AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ulinastatin for patients with acute lung injury(ALI) and those with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials...AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ulinastatin for patients with acute lung injury(ALI) and those with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of ulinastatin for ALI/ARDS was conducted. Oxygenation index, mortality rate [intensive care unit(ICU) mortality rate, 28-d mortality rate] and length of ICU stay were compared between ulinastatin group and conventional therapy group. Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.1.RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs with 1726 participants were totally included, the basic conditions of which were similar. No studies discussed adverse effect. Oxygenation index was reported in twenty-six studies(1552 patients). Ulinastatin had a significant effect in improving oxygenation [standard mean difference(SMD) = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.42-2.29, P < 0.00001, I2 = 92%]. ICUmortality and 28-d mortality were respectively reported in eighteen studies(987 patients) and three studies(196 patients). We found that ulinastatin significantly decreased the ICU mortality [I2 = 0%, RR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.38-0.59, number needed to treat(NNT) = 5.06, P < 0.00001], while the 28-d mortality was not significantly affected(I2 = 0%, RR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.51-1.19, NNT = 12.66, P = 0.24). The length of ICU stay(six studies, 364 patients) in the ulinastatin group was significantly lower than that in the control group(SMD =-0.97, 95%CI:-1.20--0.75, P < 0.00001, I2 = 86%). CONCLUSION: Ulinastatin seems to be effective for ALI and ARDS though most trials included were of poor quality and no information on safety was provided.展开更多
Most current studies quantify axon regeneration by immunostaining regeneration-associated proteins,representing indirect measurement of axon lengths from both sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and motor neuro...Most current studies quantify axon regeneration by immunostaining regeneration-associated proteins,representing indirect measurement of axon lengths from both sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and motor neurons in the spinal cord.Our recently developed method of in vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding for enhanced green fluorescent protein into adult sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia provides a way to directly and specifically measure regenerating sensory axon lengths in whole-mount nerves.A mouse model of sciatic nerve compression was established by squeezing the sciatic nerve with tweezers.Plasmid DNA carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein was transfected by ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion electroporation 2 or 3 days before injury.Fluorescence distribution of dorsal root or sciatic nerve was observed by confocal microscopy.At 12 and 18 hours,and 1,2,3,4,5,and 6 days of injury,lengths of regenerated axons after sciatic nerve compression were measured using green fluorescence images.Apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia was determined by western blot assay.We found that in vivo electroporation did not affect caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia.Dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerves were successfully removed and subjected to a rapid tissue clearing technique.Neuronal soma in dorsal root ganglia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein or fluorescent dye-labeled microRNAs were imaged after tissue clearing.The results facilitate direct time course analysis of peripheral nerve axon regeneration.This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guilin Medical University,China(approval No.GLMC201503010)on March 7,2014.展开更多
Electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly multilayer films were successfully fabricated from C-60-ethylenediamine adduct (C-60-EDA) and DNA. Under visible light irradiation, DNA is ready to be cleaved and the films a...Electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly multilayer films were successfully fabricated from C-60-ethylenediamine adduct (C-60-EDA) and DNA. Under visible light irradiation, DNA is ready to be cleaved and the films are destroyed.展开更多
Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex fiber of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)shows rubber elasticity in ambient environment,but the fiber has relatively low strength and weak stability.We apply the cat...Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex fiber of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)shows rubber elasticity in ambient environment,but the fiber has relatively low strength and weak stability.We apply the catechol chemistry and metal coordination to stabilize and strengthen the PEO/PAA fiber.PAA is grafted with dopamine(Dopa),and then combines with PEO to prepare fiber.PAA-Dopa in the fiber is crosslinked through oxidation induced dismutation and the metal ions are introduced through coordination.The cross-linking and coordination greatly improve the stability of the fiber against the erosion of alkaline water.Among four different metal coordination fibers,PEO/PAA-Dopa/Cu fiber keeps the excellent extensibility(~1000%)and presents much higher initial modulus(~7 MPa),ultimate strength(~20 MPa),and toughness(~60 MJ/m^(3))than its precursor PEO/PAA fiber.In addition,PEO/PAA-Dopa/Cu fiber shows quick recovery and large energy dissipation ratio compared with the PEO/PAA fiber.The distinct mechanical properties enhancement of the hydrogen-bonded complex fiber is attributed to the synergy of hydrogen bonds,coordination and covalent bond cross-linking.展开更多
