Fabrication of Hollow and Hierarchical CuO Micro-Nano Cubes Wrapped by Reduced Graphene Oxide as a Prospective Anode for SIBs.

In this study, hollow and hierarchical CuO micro-nano cubes wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (H-CuO MNCs@rGO) were designed and successfully fabricated via a novel three-step wet-chemical method. Benefiting from its unique hollow and hierarchical micro-nano structures, H-CuO MNCs@rGO exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical Na+ storage performance when utilized as anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Specifically, H-CuO MNCs@rGO demonstrated a specific capacity of 380.9 mAh g-1 in the initial reversible cycle and a capacity retention of 218.9 mAh g-1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 300 mA g-1. Furthermore, through the dominant pseudocapacitive behavior, an optimized rate capability of 221.2 mAh g-1 at 800 mA g-1 can be obtained for H-CuO MNCs@rGO. The comprehensive Na+ storage properties of H-CuO MNCs@rGO obviously exceeded those of hollow CuO cubes (H-CuO MNCs) and bulk CuO anodes. Such enhanced Na+ storage performances of H-CuO MNCs@rGO can be attributed to its reasonable hollow and hierarchical micro-nano structures, which provide abundant redox active sites, shorten Na+ migration pathway, buffer volume expansion, and improve electronic/ionic conductivity during sodiation/desodiation process. Our strategy provides a facile and innovative approach for the design of CuO with rational micro-nano structure as a high-performance anode for SIBs, which would also be a guiding way for tailoring transition metal oxides in other scalable and functional applications.

Crystallization and electrochemical properties of KxV2O5 nano-ribbons obtained via a solvothermal process as a promising cathode for PIBs.

In this research, a series of K+-intercalated quasi-1D vanadium-based nano-ribbons (KxV2O5 NRs) were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method. The solvation and reductive effects of vanadium oxide precursors (V2O5 powder) on the crystallization and growth of KxV2O5 NRs were studied. Besides, post-heat treatment was performed to improve the crystallinity of KxV2O5 NRs. These KxV2O5 NRs were adopted as active cathodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), whose K+ storage properties were systematically evaluated using various electrochemical methods. The relationship among the morphology, crystallinity, working voltage window and electrochemical reversible K+ storage performance of KxV2O5 NRs was studied and established. Results reveal that KxV2O5-HG, which was prepared via a solvothermal reaction involving a solvation process (using H2O2) and a proper reducing condition (proper dose of glucose) with V2O5 powder as the raw material, would be more beneficial for the reversible storage of K+ when used as the cathode for PIBs compared to other contrast samples. In addition, the enhanced crystallinity and slightly broadened working voltage window of KxV2O5-HG could hinder its long-term cycling stability upon repeated K+ insertions/extractions.

Tanshinone IIA reverses gefitinib resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer via inhibition of SREBP1-mediated lipogenesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gefitinib resistance is an urgent problem to be solved in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is one of the main active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which exhibits significant antitumor effects. The aim of this study is to explore the reversal effect of Tan IIA on gefitinib resistance in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant NSCLC and the underlying mechanism. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: CCK-8, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were applied to detect the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. The changes in lipid profiles were measured by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Western blot, real-time q-PCR, and immunohistochemical were used to detect the protein and the corresponding mRNA levels. The in vivo antitumor effect was validated by the xenograft mouse model. KEY RESULTS: Co-treatment of Tan IIA enhanced the sensitivity of resistant NSCLC cells to gefitinib. Mechanistically, Tan IIA could downregulate the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and its downstream target genes, causing changes in lipid profiles, thereby reversing the gefitinib-resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Tan IIA improved gefitinib sensitivity via SREBP1-mediated lipogenesis. Tan IIA could be a potential candidate to enhance sensitivity for gefitinib-resistant NSCLC patients.

