Identification and expression analysis of cellulose synthase family genes in Aquilaria sinensis / 药学学报

Cellulose synthase (CesA), one of the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of cellulose in plants, plays an important role in plant growth and plant resistance. In this study, a total of 21 AsCesA genes from Aquilaria sinensis were systematically identified and the physico-chemical characteristics were analyzed based on genome database and bioinformatical methods. The phylogenetic tree was constructed and the gene location on chromosome, cis-acting elements in the 2 000 basepairs upstream regulatory regions and conservative motifs were analyzed. The AsCesA proteins were mainly located on the plasma membrane. The number of amino acids of the proteins ranged from 390 to 1 261. The isoelectric point distributed from 5.67 to 8.86. All of the 21 AsCesA proteins possessed the transmembrane domains, the number of which was from 6 to 8. The genes were classified into 3 groups according to the phylogenetic relationship. Obvious differences were observed in motif composition in genes from different groups. However, motif2, motif6, motif7 and motif10 were observed in all of AsCesA proteins. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that AsCesA genes family has cis-acting elements related to plant hormones, abiotic stresses, and biological processes. Seven AsCesA genes with differential expression were selected according to the calli transcriptome data induced by NaCl at different times and their expression levels under different abiotic stresses were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results indicated that salt, low temperature, drought, and heavy metal stresses could affect the expression level of AsCesA genes, and the abundance of AsCesA1, AsCesA3 and AsCesA20 showed a significant change, implying their potential important roles to the abiotic stresses. The accumulation pattern of cellulose content under different abiotic stresses was similar to the expression trend of AsCesA genes. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of cellulose synthase in A.sinensis in plant defense.

Comparing the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate eye drops and carboxymethylcellulose eye drops in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease

Purpose: Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate (SH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) eye drops in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease in terms of relief of symptoms, mean change in tear film breakup time, Schirmer’s test, and impression cytology of conjunctiva from baseline. Methods: An observational study was carried out during a 2?year period in our tertiary referral hospital. The study consisted of 60 patients randomly allotted to two groups to receive SH and CMC eye drops for an 8?week period. Ocular surface disease index, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer’s test were performed at baseline visit and 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and impression cytology of conjunctiva was performed at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Significant improvement in patient symptoms, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer’s test from baseline was seen in both SH and CMC groups at 8 weeks posttreatment, whereas impression cytology of conjunctiva in both groups did not show significant improvement at 8 weeks of treatment. Data analysis using unpaired t?test showed comparable results. Conclusion: Both CMC and SH demonstrated equal efficacy in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease.

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of alkali-soluble polysaccharide from Poria and its application in diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets / 药学学报

In this study, alkali-soluble polysaccharide was extracted from Poria residue, and the structure of alkali-soluble polysaccharide was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The physical morphology of alkali-soluble polysaccharide and ethyl cellulose (EC) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the focus on angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, interparticle porosity, cohesion index, Hausner ratio, etc. The physical fingerprints were drawn, and the powder properties were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets were prepared by direct compression method using alkali-soluble polysaccharide and EC as insoluble backbone materials to evaluate the basic properties of the extended-release tablets, investigate the in vitro drug release behavior and study the release mechanism. The results showed that alkali-soluble polysaccharide is a semi-crystalline polymer with smooth lamellar structure, and its stacking and compressibility are stronger than EC. The in vitro release experiments showed that the slow release performance of alkali-soluble polysaccharide is stronger than EC, and the release behavior of the prepared slow release tablets is in accordance with the Higuchi model. The pore structure is formed inside the tablets during the release process, and the release mode is pore diffusion release. The results of this study are of great significance for the development of new slow-release materials and the rational use of resources.

Post-thoracotomy paraplegia after oxidized cellulose spinal compression

ABSTRACT Post-thoracotomy paraplegia after non-aortic surgery is an extremely uncommon complication. A 56-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of progressive shortness of breath. Computed tomography revealed a locally advanced posterior mediastinal mass involving the ribs and the left neural foramina. Tumor excision with a left pneumonectomy was performed. Post-resection, bleeding was noted in the vicinity of the T4-T5 vertebral body, and the bleeding point was packed with oxidized cellulose gauze (Surgicel®). Postoperatively, the patient complained of bilateral leg numbness extending up to the T5 level, with bilateral paraplegia. An urgent laminectomy was performed, and we noted that the spinal cord was compressed by two masses of Surgicel® with blood clots measuring 1.5 × 1.5cm at T4 and T5 levels. The paraplegia did not improve despite the removal of the mass, sufficient decompression, and aggressive postoperative physiotherapy. Surgeons operating in fields close to the intervertebral foramen should be aware of the possible threat to the adjacent spinal canal as helpful hemostatic agents can become a preventable threat.

