In atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory processes in local diseased areas may lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we devised a highly sensitive H₂O₂-scavenging nano-bionic system loaded with probucol (RPP-PU), to treat atherosclerosis more effectively. The RPP material had high sensitivity to H₂O₂, and the response sensitivity could be reduced from 40 to 10 μmol/L which was close to the lowest concentration of H₂O₂ levels of the pathological environment. RPP-PU delayed the release and prolonged the duration of PU in vivo. In Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE^‒/‒) mice, RPP-PU effectively eliminated pathological ROS, reduced the level of lipids and related metabolic enzymes, and significantly decreased the area of vascular plaques and fibers. Our study demonstrated that the H₂O₂-scavenging nano-bionic system could scavenge the abundant ROS in the atherosclerosis lesion, thereby reducing the oxidative stress for treating atherosclerosis and thus achieve the therapeutic goals with atherosclerosis more desirably.

Objective:To explore the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 levels in Chinese pregnant women. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was used to explore the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 levels in Chinese pregnant women based on data from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015-2017). Maternal serum vitamin B 12 concentration was determined by electrochemiluminescence. Background and diet information of all subjects were collected using general and food frequency questionnaires. General Linear Model was used to analyze the difference in serum vitamin B 12 levels between vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women and multivariate logistic regression for examining the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 deficiency (vitamin B 12<150 pmol/L) in pregnant women. Results:A total of 8 366 pregnant women were included in the analysis, and vegetarians accounted for 1.2% (102/8 366). The median serum vitamin B 12 concentrations were 155.8(93.6-212.4) pmol/L and 187.2(127.4-267.6) pmol/L ( Z=－4.22, P<0.001), and the vitamin B 12 deficiency rates were 48.0% (49/102) and 35.0% (2 896/8 264) in vegetarian and non-vegetarian women, respectively. The vitamin B 12 deficiency rate in vegetarian women was 0.89-fold higher than in non-vegetarians (95% CI: 1.24-2.89). Among the vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women, vitamin B 12 deficiency rates during the first, second, and third trimesters were 34.8%(16/46), 54.3%(19/35), 66.7%(14/21), and 20.4%(521/2 559), 32.6%(941/2 886), 50.9%(1 430/2 807), noting for an increasing trend ( Z=23.54 and 2.57, P=0.010 and P<0.001). Conclusions:Vegetarian pregnant women are at high risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Compared with non-vegetarian women, vegetarian pregnant women in China have lower vitamin B 12 levels and a higher risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Moreover, the risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency will gradually increase during pregnancy.

Objective To prepare a redox-responsive doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticle,and to study its in vitro realease behavior and targeting effect on heptoma cells.Methods Cystamine was grafted on the side chains of hyaluronic acid with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide catalyst,and then β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was conjugated on the amine groups of the cystamine by Schiff's base reaction to prepare β-CD modified hyaluronic acid (HACD).The HACD/DOX nanoparticles were prepared by encapsulating DOX into HACD using dialysis method.The drug loading,encapsulation efficiency,particle size and distribution,zeta potential and other physical and chemical properties,as well as in vitro drug release behavior of the HACD/DOX nanoparticles were characterized.The cytotoxicity of HACD/DOX nanoparticles to HepG2 cells was studied by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method.The targeting effect of HACD/DOX nanoparticles on HepG2 cells was studied using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).Results HACD were successfully synthesized,which could carry DOX to form uniform homogeneous nanoparticles.The drug loading of DOX in the nanoparticles was (16.1±0.2)％ and the encapsulation efficiency was (64.2±0.9)％.The transmission electron microscope images indicated that the shape of the HACD/DOX nanoparticles was homogeneous sphere.The results of granularity analysis showed that the average size of the HACD/DOX nanoparticles was (203.1 ±2.5) nm with a narrow size distribution (PDI =0.202).The zeta potential of the HACD/DOX nanoparticles was (-29.1±0.8) mV.The in vitro release behavior of the nanoparticles exhibited obvious redox-sensitivity.The results of in vitro cytotoxicity showed that the blank carrier material HACD had no obvious toxicity to hepatoma cells,and the HACD/DOX nanoparticles could effectively kill hepatoma cells with the 0.38 μg/ml half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value at 48 h.Flow cytometry and CLSM results demonstrated that the HACD/DOX nanoparticles could target hepatoma cells through the mediating effect of hyaluronic acid.Conclusions The prepared HACD/DOX nanoparticles have suitable particle size,high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency,and can release DOX under the stimulation of reducing agent.These nanoparticles have obvious targeting effect on hepatoma cells,which is expected to be applied as the drug delivery system of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy.