Differential expression of lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of patients with COVID-19: Implications for disease severity and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression patterns and clinical significance of specific lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. METHODS: Between December 2022 and February 2023, a cohort of 165 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine were analyzed. The participants represented various stages of coronavirus infection severity: mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Additionally, 40 healthy individuals constituted the control group. The FC 500MPL flow cytometer and associated reagents for flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy control group, activated B lymphocytes witnessed a pronounced increase (p < .05). A significant decrease was observed in the levels of Breg, Cytotoxic T cells or Suppressor T-cell (Tc/s), late-activated T, late-activated Th, and late-activated Tc/s lymphocytes (p < .05). Th, initial Th, initial Tc/s, total Treg, natural Treg, induced Treg, early activated T, and early activated Th lymphocyte levels showed no significant difference (p > .05). As the disease progressed, there was an uptick in midterm activated T lymphocytes (p < .05), while Breg, T, Tc/s, senescent Tc/s, and total senescent T levels dwindled (p < .05). Noteworthy patterns emerged across different groups for B1, T-lymphocytes, Tc/s, B2, CD8+ Treg cells, and other subsets, highlighting variance in immune responses relative to disease severity. When juxtaposed, no significant difference was found in the expression levels of lymphocyte subsets between patients who died and those deemed critically ill (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Subsets of Treg and B-cells could act as yardsticks for the trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 infection and might have potential in forecasting patient trajectories. A comprehensive evaluation of lymphocyte subsets, especially in real-time, holds the key to discerning the clinical severity in those with COVID-19. This becomes instrumental in monitoring treatment outcomes, tracking disease evolution, and formulating prognostications. Moreover, the results provide a deeper understanding of the cellular immune defense mechanisms against the novel coronavirus infection.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy via inhibiting neuroinflammation through influence on gut microbiota.

Oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a severe side effect that greatly limits OXA clinical use and threatens patients' life and health. Paeoniflorin exhibits extensive anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, but whether it can protect against OIPN and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of paeoniflorin on OIPN and probe into the underlying mechanisms. The OIPN model was established through oxaliplatin injection in rats. The ameliorative effects of paeoniflorin on OIPN was assessed by nociceptive hypersensitivities through pain behavioral methods. Neuroinflammation were examined by measuring the levels of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells infiltration. The signaling pathway of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB was evaluated by Western blotting. Gut microbial changes were detected by 16S rDNA sequencing technology. In addition, antibiotics-induced microbiota eradication and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) were applied for exploring the function of gut microbiota in the protective effects of paeoniflorin. The results revealed that paeoniflorin significantly alleviated mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, mitigated neuroinflammation and influenced gut microbial composition in OIPN rats. Fecal microbiota transplantation further verified that gut microbiota was required for paeoniflorin ameliorating OIPN and that the underlying mechanism involved downregulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Specifically, Akkermansia, Dubosiella and Corynebacterium might serve as crucial genera regulated by paeoniflorin in the treatment of OIPN. In summary, our investigations delineate paeoniflorin's ameliorative effects on OIPN by alleviating neuroinflammation through regulations of gut microbiota. This suggests that paeoniflorin may serve as a new potential strategy for treatment of OIPN in clinical practice.

Performance verification of a biochemical detection system for hydrothorax and ascites and clinical diagnostic accuracy evaluation of exudate and tuberculous effusion.

