release behavior. Since most tumor sites usually exhibit a more acidic environment or a higher temperature, the pH- and thermo-responsive releasing ability of this drug carrier is particularly useful and important for the targeted release at the tumor region. Thus, due to the powerful controlled releasing ability, the straightforward preparation method, and low cost, the demonstrated nanocarrier will have potential applications in controllable drug delivery and cancer therapy.

Simultaneous enhancements of UV resistance and mechanical properties of polypropylene by incorporation of dopamine-modified clay.

Inspired by the radical scavenging function of melanin-like materials and versatile adhesive ability of mussel-adhesion proteins, dopamine-modified clay (D-clay) was successfully incorporated into polypropylene (PP) using an amine-terminated PP oligomer as the compatibilizer. Although the PP/D-clay nanocomposites exhibit intercalated morphology, the incorporation of D-clay greatly improves the thermo-oxidative stability and UV resistance of PP owing to the strong radical scavenging ability of polydopamine (PDA) and large contact area between PP and the PDA coating on clay mineral. Moreover, the reinforcement effect brought by D-clay is fairly significant at very low clay loadings probably owing to the strong interfacial interactions between the layered silicates and the compatibilizer as well as that between the compatibilizer and the PP matrix. The work demonstrates that D-clay is a type of promising nanofiller for thermoplastics used for outdoor applications since it stabilizes and reinforces the polymers simultaneously.

An in situ polymerization approach for the synthesis of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous membranes for oil-water separation.

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous membranes exhibiting robust oil-water separation performance were prepared by a facile combination of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers and a novel in situ polymerized fluorinated polybenzoxazine (F-PBZ) functional layer that incorporated silica nanoparticles (SiO(2) NPs). By employing the F-PBZ/SiO(2) NPs modification, the pristine hydrophilic CA nanofibrous membranes were endowed with a superhydrophobicity with the water contact angle of 161° and a superoleophilicity with the oil contact angle of 3°. Surface morphological studies have indicated that the wettability of resultant membranes could be manipulated by tuning the surface composition as well as the hierarchical structures. The quantitative hierarchical roughness analysis using the N(2) adsorption method has confirmed the major contribution of SiO(2) NPs on enhancing the porous structure, and a detailed correlation between roughness and solid-liquid interface pinning is proposed. Furthermore, the as-prepared membranes exhibited fast and efficient separation for oil-water mixtures and excellent stability over a wide range of pH conditions, which would make them a good candidate in industrial oil-polluted water treatments and oil spill cleanup, and also provided a new insight into the design and development of functional nanofibrous membranes through F-PBZ modification.