Objective To construct a novel thiolated chitosan modified poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)-d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1 000 succinate (PLA-PCL-TPGS) nanoparticle,and investigate the feasibility of its use as an oral carrier for lung cancer chemotherapy.Methods The PLA-PCL-TPGS random copolymer was synthesized and characterized.Then three types of nanoparticles from commercial PCL and PLA-PCL-TPGS random copolymer were prepared for oral carrier of paclitaxel,including 5％ thiolated chitosan-modified PCL nanoparticles (CNPs),unmodified PLA-PCL-TPGS nanoparticles (UNPs),and 5％ thiolated chitosan-modified PLA-PCL-TPGS nanoparticles (TNPs).The prepared nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size,Zeta potential,morphology,drug loading and encapsulation efficiency.The in vitro drug release profiles and cellular uptake of the nanoparticles by human lung cancer cell lines A549 cells were investigated,and cytotoxicity against A549 cells was also evaluated.The evened sac method was used for the measurement of transportation of paclitaxel across the intestine barrier.Results The field emission scanning electron microscopy results showed that the three types of paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter about 200 nm.The surface charge of PLA-PCL-TPGS nanoparticles was reversed from negative to positive charge after thiolated chitosan modification.The UNPs and TNPs achieved higher drug loading,encapsulation efficiency and drug release after 32 d than CNP (all P＜0.05).The TNPs had significantly higher cell uptake efficiency than that of CNPs and UNPs (all P＜0.05).In vitro cell viability studies showed advantages of TNPs over a clinically available paclitaxel injection in terms of cytotoxicity against A549 cells.Ex vivo absorption studies revealed that the TNPs can increase paclitaxel transport by opening tight junctions and bypassing the efflux pump of P-glycoprotein.Conclusion PLA-PCL-TPGS nanoparticles modified by thiolated chitosan can enhance the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity,which reveals a potential application for oral chemotherapy of lung cancer.

Objective To investigate susceptibility and antibacterial activity of cationic porphyfin derivative mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (CPD-PACT) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,to provide experimental evidence for its high efficiency antibacterial activity.Methods The impacts of culture environments on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were measured by double dilution method.The formation of inhibition zone was determined by diffusion plate method.The postantibiotic effect was analyzed by colony forming units.The viability and morphology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).Results The inoculum size of bacterial had a certain effect on the MIC.The MIC values increased as the pH of medium rose.When the calf serum content of culture medium increased,the MIC rose in light reaction and dropped in dark reaction.The diameter of inhibition zone mainly depended on the laser energy density,but not the concentration of photosensitizer.Though CPD possessed strong antimicrobial activity and persistent suppression on bacterial growth,the surviving Pseudomonas aeruginosa would soon continue to proliferate after PACT.The fluorescence images captured by CLSM showed that CPD-PACT could destroy the membrane integrity,leak the cytoplasmic component,decrease the bacterial activity and finally lead Pseudomonas aeruginosa to death.Conclusions CPD has strong inhibitory activity and obvious postantibiotic effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa,which is suitable to be developed as an drug candidate for PACT.

