Construction and performance test of charged particle detector array for MATE

A charged particle array named MATE-PA,which serves as an auxiliary detector system for a Multi-purpose Active-target Time projection chamber used in nuclear astrophysical and exotic beam Experiments(MATE),was constructed.The array comprised of 20 single-sided strip-silicon detectors covering approximately 10%of the solid angle.The detectors facilitated the detection of reaction-induced charged particles that penetrate the active volume of the MATE.The performance of MATE-PA has been experimentally studied using an alpha source and a 36-MeV 14 N beam injected into the MATE chamber on the radioactive ion beam line in Lanzhou(RIBLL).The chamber was filled with a gas mixture of 95%4 He and 5%CO_(2) at a pressure of 500 mbar.The results indicated good separation of light-charged particles using the forward double-layer silicon detectors of MATE-PA.The energy resolution of the Si detectors was deduced to be approximately 1%(σ)for an energy loss of approximately 10 MeV caused by theαparticles.The inclusion of MATE-PA improves particle identification and increases the dynamic range of the kinetic energy of charged particles,particularly that of theαparticles,up to approximately 15 MeV.

Conversion of a normal maize hybrid into a waxy version using in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation activity

Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding efficiency by conversion of parental lines from normal to waxy maize. The intended mutation activity was achieved by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 machinery involving desired-target mutation of the Wx locus in the ZC01 background,abbreviated as ZC01-DTM^(wx). Triple selection was applied to segregants to obtain high genome background recovery with transgene-free wx mutations. The targeted mutation was identified, yielding six types of mutations among progeny crossed with ZC01-DTM^(wx).The amylopectin contents of the endosperm starch in mutant lines and hybrids averaged94.9%, while those of the wild-type controls were significantly(P < 0.01) lower, with an average of 76.9%. Double selection in transgene-free lines was applied using the Bar strip test and Cas9 PCR screening. The genome background recovery ratios of the lines were determined using genome-wide SNP data. That of lines used as male parents was as high as98.19% and that of lines used as female parents was as high as 86.78%. Conversion hybrids and both parental lines showed agronomic performance similar to that of their wild-type counterparts. This study provides a practical example of the efficient extension of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation to industrial hybrids for transformation of a recalcitrant species.

Superior Antitumor Activity of Rituximab-Conjugated and Maytansine-Loaded PLA-TPGS Nanoparticles in Xenograft Models for Non-Hodgkin＇s Lymphoma

The increased incidence ofNHL （non-Hodgkin＇s lymphoma）, along with its high mortality rate and pronounced resistance to therapy pose an enormous challenge. Both traditional therapeutic strategies and recently developed therapeutic strategies against NHL such as chemoimmunotherapy and targeted therapy have drawbacks. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches for NHL are urgently needed. Maytansine-loaded PLA-TPGS （polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-polylactide） nanoparticles were synthesized. And then, rituximab targeting NHL was conjugated together by using EDC （1-ethyl-3-（3-dimethylaminopropyl） carbodiimide） as a coupling agent. The in vitro/vivo antitumor activity was evaluated by Raji cell proliferation inhibition and nude mice xenograft tumor models for NHL. Both the rituximab-conjugated and maytansine-loaded PLA-TPGS nanoparticles （maytansine-NPs （Nanoparticles）-rituximab） and maytansine-loaded PLA-TPGS nanoparticles （maytansine-NPs） presented significant inhibition effect on Raji cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with conventional maytansine and maytansine-NPs, maytansine-NPs-rituximab showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and increased cell apoptosis in Raji cells. The maytansine-NPs-rituximab described in this paper might be a potential formulation for targeting chemotherapy and immunotherapy to CD20＋ B cell malignancies.

Fe-N-C catalysts for PEMFC: Progress towards the commercial application under DOE reference

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFC)have attracted much attention because of their high energy conversion efficiency,high power density and zero emission of pollutants.However,the high cost of the cathode platinum group metal(PGM)catalysts creates a barrier for the large-scale application of PEMFC.Tremendous efforts have been devoted to the development of low-cost PGM-free catalysts,especially the Fe-N-C catalysts,to replace the expensive PGM catalysts.However,the characterization methods and evaluation standards of the catalysts varies,which is not conducive to the comparison of PGM-free catalysts.U.S.Department of energy(DOE)is the only authority that specifies the testing standards and activity targets for PGM-free catalysts.In this review,the major breakthroughs of Fe-N-C catalysts are outlined with the reference of DOE standards and targets.The preparation and characteristics of these highly active Fe-N-C catalysts are briefly introduced.Moreover,the efforts on improving the mass transfer and the durability issue of Fe-N-C fuel cell are discussed.Finally,the prospective directions concerning the comprehensive evaluation of the Fe-N-C catalysts are proposed.

