IMB-Guided Rehabilitation Nursing in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the application effect of IMB (Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills) model rehabilitation nursing, which focuses on enhancing patient knowledge, motivation, and skills for disease management in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis and its impact on the patient's nutritional status. Methods: Eighty-four patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were selected as study subjects at our hospital. All patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups based on the nursing interventions received. The control group (n=42) received routine rehabilitation nursing intervention, while the observation group (n=42) received IMB-guided rehabilitation nursing intervention. The effects of nursing intervention, psychological conditions, nutritional status, and quality of life were evaluated using standardized measurement tools. Psychological conditions were assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Nutritional status was evaluated through measurements of albumin (ALB), body composition analysis (BBC), hemoglobin (Hb), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), arm circumference (A.C.), and arm muscle circumference (AMC). Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 Health Survey. Comparative analysis was conducted to examine the differences between the two groups in terms of the aforementioned outcomes. Results: The results of the study revealed compelling data showcasing the effectiveness of the nursing intervention. Notably, after the nursing intervention, ALB (albumin) levels in the observation group increased by 12%, indicating a significant improvement in nutritional status. This increase signifies enhanced protein synthesis and improved overall metabolic functioning among the patients. Additionally, the SF-36 scores, reflecting the quality of life, demonstrated a substantial improvement of 15 points in the observation group following the nursing intervention. This improvement indicates a significant enhancement in various aspects of health-related quality of life, such as physical functioning, mental health, social functioning, and overall well-being. Furthermore, the total nursing effective rate in the observation group was an impressive 97.62%, surpassing the 80.95% rate in the control group. This statistically significant difference (P < .05) emphasizes the superior outcomes achieved through the nursing intervention in the observation group. Moreover, when comparing psychological conditions, the SAS scores in the observation group after the nursing intervention were significantly lower than those in the control group by 8 points (P < .05). Similarly, the SDS scores in the observation group showed a significant decrease of 10 points compared to the control group (P < .05). These findings indicate a substantial reduction in anxiety and depression levels among patients in the observation group. Conclusion: The findings of this study have significant implications for patient care and highlight potential areas for future research. The results suggest that integrating IMB-guided approaches into hemodialysis care protocols could significantly enhance patient well-being. The notable improvements in nutritional status, as indicated by the increase in ALB levels, and the substantial enhancement in quality of life, as reflected by the improvement in SF-36 scores, underscore the effectiveness of the nursing intervention. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for broader implementation of IMB-guided approaches in diverse clinical settings. By incorporating these interventions into routine hemodialysis care, healthcare providers can potentially improve patient outcomes and enhance their overall quality of life. Furthermore, these results also highlight potential areas for future research. Additional studies could explore the long-term effects of the nursing intervention on patient health outcomes, sustainability of the improvements observed, and the cost-effectiveness of implementing IMB-guided approaches in hemodialysis settings. Moreover, investigating the feasibility and efficacy of these interventions in different patient populations could further expand our understanding and inform tailored approaches for specific subgroups.

New technology for preparing energetic materials by nanofiltration membrane (NF): rapid and efficient preparation of high-purity ammonium dinitramide (ADN).

The development of environment-friendly and non-toxic green energetic materials and their safe, environmentally friendly, and economical production is very important to the national economy and national security. As an innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly energetic material, the preferred preparation method of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is the nitro-sulfur mixed acid method, which has the advantages of high yield, simple method, and easy access to raw materials. However, the large number of inorganic salt ions introduced by this method limits the large-scale production of ADN. Nanofiltration (NF) has been widely used in various industrial processes as a separation method with high separation efficiency and simple operation. In this study, NF was used for the desalination and purification of ADN synthesized by the mixed acid method. The effects of NF types, operation process (pressure, temperature, and feed solution concentration) on desalination efficiency, and membrane flux during purification were examined. The results showed that 600D NF could achieve the efficient desalination and purification of ADN. It was verified that the highest desalination and purification efficiency was achieved at 2 MPa pressure, 25 °C, and 1 time dilution of the feed solution, and the membrane flux of the desalination and purification process was stable. Under the optimized process conditions, the removal rate of inorganic salts and other impurities reached 99% (which can be recycled), the purity of ADN reached 99.8%, and the recovery rate reached 99%. This process has the potential for the large-scale production of ADN and provides a new process for the safe, efficient, and cheap preparation of energetic materials.