Objective To assess the dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum. Methods Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance, children aged 0-5 years and lactating women (2013). A total of 55 counties from 30 provinces in China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) were selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. A group of 3 623 lactating women, at 1-6 months after delivery, were investigated in the study. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on frequencies and amounts of food consumed. Differences in food consumption rates and dietary intake in lactating women having different characteristics were analyzed and compared. Results To eliminate abnormal values, 3 300 lactating women were included in the study. During the first month postpartum, food types with higher consumption rates were animal products (98.2%,3 239) and vegetables (90.7%,2 987), in addition to cereals (100%) and liquids (100%). The consumption rate of fruits was 67.4%(2 222) and the lowest consumption rate was for dairy products (38.3%, 1 262). The median intake of cereals, vegetables, fruits and animal products were 247.8, 150.0, 40.0 and 178.6 g/d, respectively. The daily median intake of dairy products and soybean/nut products was 0.0 g/d. Overall, the lactating women consumed 895.7 ml/d liquids. About 49.3% (1 627) of the subjects consumed less than the recommended intake for animal products in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). More than 50% of the lactating women consumed less than the recommended intakes for the other types of food, especially dairy, soybean/nut and liquids. The consumption rates for dairy products were 26.9%, 29.4%, 31.8% and 33.8% and those for soybean/nut products were 33.9% , 35.8% , 37.5% and 41.7% for the lactating women living in rural areas, with educations at junior high school level and below, with average family incomes under 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who work as household mothers, respectively. These consumption rates for dairy and soybean/ nuts were significantly lower than those in women living in cities (48.4%, 55.0%), with an education level of senior high school or above (48.8%, 55.7%), with average family income over 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 (45.5% , 52.8% ) and who work outside the home (43.7% , 49.4% ). P values were <0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion The daily intake of all foods by lactating women during the first month postpartum was lower than the levels recommended in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). The consumption rate of dairy and soybean/nut products during this time period was low, especially for those living in rural areas, with education levels of junior high school and below, with average family incomes less than 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who are housemothers.

Objective To analyze serum vitamin D levels in Chinese lactating women, in 2013, and to evaluate their vitamin D nutritional status and influencing factors. Methods Data were from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. Using the multistage stratified cluster sampling method, serum samples from lactating women, at 0-24 months postpartum, were obtained from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China, excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region. The concentration of serum vitamin D was determined by mass spectroscopy. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain basic information and the season of blood collection. Dietary information for one recent month was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 1 981 lactating women were included in the study. A multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors related to vitamin D levels among lactating women. Results The mean vitamin D level was (16.6±6.5) ng/ml, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (vitamin D<12 ng/ml) was 25.2% (499 cases) and the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (12 ng/ml≤vitamin D<20 ng/ml) was 45.4% (900 cases). Compared with in the Han ethnic group, the OR value of VDD was 13.37 for Muslim ethnic women. Compared with women having a junior high school education or below, the OR value of VDD was 1.40 for those women with an educational level of senior high, middle school or above. Compared with housewives or nonworking women, the OR value of VDD was 1.62 for professional women. Compared with women living in general rural settings, the OR values of VDD for women living in large cities, medium and small cities or poor rural settings were 1.99, 1.46 and 2.66 respectively. Compared with the women surveyed in the fall, the OR value of VDD was 2.19 for the women surveyed in winter or spring. The VDD prevalence increased with higher latitude (OR=1.12) and decreased with increased meat consumption per day (OR= 0.73). (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D inadequacy were common in lactating women in China. Those with increased risk of VDD included lactating women who were ethnic Muslims, with higher education levels, engaged in a professional occupation, living in higher latitude region and were surveyed in winter and spring.

