Design of Soft/Hard Interface with High Adhesion Energy and Low Interfacial Thermal Resistance via Regulation of Interfacial Hydrogen Bonding Interaction.

Adhesion ability and interfacial thermal transfer capacity at soft/hard interfaces are of critical importance to a wide variety of applications, ranging from electronic packaging and soft electronics to batteries. However, these two properties are difficult to obtain simultaneously due to their conflicting nature at soft/hard interfaces. Herein, we report a polyurethane/silicon interface with both high adhesion energy (13535 J m-2) and low thermal interfacial resistance (0.89 × 10-6 m2 K W-1) by regulating hydrogen interactions at the interface. This is achieved by introducing a soybean-oil-based epoxy cross-linker, which can destroy the hydrogen bonds in polyurethane networks and meanwhile can promote the formation of hydrogen bonds at the polyurethane/silicon interface. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of enhancing adhesion energy and reducing interfacial thermal resistance at soft/hard interfaces, which offers a promising perspective to tailor interfacial properties in various material systems.

Elastomer Composites with High Damping and Low Thermal Resistance via Hierarchical Interactions and Regulating Filler.

Modern microelectronics and emerging technologies such as wearable electronics and soft robotics require elastomers to integrate high damping with low thermal resistance to avoid damage caused by vibrations and heat accumulation. However, the strong coupling between storage modulus and loss factor makes it generally challenging to simultaneously increase both thermal conductance and damping. Here, a strategy of introducing hierarchical interaction and regulating fillers in polybutadiene/spherical aluminum elastomer composites is reported to simultaneously achieve extraordinary damping ability of tan δ > 1.0 and low thermal resistance of 0.15 cm2 K W-1, which surpasses state-of-the-art elastomers and their composites. The enhanced damping is attributed to increased energy dissipation via introducing the hierarchical hydrogen bond interactions in polybutadiene networks and the addition of spherical aluminum, which also functions as a thermally conductive filler to achieve low thermal resistance. As a proof of concept, the polybutadiene/spherical aluminum elastomer composites are used as thermal interface materials, showing effective heat dissipation for electronic devices in vibration scenarios. The combination of outstanding damping performance and extraordinary heat dissipation ability of the elastomer composites may create new opportunities for their applications in electronics.

Thermally Conductive Elastomer Composites with High Toughness, Softness, and Resilience Enabled by Regulating Interfacial Structure and Dynamics.

The emerging applications of thermally conductive elastomer composites in modern electronic devices for heat dissipation require them to maintain both high toughness and resilience under thermomechanical stresses. However, such a combination of thermal conductivity and desired mechanical characteristics is extremely challenging to achieve in elastomer composites. Here this long-standing mismatch is resolved via regulating interfacial structure and dynamics response. This regulation is realized both by tuning the molecular weight of the dangling chains in the polymer networks and by silane grafting of the fillers, thereby creating a broad dynamic-gradient interfacial region comprising of entanglements. These entanglements can provide the slipping topological constraint that allows for tension equalization between and along the chains, while also tightening into rigid knots to prevent chain disentanglement upon stretching. Combined with ultrahigh loading of aluminum-fillers (90 wt%), this design provides a low Young's modulus (350.0 kPa), high fracture toughness (831.5 J m-2), excellent resilience (79%) and enhanced thermal conductivity (3.20 W m-1 k-1). This work presents a generalizable preparation strategy toward engineering soft, tough, and resilient high-filled elastomer composites, suitable for complex environments, such as automotive electronics, and wearable devices.

Long noncoding RNA FGD5-AS1 alleviates childhood IgA nephropathy by targeting PTEN-mediated JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway via miR-196b-5p.