Bacterial cellulose biomaterials for the treatment of lower limb ulcers / Biomateriais de celulose bacteriana para o tratamento de úlceras de membros inferiores

ABSTRACT Chronic ulcers of the lower limbs are common and recurrent, especially in the elderly population, they are disabling injuries that generate a great socioeconomic burden. This scenario encourages the development of new, low-cost therapeutic alternatives. The present study aims to describe the use of bacterial cellulose in the treatment of lower limb ulcers. This is an integrative literature review, carried out in the PubMed and Science Direct databases by associating the descriptors, with the inclusion criteria being clinical studies in the last 5 years, available in full in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Five clinical trials were analyzed and the main therapeutic effects obtained in the experimental groups that used bacterial cellulose dressings were a reduction in the area of the wounds, one of the studies showed a reduction of 44.18cm2 in the area of the wound, the initial lesions measured on average 89.46cm2 and at the end of the follow-up, they had an average of 45.28cm2, since the reduction in pain and the decrease in the number of exchanges were advantages described in all groups that used the BS. It is concluded that BC dressings are an alternative for the treatment of lower limb ulcers, their use also reduces operational costs related to the treatment of ulcers.

RESUMO As úlceras crônicas de membros inferiores são comuns e recorrentes principalmente na população idosa, são lesões incapacitantes e que geram grande ônus socioeconômico. Tal cenário incentiva o desenvolvimento de novas alternativas terapêuticas e de baixo custo. O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever o uso da celulose bacteriana no tratamento de úlceras de membros inferiores. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados PubMed e Science Direct por meio da associação dos descritores, tendo como critério de inclusão estudos clínicos nos últimos 5 anos, disponíveis na integra em inglês, português e espanhol. Cinco ensaios clínicos foram analisados e os principais efeitos terapêuticos obtidos nos grupos experimentais que utilizaram os curativos de celulose bacteriana foram redução da área das feridas, um dos estudos apontou uma redução de 44,18cm2 da área da ferida, as lesões iniciais mediam em média 89,46cm2 e ao término do acompanhamento apresentaram uma média de 45,28cm2, já a redução da dor e diminuição do número de trocas foram vantagens descritas em todos os grupos que utilizaram a CB. Conclui-se que os curativos de CB são uma alternativa para o tratamento das úlceras de MMII, sua utilização reduz também os custos operacionais relacionados ao tratamento de úlceras.

Amplificación directa de ADN de Bordetella pertussis purificado de hisopados nasofaríngeos por un método de bajo costo, rápido (60-segundos) y libre de equipos / Direct amplification of Bordetella pertussis DNA purified from nasopharyngeal swabs by a low-cost, fast (60-second), and equipment-free method

RESUMEN Objetivo. Desarrollar y evaluar un método de bajo costo basado en celulosa para la purificación rápida y amplificación directa de ADN de Bordetella pertussis de hisopados nasofaríngeos. Materiales y métodos. Se prepararon discos de celulosa y se evaluaron diferentes parámetros (buffers de lisis/lavado, número de discos y elución de ADN). El método se acopló a una amplificación directa por PCR en tiempo real (qPCR) y se estimó el rendimiento utilizando hisopados nasofaríngeos que fueron positivos (n=100) y negativos (n=50) para ADN B. pertussis por qPCR, comparado con el método basado en columnas de sílice. Se calculó el grado de concordancia, sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN). Se evaluó la factibilidad del método rápido para ser acoplado a un ensayo colorimétrico de amplificación isotérmica mediada por lazo (LAMP). Resultados. El método rápido con un disco de celulosa y buffer de lisis y lavado conteniendo PVP-40 y Tween 20, respectivamente, mostró una mayor capacidad para purificar ADN amplificable de B. pertussis. El método tuvo una sensibilidad de 89,0% (IC95%, 80,2%-94,9%) y una especificidad de 98,5% (IC95%, 92,1%-100,0%), con un buen grado de concordancia (Kappa=0,867; IC95% 0,788 - 0,946), respecto al método referencial. Los VPP y VPN fueron 98,6% (IC95%, 92,7,2%-100,0%) y 88,2% (IC95%, 78,7%-94,4%), respectivamente. Se evidenció una amplificación exitosa por LAMP, y se obtuvieron resultados comparables con el método por columnas de sílice. Conclusión. El método desarrollado es simple, de bajo costo y libre de equipos para la obtención rápida (60 segundos) de ADN en el punto de atención, y puede ser implementado en diversas técnicas moleculares orientados al diagnóstico oportuno y al estudio epidemiológico de tos ferina.

