Protective effects of Prussian blue nanozyme against sepsis-induced acute lung injury by activating HO-1.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition involving dysfunctional organ responses stemming from dysregulated host immune reactions to various infections. The lungs are most prone to failure during sepsis, resulting in acute lung injury (ALI). ALI is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, and current therapeutic strategies are limited. To develop a more specific treatment, this study aimed to synthesise Prussian blue nanozyme (PBzyme), which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, to alleviate ALI. PBzyme with good biosafety was synthesised using a modified hydrothermal method. PBzyme was revealed to be an activator of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), improving survival rate and ameliorating lung injury in mice. Zinc protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO-1, inhibited the prophylactic therapeutic efficacy of PBzyme on ALI, and affected the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and activity of HO-1. This study demonstrates that PBzyme can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation through HO-1 and has a prophylactic therapeutic effect on ALI. This provides a new strategy and direction for the clinical treatment of sepsis-induced ALI.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for a prolonged length of stay of patients with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 during the wave of Omicron from Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and the length of hospital stay (LOS), as well as risk factors for prolonged LOS in a cohort of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant. METHODS: A total of 1166 COVID-19 patients discharged from the inpatient ward of the largest makeshift hospital (May 8-10, 2022) in Shanghai, China, were included. The demographics, medical history, and the lowest and admission cycle threshold (Ct) values of the RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 genes of the open reading frame 1ab (Ct-ORF) and the nucleocapsid protein (Ct-N) during hospitalization were recorded. Patients with LOS > 7 days, or LOS ≤ 7 days were included in the Prolonged group or the Control group, separately. The clinical characteristics and LOS of the participants in the two groups were described and compared. Multivariate Logistic and linear regression analyses were applied to explore the risk factors for prolonged LOS. The diagnostic efficacy of the lowest and admission Ct values for the Prolonged group was tested via the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The median LOS was 6 days in the total study population. The age was older (45.52 ± 14.78 vs. 42.54 ± 15.30, P = 0.001), while both the lowest and admission Ct-ORF (27.68 ± 3.88 vs. 37.00 ± 4.62, P < 0.001; 30.48 ± 5.03 vs. 37.79 ± 3.81, P < 0.001) and Ct-N (25.79 ± 3.60 vs. 36.06 ± 5.39, P < 0.001; 28.71 ± 4.95 vs. 36.95 ± 4.59, P < 0.001) values were significantly lower in the Prolonged group. There were more mild cases in the Prolonged group (23.8% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). The symptom spectrum differed between the two groups. In multivariate analyses, age, disease category, and the lowest Ct-N values were shown to be associated with prolonged LOS. Besides, both the lowest and admission Ct-ORF (AUC = 0.911 and 0.873) and Ct-N (AUC = 0.912 and 0.874) showed robust diagnostic efficacy for prolonged LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study firstly reports the clinical characteristics and risk factors for prolonged LOS during the wave of the Omicron epidemic in Shanghai, China. These findings provide evidence for the early identification of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients at a high risk of prolonged hospitalization who may require early intervention, and long-term monitoring and management.

Measurement-Device-Independent Verification of a Quantum Memory.

In this Letter we report an experiment that verifies an atomic-ensemble quantum memory via a measurement-device-independent scheme. A single photon generated via Rydberg blockade in one atomic ensemble is stored in another atomic ensemble via electromagnetically induced transparency. After storage for a long duration, this photon is retrieved and interfered with a second photon to perform a joint Bell-state measurement (BSM). The quantum state for each photon is chosen based on a quantum random number generator, respectively, in each run. By evaluating correlations between the random states and BSM results, we certify that our memory is genuinely entanglement preserving.

High detection efficiency silicon single-photon detector with a monolithic integrated circuit of active quenching and active reset.

Silicon single-photon detectors (SPDs) are key devices for detecting single photons in the visible wavelength range. Photon detection efficiency (PDE) is one of the most important parameters of silicon SPDs, and increasing PDE is highly required for many applications. Here, we present a practical approach to increase the PDE of silicon SPDs with a monolithic integrated circuit of active quenching and active reset (AQAR). The AQAR integrated circuit is specifically designed for thick silicon single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) with high breakdown voltage (250 V-450 V) and then fabricated via the process of high-voltage 0.35-µm bipolar-CMOS-DMOS. The AQAR integrated circuit implements the maximum transition voltage of ∼68 V with 30 ns quenching time and 10 ns reset time, which can easily boost PDE to the upper limit by regulating the excess bias up to a high enough level. By using the AQAR integrated circuit, we design and characterize two SPDs with the SPADs disassembled from commercial products of single-photon counting modules (SPCMs). Compared with the original SPCMs, the PDE values are increased from 68.3% to 73.7% and 69.5% to 75.1% at 785 nm, respectively, with moderate increases in dark count rate and afterpulse probability. Our approach can effectively improve the performance of the practical applications requiring silicon SPDs.

InGaAs/InP single-photon detectors with 60% detection efficiency at 1550 nm.

InGaAs/InP single-photon detectors (SPDs) are widely used for near-infrared photon counting in practical applications. Photon detection efficiency (PDE) is one of the most important parameters for SPD characterization, and therefore, increasing PDE consistently plays a central role in both industrial development and academic research. Here, we present the implementation of high-frequency gating InGaAs/InP SPDs with a PDE as high as 60% at 1550 nm. On one hand, we optimize the structure design and device fabrication of InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diodes with an additional dielectric-metal reflection layer to relatively increase the absorption efficiency of incident photons by ∼20%. On the other hand, we develop a monolithic readout circuit of weak avalanche extraction to minimize the parasitic capacitance for the suppression of the afterpulsing effect. With 1.25 GHz sine wave gating and optimized gate amplitude and operation temperature, the SPD is characterized to reach a PDE of 60% with a dark count rate (DCR) of 340 kcps. For practical use, given 3 kcps DCR as a reference, the PDE reaches ∼40% PDE with an afterpulse probability of 5.5%, which can significantly improve the performance for the near-infrared SPD-based applications.

18-Qubit Entanglement with Six Photons' Three Degrees of Freedom.

Full control of multiple degrees of freedom of multiple particles represents a fundamental ability for quantum information processing. We experimentally demonstrate an 18-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger entanglement by simultaneous exploiting three different degrees of freedom of six photons, including their paths, polarization, and orbital angular momentum. We develop high-stability interferometers for reversible quantum logic operations between the photons' different degrees of freedom with precision and efficiencies close to unity, enabling simultaneous readout of 2^{18}=262 144 outcome combinations of the 18-qubit state. A state fidelity of 0.708±0.016 is measured, confirming the genuine entanglement of all 18 qubits.

Miniaturized high-frequency sine wave gating InGaAs/InP single-photon detector.

High-frequency gating InGaAs/InP single-photon detectors (SPDs) are widely used for applications requiring single-photon detection in the near-infrared region such as quantum key distribution. Reducing SPD size is highly desired for practical use, which is favorable to the implementation of further system integration. Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the most compact high-frequency sine wave gating (SWG) InGaAs/InP SPD. We design and fabricate an InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with optimized semiconductor structure and then encapsulate the SPAD chip and a mini-thermoelectric cooler inside a butterfly package with a size of 12.5 mm × 22 mm × 10 mm. Moreover, we implement a monolithic readout circuit for the SWG SPD in order to replace the quenching electronics that is previously designed with board-level integration. Finally, the components of SPAD, the monolithic readout circuit, and the affiliated circuits are integrated into a single module with a size of 13 cm × 8 cm × 4 cm. Compared with the 1.25 GHz SWG InGaAs/InP SPD module (25 cm × 10 cm × 33 cm) designed in 2012, the volume of our miniaturized SPD is reduced by 95%. After the characterization, the SPD exhibits excellent performance with a photon detection efficiency of 30%, a dark count rate of 2.0 kcps, and an afterpulse probability of 8.8% under the conditions of 1.25 GHz gating rate, 100 ns hold-off time, and 243 K. Also, we perform the stability test over one week, and the results show the high reliability of the miniaturized SPD module.

Sine wave gating silicon single-photon detectors for multiphoton entanglement experiments.

Silicon single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the key devices for detecting single photons in the visible wavelength range. Here we present high detection efficiency silicon SPDs dedicated to the generation of multiphoton entanglement based on the technique of high-frequency sine wave gating. The silicon single-photon avalanche diode components are acquired by disassembling 6 commercial single-photon counting modules (SPCMs). Using the new quenching electronics, the average detection efficiency of SPDs is increased from 68.6% to 73.1% at a wavelength of 785 nm. These sine wave gating SPDs are then applied in a four-photon entanglement experiment, and the four-fold coincidence count rate is increased by 30% without degrading its visibility compared with the original SPCMs.

[Effects of lipid-modulation and antiplatelet treatment on the endothelial lipase expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lipid-modulation and antiplatelet treatment on the expression of endothelial lipase (EL) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the role of EL in the development of CAD. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven cases were divided into three groups according to clinical manifestations and the results of coronary artery angiography: control group (n=41) with more than one risk factors of CAD and the vessel lesions was <30%; stable angina pectoris (SAP) group (n=55); acute coronary syndrome (ACS) group (n=61). The EL positive cell rate was measured 2 weeks after cessation of lipid-modulation and aspirin treatment, and 6 months after treatment with simvastatin and/or aspirin. The drug was ceased for the complications or not tolerance for the treatment. RESULTS: Except the patients in control group with aspirin treatment, the EL positive cell rate was significantly decreased among other groups [control group with simvastatin: (3.93±0.87)% vs. (5.28±1.05)%, SAP group: (8.16±2.11)% vs. (15.12±2.53)%, ACS group: (13.93±3.22)% vs. (38.44±4.36)%; SAP group with aspirin: (10.57±4.07)% vs. (14.66±2.29)%, ACS group: (18.28±5.14)% vs. (40.27±3.96)%; control group with aspirin and simvastatin: (3.13±0.87)% vs. (5.33±1.25)%, SAP group: (5.68±2.20)% vs. (14.89±2.15)%, ACS group: (7.81±3.96)% vs. (39.27±5.17)%, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: The treatment with lipid-modulation and/or antiplatelet drug may significantly decrease the expression of EL, implying that EL participates in the progression of CAD.