乳糖化修饰纳米基因载体的肝靶向性研究(英文)

Objective:To compare the targeting effects of lactosarninated alginate(AlgNP)、polyethylene glycol - coated hydroxyapatite- poly- L- lysine nanoparticles (PLL- PCHNP)and relative nonlactosaminated ones load ed with exogenous gene on liver via peripheral intravenous route. Methods:Preparation of AlgNP based on control of gelification phenomenon of algiante by calcium ions and HA- PLLNP with collosol - gel method, both further modified with lactosaminated - poly- L - lysine synthesized by reductive lactosamination . We used pEGFPCl as the reporter gene to establish receptor- mediated and positive liver targeting nanoparticles- gene model. The potential of adsorbing DNA on nanoparticles was analysed by electrophoresis and spectrophotometer. Then different complexes were transferred into the rat's body by peripheral intravenous route and their targeting characteristics in liver were investigated by using radioisotope tracing assay. Results: PCHNP presented as needle - like particles with a diameter of 20nm by TEM and could be effectively combined with PLL. The diameter of AlgNP was 280nm. Agarpse gel electrophoresis showed both nanoparticles could effectively combine with DNA and the optimal proportion of PLLPCHNP and DNA was 30:1 (w/w); DNA mixed ratio of AlgPLL was 68.3 % by spectrophotometer. The radioactivities in liver for the two lactosaminated nanoparticles were higher than the nonlactosaminated ones. No statistic difference between AlgNP and AlgLacNP could be found . Conclusions: Lactosaminated naroparticles can target to liver more effectively by peripheral intravenous route than nonlactosaminated ones, which is closely concerned with the characteritics of the nanopartide complex.

An ATF24 peptide-functionalized β-elemene-nanostructured lipid carrier combined with cisplatin for bladder cancer treatment

Objective:In this study,we aimed to develop an amino-terminal fragment(ATF)peptide-targeted liposome carryingβ-elemene(ATF24-PEG-Lipo-β-E)for targeted delivery into urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-overexpressing bladder cancer cells combined with cisplatin(DDP)for bladder cancer treatment.Methods:The liposomes were prepared by ethanol injection and high-pressure microjet homogenization.The liposomes were characterized,and the drug content,entrapment efficiency,andin vitro release were studied.The targeting efficiency was investigated using confocal microscopy,ultra-fast liquid chromatography,and an orthotopic bladder cancer model.The effects of ATF24-PEG-Lipo-β-E combined with DDP on cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by a Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,a colony formation assay,and cell apoptosis and cell cycle analyses.The anticancer effects were evaluated in a KU-19-19 bladder cancer xenograft model.Results:ATF24-PEG-Lipo-β-E had small and uniform sizes(~79 nm),high drug loading capacity(~5.24 mg/mL),high entrapment efficiency(98.37±0.95%),and exhibited sustained drug release behavior.ATF24-PEG-Lipo-β-E had better targeting efficiency and higher cytotoxicity than polyethylene glycol(PEG)ylatedβ-elemene liposomes(PEG-Lipo-β-E).DDP,combined with ATF24-PEG-Lipo-β-E,exerted a synergistic effect on cellular apoptosis and cell arrest at the G2/M phase,and these effects were dependent on the caspase-dependent pathway and Cdc25C/Cdc2/cyclin B1 pathways.Furthermore,thein vivo antitumor activity showed that the targeted liposomes effectively inhibited the growth of tumors,using the combined strategy.Conclusions:The present study provided an effective strategy for the targeted delivery ofβ-elemene(β-E)to bladder cancer,and a combined strategy for bladder cancer treatment.

