Dual-responsive drug delivery systems prepared by blend electrospinning.

To prepare temperature and pH dual-responsive drug delivery systems, the thermosensitive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was first synthesized by free-radical polymerization. It was then co-dissolved with the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit® L100-55 (EL100-55) and processed into fibers using electrospinning. Ketoprofen (KET), a model drug, was also incorporated into the composite fibers, and fibers based on a single polymer additionally prepared.

TCF4/β-catenin complex is directly upstream of in mouse stomach cancer cells.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a member of the FGFs serves a key role in glucose homeostasis and protection of the liver, heart, kidney and skin from damage as well as cancer cell development. In addition, transcription of is sensitive to diverse damages; however, the role of the transcriptional regulator of in cancer cells remains to be elucidated. FGFs were identified to have dominant expression in cancer cells; therefore, mouse forestomach carcinoma (MFC) cells were used in the present study, which is a mouse stomach cancer cell strain for identifying the regulators.

Finely Controlled Stepwise Engineering of Pore Environments and Mechanistic Elucidation of Water-Stable, Flexible 2D Porous Coordination Polymers.

Two porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with different topologies (NTU-19: sql and NTU-20: dia) underwent finely controlled, stepwise crystal conversions to yield a common water-stable, flexible 2D framework (NTU-22: kgm). The crystal conversions occurred directly at higher temperature via the 3D intermediate (NTU-21: nbo), which could be observed at lower temperature. The successful isolation of the intermediate product of NTU-21, characterization with in situ PXRD and UV/Vis spectra were combined with DFT calculations to allow an understanding of the dynamic processes at the atomic level.

Programmable Modulation of Copper Nanoclusters Electrochemiluminescence via DNA Nanocranes for Ultrasensitive Detection of microRNA.

The DNA nanocrane with functionalized manipulator and fixed-size base offered a programmable approach to modulate the luminous efficiency of copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) for achieving remarkable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) enhancement, further the Cu NCs as signal label was constructed in biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of microRNA-155. Herein, the DNA nanocrane was first constructed by combining binding-induced DNA assembly as manipulator and tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN) as base, which harnessed a small quantity of specific target (microRNA (miRNA)-155) binding to trigger assembly of separate DNA components for producing numerous AT-rich double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) on the vertex of TDN. Upon the incubation of Cu on the AT-rich dsDNA, each DNA-stabilized Cu NCs probe could be in situ electrochemically generated on an individual TDN owing to the A-Cu-T bond.

Epitaxial Crystallization Behavior of Poly(butylene adipate) on Orientated Poly(butylene succinate) Substrate.

The crystallization behavior of poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) in the sheared PBS/PBA blend, as well as on highly orientated poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) substrate, was studied by means of DSC, POM, Raman microscopy, and XRD. The results showed that the pre-existing orientated PBS crystals exhibit a very strong nucleation ability toward PBA as reflected by the increased crystallization temperature and the occurrence of heteroepitaxy and transcrystallization of PBA on the PBS substrate. The epitaxial crystallization of PBA on the PBS substrate results in the formation of α-form PBA crystals in any crystallization conditions.

MicroRNAs and Target Genes in Pituitary Adenomas.

Pituitary adenomas account for the top three primary intracranial tumors in terms of total incidence rates. The clinical symptoms presented by the disease are often characterized by a series of systemic endocrine disorders, severe occupational lesions, and even some malignant features, and therefore early diagnosis and predicting recurrence would be instructive for clinical treatment of pituitary adenomas. An increasing number of specific microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures have been identified in pituitary, and miRNAs are related with the pituitary tumorigenesis, dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and metastatic non-functioning pituitary carcinoma.

Morphological and Functional Characterization of Non-fast-Spiking GABAergic Interneurons in Layer 4 Microcircuitry of Rat Barrel Cortex.

GABAergic interneurons are notorious for their heterogeneity, despite constituting a small fraction of the neuronal population in the neocortex. Classification of interneurons is crucial for understanding their widespread cortical functions as they provide a complex and dynamic network, balancing excitation and inhibition. Here, we investigated different types of non-fast-spiking (nFS) interneurons in Layer 4 (L4) of rat barrel cortex using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings with biocytin-filling.

Innovative Linear Low Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Organophilic Layered Double Hydroxides: Fabrication, Morphology and Enhanced Multifunctional Properties.

Herein, we reported the successful development of novel nanocomposite films based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with enhanced anti-drop, optical, mechanical, thermal and water vapor barrier properties by introducing organophilic layered double hydroxides (OLDHs) nanosheets. OLDHs loadings were varied from 0-6 wt.%.

Association of Long-term Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter of 1 μm or Less With Preterm Birth in China.

Importance: Airborne particulate matter pollution has been associated with preterm birth (PTB) in some studies. However, most of these studies assessed only populations living near monitoring stations, and the association of airborne particulate matter having a median diameter of 1 μm or less (PM1) with PTB has not been studied.

Objective: To evaluate whether PM1 concentrations are associated with the risk of PTB.

Self-enhanced PEI-Ru(II) complex with polyamino acid as booster to construct ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen detection.

In this work, the luminophor tris (4,4'-dicarboxylicacid-2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) dichloride (Ru(dcbpy)) was linked to coreactant polyethylenimine (PEI) with effectively shorted distance, forming a novel self-enhanced PEI-Ru(II) complex to fabricate ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detection by using polyamino acid l-cysteine (pL-Cys) as booster for further signal amplification. The light-emitting species (PEI-Ru(II)*) based on intramolecular electron transfer between PEI and Ru(III) could efficiently amplify the ECL signal of Ru(dcbpy) owing to its benefit for electron transmission. Secondly, the pL-Cys film was fabricated on the glassy carbon electrode by cyclic voltammogram.

Risk of total/subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus injury: correlation with tear type, duration of complaint, age, gender and ACL rupture in 6034 Asian patients.

Background: To evaluate the risk factor associated with total or subtotal meniscectomy for respective medial and lateral meniscus injury.

Methods: The data of all the meniscus injured patients undergoing arthroscopy in our institute between January 15th, 2000 and December 31st, 2008 was collected and 6034 patients with 7241 injured menisci met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 33.

Operative versus nonoperative treatment for the management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Rotator cuff disease is the most common pathology of the shoulder, responsible for approximately 70% of clinic visits for shoulder pain. However, no consensus exists on the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze level I and II research comparing operative versus nonoperative management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Regenerated chitin fibers reinforced with bacterial cellulose nanocrystals as suture biomaterials.

The objective of this work was to prepare a novel filament with good biocompatibility and mechanical performance which can meet the demands of surgical sutures. Bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) were used to reinforce regenerated chitin (RC) fibers to form BCNC/RC filaments. Mechanical performance measurements demonstrated that the strength of the BCNC/RC filament was increased dramatically over the RC analogue.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Platform for Detection of Multiple Types of Biomarkers toward Identical Cancer on a Single Interface.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) with high sensitivity and excellent controllability provides a promising approach for ultrasensitive detection of multiple biomarkers. However, the detection for multiple types of biomarkers on a single interface remains a considerable challenge owing to the functional differentiation of different types of biomarkers. Herein, we utilized "on-off-on" switching, target-induced cleavage of peptide, and TdT (terminal deoxynucleoside transferase)-mediated extension successfully constructing a novel ECL biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of microRNA-141 (miRNA-141) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2).

Kirkwood-Buff integrals for hard-core Yukawa fluids.

The Kirkwood-Buff (KB) theory of solution is employed to investigate several macroscopic properties of the one-component hard-core Yukawa (HCY) fluid, where the key physical quantities are the KB integrals (KBIs). For both repulsive and attractive HCY fluids, the radial distribution functions are calculated by using the classical density functional theory, and then the corresponding KBIs are carried out. Since the local structure and global properties of a fluid can be related by KBI, we presented the isothermal compressibility and the derivative of the chemical potential with respect to bulk density for both repulsive and attractive HCY fluids.

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for detection of laminin based on DNA dendrimer-carried luminophore and DNA nanomachine-mediated target recycling amplification.

Herein, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was proposed for ultrasensitive detection of laminin (LN), in which DNA dendrimer (D) as a promising nanocarrier for luminophore and DNA nanomachine as tactic for target recycling. The DNA dendrimer was synthesized by hybridization between sense and its antisense Y-shaped DNAs which were formed via reaction between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with a thiol group at the 5'-end and a synthesized trimeric cross-linker of tris(2-maleimidoethyl)amine. This dendrimer provided abundant double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to achieve high loading efficiency for ECL luminophore.

