The association between dietary inflammatory index and cognitive function in adults with/without chronic kidney disease.

Background and aims: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who face an elevated risk of developing cognitive decline. The fundamental mechanism underlying CI is linked to chronic inflammation, which can be gauged by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). The DII is categorized into anti-inflammatory diets with lower scores and pro-inflammatory diets with higher scores. Specifically, pro-inflammatory diets may contribute to chronic inflammation. However, the correlation between the inflammatory potential of diet and cognitive function in patients with CKD has not been explored. This study aims to investigate the connection between the inflammatory potential of diet and cognitive function in individuals with or without chronic kidney disease. Methods: Data from the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized. Participants under the age of 60 or lacking DII, CI, CKD, and other essential data were excluded. DII was computed based on a 24-h dietary recall interview for each participant. Cognitive performance was evaluated using three cognitive tests: the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to assess the independent relationship between DII score and CI in the CKD and non-CKD populations. Results: The study included a total of 2069 subjects, with CI prevalence ranging from 21.4 to 23.5%. Multiple regression models showed that after adjusting for all covariates of the three cognitive function tests, higher DII scores were significantly associated with increased risk of CI (CERAD OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.1 ~ 1.26, AFT OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08 ~ 1.23, DSST OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11 ~ 1.28). Subgroup analysis indicated that the effect of DII score on CI remained consistent in all subgroups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Higher DII scores were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in people with or without CKD, suggesting that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet may contribute to the impairment of the cognitive function.

Polyaniline functionalized separator as synergistic medium for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have received increasing attention as a promising energy storage device. However, it was rarely reported that the separators as a synergistic medium stabilize the cathode and anode materials. Herein, a polyaniline functionalized glass fiber separator (PANI-GF) was synthesized in situ. The porous structure of PANI effectively regulated the flux of zinc ions inside the separator and its deposition behavior through ion confinement. The abundant N-containing functional groups can adsorb water molecules and effectively reduce harmful side reactions. Moreover, the PANI-GF separator adjusted pH to inhibit dissolution of the cathode by protonation. Importantly, based on the synergistic separator, the Zn-MnO2 full cell exhibited more than twice discharge capacity compared to the conventional cell after 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1. This study provided in-depth insight into the design of convenient, reliable, cost-effective, and synergistic separators for AZIBs.

Inflammation-modulating antibacterial hydrogel sustained release asiaticoside for infection wound healing.

Wound infection and persistent inflammation are considered to be the main reasons for hindering wound healing. In this study, we developed an innovative hydrogel dressing, EPL-DA/ODEX/AMs, as a platform to inhibit bacteria and inflammation and promote wound healing. Polylysine (EPL) has cationic properties and can effectively disrupt bacterial cell membranes for antibacterial purposes. Polylysine-grafted levodopa (EPL-DA) with abundant amino and catechol groups can be cross-linked with oxidized dextran through Schiff base reaction to form antibacterial hydrogels with good adhesion and mechanical properties. In addition, asiaticoside, which can effectively inhibit inflammation and promote collagen regeneration, is made into PLGA microspheres to effectively deliver asiaticoside to the wound. The innovative antibacterial hydrogel of EPL-DA/ODEX/AMs may become a competitive wound dressing for infected wound.

Impact of hydrogel stiffness on the induced neural stem cells modulation.

BACKGROUND: The induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) held great promises for cell replacement therapy, but iNSCs modulation need improvement. Matrix stiffness could control stem cell fates and might be effective to iNSCs modulations. Here the stiffness of hydrogel matrix on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of iNSCs were studied. METHODS: Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels with gradient stiffness were prepared. The structure and stiffness of hydrogels were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheological test. iNSCs were generated from human blood mononuclear cells and cultured in the hydrogels. The cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on gradient stiffness hydrogels were examined by CCK-8 test and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: All hydrogels showed typical soft tissue, with the elastic modulus increasing with concentration (0.6-1.8%), ranging from 17 to 250 Pa. The iNSCs maintained growth and differentiation on all gels, but showed different behaviors to different stiffness. On the softer hydrogels, cells grew slowly at first but continuously and fast for long term, tending to differentiate into neurons; while on the harder hydrogels, cells adhered and grew faster at the early stage, tending to differentiate into glia cells after long term culture. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that hydrogels stiffness could regulate the key cellular processes of iNSCs. It was important for iNSCs modulation and application in the future.

