Effect of calcium ions and pH on the morphology and mechanical properties of hyaluronan brushes.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear, regular polysaccharide that plays as a chief structural and functional component in peri- and extracellular matrices, thus contributing significantly to many basic cellular processes. To understand more comprehensively the response of the supramolecular organization of HA polymers to changes in their aqueous environment, we study the effects of Ca concentration and pH on the morphology and rigidity of films of end-grafted HA polymers on planar supports (HA brushes), as a well-defined model system of HA-rich matrices, by reflection interference contrast microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance. The thickness and softness of HA brushes decrease significantly with Ca concentration but do not change with pH, within the physiological ranges of these parameters.

Sensitive colorimetric detection of melamine in processed raw milk using asymmetrically PEGylated gold nanoparticles.

In this study, the asymmetrically modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with relatively large size are proposed for highly sensitive detection of melamine in raw milk. At first, we found that the sensitivity of colorimetric detection of melamine based on the conventional citrate-stabilized AuNPs could be significantly increased (limit of detection by visual observation: from 1 μmol L to 1 nmol L) via enlarging the size of AuNPs (from 13 to 42 nm). However, the large-sized AuNPs are unstable in the solution, and the accuracy of relevant aggregation-based colorimetric detection method is dramatically decreased due to the rapid evanishment of the color of solution caused by the precipitation of large-scaled AuNPs aggregates after introducing melamine.

Prodrug-Based Cascade Self-Assembly Strategy for Precisely Controlled Combination Drug Therapy.

The development of codelivery systems for combination therapy that can load different drugs in a single carrier and precisely deliver payloads (ratio and administration time) via programmable administration has proven to be challenging. By taking advantage of the increased dimension or space from particle self-assembly approach, we have developed a prodrug-based cascade self-assembly strategy to construct a supramolecular hydrogel that can load different drugs in stages yet temporally/spatially release drugs by cascade disassembly of supramolecular hydrogel under different microenvironments. The cascade self-assembly mechanism has been investigated in detail by morphology evolution of prodrug micelles.

Frequency of hepatitis B surface antigen variants (HBsAg) in hepatitis B virus genotype B and C infected East- and Southeast Asian patients: Detection by the Elecsys HBsAg II assay.

Background: To avoid false negative results, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assays need to detect samples with mutations in the immunodominant 'a' determinant region, which vary by ethnographic region.

Objective: We evaluated the prevalence and type of HBsAg mutations in a hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected East- and Southeast Asian population, and the diagnostic performance of the Elecsys HBsAg II Qualitative assay.

Study Design: We analyzed 898 samples from patients with HBV infection from four sites (China [Beijing and Guangzhou], Korea and Vietnam).

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in freshwater fish in the central and eastern North China.

The distribution and potential health risks of eight heavy metals (Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni)) in 16 freshwater systems from central and eastern North China, were investigated. The fish were divided as wild fish, which grew naturally without artificially feeding, and farmed fish. The total concentrations of the eight heavy metals ranged from 82.

Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection.

Aim: To assess daclatasvir plus asunaprevir (DUAL) in treatment-naïve patients from mainland China, Russia and South Korea with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b infection.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive 24 wk of treatment with DUAL (daclatasvir 60 mg once daily and asunaprevir 100 mg twice daily) beginning on day 1 of the treatment period (immediate treatment arm) or following 12 wk of matching placebo (placebo-deferred treatment arm). The primary endpoint was a comparison of sustained virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12) compared with the historical SVR rate for peg-interferon plus ribavirin (70%) among patients in the immediate treatment arm.

HBsAg Loss with Peg-interferon Alfa-2a in Hepatitis B Patients with Partial Response to Nucleos(t)ide Analog: New Switch Study.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is seldom achieved with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients but may be enhanced by switching to finite pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a. We assessed HBsAg loss with 48- and 96-week Peg-IFN alfa-2a in chronic hepatitis B patients with partial response to a previous NA. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who achieved HBeAg loss and hepatitis B virus DNA <200 IU/mL with previous adefovir, lamivudine or entecavir treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive Peg-IFN alfa-2a for 48 ( = 153) or 96 weeks ( = 150).

YAP/TAZ-mediated activation of serine metabolism and methylation regulation is critical for LKB1-deficient breast cancer progression.

The crucial interplay between metabolic remodeling and the epigenetics could contribute to promote cancer progression. A remarkable association within interaction, LKB1 has been reported, suggesting that the expression of key enzymes involving serine synthesis and DNA methyltransferases like DNMT1 and DNMT3A increase LKB1-deficiency cells. However, the complex interactional link between metabolic remodeling and the epigenetics is still unclear.

Association of baseline vitamin D level with genetic determinants and virologic response in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Aim: The role of vitamin D in individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. We aimed to explore the association of baseline vitamin D level with genetic determinants and week-104 treatment outcome in CHB patients.

Methods: Baseline serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) levels and genetic polymorphism within GC, DHCR7, and CYP2R1 were determined in stored serum of 560 patients who were enrolled into a multicenter, randomized, controlled study and completed 104 weeks of telbivudine monotherapy or telbivudine-based optimized therapy.

A potent hepatitis B surface antigen response in subjects with inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier treated with pegylated-interferon alpha.

Unlabelled: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance represents a clinical cure, although the clearance rate is extremely low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety profiles of pegylated-interferon α-2a (PEG-IFNα-2a) as a therapeutic option for inactive HBsAg carriers. There were 144 inactive HBsAg carriers enrolled and divided into a therapeutic group (102 subjects) and a control group (42 subjects).

Virological and serological features of acute hepatitis B in adults.

Various viral kinetics among patients with acute hepatitis B (AHB) have been observed in clinical practice. This study investigated the virological, biochemical, and serological characteristics of AHB in adults.A total of 192 adult patients with AHB were recruited between December 2010 and January 2014.

Comprehensive mapping of antigen specific T cell responses in hepatitis C virus infected patients with or without spontaneous viral clearance.

Elucidating protective immunity against HCV is important for the development of a preventative vaccine. We hypothesize that spontaneous resolution of acute HCV infection offers clue to protective immune responses, and that DAA therapy affects the quality and quantity of HCV-specific T cell responses. To test these hypotheses, we performed T cell epitope mapping in 111 HCV-infected individuals including 61 chronically HCV-1b (CHC-1b) infected, 24 chronically HCV-2a (CHC-2a) infected and 26 spontaneously recovered (SPR) patients with 376 overlapping peptides covering the entire HCV polyprotein.

The role of Bgl2p in the transition to filamentous cells during biofilm formation by Candida albicans.

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans undergoes a transition from yeast cells to filamentous cells that is related to its pathogenicity. The complex multicellular processes involved in biofilm formation by this fungus also include this transition. In this work, we investigated the morphological role of the Bgl2 protein (Bgl2p) in the transition to filamentous cells during biofilm formation by C.

Micromechanical Analysis of the Hyaluronan-Rich Matrix Surrounding the Oocyte Reveals a Uniquely Soft and Elastic Composition.

The cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) matrix is an extended coat that forms around the oocyte a few hours before ovulation and plays vital roles in oocyte biology. Here, we analyzed the micromechanical response of mouse COC matrix by colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy. We found that the COC matrix is elastic insofar as it does not flow and its original shape is restored after force release.

[Determination of eight active components in Radix Hedysari by HPLC and its cluster analysis].

An HPLC method was established for the determination of adenosine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and six flavonoids (calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and medicarpin） in Radix Hedysari. The samples were extracted with methanol by refluxing for 4 h. The HPLC-DAD was performed on a Diamonsil C(18) column (250 mm × 4.

Nationwide survey of specialist knowledge on current standard of care (Peg-IFN/RBV) and barriers of care in chronic hepatitis C patients in China.

Background And Aim: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of liver diseases including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In China, it is a major national health problem that demands nationwide coordinated emphasis on prevention and treatment. To inform these initiatives, a nationwide survey was conducted from January to April 2015 to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and perceived obstacles to HCV care.

A phase 3, open-label study of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection who are ineligible for or intolerant to interferon alfa therapies with or without ribavirin.

Background And Aim: Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection. This study focused on evaluating daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in interferon (±ribavirin)-ineligible or -intolerant Asian patients with genotype 1b infection from mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Methods: Interferon (±ribavirin)-ineligible and -intolerant patients with genotype 1b infection received daclatasvir 60 mg tablets once daily plus asunaprevir 100 mg soft capsules twice daily for 24 weeks.

Development and Validation of a Rapid and Simple UPLC-ESI-MS Method for Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Astragaloside III in Rats.

A rapid and simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) method for the determination of astragaloside III was developed and used in a pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study in rats following the oral administration 95% ethanol extraction of Zhenqi Fuzheng capsules. Although astragaloside III and astragaloside IV have the same molecular weight and very similar structures, they were successfully separated using this method. Quantification was performed using low-energy collision tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS-MS) with the multiple reaction monitoring scan mode of the following precursor ion → product ion atm/z807.

Lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, and atheroprotective effects of the mixture Hong-Qu and gypenosides in hyperlipidemia with NAFLD rats.

Background: Hyperlipidemia and its complications are among the most harmful of diseases with a worldwide impact, which creates an urgent imperative to find safe and effective drugs for treatment. HG is mainly composed of two kinds of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), Hong-Qu and gypenosides. Previously, the ingredients of the mixture mainly composed by Hong-Qu and gypenosides (HG) were widely used for purposes of lipid-lowering, antiatherosclerosis effects, and maintaining cardiovascular health in China.

Simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin for HCV genotype 1-infected treatment-naïve patients in China and South Korea.

Background And Aim: Approximately one-third of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 infection live in East Asia. This study evaluated the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of simeprevir plus peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin (PR) in HCV GT1-infected, treatment-naïve, Asian patients with compensated liver disease.

Methods: This phase III, randomized study (NCT01725529) was conducted in China and South Korea.

[Efficacy of combination antiviral therapy following childbirth in pregnant HBV carriers receiving telbivudine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission].

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of combination therapy with peg-IFNalpha and adefovir (CPIA) in women who were hepatfis B virus (HBV) carriers and had just given birth and received telbivudine (LdT) during pregnancy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Methods: One-hundred-and-fifty third trimester-pregnant women who were HBV carriers with highly-viremic were treated with LdT until time of birth. After delivery, those women with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level exceeding two times the upper limit of normal and HBV DNA level that had decreased more than 31 gIU/mL or hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titer that had decreased more than 50% were switched to CPIA for 96 weeks.

[The efficacy and prognostic predictors of different treatment courses with pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin combination in recurrent chronic hepatitis C patients].

Objective: To study the efficacy and outcome predictors of combined re-treatment with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) α-2a and ribavirin in recurrent chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods: A multicenter, prospective, randomized trial was designed. A total of 125 recurrent CHC patients were recruited in 16 clinical centers and randomly assigned into two groups: one was Peg-IFNα-2a combined with ribavirin for 48 weeks (group A) and the other the same combination for 72 weeks (group B).

Study on Post-Treatment Relapse in HBeAg Positive CHB Patients.

Background: Many factors are associated with post-treatment relapse in CHB patients, and there are no effective factors to predict relapse. In this study, we investigate the influence factors associated with post-treatment relapse and their predictive value in HBeAg positive CHB (eP-CHB).

Methods: The factors associated with post-treatment relapse were analyzed firstly by a retrospective study in eP-CHB.