A single-component yet multifunctional tongue-mimicking sensor array for upconversion fluorescence biosensing.

In this work, we prepared a type of multiplexing upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP). There are three fluorescence emission peaks when our UCNPs are excited with 980 and 808 nm lasers. These fluorescence peaks of UCNPs can be quenched ("turn off") to varying degrees via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) when the UCNPs are coated with a polydopamine (PDA) layer, which is a universal quencher self-polymerized from dopamine (DA). Here, we create a novel single-component nanoprobe that can be used for the pattern recognition of antioxidants in a "turn on" manner by integrating with the prevention of PDA formation with an antioxidant. Our sensing strategy is based on the recovery of the fluorescence intensity of three emission peaks to different degrees due to different antioxidants with differential inhibition of PDA formation. Then, these three fluorescence emission peaks of UCNPs are innovatively selected as the sensor array, which enables us to discriminate multiple antioxidants and their mixtures. Simultaneously, the sensor array shows excellent performance in the chiral discrimination of cysteine enantiomers. This is a novel, innovative sensor array that requires only a single component to achieve the upconversion fluorescence pattern and recognize chiral molecules, and it elucidates a more innovative concept towards widespread applications.

Fabrication of Isoniazid/Rifampicin/Poly L-lactic Acid Donut-shaped Implants via Three Dimensional Printing Technique.

Objective To investigate the possibility of manufacturing dual-drug loaded isoniazid/rifampicin/poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) implant with donut-shaped structure via three-dimensional (3D) printing technique and study the drug release characteristic and biocompatibility of the implant in vitro.Methods PLLA was crushed into particles with diameters around 75-100 µm.Isoniazid and rifampicin bulk drugs were dissolved into the organic dissolvent respectively to be the binding liquid.The 3D printing machine fabricated the donut-shaped implant via binding the PLLA powder layer by layer.Dynamic socking method was used to study the in vitro release characteristics,and cell culture experiment was used to test the cytocompatibility of the implant.Results PLLA slow-release implants were made by using the PLLA powder as matrix and isoniazid/rifampicin organic solvent as binding liquid through 3D printing.The drugs in the implants distributed in nest under electron microscope.The concentrations of both drugs were still higher than the lowest effective bacteriostasis concentration after release for 32 days.Cytotoxicity and direct contact tests indicated that the implants had rare cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility. Conclusion The donut-shaped implants can be successfully fabricated using the 3D printing method,which offers a new method for the manufacturing of topical slow-release anti-tuberculosis drugs.

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of effects of Mg-6Zn alloy on apoptosis of common bile duct epithelial cell.

Biodegradable magnesium alloy implants have attracted much attention because of their excellent biocompatibility and good mechanical properties. However, effects of Mg alloy on cell apoptosis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Mg-6Zn alloy on the apoptosis and necrosis of common bile duct (CBD) epithelial cells. In the in vitro experiments, primary mouse extrahepatic bile epithelial cells (MEBECs) were exposed to Mg-6Zn alloy extracts with different concentrations (0, 40, 80, and 100 %). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that low concentration Mg-6Zn extract can induce apoptosis of MEBECs, and high concentration Mg-6Zn extracts may relate to necrosis and/or 'apoptotic necrosis'. Real-time PCR results showed that when MEBECs were treated with 40 % extracts for 3 days, the relative apoptotic genes including Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, NF-κB and caspase-3 were higher than those in the control group. In the in vivo experiments, Mg-6Zn alloy stents were implanted into rabbits' CBD for 1, 2, 3 weeks, respectively. Based on the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of peri-implant CBD tissue, no apoptotic bodies and necrotic cells were observed. Results of immunohistochemical staining also showed Mg-6Zn stents did not increase expression levels of apoptosis related gene such as Bax, Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, TNF-α, NF-κB and caspase-3 in CBD, which indicating Mg-6Zn did not induce significant apoptosis in the in vivo experiments. The different results of in vitro and in vivo experiment may result from the low corrosion rate of Mg-6Zn alloy stents in vivo and local Mg(2+) ion concentration in CBD.

