Efficacy and Safety of Kuoxin Formula in the Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-Related Heart Failure: Study Protocol of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Center Clinical Trial.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe heterogeneous cardiomyopathy characterized by cardiac enlargement and declining heart function, often leading to refractory heart failure and life-threatening outcomes, particularly prevalent in China. The challenge lies in the scarcity of targeted therapies with substantial efficacy for DCM. Additionally, traditional anti-heart failure drugs are constrained due to hypotension propensity or limited symptom improvement. Kuoxin Formula (KXF), internally endorsed at Longhua Hospital, demonstrates clear biological evidence for enhancing cardiac function and myocardial remodeling. Previous clinical studies suggest its potential to enhance patients' quality of life. This trial aims to further evaluate KXF's safety and efficacy in managing DCM-related heart failure. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial aims to recruit 230 DCM patients from five centers. Participants will be randomly assigned to either KXF or placebo for 12 weeks, with careful monitoring of key indicators and adverse events. The primary outcome measures the proportion of patients with NT-proBNP reduction exceeding 30%. Secondary outcomes include New York Heart Association functional classification, Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome scores, 6-minute walk test, Lee's heart failure score, and Minnesota Heart Failure Quality of Life Scale score. Ventricular remodeling will be assessed using cardiac ultrasound and ELISA. Safety metrics and adverse events will be meticulously recorded. Discussion: This study will be the first multicentered research conducted in China that utilizes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to investigate the use of TCM in the treatment of DCM. It seeks to develop new theoretical frameworks and provide solid clinical data to support the integration of TCM and modern medicine in treating heart failure in DCM patients. Trial Registration: China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300068937. Registered on March 1, 2023. https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=190926.

Surface Vertical Multi-Emission Laser with Distributed Bragg Reflector Feedback from CsPbI3 Quantum Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) laser has become an important way to solve micro-application problems in many fields. However, single wavelength distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) has many limitations in practical applications, such as signal transmission. How to realize multiwavelength DBR lasing output simply is a challenge. To achieve a stable multi-wavelength quantum dots laser in the near-infrared region, the perovskite CsPbI3 QDs laser with DBR structure is developed in this paper. A tetragonal crystal structure with complete bonding information and no defect is explained by X-ray diffractions (XRD) and Raman spectrum. The cross-section morphology of the DBR laser and the surface morphology of QDs is measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. An elliptical light propagation field and a double wavelength laser radiation are obtained from the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. The output of the three wavelength lasers at 770 nm, 823 nm, and 873 nm is measured. The emission time of a DBR laser is about 2 h, and the average fluorescence quantum yield is 60%. The cavity length selection and energy level model are put in place to clearly see the working mechanism. All the results suggest that an effective and stable CsPbI3 quantum dots DBR laser is realized.

CdTe quantum dot-based self-supporting films with enhanced stability for flexible light-emitting devices.

The enhancement of photoluminescence (PL) stability of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) is of great significance in light-emitting devices. In this work, the PL stability of CdTe CQDs under time storage, strong light irradiation, acid and alkali corrosion and low temperature freezing is analyzed, and the PL quenching mechanism in a harsh environment is analyzed. Furthermore, the PL stability is extremely improved by core-shell coating, film deposition and polymer encapsulation. This solves the problem of rapid dropping of the PL intensity at the initial illumination stage and improves the corrosion resistance in an acidic environment and long-term storage stability of film devices. CQD polymer films have an interesting phenomenon of fluorescence enhancement under illumination due to the light-soaking effect. Biocompatible coating and encapsulation materials expand the application of CQD devices in the field of biological tissue imaging and sensing. Through the PL regulation of CQD solutions and the simple superposition of self-supporting films, a panchromatic light-emitting device with broadband adjustable chromaticity is realized. The solid-state stable whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) laser is realized by monodisperse SiO2 microspheres embedded in the film. This work is of great significance for the application of CQDs in flexible light-emitting devices.

Ultrasimple and Ultrafast Method of Optical Modulation by Perovskite Quantum Dot Attachment to a Graphene Surface.