This paper studied lncRNA FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1)-associated mechanisms in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). FGD5-AS1, miR-196b-5p, and PTEN in the serum of children with IgAN were assessed. MES-13 cells were stimulated by p-IgA1 to construct an in vitro model of IgAN. After plasmid intervention, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and inflammatory response were correspondingly evaluated. An IgAN mouse model was established to define FGD5-AS1/miR-196b-5p/PTEN axis-mediated alternations of 24-h proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, glomerular IgA deposition, renal fibrosis, and glycogen content in renal tissue. The changes in JNK/c-Jun pathway activation in the cell model were also tested. Our results discovered that FGD5-AS1 and PTEN were down-regulated and miR-196b-5p was up-regulated in children with IgAN. Overexpression of FGD5-AS1 or silencing of miR-196b-5p impeded the proliferation and inflammatory response and induced apoptosis of p-IgA1-stimulated MES-13 cells, and improved pathological conditions in IgAN mice. Inhibition of PTEN rescued the therapeutic effects of overexpression of FGD5-AS1 or inhibition of miR-196b-5p on IgAN. FGD5-AS1/miR-196b-5p/PTEN axis inhibited the activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway. Taken together, FGD5-AS1 attenuates IgAN by targeting PTEN-mediated JNK/c-Jun signaling via miR-196b-5p. Therefore, FGD5-AS1 may be a new therapeutic target for IgAN.

Early Warning for Continuous Rigid Frame Bridges Based on Nonlinear Modeling for Temperature-Induced Deflection.

Bridge early warning based on structural health monitoring (SHM) system is of significant importance for ensuring bridge safe operation. The temperature-induced deflection (TID) is a sensitive indicator for performance degradation of continuous rigid frame bridges, but the time-lag effect makes it challenging to predict the TID accurately. A bridge early warning method based on nonlinear modeling for the TID is proposed in this article. Firstly, the SHM data of temperature and deflection of a continuous rigid frame bridge are analyzed to examine the temperature gradient variation patterns. Kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is used to extract principal temperature components. Then, the TID is extracted through wavelet transform, and a nonlinear modeling method for the TID considering the temperature gradient is proposed using the support vector machine (SVM). Finally, the prediction errors of the KPCA-SVM algorithm are analyzed, and the early warning thresholds are determined based on the statistical patterns of the errors. The results show that the KPCA-SVM algorithm achieves high-precision nonlinear modeling for the TID while significantly reducing the computational load. The prediction results have coefficients of determination above 0.98 and fluctuate within a small range with clear statistical patterns. Setting the early warning thresholds based on the statistical patterns of errors enables dynamic and multi-level warnings for bridge structures.

The Synergy of Hydrogen Bond and Entanglement of Elastomer Captures Unprecedented Flaw Insensitivity Rate.

Elastomers are regarded as one of the best candidates for the matrix material of soft electronics, yet they are susceptible to fracture due to the inevitable flaws generated during applications. Introducing microstructures, sacrificial bonds, and sliding cross-linking has been recognized as an effective way to improve the flaw insensitivity rate (Rinsen ). However, these elastomers still prone to failure under tensile loads with the presence of even small flaws. Here, this work reports a polybutadiene elastomer with unprecedented Rinsen via the synergy of hydrogen bond and entanglement. The resulting polybutadiene elastomer exhibits a Rinsen  ≈1.075, which is much higher than those of reported elastomers. By molecular chain interaction and molecular chain conformation analysis, this work demonstrates that the synergistic effect of hydrogen bond dissociation and entanglement slip in the polybutadiene elastomers during stretching leads to the high Rinsen . Using polybutadiene elastomer as matrix of thermal interface materials, this work demonstrates effective heat transfer for strain sensor and electronic devices. In addition, cytocompatibility of the elastomers is verified by cell proliferation and live/dead viability assays. The combination of outstanding biocompatible and excellent mechanical properties of the elastomers creates new opportunities for their applications in electronic skin.

How chemical cross-linking and entanglements in polybutadiene elastomers cope with tearing.

New applications of elastomers, such as flexible electronics and soft robotics, have brought great attention to tear resistance since elastomers are prone to shear failure. Most elastomers contain chemical cross-links and entanglements. The effects of both on their mechanical properties have been intensively studied, while how they cope with tearing remains elusive. Here, in polybutadiene elastomers, we find that the energy release rate of tearing (Gtearing), often employed as a measure of tear resistance, is influenced synergistically by chemical cross-linking and entanglements, while its threshold (G0) is only related to the chemical cross-linking. At a low tear speed, the polybutadiene elastomers with low cross-linking density have Gtearing up to 4 times higher than their G0 compared to highly cross-linked ones. Different from conventional reinforcement due to volume dissipation of a polymer network, enhancement of Gtearing significantly depends on the degree of cross-linking. The enhancement of Gtearing at low cross-linking degrees may be related to a novel mechanism, the friction-strengthening phenomenon, which was possibly caused by the pull-out of the chains at a high degree of orientation.