Antibiotic Prescribing for Uncomplicated Acute Bronchitis Is Highest in Younger Adults.

Reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is currently a global health priority. Current guidelines recommend against antibiotic treatment for acute uncomplicated bronchitis. We studied antibiotic prescribing patterns for uncomplicated acute bronchitis and identified predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

Crosstalk Influence between P38MAPK and Autophagy on Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by Anti-Fas Antibody/Actinomycin D in Human Hepatoma Bel-7402 Cells.

Our previous study indicated that anti-Fas antibody/actinomycin D (AF/AD) induced apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel-7402 cells; however, crosstalk influence between P38MAPK and autophagy on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by AF/AD in Bel-7402 cells remains unclear. Therefore, effect of AF/AD on apoptosis, autophagy, phosphorylated-P38MAPK (p-P38MAPK), and membrane potential (ΔΨm) with or without the P38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in Bel-7402 cells was investigated in the present study. The results showed that AF/AD resulted in induction of apoptosis concomitant with autophagy, upregulation of p-P38MAPK and autophagy-associated gene proteins (Atg5-Atg12 protein complex, Atg7, Atg10, Beclin-1, LC3 I, and LC3 II), and downregulation of ΔΨm in Bel-7402 cells.

Outcomes of Two-Isocenter Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Patients with Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia: Pain Response and Quality of Life.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 2-isocenter Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) by reviewing patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) from the last 10 years.

Methods: A total of 247 patients were followed up and the Barrow Neurological Institute scale was used to evaluate pain degree. Patients' age, gender, pain duration and location, preoperative/postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute scale score, time to initial pain relief, recurrence time, and complications were documented and analyzed.

SUBCLINICAL IMPAIRMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PROLACTINOMAS.

Objective: Hyperprolactinemia has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors, thus it can potentially lead to cardiac dysfunction. The present study was designed to interrogate our hypothesis that hyperprolactinemia can contribute to preclinical impaired left ventricular function.

Methods: Thirty-one prolactinoma patients and 60 healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited.

Intramolecular Self-Enhanced Nanochains Functionalized by an Electrochemiluminescence Reagent and Its Immunosensing Application for the Detection of Urinary β2-Microglobulin.

In this study, polyethylenimine (PEI) is discovered to possess a noticeable amplification effect for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of N-(aminobutyl)-N-(ethylisoluminol) (ABEI); thus, a novel self-enhanced ECL reagent (ABEI-PEI) is prepared by covalent cross-linking. Because of the shortened electron-transfer path and reduced energy loss, the intramolecular ECL reaction between ABEI and PEI exhibited enhanced luminous efficiency compared with the traditional intermolecular ECL reaction. Owing to the amine-rich property of PEI, abundant ABEI could be immobilized on the molecular chains of PEI to strengthen the luminous intensity of ABEI-PEI.

High-Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence C-Peptide Biosensor via the Double Quenching of Dopamine to the Novel Ru(II)-Organic Complex with Dual Intramolecular Self-Catalysis.

Here, a novel Ru(II)-organic complex (Ru-PEI-ABEI) with high electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency was proposed to construct a sensitive quenching-typed ECL biosensor for C-peptide (C-P) measurement based on the double quenching effect of dopamine (DA). The high ECL efficiency of Ru-PEI-ABEI was originated from the dual intramolecular self-catalysis including intramolecular coreaction between polyethylenimine (PEI) and Ru(bpy)(mcbpy), and intramolecular ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) from N-(aminobutyl)-N-(ethylisoluminol) (ABEI) to Ru(bpy)(mcbpy), which would generate a strong initial ECL signal. Through sandwiched immunoreaction and 3D DNA walking machine, a certain amount of target C-P was converted to a large amount of intermediate DNA that could further trigger hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to introduce into massive DA which not only could quench the ECL of Ru(bpy)(mcbpy), but also quench the ECL of ABEI.

Clinical study of radiofrequency ablation combined with TACE in the treatment of breast cancer with liver metastasis.

We studied the clinical effects of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) combined with trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of breast cancer with liver metastasis. Eighty-eight patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer with liver metastasis for the first time and patients with liver metastasis after radical mastectomy were consecutively selected. The subjects were divided according to the different treatment methods.