Application of sialic acid/polysialic acid in the drug delivery systems

The properties of modified biomaterial are gaining more and more importance in drug delivery systems.Sialic acid(SA)and polysialic acid(PSA)serve as endogenous substances,which are non-immunogenic and biodegradable.At the same time,SA modification of the drugs/carriers can enhance the uptake of tumor cell and retention in brain;PSA modifi-cation can reduce the immunogenicity of the proteins or polypeptides and increase circulation time of the modified drugs/carriers in the blood,thus achieving active targeting effect.These properties offer a variety of opportunities for applications in drug delivery systems.This article summarizes the biological functions of SA and PSA and presents the technologies of SA/PSA modified small molecule drugs,proteins and carriers in drug delivery systems.

Macrophage membrane-mediated targeted drug delivery for treatment of spinal cord injury regardless of the macrophage polarization states

Targeted delivery of therapeutics for spinal cord injury(SCI)has been a long-term challenge due to the complexity of the pathological procession.Macrophage,as an immune cell,can selectively accumulate at the trauma site after SCI.This intrinsic targeting,coupled with good immune-escaping capacity makes macrophages an ideal source of biomimetic delivery carrier for SCI.Worth mentioning,macrophages have multiple polarization states,which may not be ignored when designing macrophage-based delivery systems.Herein,we fabricated macrophage membrane-camouflaged liposomes(RM-LIPs)and evaluated their abilities to extend drug circulation time and target the injured spinal cord.Specially,we detected the expression levels of the two main targeted receptors Mac-1 and integrinα4 in three macrophage subtypes,including unactivated(M0)macrophages,classically activated(M1)macrophages and alternatively activated(M2)macrophages,and compared targeting of these macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for SCI.The macrophage membrane camouflage decreased cellular uptake of liposomes in RAW264.7 immune cells and strengthened binding of the nanoparticle to the damaged endothelial cells in vitro.RM-LIPs can prolong drug circulation time and actively accumulate at the trauma site of the spinal cord in vivo.Besides,RM-LIPs loaded with minocycline(RM-LIP/MC)showed a comprehensive therapeutic effect on SCI mice,and the anti-pyroptosis was found to be a novel mechanism of RM-LIP/MC treatment of SCI.Moreover,the levels of Mac-1 and integrinα4 in macrophages and the targeting of RM-LIP for SCI were found to be independent of macrophage polarization states.Our study provided a biomimetic strategy via the biological properties of macrophages for SCI targeting and treatment.

Tumor Microenvironment Cascade‑Responsive Nanodrug with Self‑Targeting Activation and ROS Regeneration for Synergistic Oxidation‑Chemotherapy

Carrier-free nanodrug with exceptionally high drug payload has attracted increasing attentions.Herein,we construct a pH/ROS cascade-responsive nanodrug which could achieve tumor acidity-triggered targeting activation followed by circularly amplified ROS-triggered drug release via positive-feedback loop.The di-selenide-bridged prodrug synthesized from vitamin E succinate and methotrexate(MTX)self-assembles into nanoparticles(VSeM);decorating acidity-cleavable PEG onto VSeM surface temporarily shields the targeting ability of MTX to evade immune clearance and consequently elongate circulation time.Upon reaching tumor sites,acidity-triggered detachment of PEG results in targeting recovery to enhance tumor cell uptake.Afterward,the VSeM could be dissociated in response to intracellular ROS to trigger VES/MTX release;then the released VES could produce extra ROS to accelerate the collapse of VSeM.Finally,the excessive ROS produced from VES could synergize with the released MTX to efficiently suppress tumor growth via orchestrated oxidation-chemotherapy.Our study provides a novel strategy to engineer cascade-responsive nanodrug for synergistic cancer treatment.

Molecular Biological Mechanisms of Yuan Zhi Powder in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: an Analysis Based on Network Pharmacology

Objective To predict the main active ingredients,potential targets and molecular mechanisms of Yuan Zhi powder in treatment of dementia by using network pharmacology.Methods A database of chemical constituents of Yuan Zhi powder was constructed by using databases and literatures.Potential targets were predicted by reverse molecular docking,and then a component-target network was constructed.The target network of Alzheimer's disease(AD)was mapped and analyzed to obtain the“active ingredient-AD target”network.The key targets were screened through network analysis.Finally,the rationality of the prediction was analyzed by comparing with the target reported in the literatures.Results There were180chemical constituents acting on the AD target,and the targets included three key targets(cyclooxygenase-2,muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1,and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2)and an important target(acetylcholine esterase).Alzheimer's disease may be treated by regulating the activity of acetylcholine receptors and the binding toβ-amyloid protein,and its biological process may be concentrated in the acetylcholine receptor signal pathway,negative regulation of synaptic transmission and so on.Conclusion The fact that Yuan Zhi powder can treat AD is consistent with the characteristics of multi-components-multitargets-multiple pathways of traditional Chinese medicine.The important targets obtained from network analysis have a large proportion in literature research,so network analysis have some rationality.

