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Nitrogen‐containing corrosion inhibitors have a wide range of promising applications, and current conventional corrosion design and evaluation methods are largely based on empirical speculation and extensive exploratory experiments. Unfortunately, these efforts are often associated with high costs, long lead times, and a lot of "blind work." In this work, we have computationally screened the quantum chemical parameters of five nitrogen‐containing corrosion inhibitor molecules and their corrosion inhibition properties by a molecular simulation method based on density functional theory calculations. The ultimate relationship between the corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE) of an adsorbent and its quantum chemical parameters was analyzed using linear regression by comparing the various quantum mechanical parameters of each inhibitor molecule, as well as the fraction of electrons (ΔN) that are transferred to the metal surface from the chemisorbed inhibitor molecule. Five different nitrogen‐containing corrosion inhibitor molecules were screened based on structural similarity. Meanwhile, their corrosion inhibition performance was evaluated using the most relevant structure–activity equations. The results showed that the synergistic effect between the corrosion inhibition performance and the orbital energies of highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital was optimal under the HF/6‐31G(d) method, and the corresponding structure–activity relationship was established. Based on these results, a specific inhibitor molecule was found to have excellent corrosion inhibition performance with a predicted corrosion IE of up to 94.12 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most severe and frequent complications occurring after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the association between circular stapler size and AL after laparoscopic LAR. Methods: This retrospective single-institution study involved 181 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic LAR performed by a single surgical team between July 2016 and June 2021. The characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Risk factors for AL were identified via univariate and multivariate analyses. Additionally, a further propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the selection bias. Results: Among the 181 patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer, 17 (9.4%) developed clinical AL. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, male sex, incomplete intestinal obstruction, and the usage of a 32-mm stapler during the surgery were independent risk factors for the occurrence of AL. Furthermore, the PSM analysis confirmed that the incidence of AL with a 32-mm stapler was higher than that with a 29-mm stapler after laparoscopic low anterior resection. However, there was no difference in the incidence of anastomotic bleeding and stenosis. Conclusion: Choosing a smaller-diameter circular stapler may reduce the incidence of AL after laparoscopic LARfor rectal cancer without increasing the incidence of anastomotic stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important component of strain-based design, the tensile strain capacity (TSC) concept has been extensively used for pipelines that experience expectable plastic strain for both installation and service. However, some stress-based designed pipelines have experienced unforeseen plastic strain in the past decade that resulted in failure. It seems that the tensile strain capacity has gradually become an important requirement for geohazard risk management and pipeline maintenance of stress-based design pipelines. The tensile strain capacity of an X80 pipeline is investigated. The assessment in this work was based on the fracture initiation–control-based limit state. This limit state corresponds to the onset of stable tearing and generally provides a reasonably conservative estimate. Besides that, factors such as wall thickness, material's strain hardening capacity, toughness, weld strength mismatch, HAZ (heat-affected zone) softening, pipe wall thickness, high–low misalignment, and internal pressure were also investigated to construct a prediction model of the X80 vintage pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the wide application of flux-cored arc welds (FCAW) susceptible to significant scatter in weld and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) fracture toughness, there is an interest in methods for evaluating the reliability of welds containing defects. The mechanical properties of the FCAW girth weld of an X80 pipeline are tested and then analyzed. By obtaining fracture toughness results from a statistically significant number of SENB specimens, with notches positioned in different HAZ locations, the effect of variation within the results can be evaluated. The results of the fracture toughness tests were analyzed using statistical methods, to compare both the difference in behavior between HAZ microstructures and the variation when a similar microstructure has been sampled. The range of different characteristic toughness values was analyzed using a postulated ECA case to illustrate the sensitivity of the results to how toughness is defined. The analyses supported recommendations to be made on the optimum approach to characterizing HAZ fracture toughness for reliable pipeline assessments in multi-pass girth welds with complex HAZ microstructure distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 1910, omentectomy has been an essential component of radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. However, researchers have recently questioned the benefit of omentectomy in radical gastrectomy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare omentectomy and omentum preservation in gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in terms of survival outcomes and short-term outcomes. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Studies that compared omentum preservation with omentectomy were included. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were analyzed as primary outcomes. Results: Of 3509 records screened, one randomized clinical trial and five propensity-score matched retrospective studies with 1661 patients were selected. Omentum preservation was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.757, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.603–0.950, P = 0.016, I2 = 0%), but not with improved RFS (HR = 0.821, 95% CI = 0.668–1.009, P = 0.060, I2 = 9%) compared with omentectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Furthermore, less blood loss and shorter operation time were found in the omentum preservation group than in the omentectomy group. Additionally, the rate of peritoneal recurrence, the number of harvested lymph nodes, and the incidences of postoperative complications and ileus were comparable in the two groups. Conclusions: Basing on the current literature, gastrectomy with omentum preservation was associated with improved OS and short-term outcomes compared with omentectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Further randomized trials are required to confirm the survival benefit of omentum-preserving gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a novel SRKD framework to solve the low-resolution classification problem. • Classification loss is introduced in GAN-based SR sub-network. • The features of HR images are used to guide the learning of the low-resolution network in the KD sub-network. • SRKD achieves state-of-the-art in the very low-resolution classification problem. With the development of deep convolutional neural networks, the high-resolution image classification has achieved excellent classification results. However, in natural scenes, low-resolution images are very common, such as images taken by a webcam or images taken with a lens far away from the target object. Low-resolution image classification is a very difficult problem, because low-resolution images have small size and contain fewer discriminative features, which lead to a sharp decline in classification performance. In order to solve the above problem, this paper proposes a Super-Resolution guided Knowledge Distillation (SRKD) framework, which consists of two sub-networks: one is the super-resolution sub-network used to enhance the features of low-resolution images, and the other is the knowledge distillation sub-network used to minimize the difference between the features of high-resolution images and the features of the images output by the super-resolution sub-network. Extensive experiments on the Pascal VOC 2007 and CUB-200-2011 datasets show that the proposed method has a great improvement compared to the benchmark which is trained on high-resolution images. Especially in the case of very low resolution, the proposed method improves the mAP on Pascal VOC 2007 test set by 30.4% and improves the classification accuracy on CUB-200-2011 test set by 60.37% compared with the benchmark model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Surgeons have concerns whether high ligation (HL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the influence of HL of the IMA on AL compared with low ligation (LL). Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Randomized controlled trial studies that compared HL with LL of the IMA in anterior resection for rectal cancer and reported AL outcomes were eligible for inclusion. The odds ratios and mean differences were analysed by a random‐effects model. Trial sequential analysis was performed to minimize the risk of random errors. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for outcomes. Results: Of the 531 records screened, five randomized controlled trials with 779 patients were selected for analysis. The pooled incidence of AL was 12.1% (95% Cl 7.77–18.26) in the HL group and 9.7% (95% Cl 5.79–15.82) in the LL group (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.77–1.87, P = 0.42). In trial sequential analysis, the cumulative Z‐score curve exceeded the futility boundary, although the required information size of 1060 had not been reached. The quality of evidence was judged to be high according to the GRADE approach. Conclusions: This meta‐analysis shows that HL of the IMA does not increase the incidence of AL in anterior resection for rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radix Astragali is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and honey-processed Astragalus is a product of Radix Astragali acquired by honey-processing. These two products are widely utilized to treat various diseases. In this study, we screened bioactive components and metabolites of raw and honey-processed Astragalus in rat urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography equipped with electrospray ionization/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis. In total, 62 compounds, including 7 parent compounds and 55 metabolites, were detected and 11 metabolites were characterized for the first time. The identified metabolites indicated that the metabolic reactions of Astragalus in rats included hydroxylation, glucuronidation, deglucosidation, monomethylation, demethylation, sulfation, hydrogenation, and dehydroxylation. The metabolic pathways of raw and honey-processed Astragalus in rat urine also were clarified. Through multivariate statistical analysis of the data of the raw and honey-processed Astragalus groups, we found that 20 compounds were differential components and that 1 metabolite only existed in the honey-processed Astragalus group. The differences in these ingredients between these two groups might provide the basis for interpreting the biologic activity differences in traditional Chinese medicine treatments.Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles secreted by most cell types, and widely exist in cell supernatants and various body fluids. They can transmit numerous bioactive elements, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, to affect the gene expression and function of recipient cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been confirmed to be a potentially promising therapy for tissue repair and regeneration. Accumulating studies demonstrated that the predominant regenerative paradigm of MSCs transplantation was the paracrine effect but not the differentiation effect. Exosomes secreted by MSCs also showed similar therapeutic effects as their parent cells and were considered to be used for cell-free regenerative medicine. However, the inefficient and limited production has hampered their development for clinical translation. In this review, we summarize potential methods to efficiently promote the yield of exosomes. We mainly focus on engineering the process of exosome biogenesis and secretion, altering the cell culture conditions, cell expansion through 3D dynamic culture and the isolation of exosomes. In addition, we also discuss the application of MSCs-derived exosomes as therapeutics in disease treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • N -A and inorganic-N are major sources of NO x precursors. • NH 3 and HCN dominate NO x precursors during biomass pyrolysis. • DKP produces NO x precursors by ring-condensation and direct C C/C N breakage. • NH 3 is generated at low temperatures, and HCN is produced at high temperatures. • Staged pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis can reduce the N -related emissions. Pyrolysis, as a means of utilizing biomass resources, converts fuel-N in biomass into N -containing compounds, such as pyrrole-N, pyridine-N and nitrile-N. These compounds can be further decomposed into NO x precursors (mostly NH 3 , HCN and HNCO), which will cause a series of air pollution after oxidation and emission. Many reviews focused on unitary aspects of biomass such as wood fiberboard or N -containing models, and there is no comprehensive and critical review on the formation pathways of NO x precursors during biomass pyrolysis. Therefore, this review focuses on the effects of different reaction parameters such as thermal factors (temperature and heating rate), atmosphere and biomass co-pyrolysis on NO x precursors release, discusses the strategies taken to control emission of NO x precursors in the current process, summarizes the nitrogen migration pathways during biomass pyrolysis. Finally, we outlook the development of catalysis, theoretical calculation and co-pyrolysis reaction in the field of NO x precursors. It is hoped that this review can provide suggestions for the preparation of high-quality pyrolysis products (such as high nitrogen biochar and low nitrogen bio-oil) and the reduction of NO x precursor emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) has been widely used for the growth of various carbon nanotube (CNT) macrostructures, mainly including vertically aligned CNT (VACNT) arrays and none-woven CNT films. However, it is still unclear for the reason why these CNT macrostructures with largely different morphologies were received via the similar method. In this research, it revealed that the growth temperature largely affected the nucleation status of floating catalysts and thus controlled the morphologies of CNT macrostructures from VACNT arrays to none-woven CNT films. In low temperatures (below 800 °C), VACNTs were grown by bottom-up mechanism with several CNTs, but not one individual from bottom to up along the array height direction. Furthermore, VACNT arrays were only grown on some substrates that can induce iron atoms aggregating to catalyst particles with a suitable size. When increasing the growth temperature higher than 800 °C, more catalyst particles were nucleated in the gas flow, which induced the formation of none-woven CNT films composed of thin CNTs (single-walled CNTs and double-walled CNTs). This research was significative for understanding CNT growth mechanism via FCCVD process and the synthesis of different CNT macrostructures by this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotube (CNT) films have shown many promising advantages in the development of high-performance flexible supercapacitors in terms of electrode specific area, mechanical reliability under bending and stretching, electron and ionic mobility tailored for high-rate performance etc. In this review, the recent progress in the design, preparation and functionalization of CNT film based electrodes for the fabrication of high-performance flexible supercapacitors are introduced in details, including the synthesis of conductive CNT films for the electrodes of supercapacitors, and the functionalizations of CNT film with other high-capacitance materials by both mixing and in situ growth strategies for high-performance composite electrodes. Furthermore, we also discussed the assembly strategies, prototypes and electrochemical performance of flexible supercapacitors based on CNT film composite electrodes. At last, the challenges and trends of the CNT film based flexible supercapacitors are prospected as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used in clinical treatment for solid tumors, it causes many side-effects such as heart and kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, and drug resistance. Legumain is a lysosomal protease that is elevated and associated with an invasive and metastatic phenotype in a number of solid tumors. In this study, we designed and synthesized a Dox prodrug, N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Ala-Asn-Doxorubicin ( CBZ- AAN-Dox), with 94% purity. Single