ABSTRACT Objective. To develop and evaluate a low-cost cellulose-based method for rapid purification and direct amplification of Bordetella pertussis DNA from nasopharyngeal swabs. Materials and methods. We prepared cellulose discs and evaluated different parameters (lysis/wash buffers, number of discs and DNA elution). The method was coupled to a direct real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification and the performance was estimated using nasopharyngeal swabs that were positive (n=100) and negative (n=50) for B. pertussis DNA by qPCR, compared to the silica column-based method. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) and the degree of agreement. The feasibility of the rapid method to be coupled to a loop-mediated isothermal amplification colorimetric assay (LAMP) was evaluated. Results. The rapid method, with a cellulose disk and lysis and wash buffer containing PVP-40 and Tween 20, respectively, showed a greater capacity to purify amplifiable DNA from B. pertussis. The method had a sensitivity of 89.0% (95%CI: 80.2%-94.9%) and a specificity of 98.5% (95%CI: 92.1%-100.0%), with a good degree of agreement (Kappa=0.867; 95%CI: 0.788 - 0.946), compared to the reference method. The PPV and NPV were 98.6% (95%CI: 92.7.2%-100.0%) and 88.2% (95%CI: 78.7%-94.4%), respectively. Successful amplification by LAMP was evident, and comparable results were obtained with the silica column method. Conclusion. The developed method is simple, low-cost and equipment-free for rapid (60 seconds) DNA collection at the point of care, and can be implemented in various molecular techniques aimed at the timely diagnosis and epidemiological study of pertussis.

A Comprehensive Review on Cytoskeletal Organization and Its Interaction with Polysaccharides and Enzymes during Primary Cell Wall Development

A well-coordinated process is required to construct a complicated structure like the cell wall, which consists of several elements that must be joined appropriately from various sources inside the cell. In order to successfully moderate dynamic responses to developmental and environmental signals, further complexity is necessary. The plasma membrane is continually and actively transporting sugars, enzymes, and other cell wall elements throughout diffused development. Actin filaments and microtubules make up the cytoskeletal pathways used to transport cell wall elements in vesicles during cell division. In addition to these elements, other proteins, vesicles and lipids are transported from and to the cell plate while cytokinesis occurs. Adding additional cell wall material or building a new cell wall requires a rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, which we examine in this review first. We next look at the commonalities between these two processes. Our next topic is the transport of cell wall-building polysaccharides and enzymes via motor proteins and other interactions with the cytoskeleton. Final thoughts on cytokinesis-generated cell walls include a look at some of their unique properties.

Immobilisation of solvatochromic dyes on transparent cellulose films; an improved methodology for the study of homeopathic potencies

Highly diluted and succussed solutions (homeopathic potencies) have been shown to interact with a wide range of solvatochromic dyes based on changes in their UV-visible spectra. Studies so far have involved free dyes in solution, but there is a pressing need to find ways to investigate the potency-dye interaction using isolated dye molecules in order to ask more searching physico-chemical questions regarding the fundamental nature of potencies. Aims and Methods:The aims of the present study have been tolook for ways to covalently immobilizesolvatochromic dyes onto transparent cellulose films and hence be in a position to investigate dye-potency interactions without the complication of dye-dye interactions, including dye aggregation, which can occur with free dyes in solution. Results: to date a total of nine different dyes have been immobilised on cellulose films using epoxide activation of hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface. Using this methodology studies have begun looking at the time course of potency action on one of these immobilised dyes, Brooker's merocyanine. Results show that the interaction ofArsenicum10M with this dye consists of three phases ­an initial growth phase, a sustained plateau of interaction and a final decline phase lasting several days.Conclusions: amethodology has been developed that successfully immobilises solvatochromic dyes onto transparent cellulose film. These films can then be used in a spectrophotometer to study at a much more detailed level how potencies interact with dyes compared with using free dyes in solution. Results indicate that the information gained in this way provides new insights regarding the fundamental nature of potencies. Specifically, studies using immobilised Brooker's merocyanine with Arsenicum10M reveal that the lifetime of the potency is much longer than expected and that its action consists of three distinct phases, suggesting a resonant interaction with the dye.