The law of anti-VCAM-1 targeted microbubbles adhesion to activated endothelial cells under controlled shear flow

Microbubbles can enhance the detection in noninvasive ultrasound imaging.Recently,targeted microbubbles have been developed to selectively adhere to specific and overexpressed p molecules in endothelial cells in some pathologic conditions.However,the law of

Why Has China Become a Target of Anti-dumping Activities?

Although the benefits of China’s trade expansion have been distributed much more broadly than those of some early industrialized nations,China has become the primary target of anti-dumping activities.Being a new and relatively efficient new rival in the global market may be an important reason for this.On the other hand,China’s development stage and her trade structure also place her in a disadvantageous position when it comes to anti-dumping activities.

Inhibiting Human Copper Transfer and Tumor Growth

Copper is a trace element that is required by almost all forms of life.Acting as cofactors for various key metabolism enzymes,copper takes part in many vital biological processes.Previous studies have found the concentration of copper is significantly higher in tumor cells than in normal cells.In addition,copper can promote angiogenesis by activating VEGF and FGF signaling.

Design and synthesis of novel coumarin analogs and their nematicidal activity against five phytonematodes

The presence of hydroxyl groups at the C4 and C7 positions in coumarin backbone has been proposed as a potential modification site for providing excellent bioactivity according to previous studies. A series of novel coumarin derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized by use of a complex catalytic system for a targeted modification at the above sites. These derivatives were assayed for nematicidal activity. As predicted, the derivatization enhanced the activity of the coumarins against five nematodes.Compounds 7b, 9a, 10 c and 11 c showed significant strong nematicidal broad spectrum activity against all tested nematodes. Compound 10 c was the most effective with the lowest LC50 values against Meloidogyne incognita（5.1 mmol/L）, Ditylenchus destructor（3.7 mmol/L）, Bursaphelenchus mucronatus（6.4 mmol/L）, Bursaphelenchus B. xylophilus（2.5 mmol/L） and Aphelenchoides besseyi（3.1 mmol/L）,respectively. A brief investigation on the structure–activity relationships（SAR） revealed that the targeted modification by a C7 hydroxyl was optimum compared with that of a C4 hydroxyl and that the coupling chain length was crucial for the nematicidal activity.

Biomimetic nanomedicines for precise atherosclerosis theranostics

Atherosclerosis(AS)is a leading cause of the life-threatening cardiovascular disease(CVD),creating an urgent need for efficient,biocompatible therapeutics for diagnosis and treatment.Biomimetic nanomedicines(b NMs)are moving closer to fulfilling this need,pushing back the frontier of nano-based drug delivery systems design.This review seeks to outline how these nanomedicines(NMs)might work to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis,to trace the trajectory of their development to date and in the coming years,and to provide a foundation for further discussion about atherosclerotic theranostics.

CD44 and CD221 directed magnetic cubosomes for the targeted delivery of helenalin to rhabdomyosarcoma cells

Confining chemotherapy to tumour sites by means of active targeting nanoparticles(NPs)may increase the treatment effectuality while reducing potential side effects.Cubosomes are one of the next-generation drug delivery nanocarriers by virtue of their biocompatibility and bioadhesion,sizeable payload encapsulation and high thermostability.Herein,an active tumour targeting system towards rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS)cells was evaluated.Cubosomes were loaded with helenalin(a secondary metabolite from Arnica plants),which we have previously shown to induce apoptosis in RMS cells.The functionalization of the cubosomes was accomplished to enable binding to membrane receptors and translocation under a magnetic field.RMS cells overexpress CD44 and CD221 on their membrane surface and,therefore,hyaluronic acid(HA,a ligand for CD44)and antibodies(Abs)against CD221 were coupled to cubosomes via electrostatic attraction and the thiol-Michael reaction,respectively.Magnetization of the cubic phase NPs was achieved by embedding superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs(SPIONPs)into the cubic matrix.Single-function and multi-function cubosomes had Im3m cubic phase structures with well-organized lattice patterns.Conjugation with 2%HA or anti-CD221 half Abs and/or 1%SPIONPs showed significantly higher uptake into RMS cells compared to unfunctionalized cubosomes.CD44 and CD221 directed magnetic(triple-function)cubosomes were capable of internalizing into RMS cells in an energy-independent mechanism.Helenalin-laden triple functionalized cubosomes showed limited impact on the viability of control fibroblast cells,while they induced a high degree cytotoxicity against RMS cells.Profound tumour cell death was observed in both two-dimensional(2D)culture and three-dimensional(3D)tumour spheroids.

Designed fabrication of active tumor targeting covalent organic framework nanotherapeutics via a simple post-synthetic strategy

Developing agents that can accurately differentiate tumors from normal healthy tissues is of utmost importance for safe cancer therapy.Active targeting has been considered as an effective technique for tumor recognition.In this work,we demonstrate a folate-functionalized nanoscale covalent organic framework(FATD nCOF)highly specific to cancer cells through active targeting of their enriched folate receptors(FRs).The FATD nCOF prepared by simple post-synthetic modification of the COF surface defeats disperses well in water and exhibits a high loading capacity for various anticancer drugs.The biocompatible FATD nCOF is selectively internalized by FR-harboring cancer cells and consequently augments the efficacy of the loaded drug,Withaferin A(Wi-A),for targeted cancer cell killing.In biomolecular mechanism studies,Wi-A-loaded FATD(FATD@Wi-A)nanocomposites show remarkably a higher rate of apoptosis in FR-enriched cancer cells.Comparative analyses of FR-positive and FR-negative tumor xenografts reveal enhanced selective antitumor activity of FATD@Wi-A nanotherapeutics.Taken together,the study findings suggest that FATD nCOF holds great promise for active targeting of tumors in vivo.Our simple yet effective technology might be valuable for creating new state-of-the-art COFs for chemical and biomedical applications.

Near-infrared light-driven Janus capsule motors： Fabrication, propulsion, and simulation

We report a fuel-free, near-infrared （NIR）-driven Janus microcapsule motor. The Janus microcapsule motors were fabricated by template-assisted polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer assembly, followed by spraying of a gold layer on one side. The NIR-powered Janus motors achieved high propulsion with a maximum speed of 42μm.s-1 in water. The propulsion mechanism of the Janus motor was attributed to the self-thermophoresis effect： The asymmetric distribution of the gold layer generated a local thermal gradient, which in turn generated thermophoretic force to propel the Janus motor. Such NIR-propelled Janus capsule motors can move efficiently in cell culture medium and have no obvious effects on the cell at the power of the NIR laser, indicating considerable promise for future biomedical applications.

Receptor-mediated targeted drug delivery systems for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Opportunities and emerging strategies

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic intestinal disease with painful clinical manifestations and high risks of cancerization.With no curative therapy for IBD at present,the development of effective therapeutics is highly advocated.Drug delivery systems have been extensively studied to transmit therapeutics to inflamed colon sites through the enhanced permeability and retention(EPR)effect caused by the inflammation.However,the drug still could not achieve effective concentration value that merely utilized on EPR effect and display better therapeutic efficacy in the inflamed region because of nontargeted drug release.Substantial researches have shown that some specific receptors and cell adhesion molecules highly expresses on the surface of colonic endothelial and/or immune cells when IBD occurs,ligandmodified drug delivery systems targeting such receptors and cell adhesion molecules can specifically deliver drug into inflamed sites and obtain great curative effects.This review introduces the overexpressed receptors and cell adhesion molecules in inflamed colon sites and retrospects the drug delivery systems functionalized by related ligands.Finally,challenges and future directions in this field are presented to advance the development of the receptor-mediated targeted drug delivery systems for the therapy of IBD.

Challenges in cell membrane-camouflaged drug delivery systems:Development strategies and future prospects

Extensive research has been performed on cell membrane camouflaged-based drug delivery systems in recent years.Herein,we provide an overview of the challenges in system preparation,functional design,continuous industrial production of these systems,and solution strategies for these challenges.Further,we analyze and discuss the frontier medical applications of cell membrane-camouflaged drug delivery systems in anti-inflammatory,anti-pathogenic microorganisms,and biological detoxification.This review takes a challenge-oriented perspective and seeks innovative strategies,provides a literature review of research into cell membrane-camouflaged drug delivery systems,and promotes the development of personalized clinical treatments.