Optical modulation is the process of modifying the structure and elemental composition of materials so that the main optical parameters, including amplitude, frequency, and phase, are changed. Currently, much research attention has been directed toward ultrafast dynamics, but the process of modulation is often complex. To simplify the optical modulation process and improve the optical properties of perovskites for semiconductor quantum dot (QD) lasers, the process and physical mechanism underlying graphene QD ultrafast modulation of the optical properties of perovskite CsPbBr3 QDs were investigated. The typical cubic structure and square shape of CsPbBr3 QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. A luminescent peak centered near 540 nm and Stokes shift of 21.34 nm of CsPbBr3 QDs without graphene QDs were measured by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. A maximum modulation shift of 133 nm and a modulation depth of 900% were achieved in CsPbBr3 with graphene. The results indicated that graphene QDs had the best modulation effect on perovskites when the drop volume was 0.05 mL. The process of ultrafast optical modulation via graphene QDs occurring within 1 ps was confirmed by the transient absorption spectrum. The modulation mechanism of graphene to perovskites is presented for guidance. This paper can be used as a reference for the optical modulation of perovskite materials.

Cancer photothermal therapy based on near infrared fluorescent CdSeTe/ZnS quantum dots.

Micro targeted therapy for cancer has become a hot topic in recent years because of its advantages of little damage to the human body and early treatment of cancer. Therefore, accurate, rapid treatment methods and biofriendly exogenous substances are extremely important. CdTeSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) have great potential in biomedical imaging and biological ablation therapy due to their advantages of near-infrared radiation, aqueous synthesis and bio-friendliness. In this paper, CdTeSe/ZnS core-shell QDs were prepared by aqueous synthesis, and have near infrared output and excellent photothermal properties. A blue laser was used as the irradiation source and QD fluorescence imaging can accurately calibrate the treatment area. Under the photothermal and photodynamic effects of QDs, apoptosis of hepatoma cells Huh7 was induced, which provides a new micro-nano technology and biofriendly exogenous substances for cancer treatment.

Luteolin Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction and Improves the Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer.

Background: Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most effective chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, it causes dose-related cardiotoxicity that may lead to heart failure in patients. Luteolin (Lut) is a common flavonoid that exists in many types of plants. It has been studied for treating various diseases such as hypertension, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. In this study, we evaluated the cardioprotective and anticancer effects of Lut on Dox-induced cardiomyopathy in vitro and in vivo to explore related mechanisms in alleviating dynamin-related protein (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Methods: MTT and LDH assay were used to determine the viability and toxicity of cardiomyocytes treated with Dox and Lut. Flow cytometry was used to examine ROS levels, and electron and confocal microscopy was employed to assess the mitochondrial morphology. The level of apoptosis was examined by Hoechst 33258 staining. The protein levels of myocardial fission protein and apoptosis-related protein were examined using Western blot. Transcriptome analysis of the protective effect of Lut against Dox-induced cardiac toxicity in myocardial cells was performed using RNA sequencing technology. The protective effects of Lut against cardiotoxicity mediated by Dox in zebrafish were quantified. The effect of Lut increase the antitumor activity of Dox in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo were further employed. Results: Lut ameliorated Dox-induced toxicity in H9c2 and AC16 cells. The level of oxidative stress was downregulated by Lut after Dox treatment of myocardial cells. Lut effectively reduced the increased mitochondrial fission post Dox stimulation in cardiomyocytes. Apoptosis, fission protein Drp1, and Ser616 phosphorylation were also increased post Dox and reduced by Lut. In the zebrafish model, Lut significantly preserved the ventricular function of zebrafish after Dox treatment. Moreover, in the mouse model, Lut prevented Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and enhanced the cytotoxicity in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting proliferation and metastasis and inducing apoptosis.

Zhoushi Qiling decoction induces apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells via miR-143/Bcl-2 axis.

A number of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are widely used in prostate cancer treatment in China. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a TCM, Zhoushi Qiling Decoction (ZQD), in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and explore its underlying mechanism. A total of 151 patients were recruited to receive ADT treatment or ADT+ZQD treatment. The survival of patients who received ADT+ZQD treatment was significantly higher than those who received ADT therapy only. DU145 prostate cancer cells were treated with ZQD (50 mg/mL) for 24 h in vitro and expression levels of an array of miRNAs were examined. Our results suggested that miR-143 demonstrated prominent upregulation in DU145 cells after treatment with ZQD. In patient serum samples, miR-143 expression was also significantly upregulated after ADT+ZQE treatment, which was however absent in patients treated with ADT only. In DU145 cells, ZQD treatment led to a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis, which could be reduced by anti-miR-143 treatment. There was a binding site between miR-143 and B cell CLL/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and ZQD treatment reduced Bcl-2 expression. ZQD treatment led to increased caspase-3 and Bax expression. ZQD treatment could promote apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by promoting miR-143 upregulation, which could be a possible mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of ZQD in prostate cancer in patient.

Qi Ling Inhibits Progression of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer via Negative Regulation of TRIM66/HP1γ/AR Axis.