Glycogen synthase kinase 3(GSK3)signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo.Here,we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the ...Glycogen synthase kinase 3(GSK3)signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo.Here,we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field.Overall,current evidence indicates that GSK3βsignaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K–AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway.Specifically,the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation,whereas GSK3βsignaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated,cap-independent protein translation.In addition,GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neuralregeneration.Finally,we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets.Together,we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.展开更多
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) has a poor prognosis and is often a kind of heavy financial burden to patients. Currently, few treatments are available for IPF. Clinical practice of traditional Chinese ...Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) has a poor prognosis and is often a kind of heavy financial burden to patients. Currently, few treatments are available for IPF. Clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), using a syndrome differentiation approach, offers some treatment success in IPF. However, there is no sufficient evidence-based study of the role of TCM in IPF management to make strong conclusions. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment of IPF.Methods and design: A multicenter, exploratory, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial is planned. A total of 80 patients will be enrolled in the study, which will include 26 weeks of treatment.Participants will be randomly assigned into TCM group or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The TCM group will be given TCM granules based on syndrome differentiation. Formulae include Bao-fei Hua-xian granule for lung qi deficiency, Jin-shui Huan-xian granule for lung-kidney qi deficiency and Yang-qing Kang-xian granule for yin deficiency and inner heat. The control group will be given a corresponding TCM granule placebo. The efficacy and safety of interventions will be evaluated by the outcome variables,including frequencies of acute exacerbations, pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, dyspnea, healthrelated quality of life(HRQo L), 6-minute walk distance and safety indicators.Discussion: It is hypothesized that TCM will decrease the frequency of adverse events, improve pulmonary function and HRQo L, based on our clinical experience. This trial is the first study of TCM treatment in IPF that is based on syndrome differentiation and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in IPF.展开更多
Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex films with the thickness ranging from 50 nm to 2400 nm were prepared by layer-by-layer （LbL） assembly of poly（2-ethyl-2-oxazoline） （PEOX） and poly（acrylic acid） （PAA）. The dew...Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex films with the thickness ranging from 50 nm to 2400 nm were prepared by layer-by-layer （LbL） assembly of poly（2-ethyl-2-oxazoline） （PEOX） and poly（acrylic acid） （PAA）. The dewetting behavior of PEOX/PAA films under hydrothermal condition was investigated. It was found that the dewetting occurred at solid-liquid interface, and the typical morphologies such as holes, irregular cellular structure, and droplets were observed. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） revealed the initial rupture of the film. Microscopic Raman and infrared （IR） imaging demonstrated that the PEOX and PAA chains remained association during the dewetting process.展开更多
Buckyballs(C_(60)) are linked to one end and two ends of linear poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) chains through highly efficient click chemistry to obtain giant amphiphilic molecules C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60), respect...Buckyballs(C_(60)) are linked to one end and two ends of linear poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) chains through highly efficient click chemistry to obtain giant amphiphilic molecules C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60), respectively. C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60) molecules are spread on water surface and then transferred to solid substrates with Langmuir-Blodgett(LB) film deposition approach. C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60) exhibit fractal growth behavior on the solid substrate under certain conditions owing to the crystallization ability of PEO segment. PEO chain length and the end capped mode both affect the fractal growth pattern.展开更多
Naturally occurring fibers,such as cotton,flax,silk,and wool have been utilized by mankind for millennia.The silk gauze gown of Han-dynasty found in 1972 by archaeological discovery in Mawangdui Han Tomb weighs only 4...Naturally occurring fibers,such as cotton,flax,silk,and wool have been utilized by mankind for millennia.The silk gauze gown of Han-dynasty found in 1972 by archaeological discovery in Mawangdui Han Tomb weighs only 49 grams.It demonstrates the advanced silkworm cultivation,harvesting and weaving techniques in the early Han Dynasty in China.Even today,we are not able to replicate this silk gown with such light weight.For a long time.展开更多
Fractal structures have attracted considerable scientific interest,and fractal geometry is an effective tool to study the complicated structure and dynamic processes,such as dilation symmetry of disorder structure,per...Fractal structures have attracted considerable scientific interest,and fractal geometry is an effective tool to study the complicated structure and dynamic processes,such as dilation symmetry of disorder structure,percolation,gelation,and metal-insulator transition.Here,we summarized our findings of fractal growth of giant amphiphiles in Langmuir-Blodgett(LB)film.Giant amphiphiles composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes(POSS)derivatives and poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO),with structural diversities of POSS head modification,POSS head number,PEO chain length,are precisely synthesized.The effect of molecular structures and operation parameters on the fractal growth patterns are discussed,in addition,other fractal growth patterns in LB films and in Langmuir films are included,aiming to understand the basic molecular principle of fractal growth in LB system.展开更多