Using network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of Wuyao-Danshen to treat endometriosis.

Background: This study sought to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Wuyao (radix linderae)-Danshen (salviae miltiorrhiza) in endometriosis (EMS) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: The active constituents of Wuyao-Danshen were collected and identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database, and used to predict and identify the protein targets. The EMS targets and anti-inflammatory targets were obtained from Genecards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and Drugbank. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database was used to analyze the protein interactions (PPIs) and core targets, and a target PPI network was constructed by importing the software of Cytoscape. The Metascape database was used to conduct enrichment analyses of the Gene Ontology (GO) functions and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways for the key anti-inflammatory targets of EMS. Finally, Autodock Vina software was used to verify the results of the active ingredients and key anti-inflammatory targets. Results: There were 8 active components in Wuyao, 65 in Danshen, and 591 corresponding protein targets in Danshen, and 375 in Wuyao, including luteolin, quercetin, vancomyl alcohol, and salvianol. One thousand and six hundred eighty-nine disease targets, 1,216 anti-inflammatory targets, and 144 key anti-inflammatory targets were identified, including the (signal transduction and transcriptional activator 3) STAT3, phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase regulates subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) protein kinase B. Three hundred and fifty-three biological processes (BPs), 21 cellular components, and 25 molecular functions (MFs) were enriched with GO functions, and 108 KEGG pathways were enriched and analyzed, including the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed that luteolin, coumarin, and quercetin could bind to the key target proteins (i.e., STAT3, PIK3R1, and MAPK1). Conclusions: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, Wuyao-Danshen was found to act on EMS through anti-inflammatory targets and related signaling pathways. Our findings provide a basis for further research.

Structured triglyceride attenuates lung injury and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide­induced acute lung injury by enhancing GPR120 expression.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious clinical problem. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of structured triglyceride (STG) on the development of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­induced ALI and its underlying mechanism of action. To establish an LPS­induced ALI mouse model, mice were intranasally administered 50 µl LPS. The pathological changes in the lung were observed via haematoxylin­eosin staining. The lung injury score, lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were used to evaluate the degree of lung injury. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6 and tumour necrosis factor­α in lung tissues were measured through reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The enzyme­linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of pro­inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to detect the activity of the transforming growth factor­α­activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/NF­κB pathway. LPS­induced ALI mice were treated with AH7614 [a G­protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) inhibitor] to confirm the effect of STG on GPR120. STG treatment decreased the lung pathological changes, lung injury score, lung W/D ratio, and proinflammatory cytokine expression levels and inhibited TAK1/NF­κB pathway activity in the LPS­induced ALI mouse model. Additionally, AH7614 reversed the inhibitory effects of STG on lung injury, inflammation, and TAK1/NF­κB pathway activity in ALI. Moreover, AH7614 weakened the inhibitory effects of STG on inflammation and TAK1/NF­κB pathway activity in LPS­induced RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, STG may suppress the TAK1/NF­κB pathway activity by enhancing GPR120 expression to alleviate the lung injury and inflammation in ALI. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of STG in the treatment of ALI.