Analysis of Train-Track-Bridge Coupling Vibration Characteristics for Heavy-Haul Railway Based on Virtual Work Principle.

This paper introduces an innovative model for heavy-haul train-track-bridge interaction, utilizing a coupling matrix representation based on the virtual work principle. This model establishes the relationship between the wheel-rail contact surface and the bridge-rail interface concerning internal forces and geometric constraints. In this coupled system's motion equation, the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the wheelsets in a heavy-haul train lacking primary suspension are interdependent. Additionally, the vertical and nodding DOFs of the bogie frame are linked with the rail element. A practical application, a Yellow River Bridge with a heavy-haul railway line, is used to examine the accuracy of the proposed model with regard to discrepancy between the simulated and measured displacement ranging from 1% to 11%. A comprehensive parametric analysis is conducted, exploring the impacts of track irregularities of varying wavelengths, axle load lifting, and the degradation of bridge stiffness and damping on the dynamic responses of the coupled system. The results reveal that the bridge's dynamic responses are particularly sensitive to track irregularities within the wavelength range of 1 to 20 m, especially those within 1 to 10 m. The vertical displacement of the bridge demonstrates a nearly linear increase with heavier axle loads of the heavy-haul trains and the reduction in bridge stiffness. However, there is no significant rise in vertical acceleration under these conditions.

Preparation and partial pharmacodynamic studies of luliconazole ethosomes.

As a drug carrier, ethosome is found to be efficient in delivering drug to the deep skin layers through stratum corneum, and the purpose of this paper is to develop luridazole ethosomes acting as an optimal choice for transdermal antifungal drugs. The luliconazole ethosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration, and evaluated for morphology, size, entrapment efficiency (EE), stability and deformability. In vitro, the transdermal experiment was performed on excised rat skin by Franz diffusion cell, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was applied to determine antifungal activity. In vivo, the irritation of luliconazole ethosomes was also observed in rats. The luliconazole ethosomes were prepared with 5% (w/v) lecithin, 45% (v/v) ethanol and 8-min ultrasound, and characterised with small and uniform particle size, high EE of about 70%. These ethosomes possessed good deformability, were stable and affected by light and high temperature. The cumulative amount permeated of different dosage forms at 48 h from high to low was: ethosome > ointment > liposome > hydroalcoholic solution (p < 0.05), and the sum of the luliconazole retention of skin from high to low at 48 h was: ethosome/ointment > liposome > hydroalcoholic solution (p < 0.05). In the antifungal experiment, the MICs from high to low were: hydroalcoholic solution > liposome > ethosome (p < 0.05), and Trichoderma was more sensitive to luliconazole than Candida. There was no skin irritation observed after treatment of luliconazole ethosomes. The luliconazole ethosomes are firstly prepared in our study, which have little stimulation, better permeation effect and antifungal activity, offering a new perspective for choosing clinical antifungal drugs in the Department of Dermatology.

Lung ultrasound methods for assessing fluid volume change and monitoring dry weight in pediatric hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The value of lung ultrasound in adult hemodialysis has been confirmed. The determination of dry weight in children remains challenging. This study explores the usefulness of lung ultrasound in assessing fluid volume change and the possibility of pulmonary ultrasound as a method to monitor dry weight in pediatric dialysis patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. We compared the predialysis and postdialysis B-line scores of the dry-weight group and non-dry-weight group. Changes in body weight and B-line scores were recorded during the dialytic period and interdialytic period, and the correlation was analyzed. Lung ultrasound was performed after the dialysis session every Friday, and B-line score < 10 was considered to indicate that there was no volume overload; the weight was recorded as the target weight. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included. A total of 78 ultrasound assessments were performed: 30 in the dry-weight group and 48 in the non-dry-weight group. The B-line scores decreased after dialysis in all patients (p < 0.001). Thirty-three assessments were performed in the interdialytic period, and 40 assessments in the dialytic period were performed within 1 week. Linear regression showed that changes in B-line number were directly and positively correlated with interdialytic weight gain (r = 0.517, p = 0.002) and dialytic weight loss (r = 0.558, p < 0.001). The weight of the children increased gradually without volume overload in two patients during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasound can assess the fluid volume change of pediatric dialysis patients in real time. Lung ultrasound could be a valuable method for monitoring dry weight in pediatric dialysis patients.