Objective To study the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation (later than 3 days) in lactating women in China and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance-Mothers, from mothers with children under 2 years of age (in 2013). A total of 11 178 women who were lactating or had lactated were selected from 55 counties of 30 provinces (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) in China, using the multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. Basic information, including onset of lactation, initiation of breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding knowledge were collected using a questionnaire investigation. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation were analyzed by the weighted processing of complex sampling from the 6th national population census data. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with delaged onset of lactation. Results Among 11 178 lactating women, 3 388 had an onset of lactation later than 3 d. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 30.3%. After complex weighting, the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 31.2% (95%CI: 25.7%-36.8%) for lactating women in China. Delivery by Caesarean section (OR=1.28, 95%CI:1.06-1.53) and initiating breastfeeding≥4 h (OR=
2.34, 95%CI:1.76-3.11) were the negative factors for delayed onset of lactation. Compared with those living in large cities, lactating women living in medium or small cities (OR=1.39, 95%CI:1.05-1.84) had a higher risk of delayed onset of lactation. Compared with the lactating women doing housework, the risk of delayed onset of lactation was lower (P<0.05) among those whose occupations were as leaders of Enterprises/Institutions (OR=0.68, 95%CI:0.47-0.99), in catering and service trades (OR=0.61, 95%CI:0.43-0.86), in agriculture/forestry/fishery/herdsmen fields (OR=0.65, 95%CI:0.44-0.96) and who were unemployed (OR=0.64, 95%CI:0.46-0.90). Breastfeeding education during pregnancy might lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation (OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.62-0.98). Conclusion The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was relatively high for Chinese lactating mothers. Caesarean section and late initiation of breastfeeding were the primary risk factors. Lactating mothers living in medium or small cities and those doing housework appear to be high-priority groups for intervention. Based on our findings, breastfeeding education during pregnancy is recommended to lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation.

Objective To analyze the status of postpartum weight retention and its associated factors among Chinese lactating women in 2013. Methods This study was based on the databank of Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. Using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method, we enrolled 12 514 women, at 0-24 months postpartum, from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region). Questionnaires were used to collect data on basic characteristics, physical activity, lifestyle, food intake, pre-pregnancy weight, weight before delivery, disease history during pregnancy, delivery date, delivery mode, parity and breastfeeding information. Current body weight and height of each subject were measured. Postpartum weight retention in each subject was calculated as the difference between pre-pregnancy and current weights. High postpartum weight retention was defined as≥5 kg.

Objective To assess the dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum. Methods Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance, children aged 0-5 years and lactating women (2013). A total of 55 counties from 30 provinces in China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) were selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. A group of 3 623 lactating women, at 1-6 months after delivery, were investigated in the study. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on frequencies and amounts of food consumed. Differences in food consumption rates and dietary intake in lactating women having different characteristics were analyzed and compared. Results To eliminate abnormal values, 3 300 lactating women were included in the study. During the first month postpartum, food types with higher consumption rates were animal products (98.2%,3 239) and vegetables (90.7%,2 987), in addition to cereals (100%) and liquids (100%). The consumption rate of fruits was 67.4%(2 222) and the lowest consumption rate was for dairy products (38.3%, 1 262). The median intake of cereals, vegetables, fruits and animal products were 247.8, 150.0, 40.0 and 178.6 g/d, respectively. The daily median intake of dairy products and soybean/nut products was 0.0 g/d. Overall, the lactating women consumed 895.7 ml/d liquids. About 49.3% (1 627) of the subjects consumed less than the recommended intake for animal products in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). More than 50% of the lactating women consumed less than the recommended intakes for the other types of food, especially dairy, soybean/nut and liquids. The consumption rates for dairy products were 26.9%, 29.4%, 31.8% and 33.8% and those for soybean/nut products were 33.9% , 35.8% , 37.5% and 41.7% for the lactating women living in rural areas, with educations at junior high school level and below, with average family incomes under 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who work as household mothers, respectively. These consumption rates for dairy and soybean/ nuts were significantly lower than those in women living in cities (48.4%, 55.0%), with an education level of senior high school or above (48.8%, 55.7%), with average family income over 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 (45.5% , 52.8% ) and who work outside the home (43.7% , 49.4% ). P values were <0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion The daily intake of all foods by lactating women during the first month postpartum was lower than the levels recommended in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). The consumption rate of dairy and soybean/nut products during this time period was low, especially for those living in rural areas, with education levels of junior high school and below, with average family incomes less than 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who are housemothers.