Long Noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 Overexpression Promotes Viability and Inhibits High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress of Cardiomyocytes by Targeting MicroRNA-34a/SIRT1 Axis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important complication of diabetes. This study was attempted to discover the effects of long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 (OIP5-AS1) on the viability and oxidative stress of cardiomyocyte in DCM. METHODS: The expression of OIP5-AS1 and microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in DCM was detected by qRT-PCR. In vitro, DCM was simulated by high glucose (HG, 30 mM) treatment in H9c2 cells. The viability of HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells was examined by MTT assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were used to evaluate the oxidative stress of HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interactions among OIP5-AS1, miR-34a and SIRT1. Western blot was applied to analyze the protein expression of SIRT1. RESULTS: The expression of OIP5-AS1 was down-regulated in DCM, but miR-34a was up-regulated. The functional experiment stated that OIP5-AS1 overexpression increased the viability and SOD level while decreased the ROS and MDA levels in HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. The mechanical experiment confirmed that OIP5-AS1 and SIRT1 were both targeted by miR-34a with the complementary binding sites at 3'UTR. MiR-34a overexpression inhibited the protein expression of SIRT1. In the feedback experiments, miR-34a overexpression or SIRT1 inhibition weakened the promoting effect on viability and mitigated the reduction effect on oxidative stress caused by OIP5-AS1 overexpression in HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION: OIP5-AS1 overexpression enhanced viability and attenuated oxidative stress of cardiomyocyte via regulating miR-34a/SIRT1 axis in DCM, providing a new therapeutic target for DCM.

Hesperetin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice through regulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Hesperetin, a major bioflavonoid in sweet oranges and lemons, exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in pulmonary diseases; however, its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury is unclear. This study investigated the effect of hesperetin on LPS-induced lung inflammatory response. Mice were intratracheally instilled with 5 mg/kg body weight LPS, and then were given hesperetin orally (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg body weight) 1 h later. Hesperetin dramatically suppressed the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Besides, it reduced lung injury, wet weight/dry weight ratio, and myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, hesperetin significantly downregulated the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein expression and suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in lung tissue. Together, these results indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of hesperetin is associated with the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway, and that hesperetin shows therapeutic potential for LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Zinc oxide/vanadium pentoxide heterostructures with enhanced day-night antibacterial activities.

Low photocatalytic efficiency of visible light and fast recombination of photo-generated carriers are two challenges facing the applications of photocatalyst sterilant zinc oxide (ZnO). Meanwhile, both light and dark photocatalytic activities are important. It is of great theoretical and practical significance to construct a day-night photocatalytic antibacterial material, which is beneficial to the effective use of energy and to tackle the limitation of using photocatalytic bacteriostat. ZnO nanoflowers decorated vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires heterojunction (ZVH) was firstly fabricated using a facile water-bathing method. The designed ZVH structure efficiently produced abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both light and darkness. It yielded 99.8% and 99.0% of antibacterial rate against S. aureus due to oxidative stress induced by ROS in light and darkness, respectively. The generation of ROS played a major role in the antibacterial activities against S. aureus under both light and dark conditions. The prepared ZVH with improved antibacterial properties provides an alternative for day-night antibacterial agents.

Umbelliferone Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Acute Lung Injury by Down-Regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling.

This study investigated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of action of umbelliferone (Umb) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). An intragastric Umb injection prior to the administration of LPS dramatically decreased the wet/dry lung weight ratio, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and reduced the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1ß, in broncheoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, Umb resulted in significant anti-oxidative effects as shown by decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared with the LPS group. Finally, the inhibitory effects of Umb on the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway proteins were also measured. Our results clearly indicated that Umb exerted significant protective effects on LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Long-term antibacterial stable reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites loaded with cuprous oxide nanoparticles.

Stable reduced graphene oxide-cuprous oxide (rGO-Cu2O) nanocomposites with long-term antibacterial activities were prepared by reducing copper sulfate supported on GO using ascorbic acid as reducing agent in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium hydroxide at room temperature. The rGO provided a protective barrier for Cu2O, preventing Cu2O from reacting with external solution to leach copper ions too quickly. Meanwhile, the rGO also promoted the separation of photoexcited charge carriers of Cu2O nanoparticles to enhance the oxidative stress reactive and protected Cu2O from falling apart in the phosphate buffered solution (PBS) solution to prolong the generation time of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More importantly, the large specific surface area of rGO improved the dispersibility of Cu2O by electrostatic interaction. The synergistic effect of sustained release of copper ions, elevated ROS production ability and uniform dispersion of rGO-Cu2O nanocomposites resulted in the excellent antibacterial activities of rGO-Cu2O nanocomposites against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) which were maintained around 70% and 65% and were increased by 40% and 35% compared with free Cu2O after immersing 30 days in PBS solutions.

