Health service utilization, economic burden and quality of life of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis in China.

Background: Patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) often face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options and high healthcare costs, that may significantly affect patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to understand medical service utilization related to diagnosis and treatment, economic burden during diagnosis period, and health-related quality of life among MPS patients in China.

Methods: A series of patients diagnosed with MPS registered in the national patient organization were recruited for a cross-sectional survey from May to July 2019.

Protective effect of Danshensu against neurotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate in adult mice and their offspring.

Excessive neuronal excitation by glutamate is a well-established cause of neurotoxicity, leading to severe impairment of brain function. Excitotoxicity is a key factor in numerous neurodegenerative conditions. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of Danshensu (DSS) against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice and their offspring.

A versatile strategy to construct free-standing multi-furcated vessels and a complicated vascular network in heterogeneous porous scaffolds combination of 3D printing and stimuli-responsive hydrogels.

Mimicking complex structures of natural blood vessels and constructing vascular networks in tissue engineering scaffolds are still challenging now. Herein we demonstrate a new and versatile strategy to fabricate free-standing multi-furcated vessels and complicated vascular networks in heterogeneous porous scaffolds by integrating stimuli-responsive hydrogels and 3D printing technology. Through the sol-gel transition of temperature-responsive gelatin and conversion between two physical crosslinking networks of pH-responsive chitosan (, electrostatic network between protonated chitosan and sulfate ion, crystalline network of neutral chitosan), physiologically-stable gelatin/chitosan hydrogel tubes can be constructed.

A Three-Dimensional-Printed Recyclable, Flexible, and Wearable Device for Visualized UV, Temperature, and Sweat pH Sensing.

Wearable devices are now recognized as a powerful tool to collect physiological and environmental information in a smart, noninvasive, and real-time manner. Despite the rapid progress of wearable devices especially wearable electronic devices, there are still several challenges that limit their further development, for example, a complicated electrical signal acquisition and processing process to eliminate the interference from the surrounding signals, bulky power supply, inevitable e-waste, and environmental pollution. Herein, we report a 3D-printed recyclable, flexible, and wearable device for visualized UV, temperature, and sweat pH sensing.

Assembling Microgels via Dynamic Cross-Linking Reaction Improves Printability, Microporosity, Tissue-Adhesion, and Self-Healing of Microgel Bioink for Extrusion Bioprinting.

Extrusion bioprinting has been widely used to fabricate complicated and heterogeneous constructs for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Despite the remarkable progress acquired so far, the exploration of qualified bioinks is still challenging, mainly due to the conflicting requirements on the printability/shape-fidelity and cell viability. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to formulate a dynamic cross-linked microgel assembly (DC-MA) bioink, which can achieve both high printability/shape-fidelity and high cell viability by strengthening intermicrogel interactions through dynamic covalent bonds while still maintaining the relatively low mechanical modulus of microgels.

Dynamic Nanocomposite Microgel Assembly with Microporosity, Injectability, Tissue-Adhesion, and Sustained Drug Release Promotes Articular Cartilage Repair and Regeneration.

Owing to the lack of blood vessels, nerves, and lymph, articular cartilage defect is difficult to self-repair. Although several cartilage tissue engineering products have been authorized for clinical use, there are still some problems such as large surgical wounds, weak adhesion with the host tissue, and the limited source of autologous chondrocytes. In this paper, a novel dynamic nanocomposite microgel assembly with excellent microporosity, injectability, tissue-adhesion, and sustained kartogenin (KGN) release is reported.

Microgel assembly: Fabrication, characteristics and application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Microgel assembly, a macroscopic aggregate formed by bottom-up assembly of microgels, is now emerging as prospective biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). This mini-review first summarizes the fabrication strategies available for microgel assembly, including chemical reaction, physical reaction, cell-cell interaction and external driving force, then highlights its unique characteristics, such as microporosity, injectability and heterogeneity, and finally itemizes its applications in the fields of cell culture, tissue regeneration and biofabrication, especially 3D printing. The problems to be addressed for further applications of microgel assembly are also discussed.

