Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism. METHODS: Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Claudin-5/metabolism* ; Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced* ; Lung/pathology* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

ObjectiveHuman Ku70 protein mainly involves the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) through its DNA-binding properties, and it is recently reported having an RNA-binding ability. This paper is to explore whether Ku70 has RNA helicase activity and affects miRNA maturation. MethodsRNAs bound to Ku protein were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) and bioinfomatic anaylsis. The expression relationship between Ku protein and miRNAs was verified by Western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Binding ability of Ku protein to the RNAs was tested by biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. RNA helicase activity of Ku protein was identified with EMSA assay. The effect of Ku70 regulated miR-124 on neuronal differentiation was performed by morphology analysis, WB and immunofluorescence assays with or without Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ResultsWe revealed that the Ku70 protein had RNA helicase activity and affected miRNA maturation. Deficiency of Ku70 led to the up-regulation of a large number of mature miRNAs, especially neuronal specific miRNAs like miR-124. The knockdown of Ku70 promoted neuronal differentiation in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and SH-SY5Y cells by boosting miR-124 maturation. Importantly, ZIKV infection reduced the expression of Ku70 whereas increased expression of miR-124 in hNPCs, and led to morphologically neuronal differentiation. ConclusionOur study revealed a novel function of Ku70 as an RNA helicase and regulating miRNA maturation. The reduced expression of Ku70 with ZIKV infection increased the expression of miR-124 and led to the premature differentiation of embryonic neural progenitor cells, which might be one of the causes of microcephaly.

Objective To observe the effects of different doses of Kiwi fruit essence on fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)and extracellular regulatory protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)in lung tissue of rats with pulmonary fibrosis.Methods SD rats were divided into blank control group(0.9％NaCl),model group(0.9％NaCl),positive control group(5 mg·kg-1 prednesone acetate),experimental group-L,-M,-H(60,120,180 mg·kg-1 Kiwi fruit essence),except the blank control group was injected with 0.9％NaCl at one time.The other groups were injected 5 mg·kg-1 bleomycin A5 into the trachea to construct the rat pulmonary fibrosis model.The expressions of FGF2 and ERK1/2 proteins and mRNA were detected by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The relative expression levels of FGF2 protein in blank control group,model group,positive control group and experimental group-L,-M,-H groups on the day 28 were 0.07±0.01,0.63±0.15,0.14±0.02,0.16±0.01,0.26±0.02 and 0.44±0.03,respectively;the relative expression levels of ERK1/2 protein on day 28 were 0.06±0.00,0.41±0.05,0.09±0.00,0.10±0.00,0.14±0.02,0.21±0.02,respectively;the relative expression levels of FGF2 mRNA on day 28 were 0.98±0.05,9.32±1.03,2.21±0.32,2.87±0.44,5.32±0.21,6.37±0.66,respectively;the relative expression levels of ERK1/2 mRNA on day 28 were 1.00±0.01,9.22±0.85,1.93±0.63,2.36±0.54,5.34±0.44 and 6.85±1.09,respectively.The above indexes in the model group were significantly different from those in the blank control group(all P＜0.05).The above indexes in the positive control group and the experimental-L,-M,-H groups were significantly different from those in the model group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Kiwi essence may inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the expression of FGF2 and ERK1/2.

Objective To analyze the influence of midazolam and propofol on sedation effect and blood gas indicators in elderly patients undergoing mechanical ventilation after cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)cardiac surgery.Methods The elderly patients with mechanical ventilation after CPB cardiac surgery were grouped according to cohort method,including midazolam group(group M),propofol group(group P)and midazolam-propofol combined administration group(group M-P).Group M was treated with midazolam(intravenous injection of 0.05-0.10 mg kg-1 midazolam for sedation induction,and then continuously intravenous injection of 0.05-0.15 mg·kg-1·h-1 midazolam by micropump),and group P was treated with propofol(intravenous injection of 0.5 mg·kg-1 propofol for sedation induction,and then continuously intravenous injection of 0.5-2.0 mg·kg-1·h-1 propofol by micropump),and group M-P was given combined administration of midazolam and propofol(intravenous injection of 0.02-0.05 mg·kg-1 midazolam and 0.2-0.5 mg·kg-1 propofol for sedation induction and then continuously intravenous pump of 0.05-0.1 mg·kg-1 midazolam and 0.5-0.8 mg·kg·h-1 propofol).The sedation effect,blood gas indicators,hemodynamic indicators,extubation time,intensive care unit(ICU)stay time and treatment cost were compared among the three groups,and the adverse drug reactions during sedation therapy were recorded.Results There were 43 cases in group M,44 cases in group P,39 cases in group M-P.The drug onset times in groups M,P and M-P were(77.94±12.05),(18.18±5.20)and(21.25±9.36)s;the times to achieve satisfactory sedation effect were(42.57±11.41),(22.63±8.17)and(23.98±10.25)min;the recovery times after withdrawal were(59.30±14.86),(19.83±5.44)and(22.16±6.29)min;the extubation times were(1.61±0.20),(1.45±0.22)and(1.37±0.15)d;the ICU stay times were(2.17±0.29),(1.91±0.36)and(1.84±0.25)d;the treatment costs were(186.59±60.83),(922.97±164.34)and(375.03±71.16)thousand yuan;and the total incidence rates of adverse drug reactions were 34.88％,4.55％and 7.69％respectively,all with significant difference(all P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation(SpO2),partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2)at T0,T1,T2,T3 and T4 among the three groups(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Combined administration of midazolam and propofol in elderly patients underwent mechanical ventilation after CPB cardiac surgery has a significant sedation effect,and it is conducive to reducing the dosages of sedative drugs,and it has small impact on blood gas indicators and hemodynamic indicators of patients.Compared with midazolam alone,it is more beneficial to shortening the extubation time and ICU stay and reducing the total incidence rate of adverse drug reactions,and compared with propofol alone,it is more beneficial to reducing treatment cost,and is a more ideal sedation administration model.