Strategies and Efforts towards the Total Synthesis of Palhinine Alkaloids.

The palhinine family of Lycopodium alkaloids were first reported in 2010, which feature an intriguing isotwistane carbon cage and a nine-membered azonane ring. It is noteworthy that the tetracyclic 5/6/6/9 skeleton was unprecedented in Lycopodium alkaloids before their seminal discovery. Over the past decade, extensive synthetic efforts stemming from seven research groups have resulted in two racemic total syntheses to date. This review article takes the opportunity to survey these efforts and achievements so as to promote further research towards the asymmetric total synthesis of palhinine alkaloids.

Efficient synthesis of cholic acid derivates through stereoselective C-H functionalization from hyodeoxycholic acid.

Five cholic acid derivatives (including allo-ω-muricholic acid and CDCA) were synthesized from hyodeoxycholic acid via selective oxidation of C3- or C6-hydroxyl groups by IBX and NBS oxidants and stereocontrolled conversion. The hydroxyl group could be introduced through hydrolyzing α-Br keto with K2CO3 aqueous solution or through oxidizing the double bond by monoperoxyphthalic acid. The reduction of C6-O6 carbonyl to methylene could undergo with PTSH, NaBH3CN and ZnCl2 only at 5ß configuration. A feasible synthetic route of CDCA from HDCA has been established to avoid the epimerization with the yield of 45% (8 steps). These strategies provided good yields, stereoselectivity and reproducibility for the preparation of cholic acid derivates and CDCA.

Motile Micropump Based on Synthetic Micromotors for Dynamic Micropatterning.

Micropump systems show great potential on the micropatterning process as a result of remarkable performance and functionality. However, existing micropumps cannot be employed as direct writing tools to perform the complex micropatterning process because of their lacking motility and controllability. Here, we propose a motile micropump system based on the combination of a water-driven ZnO/Ni/polystyrene Janus micromotor with a traditional immobilized micropump. This novel motile micropump system can translate the trajectory of Janus micromotors into predefined micropatterns by pumping away passive silica particles around the micromotor under the effect of diffusiophoresis. The resolution and efficiency of the micropatterning process can be regulated by controlling the diameters of Janus micromotors. Diverse surface micropatterns can be fabricated though remote magnetic control of the motile micropump system. Such ability to transform the versatile motile micropump into predetermined surface micropatterns creates new opportunities for mask-free micropatterning.

Synthesis of the Tricyclic Caged Core of Palhinine Alkaloids Based on a Non-Diels-Alder-Type Strategy.

A concise synthesis of the tricyclo[4.3.1.03,7]decane caged core of palhinine alkaloids was developed with SmI2-mediated cyclization and light-initiated radical addition-fragmentation as key steps. Compared with the reported racemic routes which are all based on Diels-Alder-type key reactions, our strategy would be more readily accessible to the asymmetric total syntheses of the palhinine alkaloids.

Chemical/Light-Powered Hybrid Micromotors with "On-the-Fly" Optical Brakes.

Hybrid micromotors capable of both chemically powered propulsion and fuel-free light-driven actuation and offering built-in optical brakes for chemical propulsion are described. The new hybrid micromotors are designed by combining photocatalytic TiO2 and catalytic Pt surfaces into a Janus microparticle. The chemical reactions on the different surfaces of the Janus particle hybrid micromotor can be tailored by using chemical or light stimuli that generate counteracting propulsion forces on the catalytic Pt and photocatalytic TiO2 sides. Such modulation of the surface chemistry on a single micromotor leads to switchable propulsion modes and reversal of the direction of motion that reflect the tuning of the local ion concentration and hence the dominant propulsion force. An intermediate Au layer (under the Pt surface) plays an important role in determining the propulsion mechanism and operation of the hybrid motor. The built-in optical braking system allows "on-the-fly" control of the chemical propulsion through a photocatalytic reaction on the TiO2 side to counterbalance the chemical propulsion force generated on the Pt side. The adaptive dual operation of these chemical/light hybrid micromotors, associated with such control of the surface chemistry, holds considerable promise for designing smart nanomachines that autonomously reconfigure their propulsion mode for various on-demand operations.