Analysis of the Status and Tendency of R&D Input in the Field of Rare Diseases Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Through collection and sorting of rare disease projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, an understanding was gained of the categories of projects funded by the foundation in the field of rare diseases, types of diseases, categories of disease systems, regional distribution, distribution of supporting institutions, and their dynamic changes, followed by an analysis of focuses and influences of relevant state policies. This will help improve the rare disease-relating policies of the state in supporting the key fields, thus promoting healthy and sustainable development in the field of rare diseases. Through the website of inquiry of projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, a retrieval was made concerning the projects funded by the foundation in the field of rare diseases during the period from 1986 to 2019, followed by descriptive analysis of fund input of rare disease projects, number of projects, temporal and regional distribution, and the analysis of the law of their dynamic changes.

The usage of enzyme replacement treatments, economic burden, and quality of life of patients with four lysosomal storage diseases in Shanghai, China.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases that cause progressive physical dysfunction and organ failure, which significantly affected patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics and usage of Enzyme Replacement Treatments (ERTs), which is the only specific therapy for LSDs, of patients with the four different LSDs (Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis) in Shanghai, and then evaluate the economic burden and quality of life of these patients. A total of 31patients, involving 5, 14, 4 and 8 patients with Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis, respectively, were included in analysis.

3D printing of Cu-doped bioactive glass composite scaffolds promotes bone regeneration through activating the HIF-1α and TNF-α pathway of hUVECs.

The increasing insight into the molecular and cellular processes within the angiogenic cascade assists in enhancing the survival and integration of engineered bone constructs. Copper-doped bioactive glass (Cu-BG) is now a potential structural component of the novel scaffolds and implants used in orthopedic and dental repairs. However, it is difficult for BG, especially micro-nano particles, to be printed into scaffolds and still retain its biological activity and ability to biodegrade.

Genome-wide association mapping for agronomic traits in an 8-way Upland cotton MAGIC population by SLAF-seq.

One sub-MAGIC population was genotyped using SLAF-seq, and QTLs and candidate genes for agronomic traits were identified in Upland cotton. The agronomic traits of Upland cotton have serious impacts on cotton production, as well as economic benefits. To discover the genetic basis of important agronomic traits in Upland cotton, a subset MAGIC (multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross) population containing 372 lines (SMLs) was selected from an 8-way MAGIC population with 960 lines.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in China: Quality of life and medical care experience.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is considered to be the most common subset of CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases in China. We aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of NMOSD on Chinese patients' quality of life (QoL), medical care experience, family wellness and social life.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed involving 210 mostly AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD patients from 25 provinces across China.

Characterization of Resistome and Plasmidome in Pork Production System in Jiangsu, China.

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic is a significant ongoing concern over the world. Several reports have investigated the prevalence of infections in the farm animals in China; however, there is only limited knowledge about the cross-contamination in the slaughterhouses. Moreover, the application of genomic approaches for understanding the cross-contamination in the food-animal slaughterhouses is still in its infancy in China.

Focusing on basic data and a model of healthcare security for rare diseases: The Multidisciplinary Expert Seminar on Healthcare Security for Rare Diseases in China was held in Beijing.

On August 10, 2019, the Multidisciplinary Expert Seminar on Healthcare Security for Rare Diseases in China was held in Beijing. The seminar was organized by the Shanghai Foundation for Rare Disease and Shanghai Health Development Research Center and advised by the China Alliance of Rare Diseases. Participants in this seminar included government officials, experts in clinical medicine, pharmacy, epidemiology, health economics, and law as well as representatives from rare disease patient organizations.

SSR-based association mapping of fiber quality in upland cotton using an eight-way MAGIC population.

The quality of fiber is significant in the upland cotton industry. As complex quantitative traits, fiber quality traits are worth studying at a genetic level. To investigate the genetic architecture of fiber quality traits, we conducted an association analysis using a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population developed from eight parents and comprised of 960 lines.

Synthesis of ZnO/Si Hierarchical Nanowire Arrays for Photocatalyst Application.