Mechanisms and effects of curcumin on spatial learning and memory improvement in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.

Evidence suggests that curcumin, the phytochemical agent in the spice turmeric, might be a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties have been investigated extensively. Studies have also shown that curcumin can reduce amyloid pathology in AD. The underlying mechanism, however, is complex and is still being explored. In this study, we used the APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice, an AD model, to investigate the effects and mechanisms of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of AD. The water maze test indicated that curcumin can improve spatial learning and memory ability in mice. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were used to test major proteins in ß-amyloid aggregation, ß-amyloid production, and ß-amyloid clearance. Data showed that, 3 months after administration, curcumin treatment reduced Aß40 , Aß42 , and aggregation of Aß-derived diffusible ligands in the mouse hippocampal CA1 area; reduced the expression of the γ-secretase component presenilin-2; and increased the expression of ß-amyloid-degrading enzymes, including insulin-degrading enzymes and neprilysin. This evidence suggests that curcumin, as a potential AD therapeutic method, can reduce ß-amyloid pathological aggregation, possibly through mechanisms that prevent its production by inhibiting presenilin-2 and/or by accelerating its clearance by increasing degrading enzymes such as insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin.

[Effect of curcumin on hippocampal IRS-1 and p-IRS-1 expressions in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on the expressions of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and phosphated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS-1I) in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice of the AD model. METHOD: Three-month-old APP/ PSI double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive rosiglitazone control group and curcumin high (400 mg . kg-1 . d-1), medium (200 mg . kg-1 . d-1) and low (100 mg . kg-1 . d-1) dose groups. The normal group was composed of non-transgenic mice under the same background. After they were orally administered for three months, they were detected with immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULT: According to IRS-1 and p-IRS-1 immumohistochemical staining, the expression of IRS-1 positive cells in hippocampus CA1 area in model mice was significantly higher than that of the normal control group (P<0. 01). Compared with the model group, the number of IRS-1 positive cells in hippocampus CA1 area decreased (P <0. 05 or P <0. 01) and the number of p-IRS-1 positive cells in hippocampus CA1 area increased in all of curcumin intervention groups. Western blot results were consistent with IRS-1 and p-IRS-1 protein expressions and immunohistochemistry results. RT-PCR test showed opposite IRS-1 mRNA expression results with immunohistochemistry and Western blot results. CONCLUSION: Curcumin can recover increased IRS-1 and decreased p-IRS-1 in hippocampus of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, increase IRS-1 mRNA expression, and improve the insulin-signaling transduction in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. This suggests that curcumin can regulate the insulin-signaling transduction mechanism and show an anti-AD effect.

[Effects of curcumin on expression of PI3K and p-pI3K in hippocampus of AD mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on the expression of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, PI3K) and p-P3 K (phosphated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, p-PI3K) in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model (APP/PS1 double transgenic) mice. METHOD: A total of 60 three-month-old APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group, rosiglitazone group(10 mg . kg-1 . d-1) and curcumin large(400 mg . kg-1 . d-1), medium(200 mg- kg-1 . d-1) and small(100 mg . kg-1 . d-1) dose group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice in the same age and genetic background as APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were used as normal control group. All the 6 groups of mice were intragastrically administered for 3 months. After 3 months, the expression of PI3K and p-PI3K were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULT: The expression of PI3K and p-PI3K positive cells in hippocampus CA1 region significantly decreased in model group compared with normal control group (P < 0. 05) , while compared with model group, PI3K and p-PI3K positive cells of all the curcumin intervention groups increased to varying degrees in hippocampus CA1 region,especially the middle dose group(P <0. 01). Besides,Western blot results of the curcumin high dose group were also increased obviously (P <0. 05). CONCLUSION: Curcumin can recover the decreased PI3K and p-PI3K and improve the insulin-signaling transmission in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. The mechanism of curcumin maybe by regulating the insulin signal transduction to treat AD.

[Dynamic effect of curcumin on urine concentration of neuronal thread protein in AD mice].