substrate kinetic assays demonstrated hLegumain-specific enzymatic cleavage and activation of the prodrug in vitro, and this enzymatic cleavage of the prodrug substrate was more sensitive in acidic conditions, releasing more than 70% of Dox after 24 h. Treatment of tumor cells with our prodrug demonstrated a much higher IC50 value, significantly enhanced uptake of the prodrug, and considerably less cellular toxicity compared to Dox treatment alone. Our study presents a novel prodrug, CBZ- AAN-Dox, to potentially increase both the safety and efficacy of clinical treatment of tumors by exploiting the tumor's innate expression of legumain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAD51 recombinase plays a critical role for cancer cell proliferation and survival. Targeting RAD51 is therefore an attractive strategy for treating difficult-to-treat cancers, e.g. triple negative breast cancers which are often resistant to existing therapeutics. To this end, we have designed, synthesized and evaluated a panel of new RAD51 inhibitors, denoted IBR compounds. Among these compounds, we have identified a novel small molecule RAD51 inhibitor, IBR120 , which exhibited a 4.8-fold improved growth inhibition activity in triple negative human breast cancer cell line MBA-MD-468. IBR120 also inhibited the proliferation of a broad spectrum of other cancer cell types. Approximately 10-fold difference between the IC 50 values in normal and cancer cells were observed. Moreover, IBR120 was capable of disrupting RAD51 multimerization, impairing homologous recombination repair, and inducing apoptotic cell death. Therefore, these novel RAD51 inhibitors may serve as potential candidates for the development of pharmaceutical strategies against difficult-to-treat cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the risk factors for apical node metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection with D3 lymphadenectomy. Methods: The subjects were 578 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection with D3 lymphadenectomy for CRC between February, 2003 and December, 2009. The Cox proportional regression model was used to evaluate the association between apical node metastasis and survival and the logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for apical node metastasis. Results: Thirty patients (5.2 %) had apical node metastasis, which was an independent risk factor for poor disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.02, P = 0.019]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that poor differentiation [odds ratio (OR) = 4.58, P < 0.001] and ulcerative/infiltrative morphology (OR = 5.57, P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for apical node metastasis. In the subgroup analysis based on pT3-4 tumors, multivariate logistic regression analysis also suggested that these factors were significantly associated with apical node metastasis. Conclusions: Apical node metastasis is an independent risk factor for poor oncologic outcome. T3-4 stage, poor differentiation, and ulcerative/infiltrative morphology are significantly associated with apical node metastasis. Notably, in this study, T1-2 stage tumors had no apical node metastasis, suggesting that D3 lymphadenectomy may be over-performed without considering the T stage of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the low indoor positioning accuracy and poor positioning stability of traditional machine-learning algorithms, an indoor-fingerprint-positioning algorithm based on weighted k-nearest neighbors (WKNN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was proposed in this study. Firstly, the outliers in the dataset of established fingerprints were removed by Gaussian filtering to enhance the data reliability. Secondly, the sample set was divided into a training set and a test set, followed by modeling using the XGBoost algorithm with the received signal strength data at each access point (AP) in the training set as the feature, and the coordinates as the label. Meanwhile, such parameters as the learning rate in the XGBoost algorithm were dynamically adjusted via the genetic algorithm (GA), and the optimal value was searched based on a fitness function. Then, the nearest neighbor set searched by the WKNN algorithm was introduced into the XGBoost model, and the final predicted coordinates were acquired after weighted fusion. As indicated in the experimental results, the average positioning error of the proposed algorithm is 1.22 m, which is 20.26–45.58% lower than that of traditional indoor positioning algorithms. In addition, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) curve can converge faster, reflecting better positioning performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noblemetal catalysts are core materials for many energy conversionand storage technologies such as fuel cell and hydrogen storage, whilethe performances of the noble metals depend critically on the natureof support materials. Herein, for the first time, we report the useof sorted high-purity metallic (m-) and semiconducting (s-) single-walledcarbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as support materials for a typical noblemetal catalyst, Pd, which has been believed to have strong interactionswith SWNTs. Our results clearly suggest that electrocatalytic performancesof the noble metals/SWNTs hybrid system, specifically in hydrogenelectrosorption and formic acid electrooxidation, exhibit stronglysensitive dependence with respect to the electronic type of SWNT supports.Pd nanoparticles on m-SWNTs demonstrate much enhanced electrocatalyticactivities compared with those on s-SWNTs or unsorted-SWNTs. Our in-depthmechanism studies indicate that the m-SWNTs in the nanocomposite tendto provide more effective charge-transfer interfaces with Pd nanoparticles,more likely leading to