ZnO/Si nanowire arrays with hierarchical architecture were synthesized by solution method with ZnO seed layer grown by atomic layer deposition and magnetron sputtering, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the as-grown tree-like arrays was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet light at ambient temperature. The comparison of morphology, crystal structure, optical properties, and photocatalysis efficiency of the two samples in different seeding processes was conducted.

Identification of QTL for Fiber Quality and Yield Traits Using Two Immortalized Backcross Populations in Upland Cotton.

Two immortalized backcross populations (DHBCF1s and JMBCF1s) were developed using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population crossed with the two parents DH962 and Jimian5 (as the males), respectively. The fiber quality and yield component traits of the two backcross populations were phenotyped at four environments (two locations, two years). One hundred seventy-eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected including 76 for fiber qualities and 102 for yield components, explaining 4.

Controllable synthesis of branched ZnO/Si nanowire arrays with hierarchical structure.

A rational approach for creating branched ZnO/Si nanowire arrays with hierarchical structure was developed based on a combination of three simple and cost-effective synthesis pathways. The crucial procedure included growth of crystalline Si nanowire arrays as backbones by chemical etching of Si substrates, deposition of ZnO thin film as a seed layer by magnetron sputtering, and fabrication of ZnO nanowire arrays as branches by hydrothermal growth. The successful synthesis of ZnO/Si heterogeneous nanostructures was confirmed by morphologic, structural, and optical characterizations.

Coexpression of Smad7 and UPA attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis.

Background: There is a great need for developing novel therapies to treat liver fibrosis. Previous studies showed that both Smad7 and uPA were inhibitors of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we explored the therapeutic effects of combinational gene therapy with Smad7 and uPA on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.

[An epidemiologic study on functional constipation among adult communities in Shanghai].

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of functional constipation (FC) by using Rome III criteria in the local adult communities.

Methods: A stratified randomized and community-based study by multi-stage cluster sampling was employed. A household survey was conducted from April to May 2010.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders among adolescents with poor sleep: a school-based study in Shanghai, China.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether functional gastrointestinal disorders are more common among adolescents with self-reported poor sleep.

Methods: Junior middle school and senior high school students (n = 1,362) were recruited from schools in Shanghai. Students completed two questionnaires: the questionnaire for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adolescents and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Prevalence and associated factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders and bowel habits in Chinese adolescents: a school-based study.

Objectives: In the present study, we explored the prevalence rates and association factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders and the most common modes and frequencies of bowel habit among a cohort of Chinese adolescents.

Patients And Methods: A stratified, randomized study based on cross-sectional data was performed using cluster sampling, which recruited 3671 students in Shanghai, China. All of the students were requested to complete a questionnaire.

[Effect of silencing connective tissue growth factor on the liver fibrosis in rats].

Objective: To investigate the anti-fibrogenesis property of intraportal vein small interfering RNA (siRNA) injection targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and its effect on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation.

Methods: 24 male rats were randomly divided into four group. rats received CCl4 by subcutaneous injections every three days for 6 consecutive weeks, and meantime they also obtained either siRNA targeting CTGF (as CTGF siRNA group), saline (as model group) or a control siRNA (as control siRNA group) by intraportal vein injection to rats liver at the same approach.

Preservation of basal AcSDKP attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis in the rat liver.

Background & Aims: N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous tetrapeptide which has antifibrogenic effects at physiological concentrations in various tissues. AcSDKP is produced locally in the liver, however, little is known about its biological effect in this organ. We hypothesize that basal levels of endogenous AcSDKP decrease during the development of liver fibrosis and preservation of basal AcSDKP attenuates liver fibrosis.

Therapeutic effect of transplanting beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) bone marrow-derived hepatocyte stem cells transduced with lentiviral-mediated HGF gene into CCl(4)-injured rats.

Background: beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) bone marrow-derived hepatocyte stem cells (BDHSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of cholestatic rats by magnetic bead cell sorting consistently express characteristics of both stem and liver cells. These stem cells may be good vehicles for gene transfer. Administration of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) may be potentially useful for the treatment of liver fibrosis.