Regulating inflammation using acid-responsive electrospun fibrous scaffolds for skin scarless healing.

Skin injury in adult mammals brings about a series of events and inflammation in the wounded area is initiated first and provides lots of inflammatory factors, which is critical for the final scar formation. While the postinjured skin of fetus and nude mice heals scarlessly owing to the absence of inflammation or immunodeficient, we designed a feasible acid-responsive ibuprofen-loaded poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) fibrous scaffolds via doping sodium bicarbonate to prevent excessive inflammation and achieve scarless healing finally. The morphological results of in vivo experiments revealed that animals treated with acid-responsive ibuprofen-loaded PLLA fibrous scaffolds exhibited alleviative inflammation, accelerated healing process, and regulated collagen deposition via interference in the collagen distribution, the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression. The lower ratios of collagen I/collagen III and TGF-ß1/TGF-ß3 and higher ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in acid-responsive ibuprofen-loaded PLLA fibrous scaffolds group were confirmed by real-time qPCR as well. These results suggest that inhibiting the excessive inflammation will result in regular collagen distribution and appropriate ratio between the factors, which promote or suppress the scar formation, then decrease the scar area, and finally achieve the scarless healing.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of the biocompatibility of an Mg-6Z(n) alloy in the bile.

There is a great clinical need for biodegradable bile duct stents. Biodegradable stents made of an Mg-6Zn alloy were investigated in both vivo animal experiment and in vitro cell experiments. During the in vivo experiments, blood biochemical tests were performed to determine serum magnesium, serum creatinine (CREA), blood urea nitro-gen (BUN), serum lipase (LPS), total bilirubin (TB) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels. Moreover, tissue samples of common bile duct (CBD), liver and kidney were taken for histological evaluation. In the in vitro experiments, primary mouse extrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (MEBDECs) were isolated and cultured. Cytotoxicity testing was carried out using the MTT method. Flow cytometry analyses with propidium iodide staining were performed to evaluate the effect of Mg-6Zn alloy extracts on cell cycle. The in vivo experiments revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in serum magnesium, CREA, BUN, LPS, TB or GPT before and after the operation. Based on the HE results, hepatocytes, bile duct epithelial cells, renal glomerulus and renal tubule tissues did not present significant necrosis. In the in vitro experiments, the cell relative growth rate curve did not change significantly from 20 to 40 % extracts. In vitro experiments showed that 20-40 % Mg-6Zn extracts are bio-safe for MEBDECs. In vivo experiments showed that Mg-6Zn stents did not affect several important bio-chemical parameters or, harm the function or morphology of the CBD, kidney, pancreas and liver. Our data suggested that this Mg-6Zn alloy is a safe biocompatible material for CBD.

Systematic review with network meta-analysis: sustained hepatitis B surface antigen clearance after pegylated interferon cessation.

The efficacy of different pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) treatment strategies for achieving sustained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains controversial. This study assesses the efficacy of different PEG-IFN treatment regimens and factors influencing sustained HBsAg clearance after PEG-IFN discontinuation. PubMed , Embase , Web of Science , and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 2023, regarding PEG-IFN therapy in CHB. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We explored sources of heterogeneity through univariate meta-regression. Frequentist network meta-analyses were used to compare the efficacy of different PEG-IFN treatment strategies. We analyzed 53 studies (including 9338 CHB patients). After PEG-IFN withdrawal, the annual rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion were 6.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.10-9.31] and 4.7% (95% CI, 2.94-7.42). The pooled 1-, 3-, and 5-year sustained HBsAg clearance rates were 7.4%, 9.9%, and 13.0%, and the sustained HBsAg seroconversion rates were 6.6%, 4.7%, and 7.8%, respectively. HBsAg quantification, hepatitis B e antigen status, and PEG-IFN treatment protocols were major sources of heterogeneity. Baseline HBsAg quantification was significantly lower in patients with sustained HBsAg clearance versus those without ( P  < 0.046). PEG-IFN combined with tenofovir has the highest probability of achieving HBsAg seroconversion (surface under the cumulative ranking of 81.9%). Sustained HBsAg clearance increased approximately linearly from years 1 to 5 after PEG-IFN discontinuation. Low baseline HBsAg quantification has a significant impact on sustained HBsAg clearance. PEG-IFN combined with tenofovir may be optimal in achieving sustained HBsAg seroconversion.

Synergistically active Fe3O4 magnetic and EDTA modified cellulose cotton fabric using chemical method and their effective pollutants removal ability from wastewater.

A unique combination of cotton fabric (CF) with a mixture of EDTA and APTES Fe3O4 magnetic particles was developed and utilized for the first time as an adsorbent for removing pollutants from wastewater. Initially, Fe3O4 was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Further, the surface of Fe3O4 was modified by introducing amino functional groups through a reaction with APTES, resulting in Fe3O4-NH2. Following this, the surface of carbon fiber (CF) was altered using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to create CF@EDTA. Through the use of EDC-HCl and NHS, Fe3O4-NH2 was attached to the surface of CF@EDTA, resulting in the final product CF@EDTA/Fe3O4. Subsequently, the prepared CF@EDTA/Fe3O4 was utilized to adsorb metal pollutants from wastewater, with a thorough analysis conducted using various characterization techniques including FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, VSM, and XPS to study the materials. The study specifically aimed to assess the adsorption performance of our cotton-based material towards As(III) and Cr3+ metal ions. The pH study was also performed. Results indicated that the material exhibited an adsorption capacity of approximately 714 mg/g for As(III) ions and 708 mg/g for Cr3+ ions. The Langmuir and Freundlich models, as well as pseudo-first and second-order models were also analyzed. The Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models were found to best fit the data. In terms of regeneration and reusability, the materials showed straightforward regeneration and recyclability for up to 15 cycles. The remarkable adsorption capacity, combined with the unique blend of cotton and Fe3O4 magnet, along with its recyclability, positions our material CF@EDTA/Fe3O4 as a promising contender for wastewater treatment and other significant areas in water research.

Comparison of the effects of Mg-6Zn and titanium on intestinal tract in vivo.

To evaluate the ability of Mg-6Zn to replace titanium nails in the reconstruction of the intestinal tract in general surgery, we compared the Mg-6Zn and titanium implants with respect to their effects on rat's intestinal tract by biochemical, radiological, pathological and immunohistochemical methods. The results indicated that Mg-6Zn implants started to degrade at the third week and disintegrate at the fourth week. No bubbles appeared, which may be associated with intestinal absorption of the Mg-6Zn implants. Pathological analyses (containing liver, kidney and cecum tissues) and biochemical measurements, including serum magnesium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, glutamic-pyruvic-transaminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase proved that degradation of Mg-6Zn did not harm the important organs, which is an improvement over titanium implants. Immunohistochemical results showed that Mg-6Zn could enhance the expression of transforming growth factor-ß1. Mg-6Zn reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor at different stages. In general, our study demonstrates that the Mg-6Zn alloy had good biocompatibility in vivo and performed better than titanium at promoting healing and reducing inflammation. It may be a promising candidate for stapler pins in intestinal reconstruction.

In vivo testing of canine prosthetic femoral components with HA-Ti ladder-type coating on vacuum plasma-sprayed Ti substrate.