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,morroniside,loganin,sweroside,paeoniflorin,hypericin,astragalin,salvianolic acid B,salvianolic acid A,epimedin C and icariin in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Agilent 5 TC-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 97.11%-101.14%with the RSDs of 0.60%-2.65%.CONCLUSION This simple,accurate and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.

Objective To investigate the efficacies of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA)internal fixation in traction bed supine position and non-traction bed lateral position in the treatment of elderly unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures.Methods The clinical data of patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA internal fixation in our hospital were retrospec-tively analyzed,41 patients received treatment in traction bed supine position were included in the supine position group,and 55 patients treated received treatment in non-traction bed lateral position were included in the lateral position group.The perioperative related indicators,surgical reduction,hip Harris score,and incidence of complications in the two groups were analyzed.Results The operation time and incision length of patients in the lateral position group were shorter than those in the supine position group,and the intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy times were less than those in the supine position group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the anesthesia mode,blood transfusion or hospital stay of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle,tip-apex distance or hip Harris score of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion PFNA internal fixation in traction bed supine position and non-traction bed lateral position have the same effect in the treatment of elderly unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures,while the non-traction bed lateral position for treatment has more advantages in shortening operation time,decreasing intraoperative blood loss,and reducing radiation exposure.

The n-butanol fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus 70% ethanol extract was separated and purified using column chromatography with MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, and silica gel, combined with semi preparative liquid phase and TLC separation methods. One new halogenated 4,5-seco-eudesmane sesquiterpenoid and two new eremophilane sesquiterpenoids were isolated and purified from the n-butanol fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified using modern spectroscopic methods (1D, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.), and the absolute configuration of the new compounds were determined using the methods of calculated ECD and induced ECD.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy combined with computerized cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CCBT-I)in the treatment of chronic insomnia patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome.Methods A total of 60 patients with chronic insomnia of liver depression and spleen deficiency type were randomly divided into observation group and control group,30 cases in each group.Both groups of patients were treated with CCBT-I as the basic treatment,the observation group was additionally treated with Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy,i.e.,mind-regulating acupuncture therapy combined with regular aerobic exercises and Dantian Qigong exercises,and the control group was additionally treated with cranial electrotherapy stimulation.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.The changes of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)score and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS)score in the two groups were observed before and after treatment,and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 86.67%(26/30),and that of the control group was 70.00%(21/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by rank sum test)showed that the curative effect of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the PSQI scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of PSQI scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the SAS and SDS scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of SAS and SDS scores in the observation group tended to be superior to that in the control group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of chronic insomnia of liver depression and spleen deficiency type,the combination of Dongjing Tiaoshen Comprehensive Therapy with CCBT-I can significantly improve the sleep quality,relieve anxiety and depression,and improve the quality of life of the patients,which exerts significant efficacy.

Objective To observe the effects of melatonin on autophagy in cortical neurons of neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)and to explore its mechanisms via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,aiming to provide a basis for the clinical application of melatonin.Methods Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group,an HIBD group,and a melatonin group(n=9 each).The neonatal rat HIBD model was established using the classic Rice-Vannucci method.Neuronal morphology in the neonatal rat cerebral cortex was observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining.Autophagy-related protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)and Beclin-1 were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis.Phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase(p-PI3K)and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT)protein expression levels were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The correlation between autophagy and the PI3K pathway in the melatonin group and the HIBD group was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.Results Twenty-four hours post-modeling,neurons in the sham operation group displayed normal size and orderly arrangement.In contrast,neurons in the HIBD group showed swelling and disorderly arrangement,while those in the melatonin group had relatively normal morphology and more orderly arrangement.Nissl bodies were normal in the sham operation group but distorted in the HIBD group;however,they remained relatively intact in the melatonin group.The average fluorescence intensity of LC3 and Beclin-1 was higher in the HIBD group compared to the sham operation group,but was reduced in the melatonin group compared to the HIBD group(P<0.05).The number of p-PI3K+and p-AKT+cells decreased in the HIBD group compared to the sham operation group but increased in the melatonin group compared to the HIBD group(P<0.05).LC3 and Beclin-1 protein expression levels were higher,and p-PI3K and p-AKT levels were lower in the HIBD group compared to the sham operation group(P<0.05);however,in the melatonin group,LC3 and Beclin-1 levels decreased,and p-PI3K and p-AKT increased compared to the HIBD group(P<0.05).The correlation analysis results showed that the difference of the mean fluorescence intensity of LC3 and Beclin-1 protein in the injured cerebral cortex between the melatonin and HIBD groups was negatively correlated with the difference of the number of p-PI3K+and p-AKT+cells between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusions Melatonin can inhibit excessive autophagy in cortical neurons of neonatal rats with HIBD,thereby alleviating HIBD.This mechanism is associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway.