New Supercage Metal-Organic Framework Based on Allopurinol Ligands Showing Acetylene Storage and Separation.

To develop efficient adsorbent materials for storage and separation of C2 H2 , an unprecedented supercage MOF, [Me2 NH2 ]⋅[Zn3 (ALP)(TDC)2.5 ]⋅3.5DMF⋅2 H2 O (1) was constructed through medicinal molecule allopurinol (ALP) and S-containing 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (H2 TDC). 1 contains a novel linear trinuclear cluster that is composed by ALP and carboxylates and forms a final uncommon 5-connected yfy topological framework. The framework possesses three types of interlinked cages decorated by rich functional sites, and reveals not only high adsorption capacity for C2 H2 but also excellent selective separation for C2 H2 /CO2 and C2 H2 /CH4 at 298 K. Dynamic breakthrough experiments on C2 H2 /CO2 (1:1) mixture and C2 H2 /CH4 (1:1) mixture also demonstrated the potential of the material to separate C2 H2 from CO2 or CH4 mixtures. Molecular simulations were also studied to identify the different CO2 - and C2 H2 - binding sites in 1, such as carboxylate groups, S atoms and carbonyl groups.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and acute kidney injury after noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration is closely related to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgeries. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration and acute kidney injury after non-cardiac surgeries. METHOD: This was a single-center cohort study for elective non-cardiac non-kidney surgery from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. The endpoint was the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) 7 days postoperatively in the hospital. Preoperative serum High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration was examined by multivariate logistic regression models before and after propensity score weighting analysis. RESULTS: Of the 74,284 surgeries, 4.4% (3159 cases) suffered acute kidney injury. The odds ratio for HDL (0.96-1.14 as reference, < 0.96, 1.14-1.35, > 1.35) was 1.28 (1.14-1.41), P < 0.001; 0.91 (0.80-1.03), P = 0.150; 0.75 (0.64-0.85), P < 0.001, respectively. Using a dichotomized cutoff point for propensity analysis, Preoperative serum HDL <  1.03 mmol/L (> 1.03 as reference) was associated with increased risk of postoperative AKI, with odds ratio 1.40 (1.27 ~ 1.52), P < 0.001 before propensity score weighting, and 1.32 (1.21-1.46), P < 0.001 after propensity score weighting. Sensitivity analysis with other cut values of HDL showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Using multivariate regression analyses before and after propensity score weighting, in addition to multiple sensitivity analysis methods, this study found that following non-cardiac surgery, low HDL cholesterol levels were independent risk factors for AKI.

Associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate and cardiac biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. Elevation of cardiac biomarkers in patients with renal dysfunction is ambiguous in the diagnosis of CVD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and cardiac biomarkers, and the influence of renal dysfunction on the cardiac biomarkers. METHODS: We examined the cross-sectional associations of eGFR with cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in 812 adults and 215 child. Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the associations. RESULTS: For adults, lower eGFR CKD-EPI had significantly higher cTnI, CK-MB, LDH, HBDH, and BNP. There were negative correlations between eGFRCKD-EPI and cTnI, CK-MB, LDH, HBDH, and BNP. After adjustment for potential confounders, as compared with eGFRCKD-EPI  ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 , eGFRCKD-EPI  < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 remained associated with a 2.83 (1.08-7.41) [ratio (95% CI)] times higher cTnI and a 6.50 (2.32-18.22) [ratio (95% CI)] times higher HBDH. For child, lower eGFRSchwartz had significant higher CK and CK-MB. There were negative correlations between eGFRSchwartz and CK, and eGFRSchwartz and CK-MB. After adjustment for potential confounders, as compared with eGFRSchwartz  ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 , eGFRSchwartz  < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 revealed no significant higher CVD biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Reduced eGFR is associated with elevated cTnI and HBDH among adults without clinically evident CVD, but not child.

[Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from Huperzia serrata and their metabolites' inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and anti-inflammatory activities].

A total of 27 endophytic fungal strains were isolated from Huperzia serrata,which were richly distributed in the stems and leaves while less distributed in roots. The 27 strains were identified by Internal Transcribed Spacer( ITS) r DNA molecular method and one of the strains belongs to Basidiomycota phylum,and other 26 stains belong to 26 species,9 general,6 families,5 orders,3 classes of Ascomycota Phylum. The dominant strains were Colletotrichum genus,belonging to Glomerellaceae family,Glomerellales order,Sordariomycetes class,Ascomycota Phylum,with the percentage of 48. 15%. The inhibitory activities of the crude extracts of 27 endophytic fungal strains against acetylcholinesterase( ACh E) and nitric oxide( NO) production were evaluated by Ellman's method and Griess method,respectively. Crude extracts of four fungi exhibited inhibitory activities against ACh E with an IC50 value of 42. 5-62. 4 mg·L~(-1),and some fungi's crude extracts were found to inhibit nitric oxide( NO) production in lipopolysaccharide( LPS)-activated RAW264. 7 macrophage cells with an IC50 value of 2. 2-51. 3 mg·L~(-1),which indicated that these fungi had potential anti-inflammatory activities.The chemical composition of the Et OAc extract of endophytic fungus HS21 was also analyzed by LCMS-IT-TOF. Seventeen compounds including six polyketides,four diphenyl ether derivatives and seven meroterpenoids were putatively identified.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with acute kidney injury in high-risk patients following non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following non-cardiac surgery with adverse short- and long- term morbidity and mortality. Evidence shows that hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased AKI risk in patients with infectious diseases and cancer and following cardiac surgery and transplant surgery. However, little evidence is available on non-cardiac surgery population. Thus, we investigated the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and AKI following non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed perioperative risk factors and preoperative serum albumin concentration in 729 consecutive adult patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. Each patient was categorized according to maximal Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria based on creatinine changes and urine output within the first week after surgery. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and postoperative AKI. RESULTS: Of 729 patients, 188 (25.8%) developed AKI. AKI incidence was higher in patients with preoperative serum albumin < 37.5 g/L than in those with preoperative serum albumin ≥37.5 g/L [35.9% (98/273) vs. 19.7% (90/456), P < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum albumin < 37.5 g/L (odds ratio 1.892; 95% confidence interval 1.238-2.891; P = 0.003) was independently associated with postoperative AKI. Patients with preoperative serum albumin < 37.5 g/L tended to have a higher but not significant ratio in AKI stage 2 (2.6% vs 1.1%, P = 0.144) and much higher ratio in AKI stage 3 (4.8% vs 0.7%, P < 0.001) than those with preoperative serum albumin ≥37.5 g/L. AKI patients had a higher in-hospital mortality rate [6.9% (13/188) vs. 0.2% (1/541), P < 0.001]. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative survival rate decreased with increasing AKI severity (P < 0.001). Postoperative AKI was also associated with other worse outcomes, such as prolonged mechanical ventilation [53.4 (33.0, 73.8) vs 14.7 (11.1, 18.3) hours, P < 0.001], intensive care unit stay [4.0 (3.1, 4.9) vs 2.0 (1.8, 2.3) days, P < 0.001], postoperative hospital stay [17.8 (14.8, 20.9) vs 12.3 (11.3, 13.3) days, P < 0.001], and higher total cost [13,453 (8538, 20,228) vs 11,306 (6277, 16,400) dollars, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was independently associated with AKI after non-cardiac surgery, and postoperative AKI was associated with poor outcomes.

Grade 3 Echocardiographic Diastolic Dysfunction Is Associated With Increased Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is common and may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the hypothesis that, in patients with isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, higher grade diastolic dysfunction was associated with greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data of adult patients with isolated echocardiographic diastolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, ≥50%) who underwent noncardiac surgery from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 were collected. The primary end point was the occurrence of postoperative MACEs during hospital stay, which included acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, nonfatal cardiac arrest, and cardiac death. The association between the grade of diastolic dysfunction and the occurrence of MACEs was assessed with a multivariable logistic model. RESULTS: A total of 2976 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 297 (10.0%) developed MACEs after surgery. After correction for confounding factors, grade 3 diastolic dysfunction was associated with higher risk of postoperative MACEs (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.27; P < .001) when compared with grades 1 and 2. Patients with grade 3 diastolic dysfunction developed more non-MACE complications when compared with grades 1 and 2 (uncorrected odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.95; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction undergoing noncardiac surgery, 10.0% develop MACEs during hospital stay after surgery; grade 3 diastolic dysfunction is associated with greater risk of MACEs.

Upregulation of microRNA-129-5p inhibits cell invasion, migration and tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting ZIC2 via downregulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cervical cancer.

Recently, some studies have placed additional research focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) in a bid to discover novel therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer (CC), which is one of the most common female reproductive tract malignancies with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of miR-129-5p to influence cell angiogenesis, invasion and migration by targeting ZIC2 through the Hedgehog signaling pathway in CC. Both CC and adjacent normal tissues were extracted from 87 eligible participating patients with CC. Measurements of the levels of miR-129-5p, mRNA and protein levels of ZIC2, sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Gli1, and Gli2 and levels of CXCL1, VEGF and Ang2 were determined accordingly. An angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate cell angiogenesis in vitro, while a scratch test and transwell assay were adopted for cell invasion and migration determination. Lastly, tumor formation within nude mice was performed in order to analyze angiogenesis and tumor growth among the nude mice in vivo. The findings revealed that upregulation of miR-129-5p resulted in the decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of ZIC2, Shh, Gli1, Gli2, as well as reduced levels of CXCL1, VEGF and Ang2. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-129-5p was determined to inhibit CC cell angiogenesis ability in vitro, in addition to the processes of cell migration, and invasion. Finally, up-regulation of miR-129-5p was observed to inhibit the tumor growth and angiogenesis ability of nude mice in vivo. The results of the present study provided evidence suggesting that overexpressed miR-129-5p prevents angiogenesis and inhibits cell migration and invasion by means of negatively targeting ZIC2 through suppression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in CC. Thus, highlighting the promise of miR-129-5p as a novel target for treating CC is promising.

An Uncommon Carboxyl-Decorated Metal-Organic Framework with Selective Gas Adsorption and Catalytic Conversion of CO2.

A new three-dimensional (3D) framework, [Ni(btzip)(H2 btzip)]⋅2 DMF⋅2 H2 O (1) (H2 btzip=4,6-bis(triazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid) as an acidic heterogeneous catalyst was constructed by the reaction of nickel wire and a triazolyl-carboxyl linker. Framework 1 possesses intersected 2D channels decorated by free COOH groups and uncoordinated triazolyl N atoms, leading to not only high CO2 and C2 H6 adsorption capacity but also significant selective capture for CO2 and C2 H6 over CH4 and CO in 273-333 K. Moreover, 1 reveals chemical stability toward water. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the multiple CO2 - and C2 H6 -philic sites. As a result of the presence of accessible Brønsted acidic COOH groups in the channels, the activated framework demonstrates highly efficient catalytic activity in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with propylene oxide/4-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one/3-butoxy-1,2-epoxypropane into cyclic carbonates.

Reference Intervals of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Peripheral Blood for Chinese Minors and Adults.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content measured by different techniques cannot be compared between studies, and age- and tissue-related control values are hardly available. In the present study, we aimed to establish the normal reference range of mtDNA copy number in the Chinese population. METHODS: Two healthy cohorts of 200 Chinese minors (0.1-18.0 years) and 200 adults (18.0-88.0 years) were recruited. Then, they were further categorized into eight age groups. The absolute mtDNA copy number per cell was measured by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We subsequently used this range to evaluate mtDNA content in four patients (0.5-4.0 years) with molecularly proven mitochondrial depletion syndromes (MDSs) and 83 cases of mitochondrial disease patients harboring the m.3243A>G mutation. RESULTS: The reference range of mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood was 175-602 copies/cell (mean: 325 copies/cell) in minors and 164-500 copies/cell (mean: 287 copies/cell) in adults. There was a decreasing trend in mtDNA copy number in blood with increasing age, especially in 0-2-year-old and >50-year-old donors. The mean mtDNA copy number level among the mitochondrial disease patients with m.3243A>G mutation was significantly higher than that of healthy controls. The mtDNA content of POLG, DGUOK, TK2, and SUCLA2 genes in blood samples from MDS patients was reduced to 25%, 38%, 32%, and 24%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We primarily establish the reference intervals of mtDNA copy number, which might contribute to the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of mitochondrial disease.

A new layer-stacked porous framework showing sorption selectivity for CO2 and luminescence.

A new metal-organic framework, [Zn3(µ3-OH)(tzba)2(bpy)(H2O)]OH·DMF (1), was solvothermally synthesized by employing tetrazolate-carboxylate 4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) benzoic acid (H2tzba) linker and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) chelating coligand. 1 contains novel Zn6(µ3-OH)2(µ2-H2O)2(COO)4(N4C)2 hexanuclear clusters and reveals a three-dimensional (3D) microporous supramolecular framework based on the stacked 2D layers. The highly polar pores cause not only strong affinity towards CO2 molecules but also a significant selective adsorption of CO2 over CH4. Meanwhile, the multiple binding sites for CO2 in the framework were determined by Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. 1 also shows strong blue luminescence from ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT).

Assessment of Glycated Albumin as a Useful Indicator for Renal Dysfunction in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Population.

BACKGROUND: Glycated albumin (GA) reflects serum glucose of the preceding 2 - 3 weeks and plays an important role in diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed at investigating whether GA can assess renal dysfunction in population. METHODS: 3818 individuals attending physical examination were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and divided into five groups: healthy controls, impaired fasting glucose, DM without renal complications, DM with albuminuria, and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease patients. All analyses were conducted using the subjects with both fasting venous blood and morning urine samples. RESULTS: Among all groups, mean GA, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and serum creatinine were the highest and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was the lowest in DM with albuminuria group. When eGFR was 90 - 105 mL/minute/1.73 m2 or mildly decreased to 60 - 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2, GA increased significantly with elevating albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) from 0 - 10 mg/g to 10 - 30 mg/g to > 30 mg/g (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). GA increased further when eGFR decreased moderately to severely as a result of renal function continuing to deteriorate (eGFR ≤ 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2).When ACR ≤ 30 mg/g and eGFR ≤ 60 mL/minute/ 1.73 m2, more than 50% subjects were DM patients and had significantly higher GA levels than other subjects with eGFR > 105 mL/minute/1.73 m2. After adjusting demographics, every 5% rise of GA levels showed a 1.778fold increased risk in all subjects (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.778; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.373 - 2.302; p < 0.001) and 1.737-fold risk in DM subjects (adjusted OR, 1.737; 95% CI, 1.221 - 2.471; p = 0.002) for occurrence of ACR > 30mg/g in contrast to ACR ≤ 30 mg/g. Compared to eGFR > 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2, 5% rise of GA levels showed a 1.482-fold risk for eGFR 60 - 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (adjusted OR, 1.482; 95% CI, 1.112 - 1.975; p = 0.007) and a 1.996-fold risk for eGFR ≤ 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (adjusted OR, 1.996; 95% CI, 1.366 - 2.916; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased GA serves as a risk marker for renal dysfunction. GA combined with eGFR and ACR can reflect renal function changes in population.

Ligand Configuration-Induced Manganese(II) Coordination Polymers: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, Sorption, and Magnetic Properties.

Three new coordination polymers, {[Mn3(pzbtz)2(Cl)2(H2O)2]·4H2O}n (1), {Mn2(pzbtz)(SO4)(H2O)3]·3H2O}n (2), and {[Mn3(pzbtz)3(H2O)3]·1.5DMA·2H2O}n (3), have been solvothermally synthesized with MnCl2/MnSO4 and a bitriazole ligand, 5'-(pyrazin-2-yl)-2H,4'H-3,3'-bi(1,2,4-triazole) (H2pzbtz), in different solvent systems. H2pzbtz shows different geometrical configurations and coordination modes, leading to the diverse three-dimensional (3D) frameworks of 1-3. Complex 1 contains the trinuclear Mn3(tr)4X2 (X = Cl or H2O) clusters and reveals an unobserved (3,4,8)-connected sqc929 topological framework with two types of cages. Complex 2 is a new (3,4,6)-connected network based on dinuclear Mn2(tr)2 clusters, and 3 shows an 8-connected bcu topology with a novel tetranuclear Mn4(tr)6 cluster. Complexes 1 and 2 show antiferromagnetic properties, while 3 reveals spin-canting magnetic behavior with an uncommonly high Tc around 44 K. In addition, 1 also possesses good adsorption selectivity for CO2 over CH4 and N2 and an uncommon gate-opening phenomenon.

Structural Diversity of Three Pyrazoyl-Carboxyl Bifunctional Ligand-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Luminescence and Magnetic Properties.

Three metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Cd(Hpzbpdc)(H2 O)]⋅H2 O (1), [Mn2 (Hpzbpdc)2 (dmf)2 ] (2), and [H2 N(CH3 )2 ]0.5 [Eu(Hpzbpdc)1.5 (HCOO)0.5 (dmf)0.5 ]⋅DMF⋅0.5 H2 O (3) (H3 pzbpdc=4'-(2 H-pyrazol-3-yl)biphenyl-3,5-dicarboxylic acid), have been solvothermally synthesized from one pyrazoyl-carboxyl bifunctional ligand and characterized by single-crystal structures. The H3 pzbpdc ligand in 1-3 displays various coordination modes through the pyrazoyl and carboxyl groups. Both 1 and 3 contain dinuclear cluster building units and reveal a four-connected gismondine (gis) zeolite 3D framework and a 2D grid layer structure, respectively. Compound 1 shows blue luminescence, compound 3 reveals red luminescence that arises from efficient energy transfer from the organic ligand to the europium(III) ion, and compound 2 reveals an uncommon (3,8)-connected tfz-d; UO3 net with a rare Mn4 (COO)6 cluster and shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese(II) ions.

Experimental Studies on the Flammability and Fire Hazards of Photovoltaic Modules.

Many of the photovoltaic (PV) systems on buildings are of sufficiently high voltages, with potential to cause or promote fires. However, research about photovoltaic fires is insufficient. This paper focuses on the flammability and fire hazards of photovoltaic modules. Bench-scale experiments based on polycrystalline silicon PV modules have been conducted using a cone calorimeter. Several parameters including ignition time (tig), mass loss, heat release rate (HRR), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, were investigated. The fire behaviours, fire hazards and toxicity of gases released by PV modules are assessed based on experimental results. The results show that PV modules under tests are inflammable with the critical heat flux of 26 kW/m². This work will lead to better understanding on photovoltaic fires and how to help authorities determine the appropriate fire safety provisions for controlling photovoltaic fires.

Effects of intervention to mild GDM on outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed by the IADPSG criteria at 24-28 weeks of gestation but with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) less than 4.4 mmol/L. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. Medical records of 25,674 pregnant women attending the Peking University First Hospital (PUFH) were analyzed. Women with FPG value <4.4 mmol/L were segregated into those with and without GDM based on the IADPSG criteria. Pregnancy outcomes in the form of birth weight, neonatal hypoglycemia and cesarean delivery were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The incidence of macrosomia between GDM 7.1% (treated 6.9%; untreated 7.2%) was not different from the non GDM group 6.3%, similarly neonatal hypoglycemia 1.9% (treated 2.0%; untreated 1.7%) was were not significantly different from the non GDM group 1.1%. Rate of cesarean delivery in the untreated GDM group 59.7% was significantly higher compared to both with treated GDM (48.4%) and the non GDM group (47.6%). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the incidence of select adverse pregnancy outcomes amongst Chinese women with mild GDM (FPG<4.4 mmol/L) with or without intervention compared to women without GDM.

Effects of degree of quaternization on the preparation and characterization of insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes optimized by central composite design.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of varying degrees of quaternization (DQ: 22, 35 and 41%) on the preparation and characterization of insulin (INS)-loaded polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) prepared by N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC). A two factor-five level central composite design was used for the optimization. The concentrations of INS and TMC were defined as independent variables, while the entrapment efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) as dependent variables. The three optimized INS-TMC PECs were characterized for their size, zeta potential, EE% and LE%. The morphology and electrostatic interaction of PECs were evaluated. Then, the stability in the enzyme solution and in vitro release as well as mucoadhesive properties of the three PECs were all investigated. The results showed that the size and EE% of the optimum formulations were significantly decreased using TMC of higher DQ, while the zeta potential and LE% were slightly influenced by DQ. The stability assay exhibited partial protection of TMC PECs, and the better protective effect was observed for PECs of higher DQ. The in vitro release study presented different initial and sustained release behaviors of INS-TMC PECs and the mucin adsorption study confirmed a positive correlation between the DQ and the mucoadhesive property of PECs.

In vivo biodistribution, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of liver targeting dexamethasone acetate loaded nanostructured lipid carrier system.

We aimed to evaluate whether the enhancement of the liver accumulation and anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone acetate (DXMA) could be achieved by incorporating it into nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs). DXMA-NLCs were prepared using a film dispersion-ultrasonication method and characterized in terms of particle size, PDI, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of DXMA-NLCs in mice were significantly different from those of the DXMA solution (DXMA-sol). The peak concentration of DXMA-NLCs was obtained half an hour after intravenous administration. More than 55.62% of the total administrated dose was present in the liver. An increase of 2.57 fold in the area under the curve was achieved when compared with that of DXMA-sol. DXMA-NLCs exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect on carrageenan-induced rats and carbon tetrachloride-induced mice compared with DXMA-sol. However, the effect was not in proportion to the dosage. The intermediate and low dosages presented better effects than DXMA-sol. All results indicate that NLCs, as a novel carrier for DXMA, has potential for the treatment of liver diseases, increasing the cure efficiency and decreasing the side effects on other tissues.

[Clinical and laboratory screening studies on urea cycle defects].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidences of urea cycle defects (UCDs) in the patients with hyperammonemia and study their etiology, clinical and laboratory features. METHODS: In the past 7 years, 26 cases (10.2%) of UCDs were detected from 254 patients with hyperammonemia. The etiological diagnoses were made by blood amino acids analysis, urinary organic acid analysis and blood acylcarnitine profile analysis. Three patients with citrullinemia type II were further confirmed by liver pathological analysis and gene diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 26 cases with UCDs, 15 had ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, 5 had citrullinemia type I, 3 had citrullinemia type II and 3 patients had arginemia. The age of onset of the patients ranged from 3 days to 13 years. Three cases (11.5%) developed hyperammonemic encephalopathy during neonatal period. Thirteen (50.0%), 7 (26.9%) and 3 (11.5%) cases developed clinical symptoms at the age of 1 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years and 6 to 13 years, respectively. Positive family history was found in 11 cases (42.3%). Among 26 patients with UCDs, 9 (34.6%) were hospitalized with the complains of seizures, psychomotor retardation, vomiting and unconsciousness, 8 (30.8%) with recurrent vomiting, headache and coma, 6 due to liver dysfunction. Intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice was found in 3 patients with citrullinemia type II. Blood ammonia ranged from 58 to 259 micromol/L on their first visit to our hospital. Twenty cases (76.9%) had liver dysfunction, 4 patients (15.4%) were diagnosed postmortem. Twenty-one patients got treatment and were followed up. Among them, 7 cases died of hyperammonemic encephalopathy or upper alimentary tract bleeding. Clinical improvement was observed in 14 cases. A boy with OTC deficiency who received a partial liver transplant from his mother showed normal general condition for two years. CONCLUSIONS: UCDs are the most frequent causes of congenital hyperammonemia. In this study, 26 patients (10.2%) with UCDs were identified from 254 patients with hyperammonemia resulting in encephalopathy and liver dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment can contribute a lot to improve the prognosis of the patients. Blood ammonia assay and further etiological analysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological and hepatic abnormality.