Valor diagnóstico de la electroforesis de proteínas y cadenas ligeras libres en suero en el mieloma múltiple / Diagnostic value of serum protein electrophoresis and free light chains in the multiple myeloma's diagnosis

RESUMEN Fundamento: La electroforesis de proteínas y las cadenas ligeras libres en suero son técnicas utilizadas en el diagnóstico del mieloma múltiple. Sin embargo, la utilidad diagnóstica de ambas pruebas puede variar según el método empleado y condiciones reales del medio donde se realicen. Objetivo: Determinar el valor diagnóstico de la electroforesis de proteínas y de las cadenas ligeras libres en suero en el mieloma múltiple. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los parámetros electroforesis de proteínas en suero y cadenas ligeras libres en suero a 43 pacientes con diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple por evaluación de la médula ósea. La electroforesis de proteínas se realizó por el método convencional de separación de proteínas sobre papel de acetato de celulosa y para las cadenas ligeras libres se aplicó un ensayo inmunoturbidimétrico en el que se usó un analizador químico (Cobas 311). Se calcularon 7 parámetros que evaluaron la exactitud diagnóstica. Resultados: Todos los parámetros que evaluaron la exactitud diagnóstica estuvieron dentro de los intervalos de confianza en ambas pruebas. Conclusiones: La electroforesis de proteínas y las cadenas ligeras libres en suero son ensayos de gran utilidad en el diagnóstico del mieloma múltiple y se deben utilizar en conjunto para la mayor captación posible de casos.

ABSTRACT Background: Protein electrophoresis and serum free light chains are techniques used in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. However, the diagnostic utility of both tests may vary according to the method used and the actual conditions of the environment where they are performed. Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of protein electrophoresis and serum free light chains in multiple myeloma. Methodology: A retrospective study of serum protein electrophoresis parameters and serum free light chains was conducted in 43 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma by bone marrow evaluation. Protein electrophoresis was completed by the conventional method of protein separation on cellulose acetate paper and for free light chains an immunoturbidimetric assay was applied in which a chemical analyzer (Cobas 311) was used. Seven parameters were calculated to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Results: All parameters assessing diagnostic accuracy were within confidence intervals in both tests. Conclusions: Protein electrophoresis and serum free light chains are very useful assays in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and should be used in conjunction for the highest possible approval of cases.

Uso de membrana de celulosa oxidada post-gingivectomía en hiperplasia gingival inducida por fenitoína / Use of oxidized cellulose regenerated post-gingivectomy on ginigival hyperplasia induced by phenytoin

Introducción: La hiperplasia gingival es una condición benigna caracterizada por el aumento de volumen de la encía. Algunos fármacos, factores genéticos, aparatología y placa dentobacteriana son factores que pueden inducir esta condición. Objetivo: Devolver la anatomía a la encía brindando una mejor estética y permitiendo una óptima higiene oral. Material y métodos: Paciente masculino de 20 años de edad con antecedentes de fenitoína presenta aumento de volumen en la encía. Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados estéticos y funcionales satisfactorios con el tratamiento quirúrgico y el uso de membrana de celulosa oxidada. Conclusión: En el manejo de la hiperplasia gingival es importante el enfoque no quirúrgico como control de placa dentobacteriana y medidas de higiene del mismo paciente (AU)