higher electron densities on Pd nanoparticlesto boost their catalytic performance. The present study provides anovel window onto the design and synthesis of new feasible electrocatalystsystem for efficient energy conversion and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Au–Cu and Pt–Cu nanotubes are synthesized in aqueous solution. [•] Cu nanowire is used as sacrificial template. [•] The structure of the alloy nanotubes could be tuned. [•] It is a general method for noble metal alloy nanotube synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT)/α-Ni(OH)2 composite paper based on CNT paper was prepared by a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets were vertically grown on individual CNTs in CNT paper to form hierarchical nanowires. The loading mass of α-Ni(OH)2 in the composite paper could be 66wt%. Thus the composite paper showed much higher specific surface area than that of pristine CNT paper. This novel structure brings the composite paper an electrochemical capacitance high to 1144F/g at the current density of 0.5A/g, and maintains 585F/g at 10A/g. This composite paper could be a promising candidate for the electrodes of high-performance supercapacitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The thermal impedance of silicon grease with different functionalized CNTs. [•] The thermal impedance of the silicon grease changed along with CNT content. [•] The mechanism of CNT affecting the thermal impedance of the silicon grease. [•] The rule of choosing functionalized CNTs for thermal conductive silicon grease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many countries, especially China, have extensively promoted liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace diesel in heavy-duty vehicles for to achieve sustainable transport aims, including carbon peaks and neutrality. We developed a life-cycle calculation model for environmental load differences covering vehicle and fuel cycles to comprehensively compare the LNG tractor-trailer and its diesel counterpart in China on a full suite of environmental impacts. We found that the LNG tractor-trailer consumes less aluminum but more iron and energy; emits less nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, nonmethane volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter but more greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon monoxide (CO); and causes less abiotic depletion potential, acidification potential, and human toxicity potential impacts but more global warming potential (GWP) and photooxidant creation potential (POCP) impacts. Poor fuel economy was found to largely drive the higher life-cycle GHG and CO emissions and GWP and POCP impacts of the LNG tractor-trailer. Switching to the LNG tractor-trailer could reduce carbon dioxide by 52.73%, GWP impact by 44.60% and POCP impact by 49.23% if it attains parity fuel economy with its diesel counterpart. Policymakers should modify the regulations on fuel tax and vehicle access, which discourage improvement in LNG engine efficiency and adopt incentive polices to develop the technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Active carbon (AC) is a widely used electrode material for electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). However, it often shows poor rate capability due to its low conductivity. Herein, we report a binder-free carbon nanomaterials hybrid structure formed by core-shell structural nanowire network, in which carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper serves as conductive scaffold and porous AC layer is coated on individual CNTs in the buckypapers as active component for capacitance contribution. Such hybrid structure shows a greatly enhanced rate performance compared to pure CNT and AC electrode with its electrochemical capacitance better than its two components at large charge/discharge current densities. The AC layer in this hybrid buckypaper, which is as the main component contributed to the electrochemical capacitance, shows good rate performance and enhanced electrochemical capacitance at large current density. The performance improvement arises from the integration of resultant highly porous AC layer, conducting network and good interfacial contact between AC coating and CNTs, favoring the efficient transport of ions and electrons over the electrode surface. Moreover, the assembled EDLC with such hybrid buckypaper electrode also present higher and more stable energy densities with the increase of power densities compared to AC based EDLC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Different classes and assembled mechanisms of amphipathic peptides are described. • Several strategies to design and stabilize amphiphilic peptides are summarized. • Several strategies to realize functional transformation are elaborated. • Several delivery systems of amphiphilic peptides are outlined. Amphiphilic self-assembling peptides are widely used in tissue and cell engineering, antimicrobials, drug-delivery systems and other biomedical fields due to their good biocompatibility, functionality, flexibility of design and synthesis, and tremendous potential as delivery carriers for drugs. Currently, the design and study of amphipathic peptides by a bottom-up method to develop new biomedical materials have become a hot topic. However, defined rules have not been established for the design and development of self-assembled peptides. Therefore, the focus of this review is to summarize and provide several rational strategies for the design and study of amphiphilic self-assembly peptides. In addition, this paper also describes the types and general self-assembling mechanism of amphipathic peptides, and outlines their applications in the delivery of hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acid drugs, peptide drugs and vaccines. Amphiphilic self-assembled peptides are expected to exploit new functional materials for drug delivery and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to design and screen a dual functional fusion peptide that could penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target neuropilin 1 (NRP1) overexpressed in vascular endothelial cells for the anti-angiogenesis of glioma treatment. At the cellular level, the in vitro anti-angiogenic activity of six NRP1 targeting peptides was screened by testing the ability to inhibit the proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs. Then, the in vitro anti-angiogenic activity of two fusion peptides containing different linkers was screened by testing the ability to inhibit HUVECs proliferation, tube formation and migration. The effect of fusion peptide on VEGFR2 related signal pathway was confirmed by Western-blotting. Surface plasmon resonance technology was used to detect the affinity of the fusion peptide to NRP1. The ability of FITC-labeled peptides to penetrate cells was confirmed by cell uptake assay. By establishing an orthotopic glioma model, we evaluated the ability of FITC-labeled peptides to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and their anti-glioma growth activity in vivo. We found that NRP1 targeting peptide RP7 and linker cysteine were the most suitable key components in the fusion peptide. We also found that the fusion peptide Tat-C-RP7 we constructed had the strongest ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and anti-angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. At present, NRP1 targeting peptide as a drug delivery tool and molecular probe seems to have received more attention. We constructed a fusion peptide Tat-C-RP7 with strong anti-angiogenic activity for the treatment of glioma. • We designed a fusion peptide with good ability to penetrate the BBB and anti-angiogenesis for the treatment of gliomas. • RP7 and cysteine were the most suitable components of the fusion peptide with stronger anti-angiogenic activity. • Tat-C-RP7 has a strong affinity for NRP1 and could down-regulate the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 pathways. • The fusion peptide Tat-C-RP7 had good brain targeting properties and anti-glioma activity in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I Dear Editor i , Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication of anterior resection for rectal cancer, with an incidence varying from 3.5% to 17.4% [1-3]. Some studies [4,5] consider high ligation (HL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) as a risk factor for AL. Recently, we published a high-quality meta-analysis [6] which only included randomized controlled trials and concluded that HL of the IMA did not increase the incidence of AL in anterior resection. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: We have developed an air-stable soluble polyethylene glycol bound ruthenium catalyst which performs efficient ring-closing metathesis in organic solvents as well as in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Astragali Radix (also known as Astragulus) is a traditional medicinal and edible homologous plant for tonifying Qi. Honey‐processed Astragalus is a dosage form of Astragali Radix processed with honey, which exhibited better efficacy of tonifying Qi than the raw product. Polysaccharides are their main active components. RESULTS: APS2a and HAPS2a were initially isolated from Astragulus and honey‐processed Astragulus. Both of them are highly branched acidic heteropolysaccharides containing ɑ‐configuration and β‐configuration glycosidic bonds. The molecular weight and the molecular dimension of HAPS2a decreased and the GalA contained in APS2a was converted to Gal in HAPS2a. The α‐configuration galactose residue 1,3,4‐α‐Galp in the backbone of APS2a was converted to the corresponding β‐configuration galactose residue 1,3,4‐β‐Galp in the backbone of HAPS2a and the uronic acid residue T‐α‐GalpA in the sidechain of APS2a was converted to the corresponding neutral residue T‐α‐Galp in the side chain of HAPS2a. Bioactivity results showed that HAPS2a had better probiotic effects on Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains than APS2a. After degradation, the molecular weights of HAPS2a and APS2a decreased with the changes in their monosaccharide composition. The contents of total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other organic acids in HAPS2a group were higher than APS2a group. CONCLUSIONS: Two novel high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharides named APS2a and HAPS2a had different probiotic activities in vitro, which might be due to their structural differences before and after honey processing. Both of them might be possibly used as an immunopotentiator in healthy foods or dietary supplement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The main problem addressed in this study is the anti-inflammatory effects of Magnolol-a natural extract and the main bioactive component from Magnolia. • U937 LO-2 cells culture and DSS-treated experimental mice were utilized to analyze inflammatory cytokines, proteins activation in MAPK, NF-κB signal pathways regulation, the phagocytosis immunoregulatory effects in vitro and in vivo with that permits analysis of Magnolol contributors to the inflammatory bowel diseases. • By studying living human cell lines, we identified Magnolol previously unknown contributions of enhancement of phagocytosis, specific pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-1β significantly depression, p-JNK, p-P38, p-IκBα and p-P65 were down-regulation. • We provide experimental evidence to show that Magnolol as a drug could be used to improve human inflammatory bowel disease and gain new insights into the mechanisms involved phagocytosis immunoregulatory effects, MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways. Abstract