A Human Case of Lumbosacral Canal Sparganosis in China.

In this study, we intended to describe a human case of lumbosacral canal sparganosis in People's Republic of China (China). A 56-year-old man was admitted to Xiangya Hospital Central South University in Changsha, Hunan province, China after having an experience of perianal pain for a week. An enhancing mass, a tumor clinically suggested, was showed at the S1-S2 level of the lumbosacral spine by the examination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast. The patient was received the laminectomy from S1 to S2, and an ivory-white living worm was detected in inferior margin of L5. In ELISA-test with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples, anti-sparganum antibodies were detected. He had a ingesting history of undercooked frog meat in his youth. By the present study, a human case of spinal sparganosis invaded in lumbosacral canal at the S1-S2 level was diagnosed in China. Although the surgical removal of larvae is known to be the best way of treatment for sparganosis, we administered the high-dosage of praziquantel, albendazole and dexamethasone to prevent the occurrence of another remain worms in this study.

Charge compensation weakening ionized impurity scattering and assessing the minority carrier contribution to the Seebeck coefficient in Pb-doped Mg3Sb2 compounds.

This work reports the electrical and thermal transport processes in p-type Pb-doped Mg3(1+x)Sb2-yPby (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.08; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.02) compounds. Low-energy electron acceptor defects Mg vacancies are easy to form, which can provide holes and make p-type transport in the Mg3Sb2 matrix. However, with an increase in excess Mg, the transport behavior changes from p type to n type as manifested synergistically by both the Hall coefficient and Seebeck coefficient. This indicates the effective role of Mg in tuning carrier type and concentration for a pristine Mg3Sb2 compound. Upon substitution of Sb by Pb, the hole concentration slightly increases, and mobility is greatly improved by 133% at room temperature. The significant increase in mobility is attributed to the weakening ionized impurity scattering, stemming from the decreasing concentration induced by Pb doping. Thus, the power factor is enhanced with a 146% improvement at room temperature. Consequently, the figure of merit ZT of the Pb-doped sample is 1.8 times larger than the pristine one at around 300 K. Moreover, the non-degenerate transport behavior revealed by electrical properties is simply analyzed regarding the effects of minority carriers on the overall Seebeck coefficient. This study proposes a new strategy of charge compensation for improving mobility and a simple way to guide the prediction about the onset of bipolar conduction for Mg3Sb2-based compounds and other potential thermoelectric materials.

Regulation of ROS-NF-κB axis by tuna backbone derived peptide ameliorates inflammation in necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common life-threatening gastrointestinal disease encountered in the premature infant. It has been shown that the intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation activated by lipopolysaccharide involved in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and pathogenesis of NEC. Here, we report that an antioxidant peptide from tuna backbone protein (APTBP) reduces the inflammatory cytokines transcription and release. APTBP directly scavenges the free radical through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO) assay. In addition, APTBP reduces the intracellular ROS level, exhibiting an antioxidant activity within cells. Remarkably, gavage with APTBP attenuates the phenotype of NEC in the mice model. Mechanically, the NF-κB activation, together with the expression of inflammatory cytokines are decreased significantly when intracellular ROS are eliminated by APTBP. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that an antioxidant peptide, APTBP, ameliorates inflammation in NEC through attenuating ROS-NF-κB axis.