Introduction: Gingival hyperplasia is a benign condition characterized for the grown on the gingival volume. Some drugs, genetic, orthodontic and dental plaque are some factors that can induce this condition. Objective: To return the gingival anatomy, providing a better aesthetic allowing also good oral hygiene. Material and methods: A male 20 years of age with medical history of phenytoin display grown on the gingival volume. Results: Aesthetic and functional results were achieved with the surgical treatment and the oxidized cellulose membrane. Conclusion: In the gingival hyperplasia management is important de non-surgical approach, as dental plaque control and oral hygiene of the patient (AU)

Development of an improved virus plaque assay based on avicel / 生物工程学报

Avicel is made of a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and used for virus plaque assay. The avicel in common use is produced by FMC Biopolymer. Due to the relatively fixed proportion of MCC and CMC, avicel in common use is not suitable for plaque determination experiment of all types of viruses. In this study, we evaluated the effect of avicel made of different proportions of MCC and CMC on virus plaque assay, and developed an improved avicel virus plaque assay featured with simple and convenient operation, good practicability and high stability. To generate avicel overlays with different proportions of MCC and CMC, twelve different 2×avicel solutions were prepared. Their overall viscosity and bottom viscosity were measured to evaluate the ease of operation. The results showed that most of the 2×avicel solutions (except the 4.8% MCC+1.4% CMC and 4.8% MCC+1.0% CMC group) were easy to absorb and prepare nutrient overlap than 2×CMC solution. In order to find the best scheme to detect the titer of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), these avicel overlay solutions with different proportion of MCC and CMC were used as a replacement in the standard plaque assay. By comparing the size, clarity, stability and titer accuracy of virus plaque, we identified that 0.6% MCC and 0.7% CMC was the most preferable composition of avicel overlay for PEDV plaque assay. In conclusion, we developed an improved virus plaque assay based on avicel, which may facilitate the research of virus etiology, antiviral drugs and vaccines.

Regulating the structure of bacterial cellulose by altering the expression of bcsD using CRISPR/dCas9 / 生物工程学报

Gluconacetobacter xylinus is a primary strain producing bacterial cellulose (BC). In G. xylinus, BcsD is a subunit of cellulose synthase and is participated in the assembly process of BC. A series of G. xylinus with different expression levels of the bcsD gene were obtained by using the CRISPR/dCas9 technique. Analysis of the structural characteristics of BC showed that the crystallinity and porosity of BC changed with the expression of bcsD. The porosity varied from 59.95%-84.05%, and the crystallinity varied from 74.26%-93.75%, while the yield of BC did not decrease significantly upon changing the expression levels of bcsD. The results showed that the porosity of bacterial cellulose significantly increased, while the crystallinity was positively correlated with the expression of bcsD, when the expression level of bcsD was below 55.34%. By altering the expression level of the bcsD gene, obtaining BC with different structures but stable yield through a one-step fermentation of G. xylinus was achieved.

Prevention of SSI in Cardiac Surgery by Using Intraoperative Measures for High-Risk Patients as Standard Precautions against Mediastinitis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Background : Risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) are thought to include poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, dialysis, and a long operating time, but patients without risk factors can also develop infection. Therefore, it is possible that SSI could be prevented by routinely using the precautions against SSI developed for high-risk patients. We investigated the route and pathogenetic mechanism of mediastinitis, which is the most frequent SSI after cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that mediastinitis occurred when the deep sternal marrow was contaminated by skin bacteria. Based on this hypothesis, we investigated the efficacy of various intraoperative prophylactic methods for preventing mediastinitis. Methods : We evaluated 658 patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution between April 2011 and July 2016. They were classified into two groups. Group C comprised 406 patients who received standard insertion of a sternal retractor after sternotomy. Group S was 252 patients in whom a retractor was inserted after covering the sternal marrow with oxidized cellulose hemostats and belt-like thin towels, with surplus parts of the towels being used to fill subcutaneous dead space at the superior and inferior margins of the midline wound. We investigated the following 10 risk factors for mediastinitis: diabetes (HbA1c≥7.5), renal failure (Cr≥2), smoking, obesity (BMI≥30), reoperation, urgent/emergency operation, intubation in the preoperative period, long operating time (≥8 h), reopening the chest for hemostasis, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Factors associated with mediastinitis were determined using univariate modeling analysis followed by multi-variate logistic regression analysis. Results : Mediastinitis occurred in 13 patients (2.0%). The significant risk factor for mediastinitis were urgent/emergency operation and CABG, but 1 patient had no risk factors. A univariate analysis showed statistical significance in CABG, presence of maneuver covering the sternal marrow, JapanSCORE-II in mortality and deep sternum infection (DSI). Reopening the chest for hemostasis, CABG, aortic aneurysm, plural risk factors, and JapanSCORE-II in DSI were identified as a risk factor by multiple logistic regression, not all factors showed a significant difference. Mediastinitis only occurred in group C, and it was significantly less frequent in group S with additional precautions against infection including propensity score matching analysis (p<0.05). Conclusion : When the bone marrow of the transected sternum was covered tightly to protect it from contamination by skin bacteria during cardiac surgery, the frequency of postoperative mediastinitis was significantly reduced.

Changes in chemical composition of cover crops residue during decomposition / Mudanças na composição química dos resíduos culturais de plantas de cobertura durante a decomposição

Crop residues decomposition are controlled by chemical tissue components. This study evaluated changes on plant tissue components, separated by the Van Soest partitioning method, during cover crop decomposition. The Van Soest soluble fraction was the first to be released from the crop residues, followed by cellulose and hemicellulose. Lignin was the crop residue component that suffered the least degradation, and for certain crop residue types, lignin degradation was not detected. The degradation of the main components of crop residues (soluble fraction, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) is determined by the chemical and structural composition of each fraction.

A decomposição de resíduos culturais é controlada pela composição química do tecido vegetal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações que ocorrem nos componentes do tecido vegetal, separados pelo fracionamento de Van Soest, durante a decomposição de plantas de cobertura. A fração solúvel foi a primeira a ser liberada dos resíduos culturais, seguida pela celulose e hemicelulose. A lignina foi o componente dos resíduos culturais de menor degradação, sendo que em alguns resíduos culturais não foi possível detectar a degradação deste componente. A degradação dos principais componentes dos resíduos culturais (fração solúvel, celulose, hemicelulose e lignina) é determinada pela composição química e estrutural de cada uma destas frações.

A comparative physicochemical and pharmacological evaluation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate mucoadhesive gels for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis in rats

Abstract The present study is aimed to formulate steroidal oral mucoadhesive gels of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate. Six gel formulations each of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate prepared using two different polymers carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, in variable proportions. All the formulations subjected for assessment of various physicochemical parameters and mechanical properties. The formulations BSP5 and DSP5, both containing 1.25 % carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, 1.25 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, exhibiting mucoadhesive strength of 12.300 ± 0.004 and 12.600 ± 0.01, adhesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, cohesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, drug release of 86.869 ± 0.380 % and 88.473 ± 0.457 % respectively were considered as promising ones and were further subjected for stability studies and in vivo study in male albino rats. Formulation DSP5 upon oral application for 4 months in arecoline induced oral submucous fibrosis rats, showed more than 80 % reduction in fibrosis as compared with BSP5 which showed nearly 50 % reduction. These results were concluded on the basis of histopathological profile and weight gain among the experimental animals during in vivo study. Hence, DSP5 by minimizing the painful injuries and morbidities justifies being suitable noninvasive model for OSMF treatment.