The purpose of the present study was to observe the structure and functional change of the bone-coating-prosthesis interface in vivo and to evaluate the histocompatibility of self-made prosthetic femoral components in the body and the degree of their bonding with the surrounding bone tissues as well as their stability. Six mature beagle dogs underwent bilateral hip replacement with prosthetic femur components. Three groups were established in terms of different coating of prothesis (four joints in each group): atmosphere (A) plasma-sprayed pure titanium (Ti) prosthetic joint with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating (HA+Ti+A group); vacuum (V) plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with HA coating (HA+Ti+V group); vacuum plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with Ti-HA stepped coating (Ti+HAG+Ti+V group). The hip joints were functionally evaluated, and subjected to X-ray examination, biomechanics inspection, and histological examination. As a result, X-ray imaging revealed all prosthetic joints were in a good location and no dislocation of joint was found. Shear strength of interface was significantly higher in Ti+HAG+Ti+V group than in HA+Ti+V group (P<0.05) and HA+Ti+A group (P<0.05) at 28th week. Histological examination showed the amount of newborn bone in Ti+HAG+Ti+V group was more than in HA+Ti+V group and HA+Ti+A group after 28 weeks. It was suggested that vacuum plasma-sprayed pure Ti prosthetic joint with TI-HA stepped coating could improve the bonding capacity of bone-prosthesis, enhance the stability of prosthesis, and increase the fixion of prosthetic femoral components because of better bone growth. This new type of biological material in prosthetic femoral components holds promises for application in clinical practice.

[A clinical study of drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: The Chinese Children's Leukemia Group (CCLG)-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 08 protocol for childhood ALL was established in 2008. This study aims to evaluate the drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol in the treatment of childhood ALL. METHODS: A total of 114 children with newly diagnosed ALL were treated with the CCLG-ALL 08 protocol. The protocol was divided into five phases: remission induction (VDLD), early reinforcement (CAM), consolidation therapy, delayed reinforcement (DIa & DIb) and maintenance treatment. Drug-related toxicities in each phase were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. RESULTS: Toxicities were more frequent in phase VDLD than other treatment phases, including hepatotoxicity (87.7%), dental ulcer (20.2%), hyperglycemia (20.2%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (21.1%) and decreased fibrinogen (34.2%), with the incidence rates of severe adverse events at 7%, 0, 1.3%, 0.8% and 2.7% respectively. The incidence of allergic reaction to L-ASP was significantly higher in phase DIa than in phase VDLD (28.0% vs 7.9%; P<0.01), and there were no longer any allergic reactions in 15 patients who received continuing treatment with pegaspargase instead. There was no severe arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, decreased left ventricular function, osteonecrosis, myopathy, organ failure or treatment-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol are common in phase VDLD, but they are mild and reversible. There is no treatment-related mortality. The CCLG-ALL 08 protocol for childhood ALL is safe.

Synthesis of cellulose cotton-based UiO-66 MOFs for the removal of rhodamine B and Pb(II) metal ions from contaminated wastewater.

The presence of pollutants in drinking water has become a significant concern recently. Various substances, including activated carbon, membranes, biochar, etc., are used to remove these pollutants. In the present study, a new composite comprising cotton fabric and a mixture of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) was synthesized and used as an adsorbent for eliminating pollutants from wastewater. At first, the UiO-66 MOFs were prepared by a simple method of reacting Zirconium (IV) chloride (ZrCl4) and p-Phthalic acid (PTA) after successful preparation of UiO-66 then modified its surface with amino functional groups by reacting with APTES to obtain UiO-66-NH2. Moreover, the cellulose cotton fabric (CF) surface was modified with Polydopamine (PDA) and obtained CF@PDA. Further, with the help of EDC-HCl and NHS, the UiO-66-NH2 grafted on the surface of the CF@PDA and finally obtained CF@PDA/UiO-66-NH2. In addition, the adsorption study was performed toward RhB dye and Pb(II) metal ion pollutants. The maximum adsorption toward RhB dye was 68.5 mg/g, while toward Pb(II) metal ions was 65 mg/g. In addition, the kinetic study was also conducted and the result favoured the Pseudo-second order kinetic study. The adsorption isotherm was also studied and the Langmuir model was more fitted as compared with the Freundlich model. Moreover, the material has excellent regeneration and recycling ability after ten cycles. The significant adsorption ability, the novel combination of cotton and MOFs, and the recycling feature make our material CF@PDA/UiO-66-NH2 a promising potential absorbent material for wastewater treatment and even in other important areas of water research.

Sesquiterpenes and Sesquiterpene Derivatives from Ferula: Their Chemical Structures, Biosynthetic Pathways, and Biological Properties.