Biomimetic Platelet-Camouflaged Nanorobots for Binding and Isolation of Biological Threats.

One emerging and exciting topic in robotics research is the design of micro-/nanoscale robots for biomedical operations. Unlike industrial robots that are developed primarily to automate routine and dangerous tasks, biomedical nanorobots are designed for complex, physiologically relevant environments, and tasks that involve unanticipated biological events. Here, a biologically interfaced nanorobot is reported, made of magnetic helical nanomotors cloaked with the plasma membrane of human platelets. The resulting biomimetic nanorobots possess a biological membrane coating consisting of diverse functional proteins associated with human platelets. Compared to uncoated nanomotors which experience severe biofouling effects and hence hindered propulsion in whole blood, the platelet-membrane-cloaked nanomotors disguise as human platelets and display efficient propulsion in blood over long time periods. The biointerfaced nanorobots display platelet-mimicking properties, including adhesion and binding to toxins and platelet-adhering pathogens, such as Shiga toxin and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The locomotion capacity and platelet-mimicking biological function of the biomimetic nanomotors offer efficient binding and isolation of these biological threats. The dynamic biointerfacing platform enabled by platelet-membrane cloaked nanorobots thus holds considerable promise for diverse biomedical and biodefense applications.

Bioinspired Chemical Communication between Synthetic Nanomotors.

While chemical communication plays a key role in diverse natural processes, the intelligent chemical communication between synthetic nanomotors remains unexplored. The design and operation of bioinspired synthetic nanomotors is presented. Chemical communication between nanomotors is possible and has an influence on propulsion behavior. A chemical "message" is sent from a moving activator motor to a nearby activated (receiver) motor by release of Ag+ ions from a Janus polystyrene/Ni/Au/Ag activator motor to the activated Janus SiO2 /Pt nanomotor. The transmitted silver signal is translated rapidly into a dramatic speed change associated with the enhanced catalytic activity of activated motors. Selective and successive activation of multiple nanomotors is achieved by sequential localized chemical communications. The concept of establishing chemical communication between different synthetic nanomotors paves the way to intelligent nanoscale robotic systems that are capable of cooperating with each other.

Topographical Manipulation of Microparticles and Cells with Acoustic Microstreaming.

Precise and reproducible manipulation of synthetic and biological microscale objects in complex environments is essential for many practical biochip and microfluidic applications. Here, we present an attractive acoustic topographical manipulation (ATM) method to achieve efficient and reproducible manipulation of diverse microscale objects. This new guidance method relies on the acoustically induced localized microstreaming forces generated around microstructures, which are capable of trapping nearby microobjects and manipulating them along a determined trajectory based on local topographic features. This unique phenomenon is investigated by numerical simulations examining the local microstreaming in the presence of microscale boundaries under the standing acoustic wave. This method can be used to manipulate a single microobject around a complex structure as well as collectively manipulate multiple objects moving synchronously along complicated shapes. Furthermore, the ATM can serve for automated maze solving by autonomously manipulating microparticles with diverse geometries and densities, including live cells, through complex maze-like topographical features without external feedback, particle modification, or adjustment of operational parameters.

Eriodictyol 7­O­ß­D glucopyranoside from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. ameliorates lipid disorders via protecting mitochondrial function and suppressing lipogenesis.