Comparison of the protective effect of corneal protectant and balanced salt solution on the ocular surface during minimally invasive vitreous surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To compare the protective effect of corneal protectant hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and balanced salt solution (BSS) on corneal epithelium in vitreous body surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods:A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted.Fifty eyes of 50 patients with PDR who underwent minimally invasive vitrectomy in Xuzhou First People's Hospital from September 2018 to January 2019 were enrolled and randomly divided into HPMC group and BSS group, with 25 eyes in each group.All eyes underwent three-channel minimally invasive vitrectomy under non-contact wide-angle lens, and 2% HPMC and BSS were applied to keep the ocular surface moist according to grouping during the operation.The combination of cataract surgery, operation time, application times of 2% HPMC or BSS and the grade of corneal epithelial edema before and after operation were recorded.The patients were followed up for 1 month.Corneal fluorescein sodium staining and tear film break-up time (BUT) test were performed before operation and at 1 day, 3 days, 10 days and 1 month after operation.Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠt) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire were carried out before operation and at 1 month after operation.The study protocol adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by an Ethics Committee of Xuzhou First People's Hospital (No.xyyⅡ[2018]005). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to any medical examination.Results:The average frequency of application of eye drops in the HPMC group was (5.00±1.56) times, which was significantly less than (50.56±17.00) times in the BSS group ( t=-13.071, P<0.01). The postoperative corneal edema score of the HPMC group was 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) point, which was lower than 2.0 (2.0, 2.0) points of BSS group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-4.909, P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in postoperative corneal fluorescein sodium scores among 1 day, 3 days, 10 days and 1 month in the two groups (HPMC group: χ2=36.040, P<0.01; BSS group: χ2=50.892, P<0.01). The 1-, 3- and 10-day postoperative corneal fluorescein sodium scores in the HPMC group were significantly lower than those in the BSS group (all at P<0.05). One-day, 3-day, 10-day and 1-month postoperative BUT values were (6.15±2.20), (6.95±2.46), (6.16±2.11) and (5.81±2.92) seconds in the HPMC group, respectively, and were (3.89±1.87), (5.32±2.59), (5.01±2.12) and (4.97±2.10) seconds in the BSS group, respectively.There were significant differences in BUT between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=5.240, P<0.05; Ftime=2.846, P<0.05). The preoperative and 1-month postoperative SⅠt values in the BSS group were (12.24±5.55)mm and (9.96±4.53)mm, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=3.863, P=0.001). The postoperative OSDI score in the BSS group was (51.00±12.04) points, which was significantly higherly than the preoperative value of (47.89±10.95) points, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.111, P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with BSS, 2% HPMC in minimally invasive vitreous surgery has better protective effect on corneal epithelium of PDR, reduces the frequency of eye drop use during the surgery and shortens the repair time of ocular surface tissue after surgery.

Larvicidal efficacy of temephos impregnated onto kenaf cellulose nanofibre to control Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

@# Larviciding is an effective control method in managing mosquito-borne diseases. However, most of the current larvicide formulations have raised environmental concerns due to the presence of non-biodegradable inert or carrier materials. Therefore, the utilisation of biodegradable natural cellulosic fibres has created much attention. This study aims to evaluate the application of biodegradable kenaf cellulose nanofibre (KCNF) in larvicide formulation where the larvicide, namely temephos, is impregnated onto the fibre matrix (KCNF+T). The bioefficacy of the formulation was evaluated against Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) mosquito larvae. The presence of the temephos on the KCNF was evaluated through micromorphological analysis using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), while the quantity of temephos impregnated, released, and retained on the fibres upon dispersion in water were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that 97% of the temephos (0.1 mg) were impregnated on the KCNF. Upon dispersion in water, 53% of the temephos were released from the KCNF+T and the retention of temephos on the KCNF+T gradually decreased to 30%, 17%, and 7% on the first, third, and fifth month, respectively. Exposure of the A. aegypti larvae to the KCNF+T at concentrations ranging between 0.006 to 0.01 mg/L was effective in killing A. aegypti larvae at 17–25 folds as compared to using the temephos without KCNF. Microscopic examination revealed the accumulation of the KCNF on the larval appendages. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the utilisation of KCNF in pesticide formulation is an effective way of delivering the temephos to control A. aegypti mosquito larvae.

Novel compound FLZ alleviates rotenone-induced PD mouse model by suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, but none of the current treatments for PD can halt the progress of the disease due to the limited understanding of the pathogenesis. In PD development, the communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal system influenced by gut microbiota is known as microbiota-gut-brain axis. However, the explicit mechanisms of microbiota dysbiosis in PD development have not been well elucidated yet. FLZ, a novel squamosamide derivative, has been proved to be effective in many PD models and is undergoing the phase I clinical trial to treat PD in China. Moreover, our previous pharmacokinetic study revealed that gut microbiota could regulate the absorption of FLZ

Pharmaceutical amorphous solid dispersion: A review of manufacturing strategies

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are popular for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Various approaches have been employed to produce ASDs and novel techniques are emerging. This review provides an updated overview of manufacturing techniques for preparing ASDs. As physical stability is a critical quality attribute for ASD, the impact of formulation, equipment, and process variables, together with the downstream processing on physical stability of ASDs have been discussed. Selection strategies are proposed to identify suitable manufacturing methods, which may aid in the development of ASDs with satisfactory physical stability.