Background: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP) and glucose (Glu) in pleural hydrothorax and ascites can be used in the diagnosis of exudate, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) can be used in the diagnosis of tuberculous effusion. However, the manufacturers do not claim that their biochemical reagents can be used to detect hydrothorax and ascites samples. Therefore, medical laboratories must conduct suitability studies on biochemical reagents for hydrothorax and ascites samples to comply with regulatory requirements for humor detection. This study aimed to verify the analytical performance and clinical diagnostic accuracy of the Mindray biochemical reagents, including LDH, TP, Glu and ADA, for hydrothorax and ascites. Methods: The repeatability, detection limits and reference intervals of Mindray biochemical reagents (LDH, TP, Glu, ADA) in detecting hydrothorax and ascites were determined. The comparison of different measurement procedures was performed. Meanwhile, the diagnostic accuracy of LDH, TP, Glu and ADA were assessed. Results: The quality control results of LDH, TP, Glu, and ADA were all under control. The repeatability coefficient of variation (%) of LDH, TP, Glu, and ADA were all less than 1%. The limits of blank of LDH, TP, Glu, and ADA were 0.33 U/L, 0.45 g/L, 0.00 mmol/L, and 0.04 U/L, respectively; the limits of detection were 1.57 U/L, 1.85 g/L, 0.05 mmol/L, and 0.12 U/L, respectively. Compared with the reference measurement program, the correlation coefficients of LDH, TP, Glu and ADA were 0.9931, 0.9983, 0.9996 and 0.9966, respectively; the regression equations were y=1.0082x-10.06, y=0.9965x-0.4732, y=0.9903x+0.0522 and y=1.0051x-0.0232, respectively. The reference intervals of LDH, TP, Glu, and ADA in hydrothorax and ascites were ≤198.39 U/L, ≤32.97 g/L, ≥5.03 mmol/L. and ≤11.00 U/L respectively. For differentiating between exudates and transudates, the area under the curve (AUC) of LDH, TP, and Glu were 0.913, 0.875, and 0.767, respectively; the AUC of ADA for the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and nontuberculous effusions was 0.876. Conclusions: The LDH, TP, Glu, and ADA assays were validated for use with the Mindray BS-2800 analyzer for hydrothorax and ascites evaluation. LDH, TP, and Glu in hydrothorax and ascites are applicable to the differential diagnosis of exudates and transudates; ADA in hydrothorax and ascites can be employed to differentiate and diagnose tuberculous and nontuberculous effusions.

Identification of carbohydrate in Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl and inhibiting oxidative stress.

The specific structure of Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl polysaccharide (PKP) has been rarely reported. In this study, an inulin-type fructan PKP-1, was extracted and purified from Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl, and its structural characteristics and antioxidants activity were evaluated. The molecular weights of PKP-1 was determined to be 4.802 kDa. Monosaccharide composition analysis evidenced that PKP-1 was composed of galactose, glucose and fructose in a molar ratio of 0.8 %:7.2 %:92.0 %. Glycosidic linkage and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis revealed that PKP-1 exhibited a primary sugar residue linkage of →1-ß-d-Fruf-2→2,6-ß-d-Fruf-1→, where ß-d-Fruf-2→ acts as the side chain and links to the C-6 position of →2,6-ß-d-Fruf-1→. In vitro antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that PKP-1 enhanced the mitigation of hepatic oxidative stress in HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acids. This effect was marked by increased enzymatic activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), along with elevated glutathione (GSH) levels. These findings indicate that PKP-1 could be used as a potential natural antioxidant.

Salvianolic acid extract prevents Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides-induced acute liver injury by modulating bile acid metabolism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides (TWP) tablet is the most widely used traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the hepatotoxicity often limits its widespread application. In traditional use, Salvia miltiorrhiza has cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects. Salvianolic acid extract (SA) is a hydrophilic component of Salvia miltiorrhiza and has significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the protective effects of SA on the TWP-induced acute liver injury in rats and to explore the related mechanisms by integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SA and TWP extracts were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. SA (200 mg/kg) was administered for consecutive 7 days. On day 7, TWP (360 mg/kg) was administered by gavage to induce the acute liver injury in rats. Serum biochemical assay and H&E staining were used to evaluate liver damage. Liver metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to explore the potential mechanisms, and further molecular biological experiments such as qPCR and IHC were utilized to validate the relevant signaling pathways. RESULTS: SA can prevent liver injury symptoms caused by TWP, such as elevated liver index, elevated ALT and AST, and pathological changes in liver tissue. Liver metabolomics studies showed that TWP can significantly alter the content of individual bile acid in the liver and SA had the most significant impact on the biosynthetic pathway of bile acids. The transcriptomics results of the liver indicated that the genes changed in the SA + TWP group were mainly involved in sterol metabolism, lipid regulation and bile acid homeostasis pathways. The gene expression of Nr1h4, which encodes farnesoid X receptor (FXR), an important regulator of bile acid homeostasis, was significantly changed. Further studies confirmed that SA can prevent the downregulation of FXR and its downstream signaling induced by TWP, thereby regulating bile acid metabolism, ultimately preventing acute liver injury caused by TWP. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that SA could protect the liver from TWP-induced hepatic injury by modulation of the bile acid metabolic pathway. SA may provide a new strategy for the protection against TWP-induced acute liver injury.