A clinicopathological comparison between IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis in children: use of the Oxford classification.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy over whether IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) are the same diseases. This study focuses on the clinicopathological comparison between HSPN and IgAN in children. METHODS: Children with IgAN and HSPN who had a diagnostic renal biopsy were enrolled. This study collected the clinical data of patients at biopsy, re-evaluated the pathological lesions of patients according to the Oxford Classification (MEST-C), and made a retrospective comparison between IgAN and HSPN on different stratifications of the course (Tc) and proteinuria. RESULTS: A total of 142 children with IgAN and 57 children with HSPN were enrolled. Various stratification showed the same result, which suggested that IgAN showed more mesangial proliferation (M). HSPN showed more segmental glomerulosclerosis in the Tc > 12 m group than IgAN (S 60.0% vs. 9.10%, P = 0.008). In the non-nephrotic-range and nephrotic-range proteinuria group, there were no significant differences in MEST-C scores between IgAN and HSPN. CONCLUSION: M is more common in IgAN. HSPN had more S than IgAN over the course of more than 12 months. These results indicate the differences in the pathogenesis in IgAN and HSPN. We propose early biopsy and active treatment of HSPN within 12 months to delay the development of chronic lesions.

Fluorometric nanoprobes for simultaneous aptamer-based detection of carcinoembryonic antigen and prostate specific antigen.

A "turn-on" fluorometric assay based on the combined effects of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and internal filter effect (IFE) is described for the rapid and ultrasensitive detection of both carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Their unique porous structures and high specific surface enable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to load a large number of CdTe quantum dots (QDs). These amplify the fluorescence signal and provide a platform to fabricate more distinctly fluorescent MSNs (QD-MSNs). Two kinds of QD-MSNs with the maximum emission wavelengths at 590 nm (orange) and 731 nm (dark red) were fabricated and served as two types of fluorescent probes for the dual detection. Two aptamers were covalently connected to fluorescent MSNs as the recognition unit to warrant the selectivity of assay. The fluorescence of QD-MSNs can be quenched by molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2) due to FRET mechanism, IFE also contributed to the the reduction of fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence of QD-MSNs was further recovered in the presence of CEA and PSA attributing to the excellent specificity of aptamers. A "turn-on" fluorescent two-channel nanoprobe is introduced for simultaneous quantification of CEA and PSA. The respective limits of detection (at S/N = 3) are 0.7 fg•mL-1 for CEA and 0.9 fg•mL-1 for PSA. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the turn-on fluorescent nanoprobes for simultaneous detection of CEA and PSA.

Urinary CD80 excretion is a predictor of good outcome in children with primary nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The level of urinary cluster of differentiation 80 (uCD80) is elevated in most children with minimal change disease (MCD) as opposed to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) during the acute phase. The objective of this follow-up study was to evaluate whether uCD80 elevation is actually associated with MCD and whether it signals better prognosis. METHODS: We evaluated uCD80 levels and a series of putative progression factors in a cohort of 64 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) seen between 2011 and 2016. We monitored progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), assessed as a glomerular filtration rate of < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months. Patients were classified according to uCD80 level and to the progression rate as calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox's regression analysis. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 0.6 (range 3.5-6.0) years, 13 children (20%) evolved to at least CKD stage 2. The 64 patients with NS and normal baseline renal function were divided into two groups based on uCD80 excretion, i.e. below or above a defined cutoff (< or > 328.98 ng/g creatinine). The predicted response to immunosuppression therapy was 34.5 and 100% in the low- and high-uCD80 excretion, respectively (p < 0.001). Progression to CKD was 41.4 vs. 2.9% in NS patients (p < 0.001). Using the Cox model, only uCD80 excretion (p = 0.013, relative risk 6.171) predicted progression to CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary CD80 predicts progression and remission in children with NS. The use of uCD80 as a prognostic marker facilitates the identification of high-risk patients at an early stage and may lead to better treatment selection.

Serum IL-6, IL-23 profile and Treg/Th17 peripheral cell populations in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

IL-6 and IL-23 are both pleiotropic cytokines involved in the regulation of the immune response, inflammation, and hematopoeisis. They also could mediate effector cells and tolerance mediated by cells with regulatory function. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a reduced ratio of Treg cells ato Th17 effector cells in peripheral blood and is characterised by a pro-inflammatory cytokine microenvironment which supports the continued generation of Th17 cells. It is well described in adults but little is known in a pediatric population. This study was aimed to investigate the role of IL-6, IL-23 and its association with Treg and Th17 subsets in pediatric IBD patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients and controls were stimulated with PMA, ionomycin, and brefeldin A. The frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ cells, and CD4+IL17a+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The serum level of IL-6 and IL-23 was determined by Elisa kit. The mRNA expression of Foxp3, IL-17a, IL-6 and IL-23 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The ratio of Treg/Th17 decreased in pediatric IBD patients, and it strongly correlated with IL-6 and IL-23. The present study provides a quantitative analysis regarding the Th17/Treg cell balance in peripheral blood of children with IBD and its association with serum IL-6 and IL-23 level.

Treating idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with sequential therapy: A clinical study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of treating idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with sequential therapy (ST). METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2013, 49 children with idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were divided into two groups to accept either atropine ST (ST group, n = 26) or laparoscopic surgery (operation group, n = 23). The remission rate of vomiting, complications, hospital stay and medical expenditure were compared between the two groups. The body weight and the thickness of the pyloric muscle at 6 months after the treatments were also compared. RESULTS: The remission rate of vomiting was lower in the ST group (88.5%; 23/26) than in the operation group (100%, 23/23). The difference in the incidence rate of complications, body weight and pyloric muscle thickness was not statistically significant between the two groups. However, the hospital stay was significantly longer, while the medical expenditure was significantly lower in the ST group than in the operation group. CONCLUSIONS: Atropine ST is safe, effective and cost-effective as compared with operation; however, the efficacy of ST is lower than operation.

Urinary CD80 levels as a diagnostic biomarker of minimal change disease.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of minimal change disease (MCD) in nephrotic syndrome (NS) patients remains challenging. Doctors often make a diagnosis of MCD using invasive renal biopsy. CD80, a transmembrane protein, is present on podocytes in a number of experimental models of NS. Urinary CD80 levels are significantly elevated in MCD but not in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or other glomerulopathies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using urinary CD80 levels as a biomarker for the diagnosis of MCD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 165 subjects, 129 men and 36 women, were enrolled in this study. Urinary samples were collected from 37 patients with MCD, 27 patients with FSGS, 30 patients with other glomerulopathies, and 71 healthy people. Using ELISA, experimental values were compared with those produced by kidney biopsy samples. RESULTS: The concentration of urinary CD80 was significantly higher in the active MCD group (689.66 ± 378.21 ng/g creatinine) than in the FSGS group (123.49 ± 167. 88 ng/g creatinine, P < 0.00), other glomerulopathies group (152.37 ± 220. 14 ng/g creatinine, P < 0.001) and the control group (81.83 ± 23.01 ng/g creatinine; P < 0.001). A cutoff value of 328.98 (ng/g creatinine) was proposed, with a sensitivity of 81.1 % and specificity of 94.4 %. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the urinary CD80 to diagnose MCD was 0.925 (95 % confidence interval: 0.873-0.978). CONCLUSIONS: This experiment has preliminarily confirmed urinary CD80 as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker. It may have significant value in the diagnosis of MCD.

Aberrant frequency of IL-10-producing B cells and its association with the balance of Treg/Th17 in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Regulatory B cells (Breg) are a distinct B cell subset, which contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a pivotal function to Breg. It is well described in adults but little is known in a pediatric population. This study was to investigate the role of IL-10-producing B cell (B10) and its association with Treg and Th17 subsets in the children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from IBD children patients and controls were stimulated with PMA, ionomycin, and brefeldin A. The frequencies of CD19+IL-10+ B cells, CD3+CD4+IL-17+Th17 cells, and CD4+ CD25(hi)Foxp3+ Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of Foxp3, IL-17a and RORγt was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The number of B10 cells was elevated in IBD children patients. There was a positive correlation between B10 cells and Tregs in IBD. The ratio of Treg/Th17 decreased in IBD, and it strongly correlated with B10 cells. The frequency of B10 cells is elevated in IBD and it correlates with both the Tregs counts and the Treg/Th17 ratio. B10 cells to regulate functional T cell subsets might be impaired in paediatric patients with IBD.