文摘AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ulinastatin for patients with acute lung injury(ALI) and those with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of ulinastatin for ALI/ARDS was conducted. Oxygenation index, mortality rate [intensive care unit(ICU) mortality rate, 28-d mortality rate] and length of ICU stay were compared between ulinastatin group and conventional therapy group. Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.1.RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs with 1726 participants were totally included, the basic conditions of which were similar. No studies discussed adverse effect. Oxygenation index was reported in twenty-six studies(1552 patients). Ulinastatin had a significant effect in improving oxygenation [standard mean difference(SMD) = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.42-2.29, P < 0.00001, I2 = 92%]. ICUmortality and 28-d mortality were respectively reported in eighteen studies(987 patients) and three studies(196 patients). We found that ulinastatin significantly decreased the ICU mortality [I2 = 0%, RR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.38-0.59, number needed to treat(NNT) = 5.06, P < 0.00001], while the 28-d mortality was not significantly affected(I2 = 0%, RR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.51-1.19, NNT = 12.66, P = 0.24). The length of ICU stay(six studies, 364 patients) in the ulinastatin group was significantly lower than that in the control group(SMD =-0.97, 95%CI:-1.20--0.75, P < 0.00001, I2 = 86%). CONCLUSION: Ulinastatin seems to be effective for ALI and ARDS though most trials included were of poor quality and no information on safety was provided.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81460198,31260233the National Institute of Health of the United States of American,No.R01NS064288,R01NS085176,R01EY027347(to FQZ)the Craig H.Neilson Foundation,the Bright Focus Foundation(to FQZ)
文摘Most current studies quantify axon regeneration by immunostaining regeneration-associated proteins,representing indirect measurement of axon lengths from both sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia and motor neurons in the spinal cord.Our recently developed method of in vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding for enhanced green fluorescent protein into adult sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia provides a way to directly and specifically measure regenerating sensory axon lengths in whole-mount nerves.A mouse model of sciatic nerve compression was established by squeezing the sciatic nerve with tweezers.Plasmid DNA carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein was transfected by ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion electroporation 2 or 3 days before injury.Fluorescence distribution of dorsal root or sciatic nerve was observed by confocal microscopy.At 12 and 18 hours,and 1,2,3,4,5,and 6 days of injury,lengths of regenerated axons after sciatic nerve compression were measured using green fluorescence images.Apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia was determined by western blot assay.We found that in vivo electroporation did not affect caspase-3 expression in dorsal root ganglia.Dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerves were successfully removed and subjected to a rapid tissue clearing technique.Neuronal soma in dorsal root ganglia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein or fluorescent dye-labeled microRNAs were imaged after tissue clearing.The results facilitate direct time course analysis of peripheral nerve axon regeneration.This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guilin Medical University,China(approval No.GLMC201503010)on March 7,2014.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 29774036 and 29904007) and PPLAS Foundation of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 01-B-06) are gratefully acknowledged for their financial support of this work.
文摘Electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly multilayer films were successfully fabricated from C-60-ethylenediamine adduct (C-60-EDA) and DNA. Under visible light irradiation, DNA is ready to be cleaved and the films are destroyed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51973029 and 52273020)Ministry of Education(No.8091B022141).
文摘Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex fiber of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)shows rubber elasticity in ambient environment,but the fiber has relatively low strength and weak stability.We apply the catechol chemistry and metal coordination to stabilize and strengthen the PEO/PAA fiber.PAA is grafted with dopamine(Dopa),and then combines with PEO to prepare fiber.PAA-Dopa in the fiber is crosslinked through oxidation induced dismutation and the metal ions are introduced through coordination.The cross-linking and coordination greatly improve the stability of the fiber against the erosion of alkaline water.Among four different metal coordination fibers,PEO/PAA-Dopa/Cu fiber keeps the excellent extensibility(~1000%)and presents much higher initial modulus(~7 MPa),ultimate strength(~20 MPa),and toughness(~60 MJ/m^(3))than its precursor PEO/PAA fiber.In addition,PEO/PAA-Dopa/Cu fiber shows quick recovery and large energy dissipation ratio compared with the PEO/PAA fiber.The distinct mechanical properties enhancement of the hydrogen-bonded complex fiber is attributed to the synergy of hydrogen bonds,coordination and covalent bond cross-linking.
文摘Glycogen synthase kinase 3(GSK3)signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo.Here,we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field.Overall,current evidence indicates that GSK3βsignaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K–AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway.Specifically,the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation,whereas GSK3βsignaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated,cap-independent protein translation.In addition,GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neuralregeneration.Finally,we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets.Together,we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.
基金supported by Special Scientific Research Project of National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China(JDZX2015155)the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81674098)+1 种基金supported by Henan Provincial Special Support Program for High-level Talent(“Central Plains Thousand Talents Program”,194200510018,ZYQR201810159)provided by Henan Provincial Special Support Program for High-level Talent(Central Plains Thousand Talents Program,194200510018).
文摘Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) has a poor prognosis and is often a kind of heavy financial burden to patients. Currently, few treatments are available for IPF. Clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), using a syndrome differentiation approach, offers some treatment success in IPF. However, there is no sufficient evidence-based study of the role of TCM in IPF management to make strong conclusions. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment of IPF.Methods and design: A multicenter, exploratory, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial is planned. A total of 80 patients will be enrolled in the study, which will include 26 weeks of treatment.Participants will be randomly assigned into TCM group or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The TCM group will be given TCM granules based on syndrome differentiation. Formulae include Bao-fei Hua-xian granule for lung qi deficiency, Jin-shui Huan-xian granule for lung-kidney qi deficiency and Yang-qing Kang-xian granule for yin deficiency and inner heat. The control group will be given a corresponding TCM granule placebo. The efficacy and safety of interventions will be evaluated by the outcome variables,including frequencies of acute exacerbations, pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, dyspnea, healthrelated quality of life(HRQo L), 6-minute walk distance and safety indicators.Discussion: It is hypothesized that TCM will decrease the frequency of adverse events, improve pulmonary function and HRQo L, based on our clinical experience. This trial is the first study of TCM treatment in IPF that is based on syndrome differentiation and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in IPF.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51373032)
文摘Hydrogen-bonded polymer complex films with the thickness ranging from 50 nm to 2400 nm were prepared by layer-by-layer （LbL） assembly of poly（2-ethyl-2-oxazoline） （PEOX） and poly（acrylic acid） （PAA）. The dewetting behavior of PEOX/PAA films under hydrothermal condition was investigated. It was found that the dewetting occurred at solid-liquid interface, and the typical morphologies such as holes, irregular cellular structure, and droplets were observed. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） revealed the initial rupture of the film. Microscopic Raman and infrared （IR） imaging demonstrated that the PEOX and PAA chains remained association during the dewetting process.
基金financially supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitythe National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51373032)
文摘Buckyballs(C_(60)) are linked to one end and two ends of linear poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) chains through highly efficient click chemistry to obtain giant amphiphilic molecules C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60), respectively. C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60) molecules are spread on water surface and then transferred to solid substrates with Langmuir-Blodgett(LB) film deposition approach. C_(60)-PEO and C_(60)-PEO-C_(60) exhibit fractal growth behavior on the solid substrate under certain conditions owing to the crystallization ability of PEO segment. PEO chain length and the end capped mode both affect the fractal growth pattern.
文摘Naturally occurring fibers,such as cotton,flax,silk,and wool have been utilized by mankind for millennia.The silk gauze gown of Han-dynasty found in 1972 by archaeological discovery in Mawangdui Han Tomb weighs only 49 grams.It demonstrates the advanced silkworm cultivation,harvesting and weaving techniques in the early Han Dynasty in China.Even today,we are not able to replicate this silk gown with such light weight.For a long time.
基金financially supported by the Research Fund Program of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Function and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices(No.2019B121203003).
文摘Fractal structures have attracted considerable scientific interest,and fractal geometry is an effective tool to study the complicated structure and dynamic processes,such as dilation symmetry of disorder structure,percolation,gelation,and metal-insulator transition.Here,we summarized our findings of fractal growth of giant amphiphiles in Langmuir-Blodgett(LB)film.Giant amphiphiles composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes(POSS)derivatives and poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO),with structural diversities of POSS head modification,POSS head number,PEO chain length,are precisely synthesized.The effect of molecular structures and operation parameters on the fractal growth patterns are discussed,in addition,other fractal growth patterns in LB films and in Langmuir films are included,aiming to understand the basic molecular principle of fractal growth in LB system.