OBJECTIVE: Through the dynamic detection of the concentration change of the urine Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7C-NTP) in the curcumin treated Alzheimer's disease (AD) model (APP/PS1 double transgenic) mice, the therapeutic effect of curcumin in AD was determined. METHOD: Thirty three-month-old APP /PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, 6 in each group, the model group, rosiglitazone group(10 mg . kg-1 . d-1) , high(400 mg . kg -1 . d-1) , medium(200 mg . kg-1. d-1) and low(100 mg . kg-1 . d-1) dose curcumin groups. Six C57BL/6J mice in the same age and genetic background were used as normal control group. All the 6 groups of mice were intragastrically administered for 6 months. Urine samples were collected on 4 month, 5 month and 6 month after intragastric administration, respectively. The changes of urinary AD7C-NTP concentration were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT: The concentration of AD7C-NTP of each group was compared at the same time point, the concentration of model group is higher than normal control group (P <0.05) ; the concentration of other groups is lower than model group. The concentration of high curcumin dose group with 4 months treatment, has no statistical difference compared with model group. The AD7C-NTP concentration of each group was elevated with the age growth, and all concentrations of the treatment groups were lower than the model group at the same period. With the treatment of 4, 5 and 6 months, the concentration of the normal control group has significant difference with the treatment groups(P <0. 01). There have no statistical difference between all the groups with the treatment of 6 months compared with 5 months. CONCLUSION: With the progression of the disease in AD mice, there are fluctuations in urinary AD7C-NTP concentration, the compound curcumin from traditional Chinese medicine can delay the progression of AD.

[Effect of curcumin on expression of AKT and p-AKT in hippocampus CA1 area of App/PS1 double transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on the expressions of AKT (serine-threonine kinase, AKT, also known as PKB) and p-AKT (phosphated serine-threonine kinase, p-AKT) in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice of the AD model. METHOD: Three-month-old APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group, the rosiglitazone (10 mg kg-1 . d-1) group, and high (400 mg . kg-1 d-1), medium (200 mg . kg-1 d-1) and low (100 mg kg-1 d-1) dosecurcumin groups. Non-transgenic mice of the same age and background were selected as the control group ( n = 12). After all of the six groups were intragastrically administered for consecutively three months, the protein expressions of AKT and p-AKT in hippocampus CA1 area were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULT: The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of AKT and p-AKT positive cells in hippocampus CA1 area significantly decreased in the model group (P <0. 05 and P < 0. 01). Compared with the model group, AKT and p-AKT positive cells of hippocampus CA1 area increased obviously in the rosiglitazone group and high and medium dose curcumin group (P <0.05 or P <0.01) ,especially the medium dose group (P <0.01). The results of Western blot were consistent with that of immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Curcumin can recover the decreased AKT and p-AKT cells in hippocampus CAl area of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice of the AD model, suggesting that curcumin may regulate AKT and its phosphorylation process, as well as PI3K/AKT insulin signal transduction pathway, and show the anti-AD effect.

[Effect of curcumin on synapse-related protein expression of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD-95 and Shank1 in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. METHOD: Three-month-old APP/PS1 dtg mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive Rosiglitazone control group and curcumin high (400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), medium (200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and low (100 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) dose groups, with non-genetically modified mice with the same background as the normal group. After the oral administration for three months, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were adopted for detection. RESULT: According to the behavioral detection, the treatment group and the model group showed differences in the place navigation test and the spatial probe test to varying degrees (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The expression of PSD-95 and Shank1-positive cells of hippocampus CA1 region significantly decreased in model mice compared with normal control group (P < 0.01); while the curcumin intervention group showed recovery to some extend. Western blot results showed that the strap of PSD-95 protein expression became significantly thinner and lighter in the model group compared with the normal control group (P < 0.01); while the curcumin intervention group showed notably thicker and darker straps of PSD-95 protein expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Curcumin can increase the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Shank1 in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, improve structure and plasticity of synapse in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and enhance their learning and memory abilities.

[Effect of curcumin on expression of Abeta42 and Abeta-degrading enzyme NEP in APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on the expression of Abeta42 and its degrading enzyme NEP in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. METHOD: 3-month old APP/PS1 dtg mice were randomly divided into model group, positive control group and curcumin large, medium and small dose group. After 3 months, Morris water maze, immunohistochemistry, Western blot were applied to detect learning and memory ability of animal. RESULT: Behavior detection, compared with the model group, treatment group showed varying degrees of difference in place navigation test and space exploration experiments (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The expression of Abeta42 and its degrading enzyme NEP, Abeta42-positive cells of hippocampus CA1 region significantly increased in model mice as compared with normal control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Curcumin can improve learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice through increasing the expression of Abeta-degrading enzyme NEP and decreasing the expression of Abeta42.

[Peri-operative characteristics of cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with encephalopathy after orthotopic liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feature of cerebral oxygen metabolism during peri-operative stage of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), in order to identify the difference between the patients with or without complicating encephalopathy after OLT, and the relationship between the cerebral oxygen metabolism and encephalopathy after OLT. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing OLT were studied. The patients were divided into two groups according to occurrence or not of encephalopathy after OLT: encephalopathy group and non-encephalopathy group. Blood samples were taken from radial artery and jugular vein simultaneously for blood gas analysis before operation, 25 minutes after onset of anhepatic phase, 30 minutes after graft reperfusion , 3 hours after graft reperfusion , and 24 hours after graft reperfusion. Cerebral arterial oxygen content (CaO(2)), oxygen content of jugular vein blood (CjvO(2)), cerebral arterial-venous oxygen content difference (Ca-jvO(2)), cerebral oxygen extraction ratio (CERO(2)) and cerebral blood flow/cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen ratio (CBF/CMRO(2)) were calculated, and the levels of blood glucose and lactic acid were recorded. RESULTS: There were 11 patients (36.7%) complicated by encephalopathy after OLT. The quantity of red blood cell infusion, blood loss and the dosage of noradrenalin in encephalopathy group were significantly larger compared with non-encephalopathy group. The overall tendency of change in cerebral oxygen metabolism index was about the same for both groups, while CaO(2) and Ca-jvO(2) at 25 minutes after onset of anhepatic phase, 30 minutes after graft reperfusion and 3 hours after graft reperfusion , and CERO(2) at 30 minutes after graft reperfusion and 3 hours after graft reperfusion were significantly decreased compared with those before operation [CaO(2) (ml/L) in encephalopathy group: 132.4 ± 23.5 , 125.9 ± 17.6, 133.4 ± 11.1 vs. 148.5 ± 28.8, in non-encephalopathy group: 135.7 ± 22.4, 130.5 ± 20.0, 139.9 ± 21.2 vs. 148.9 ± 28.2; Ca-jvO(2) (ml/L) in encephalopathy group: 42.9 ± 13.2, 31.4 ± 12.3 , 32.3 ± 6.5 vs. 52.9 ± 23.5, in non-encephalopathy group: 33.0 ± 14.1, 26.6 ± 9.1, 30.6 ± 10.3 vs. 50.2 ± 23.2; CERO(2) in encephalopathy group: (24.9 ± 9.7)%, (24.4 ± 5.5)% vs. (35.4 ± 11.5)%, in non-encephalopathy group: (20.6 ± 7.3)%, (21.9 ± 7.0)% vs. (33.4 ± 13.1)%, all P < 0.05], and they returned to the levels before operation at 24 hours after graft reperfusion. Jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO(2)) and CBF/CMRO(2) ratio were significantly increased at 30 minutes after graft reperfusion and 3 hours after graft reperfusion compared with the levels before operation [SjvO(2) in encephalopathy group: 0.838 ± 0.105, 0.835 ± 0.065 vs. 0.709 ± 0.125, in non-encephalopathy group: 0.854 ± 0.074, 0.824 ± 0.074 vs. 0.713 ± 0.138; CBF/CMRO(2) ratio in encephalopathy group: 37.8 ± 16.6, 31.9 ± 6.8 vs. 20.9 ± 6.7 , in non-encephalopathy group: 37.8 ± 14.1, 35.7 ± 13.7 vs. 24.3 ± 14.0, all P <0.05], and they returned to the levels before operation at 24 hours after graft reperfusion. The overall tendency of change in blood glucose and lactic acid was about the same in both groups, while the levels of blood glucose increased significantly from anhepatic phase to 24 hours after graft reperfusion compared with the levels before operation , and the levels of lactic acid increased significantly from anhepatic phase to 3 hours after graft reperfusion compared with the levels before operation and returned to the levels before operation at 24 hours after graft reperfusion. CONCLUSION: There are significant changes in the features of cerebral oxygen metabolism during OLT, but there is no difference between encephalopathy group and non-encephalopathy group. The occurrence of encephalopathy can be attributed to many factors, so the prevention and treatment should be comprehensive considered.

Phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation between α,ß-unsaturated imines and allylic carbonates: synthesis of 2-pyrrolines.

In this report, a phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation between α,ß-unsaturated imines and allylic carbonates is described. This reaction represents the first realization of catalytic [4 + 1] cyclization of 1,3-azadienes with in situ formed phosphorus ylides, which provides highly efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of 2-pyrrolines.

Adiponectin reduces C-reactive protein expression and downregulates STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL-6 in HepG2 cells.

By playing a direct proatherogenic role, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potent independent predictor of future cardiovascular events. CRP is predominately synthesized by hepatocytes when stimulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6). In response to IL-6, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine residues. Phosphorylated STAT3 then activates CRP gene transcription. In obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, the circulating levels of CRP and adiponectin are inversely correlated, suggesting that these two factors might reciprocally regulate each other. We investigated the possibility that adiponectin inhibits CRP production in HepG(2) cells elicited by IL-6. CRP gene expression was determined using ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 was investigated with western blot. Adiponectin reduced IL-6-induced CRP mRNA levels in HepG(2) cells and CRP protein secretion. Preincubating HepG(2) cells with adiponectin led to a decline in STAT3 phosphorylation on both tyrosine and serine residues. Our results demonstrated that adiponectin suppresses CRP synthesis and secretion from HepG(2) cells and suggested that the suppression may be mediated through inhibition of the STAT3 pathway. The finding provides a novel insight into the molecular linkage between obesity and vascular diseases.

[Changes in plasma S-100 beta and neuron-specific enolase in peri-operative period of orthotopic liver transplantation and its relationship with encephalopathy after operation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in plasma S-100 beta and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and to study their relationship with encephalopathy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: Thirty patients without neurological disease undergoing OLT were studied. Plasma S-100 beta and NSE were examined at three time points: after induction of anesthesia (T1), at the end of operation (T2) and 24 hours after reperfusion of the transplant (T3). The difference of plasma S-100 beta and NSE between encephalopathy group and non-encephalopathy group was analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven patients were complicated with encephalopathy after OLT. In 30 patients, S-100 beta at T2 [(3.715+/-1.523) microg/L] was higher than that at T1 [(1.478+/-0.809) microg/L, P<0.01]; S-100 beta at T3 [(1.765+/-0.894) microg/L] decreased to normal level (T1). NSE at T2 [(26.684+/-7.973) microg/L] was higher than that at T1 [(14.012+/-4.612) microg/L, P<0.01]. At T3, the level of plasma NSE [(18.105+/-7.345) microg/L] was decreased, but higher than that at T1. Plasma S-100 beta and NSE in encephalopathy group (11 cases) and non-encephalopathy group (19 cases) showed the same tendency of change as all of the patients. Plasma S-100 beta at T3 in encephalopathy group [(2.007+/-0.854)microg/L] was higher than that in non-encephalopathy group [(1.468+/-0.903) microg/L, P<0.05], and it was correlated with the presence of encephalopathy (r=0.385, P=0.039), but not at T1 and T2. Plasma NSE at three time points showed no relationship to the presence of encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: The increase in plasma S-100 beta and NSE during OLT indicates the occurrence of damage to the brain. But plasma S-100 beta and NSE cannot predict encephalopathy after OLT.