Ferula is a genus of flowering plants known for its edible and medicinal properties. Since ancient times, many species of Ferula have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health issues across countries, such as digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and even as a remedy for headaches and toothaches. In addition, they are also used as a flavoring agent in various cuisines. As the main active ingredients in Ferula, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, especially sesquiterpene coumarins, sesquiterpene phenylpropanoids, and sesquiterpene chromones, have attracted the attention of scientists due to the diversity of their chemical structures, as well as their extensive and promising biological properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. However, there has not been a comprehensive review of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives from this plant. This review aims to provide an overview of the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, and biological properties of sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene derivatives from Ferula, which may help guide future research directions and possible application methods for this valuable edible and medicinal plant.

Decreasing pancreatic leak after distal pancreatectomy: bovine pericardium wrapping stump in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Despite marked improvements in pancreatic surgery, the high incidence and morbidity of pancreatic leak after resection has remained unchanged. The current study investigated the safety and efficacy of bovine pericardium wrapping stump after distal pancreatectomy in a porcine model. METHODS: Thirty-two swine were randomly assigned to control and experiment groups to undergo conventional scalpel transection with single hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant (control) or bovine pericardium wrapping stump combined with hand-sewn closure (experiment). Closed-suction drainage was collected and measured daily. Animals were necropsied at 3 weeks postoperatively, and the pancreatic remnants were examined for histology. Primary end points were the development of a pancreatic fistula defined as greater than threefold drain/serum amylase after the 3rd postoperative day, and the presence of undrained amylase-rich fluid collections/abscess. RESULTS: The incidence of pancreatic leak in the wrapping group was 6.3 versus 46.7% in the control group (p < 0.05). The amount of drainage fluid was higher in the control group than the experiment group during the postoperative days. There were no differences in operative time or other clinical parameters measured. No other significant differences were found in macroscopic changes between groups at reexploration. Histological examination demonstrated focal, chronic inflammation with necrosis in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine pericardium wrapping stump effectively reduced the incidence of pancreatic leakage after the distal pancreatectomy.

[Effects of injectable chitosan/ß-glycerol phosphate disodium/collagen scaffold on the growth and differentiation of myoblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare injectable chitosan/ß-glycerol phosphate disodium/collagen scaffold and observe its effects upon the growth and differentiation of myoblasts. METHODS: After the preparations, 2 wt% chitosan (C) solution, 50 wt% ß-glycerol phosphate disodium (GP) solution and 2 mg/ml collagen (Co) solution were mixed on ice according to a volume ratio of 5:1:6 to yield a thermosensitive injectable scaffold. To assess the cytotoxicity of scaffold, the extraction fluids of different concentrations were added into the myoblast culture. Then relative growth rate (RGR) was calculated. The growth and differentiation state of myoblasts in routine culture or gel-coated plates were compared. Myoblasts were encapsulated in C/GP/Co solution before gelation to perform a 3-dimensional culture and then observed dynamically. RESULTS: No cytotoxicity was demonstrated. No significant difference of proliferation index was demonstrated (P > 0.05) but fusion index and size of myotube increased significantly (P < 0.05). Thriving viability and proliferation were verified by the observations of laser confocal scanning microscope and scanning electron microscope. CONCLUSION: C/GP/Co scaffold is a promising carrier for the culture and transplantation of myoblasts.

[Prolonged duration of the routine pegylated-interferon alfa-2a therapy produces superior virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients: a single-center cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and/or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance are considered as good prognostic indicators of treatment outcome in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. While a sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved by a finite 48-week course of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFNalpha-2a), it has been suggested that longer-term treatment can improve the rate of SVR. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of prolonged and routine Peg-IFNa-2a therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB. METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients diagnosed with HBeAg-positive CHB at our hospital between September 2006 and October 2009 were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive Peg-IFNa-2a (180 mug once weekly) for either 48 weeks (routine therapy group, n = 53) or 72 weeks (prolonged therapy group, n = 33). Serum samples were collected from each patient every three months until the end of the 24-week follow-up, and standard viral and biochemical tests were carried out. Relapse was defined as HBV DNA concentrations more than 105 copies/mL or an HBeAg-positive test at the end of the 24-week follow-up. Chi-squared test and the t-test were used to determine the significance of intergroup differences. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the correlation of outcome parameters to treatment duration, expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The two treatment groups were similar at baseline (pre-treatment) in demographic data, sex ratio, age, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, HBV DNA load, and semi-quantitative level of HBeAg (s/co) (all, P more than 0.05). At the end of the 24-week follow-up, there were significant differences between the 48-week treatment group and the 72-week treatment group in patients with HBV DNA negativity (62.3% vs. 97.0%, x2 = 13.273, P = 0.000), HBeAg seroconversion (39.6% vs. 57.6%, x2 = 6.765, P = 0.009), HBsAg clearance (15.1% vs. 36.4%, x2 = 5.155, P = 0.023), and relapse (58.5% vs. 33.3%, x2 = 6.713, P = 0.010). Logistic regression analysis indicated that therapy duration was correlated to HBeAg clearance (OR = 3.702, 95% CI: 1.225 to 11.188) and male sex (OR = 3.005, 95% CI: 1.038 to 8.696) but not to HBeAg level at baseline (OR = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998 to 1.000) or age (OR = 0.902, 95% CI: 0.839 to 0.970). CONCLUSION: In this single-center cohort study, superior therapeutic benefit was achieved by extending the Peg-IFNa-2a therapy out to 72 weeks for patients with HBeAg-positive CHB. The prolonged duration therapy produced a higher HBsAg loss ratio, HBeAg seroconversion ratio, HBV DNA negativity ratio, and a lower relapse ratio. Furthermore, HBeAg clearance was positively correlated with duration and male sex.

[Factors influencing the curative effect in patients with HBeAgpositive chronic hepatitis B treated with peg-interferon α-2a].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that influence the curative effect in patients with HBeAgpositive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with peg-interferon α-2a, and to explore whether such factors might predict the therapeutic effect. METHODS: HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with peg-interferon α-2a (180 µg once a week) were divided into a standard therapy group (48 weeks) and an extended therapy group (>48 weeks). The rates of HBsAg loss, HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion, HBV DNA clearance, and ALT normalization were all evaluated in the two groups at the end of treatment and after 24 weeks follow up. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were enrolled in the study. The standard therapy group included 37 patients, and the extended therapy group included 44 cases, with durations ranging from 52 to 92 (median 72) weeks. The baseline clinical data were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). At the end of treatment and at 24 weeks of follow-up, the HBeAg seroconversion rate of the extended therapy group was significantly higher than that of the standard therapy group (54.5% vs 29.7%, P=0.025, at 24 weeks; 76.9% vs 52.9%, P=0.008, after follow-up). In the standard therapy group, age and half-quantification of HBeAg at 24 weeks of treatment were the predictive factors for HBeAg seroconversion at 24 weeks of follow-up. Using a logistic regression model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.872, taking the optimum cut-off point of -1.299, with 100.0% sensitivity at 66.7% specificity. COX multi-factor analysis (of the two groups) showed that age and therapy duration were predictive factors for HBeAg seroconversion at 24 weeks of follow-up. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with peg-interferon α-2a may have a better curative effect at a young age or with extended therapy. Age and half-quantification of HBeAg at 24 weeks of treatment may predict HBeAg seroconversion at 24 weeks of follow-up after completion of the standard therapy.

Biodistribution and biocompatibility of glycyrrhetinic acid and galactose-modified chitosan nanoparticles as a novel targeting vehicle for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: The dual-ligand glycyrrhetinic acid and galactose-modified chitosan nanoparticles were designed to further improve the targeting capability to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: The dual-ligand glycyrrhetinic acid and galactose-modified chitosan nanoparticles were fabricated by using ionic gelation method and their characteristics have been measured. Furthermore, the biodistribution and biocompatibility of this targeting vehicle were investigated in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results: The targeting vehicle was specifically internalized into hepatoma cells in vitro and accumulated into tumor tissue in vivo with high efficacy. Moreover, the vehicle did not induce inflammation reaction and affect morphologies and organ functions. Conclusion: The targeting accumulation in HCC tissue and great biocompatibility of the dual-ligand modified chitosan nanoparticles highlight the potential of delivering anticancer agents into HCC cells.

Coordination polymers of Tb3+/Nucleotide as smart chemical nose/tongue toward pattern-recognition-based and time-resolved fluorescence sensing.

The abundant functional groups on guanosine monophosphate (GMP) make it possible to interact with various metal ions. The subtle difference in the structure of GMP and deoxy-guanosine monophosphate (dGMP) coupled with Tb3+ can be readily exploited to form two coordination polymers, which have been unveiled as two time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) sensing reporters (Tb-GMP and Tb-dGMP) in our study. Based on this finding, herein, we have proposed a novel TRF orthogonal sensing array (Tb-GMP/dGMP) for pattern-recognition-based sensing of various metal ions. In addition, upon integration of some thiol-affinity metal ions, Tb-GMP/dGMP can be further extended to construct two metal ion-involved pattern-recognition-based sensor arrays (Tb-GMP/dGMP-Cu, Tb-GMP/dGMP-Ag) for the TRF sensing different levels of disease-relevant biothiols in biofluids, illustrating the powerful and multifunctional capabilities of the Tb-GMP/dGMP system and would inspire simpler and more widespread designs of chemical nose/tongue-based applications.

Pretreatment of wheat straw leads to structural changes and improved enzymatic hydrolysis.

Wheat straw (WS) is a potential biomass for production of monomeric sugars. However, the enzymatic hydrolysis ratio of cellulose in WS is relatively low due to the presence of lignin and hemicellulose. To enhance the enzymatic conversion of WS, we tested the impact of three different pretreatments, e.g. sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and hot water pretreatments to the enzymatic digestions. Among the three pretreatments, the highest cellulose conversion rate was obtained with the 4% NaOH pretreatment at 121 °C (87.2%). In addition, NaOH pretreatment was mainly effective in removing lignin, whereas the H2SO4 pretreatment efficiently removed hemicellulose. To investigate results of pretreated process for enhancement of enzyme-hydolysis to the WS, we used scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze structural changes of raw and treated materials. The structural analysis indicated that after H2SO4 and NaOH pretreatments, most of the amorphous cellulose and partial crystalline cellulose were hydrolyzed during enzymatic hydrolysis. The findings of the present study indicate that WS could be ideal materials for production of monomeric sugars with proper pretreatments and effective enzymatic base hydrolysis.

[Synthetic RGD-containing peptide K16GRGDSPC affected the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow stromal cells on PLGA-[ASP-PEG] scaffold materials].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of synthetic RGD-containing peptide K16GRGDSPC covalent bonding with PLGA-[ASP-PEG] scaffold materials on the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). METHODS: The peptide was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis method and characterized by mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography. PLGA-[ASP-PEG] scaffold materials were modified with the peptide by cross linker Sulfo-LC-SPDP and detected by XPS. The BMSCs obtained from rabbit were cultured on PLGA-[ASP-PEG] modified with the peptide and those cultured on unmodified PLGA-[ASP-PEG] were also observed as control group. The adhesion and proliferation behaviors of the cells were analyzed by conventional precipitation method, micropipette aspiration technique, MTT assay and Coomassie Brilliant Blue dyes. The osteogenic differentiation of the cells was showed by the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assayed by ALP Assay Kit and the mRNA levels of ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and collagen I assessed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Immunofluorescence stain was also used to detect the expression of core binding factor a1 (Cfba1) which was an osteogenic maker as well. RESULTS: The peptide was successfully manufactured and linked to the surface of the PLGA-[ASP-PEG] by the cross-linker. The abilities of adhesion and proliferation and the expressions of osteogenic makers of the cells were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: RGD-containing peptide K16GRGDSPC could promote the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on the biomimetic bone-matrix materials.