Coreopsis tinctoria (snow chrysanthemum) has been reported to exert antihyperlipidemic effects. The present study aimed to identify the active compounds of Coreopsis tinctoria and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on lipid dysregulation by measuring lipid levels, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and fatty acid synthesis. The present results demonstrated that snow chrysanthemum aqueous extracts significantly reduced serum lipid levels and oxidative stress in vivo. The main compounds that were isolated were identified as flavanomarein (compound 1) and eriodictyol 7­O­ß­D glucopyranoside (compound 2). Compounds 1 and 2 demonstrated potent antioxidative properties, including free radical scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, as well as lipid­lowering effects in human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with free fatty acids (FFAs). Compound 2 was revealed to suppress the elevation of triglyceride levels and inhibit lipid peroxidation following FFA treatment. In addition, it was demonstrated to significantly reduce intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and improve the mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate levels, thus protecting mitochondrial function in FFA­treated HepG2 cells. Furthermore, compound 2 markedly suppressed the protein expression levels of disulfide­isomerase A3 precursor and fatty acid synthase, thus suppressing FFA­induced lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the present study identified compound 2 as one of the main active compounds in Coreopsis tinctoria responsible for its lipid­lowering effects. Compound 2 was revealed to possess antihyperlipidemic properties, exerted via reducing oxidative stress, protecting mitochondrial function and suppressing lipogenesis.

Effective Removal of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solution by Organic Acid-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles.

Self-assembled iron oxide nanocomposites are good magnetic nano-adsorbents that can be prepared using simple methods. Four types of organic acid-functionalised (oleic acid, undecenoic acid, caprylic acid or hexanoic acid) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesised through a one-pot chemisorption method for the removal of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution. The undecenoic acid-coated MNPs (UA-MNPs) exhibited the highest adsorption efficiency and can be easily retrieved with a low-gradient magnetic separator (0.4 Tesla) at pH 5.0 aqueous solution. The TC adsorption process on the UA-MNPs followed the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacities increased from 86.96 mg g(-1) to 222.2 mg g(-1) with the increase in temperature from 288 K to 318 K. The kinetics of adsorption fits pseudo-second-order model perfectly with a rate constant, 5.946 g mg(-1) min(-1) at 298 K. The positive values of the enthalpy (AH) and the negative value of the free energy (AG) indicated an endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process of TC on the UA-MNPs. Moreover, the UA-MNPs possessed excellent ability to adsorb the other three major types of TC antibiotics, including chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and doxycycline.

9,10-Dihydrophenanthrene derivatives and one 1,4-anthraquinone firstly isolated from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright and their biological activities.

Two new phenanthrene derivatives, 2,5,7-trimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-1,4-dione (1) and 2,5,6-trihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (3), one new anthracenedione, 2,5,7-trimethoxyanthracene-1,4-dione (2), together with two known 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes (4-5) were isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright. The structures of these new compounds were established based on extensive NMR spectroscopy. Several isolated compounds were evaluated for the inhibition against nitric oxide (NO) production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, DPPH radical scavenging, and inhibitory activity on Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) induced triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells. Compound 2 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity, compound 3 possessed comparable DPPH radical scavenging activity as Vitamin C, compounds 2 and 4 showed potent inhibitory activities on triglyceride accumulation.

Distribution and effect of steroidal saponin derivative WRC3 in B16 melanoma cells.

Steroidal saponins have recently attracted attention due to their structural diversity and significant biological activities, including anti­hyperlipidemic, antibacterial, anti­inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti­HIV activities. In the present study, it was demonstrated that WRC3, a novel saponin derivative, can inhibit B16 cancer cells by inducing apoptotic cell death with an IC50 value of 12.09 µM. The inhibitory effect of WRC3 on B16 cells appears to occur in a time­ and concentration­dependent manner. The fluorescence distribution observed by confocal microscopy revealed that WRC3 entered cells and acted in the cytoplasm without causing genetic toxicity. Following administration of WRC3 (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g/kg body weight) once a day for 7 days, no obvious abnormalities were observed in the organs of the mice as demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Compared with the normal control group, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine and urea levels in the serum of mice treated with WRC3 (2.5­7.5 µM) remained unchanged. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that WRC3 can induce cancer cell death without causing genetic toxicity, hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.