[Effects of endothelial lipase on mRNA expression of adhesion molecule of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and endothelial lipase (EL), and the effect of EL on expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecule (ICAM). METHODS: HUVECs was treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) 10 microg/L and the mRNA of adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin] were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Then the effect of 50 microg/L anti-endothelial lipase (anti-EL) antibody on the influence of TNF-alpha on these adhesion molecules was observed. RESULTS: After being treated with TNF-alpha, the mRNA of adhesion molecules expressed by HUVECs were significant up-regulated, there was significant difference compared with control group (all P<0.01). These effects of TNF-alpha were significantly abolished by 50 microg/L anti-EL antibody (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EL can affect the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cell adhesion molecule. This effect of EL may play a role in the pathophysiologic process in the pathogenesis progress of atherosclerosis.

[Significance of the ratio of circulating endothelial cell expressing endothelial lipase and supersensitivity C-reactive protein in prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of the ratio of circulating endothelial cell expressing endothelial lipase (EL(+)/CECs) and supersensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: one hundred and seven patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 69 patients with stable angina pain (SAP), and 82 patients in whom CAD was excluded to serve as control were included for study. Blood samples were collected from ulnar vein, and hsCRP was detected, circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were isolated, and the ratio of CEC (EL(+)/CECs) which expressed endothelial lipase (EL) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Over a follow-up period of 6 months, the incidence of cardiac event of all patients was recorded. RESULTS: In patients with CAD, the EL(+)/CECs and hsCRP were significantly different among groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among them, hsCRP and EL(+)/CECs were higher in ACS group than SAP group patients, whose hsCRP and EL(+)/CECs higher than the control group. The incidence rate of cardiovascular event was significantly higher (all P<0.01) in those whose hsCRP or EL(+)/CECs was higher than those whose with lower average values of these two parameters. Regression analysis indicated that the EL(+)/CECs and hsCRP could be used as the prognostic factor of CAD. The prognostic value of combined determination of EL(+)/CECs and hsCRP was higher. CONCLUSION: The expression of EL in endothelial cells may play a role in the progression of CAD. The EL(+)/CECs may be a good prognostic factor. EL(+)/CECs together with hsCRP may increase the prognostic value.

[New method of left ventricular intubation in anaesthetised rats].

AIM: To search for a new method of left ventricular intubation in rat. METHODS: The wire of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was put into carotid artery through external carotid artery. Then supported by guide wire, the PE50 tube was advanced into left ventricle. RESULTS: Left ventricular intubation with PTCA guide wire could be performed in 30 rats and successfully repeated in 27 animals. CONCLUSION: The new left ventricular intubation technology in rats is simple and provides a reproducible method.

[The role of cyclooxygenase on angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in rat ischemic myocardium].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of COX1 and COX2 on angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in rats with experimental myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: MI group, MI plus rofecoxib group and MI plus valeryl salicylate group. At the 7th day after operation, circulating EPCs, plasma VEGF and HIF-1alpha mRNA of ischemic myocardium were measured. At the 28th day post operation, capillary densities were also measured in ischemic myocardium. RESULT: Compared with the MI group and the MI plus valeryl salicylate group, circulating EPCs, plasma VEGF, HIF-1alpha mRNA and capillary densities of ischemic myocardium were all decreased in MI plus rofecoxib group. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that COX2 play an important role with angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in rat with experimental MI by modulating expression of VEGF and HIF-1alpha.

[Changes of fasting serum insulin in normotensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and serum insulin changes in normotensive patients. METHODS: Forty-two normotensive patients with LVH, who were free of hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes, were examined for fasting serum insulin, glucose and serum lipids, and the left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were also measured with echocardiography, with 46 normal subjects serving as the control group. RESULTS: The levels of fasting triglyceride and insulin, as well as insulin resistance index (IRI), were higher in the LVH group than in the control group. Multifactor regression analysis showed that IRI was positively correlated to LVM and LVMI in LVH group (r=0.38, P<0.01; r=0.29, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hyperinsulinemia is closely correlated with LVH in these normotensive patients, and can be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of LVH.