AIM: This study aimed to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Qi Ling (QL) against androgen-independent prostate cancer. METHODS: The relative expression of TRIM66 in prostate tumor was interrogated by microarray. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the transcript abundances and protein expressions of TRIM66, HP1γ, AR, c-Myc, and GAPDH. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 method and flow cytometry. The regulatory action of c-Myc on TRIM66 was interrogated with luciferase reporter plasmid and the direct binding was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The secretory prostate-specific antigen was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: TRIM66 was aberrantly overexpressed in prostate cancer and associated with unfavorable prognosis. TRIM66/HP1γ/AR was upregulated during the androgen-independent transition in hormone-deprived medium. The TRIM66 level positively linked to cell proliferation and negatively linked to cell apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. QL treatment specifically inhibited c-Myc and therefore directly downregulated TRIM66 via binding to its promoter. Ectopic introduction of TRIM66 significantly reversed the anti-tumor effects of QL against androgen-independent prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study uncovered the importance of downregulated TRIM66/HP1γ/AR signaling in mediating the anti-tumor properties of QL.

Micro-Structure Changes Caused by Thermal Evolution in Chalcogenide GexAsySe1-x-y Thin Films by In Situ Measurements.

To understand the effects of thermal annealing on the structure of GexAsySe1-x-y thin films, the thermal evolution of these films was measured by the in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) at different temperature (773 K or 1073 K) in a vacuum (10-1 Pa) environment. The entire process of crystallization can be observed by using in situ XRD, which is from the appearance of a crystal structure to melting liquid-state and ultimately to the disappearance of the amorphous structure. In the crystallized process, the corresponding state-transition temperatures Tx (the onset crystallization temperature), Tl (the transition temperature from glassy-state to liquid-state), Tp (peak crystallization temperature) are linear with MCN (Mean Coordination Number). In order to obtain information about changes in the amorphous structural origin of the anneal-induced material, the samples were analyzed by in situ Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of the results through decomposing the Raman spectra into different structural units showed that the Ge-Ge, As-As, or Se-Se homopolar bonds as the nonequilibrium minority carriers could be found in films. It suggests that the formation of these bonds cannot be completely suppressed in any case, as one falls and another rises.

Nanolasers Incorporating CoxGa0.6-xZnSe0.4 Nanoparticle Arrays with Wavelength Tunability at Room Temperature.

Semiconductor nanolaser has important research value and wide applications in many fields. However, it is still a challenge to obtain a nanolaser with tunability and high intensity at the nanoscale. Here, we report on lasers with two modes of emission wavelengths operating in near-infrared of nanohole filled with CoxGa0.6-xZnSe0.4 nanoparticle arrays at room temperature. The nanohole arrays are drawn on the photoresist by using the method of three-beam laser interferometric etching. Graphene with graphite which is coated on nanohole arrays is conducted by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to construct the cavity. The CoxGa0.6-xZnSe0.4 nanoparticles are filled into the nanohole acting laser gain medium via the magnetic traction nanofilling technology. The results show that the laser at 868 and 903 nm is radiated, which can be tuned by changing the concentration and position of the filled nanoparticles in terms of wavelength and intensity. The nanolasers based on this approach represent an advantageous alternative to other design and fabrication methods. This nanoparticle nanolasers can be used in a micronano light source of an intelligent photonic chip.

Investigation into Co and Ga2O3 co-doped ZnSe chalcogenide composite semiconductor thin films fabricated using PLD.

(Ga2O3)0.1(Co)0.5(ZnSe)0.4 thin films were fabricated via PLD at different pressures and substrate temperatures. The influence of different preparation conditions on the thin films was deeply explored through investigating the structural, optical and electromagnetic properties, and surface morphologies. The thicknesses of the thin films were greatly affected by the preparation conditions. The poor light transmittance of the thin films under conditions of 4 Pa and 600 °C was revealed through refractive index measurements. The stable amorphous structure was confirmed via XRD. The optimum preparation conditions, room temperature, 800 °C and 10 Pa, were reflected in the transmission spectra. Greater energy transfer between each of the energy levels and more activity under the temperature conditions used were indicated through PL spectra. The lower resistivity and higher carrier concentration in the quartz substrate were shown in the results of Hall effect measurements. The significant impact of high temperature preparation conditions on the thin films was visualised using AFM. All of the results indicated that the properties of the thin films are significantly influenced by the preparation conditions. Furthermore, a semiconductor chalcogenide material with excellent optical and electromagnetic properties was proposed in this investigation.