Magnolol is a natural extract and the main bioactive component from Chinese medicine-Magnolia. We speculate that it's functional action might be associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of magnolol. Herein, the main purpose was to elucidate the phagocytic immune function and anti-inflammatory activities associated. The toxicity of magnolol on U937 and LO-2 cells was assayed by MTT, flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscope was utilized to detect the phagocytosis effect on U937 cells, C57BL/6 mice and the follow-up hematoxylin-eosin staining methods were used to evaluate its bioactivity in vivo. The results showed that magnolol had dose dependent effects on enhancement of phagocytosis ability and significantly inhibited the NO production at the concentration range from10 to 40 μM. Furthermore, Magnolol significantly reduced the gene expression and protein release of IL-1β and TNF-α. However, the p-ERK1/2 in MAPK signaling pathway was not significantly affected by magnolol, whereas p-JNK and p-P38 were down-regulated. Magnolol also inhibited the expression of p-IκBα and p-P65 of NF-κB signaling pathways. The loss of body weight and the shorter length of colon were significantly improved in DSS-treated colitis C57BL/6 mice after the administration of magnolol. The cytokines of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β attenuated significantly in a concentration dependent manner. The histopathological manifestations of 5–20 mg/kg after the treatment magnolol were markedly improved in the DSS-treated mice. These findings showed that magnolol exerted an anti-inflammatory effect through immunoregulatory phagocytosis, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results provide experimental evidence and theory basis for research on anti-inflammatory effects for magnolol as a potentially anti-inflammatory drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing superconductivity into two-dimensional (2D) films with nontrivial topology has been intensively pursued as one of the feasible scenarios to realize 1D topological superconductor. Prevailing endeavors mostly exploit the external gating or proximity effect of a traditional superconductor, by which the critical temperatures ( T c ) are limited to several Kelvin range. Here, we report on the discovery of interface-enhanced superconductivity in monolayer 1T′-MoTe2 film. A thermally driven phase transition from Mo6Te6 nanowires to 1T′-MoTe2 films, grown on SrTiO3(001) surface by the molecular beam epitaxial methods, is demonstrated. A combined study of scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, electrical transport and magnetization measurements indicates the T c of MoTe2 film is around 30 K, two orders of magnitude larger than its 3D counterpart crystal. This study shows that interfacial engineering is an efficient way to tune monolayer 1T′-MoTe2 film into superconducting states, and thus may pave the way toward higher- T c 1D intrinsic topological superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lab-based testing systems utilizing photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing methodologies for the ultrasensitive carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have been developed, although the majority have shown complicated operating procedures and dependence on precise apparatus. Herein, a portable photoelectrochemical split diagnostic platform based on a hollow CdS/CdMoO 4 (h-CdS@CdMoO 4) shell-shell structured photoanode system was developed for ultrasensitive detection of CEA. Using a small LED flashlight as the excitation light source and a digital multimeter (DMM) as the signal readout device, real-time CEA on a paper-based printed screen electrode developed in-house was quickly detected. The composite h-CdS@CdMoO 4 featured a special hollow shell-shell heterojunction structure that optimizes photon usage in the bulk phase on the one hand, and facilitates directed separation of the electrons and holes therein on the other. A split-sandwich immunoassay and detection antibodies for modified glucose oxidase were introduced into the paper-based photoanode test system, and the signals were displayed with a DMM to realize a point-of-care test for CEA. Under optimized conditions, the constructed portable PEC sensing system was sensitive to the target CEA from 0.02 to 50.0 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 11.3 pg mL−1. Interferent experiments and stability test evaluations demonstrate the specificity and robustness of the constructed paper-based portable PEC sensor. The portable, paper-based PEC immunoassay system developed offers a fresh way of exploring affordable, approachable sensors to satisfy both the relevant community medical testing demands and hospital objectives for quick testing. [Display omitted] • A hollow heterojunction-based photoelectrochemical immunoassay was used to detect CEA. • Paper-based portable sensing platform used as the detection device. • Unique hollow CdS/CdMoO 4 heterostructures utilized as the photoactive materials. • CdS/CdMoO 4 for enhancing natural light utilization and electron-hole separation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behavior of high-grade pipeline steels was studied in the strain rate range of 0.001~0.1 s−1 and the temperature range of 1050~1200 °C by using hot compression tests on a Gleeble 3500 thermomechanical simulator. The flow stress increases with the increase in strain rate and the decrease in deformation temperature, and the deformation activation energy is about 358 kJ/mol. The flows stress–strain behavior of the work-hardening and dynamic recovery (DRV) was calculated using the Estrin–Mecking equation, and the kinetics model of the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was established based on the Avrami equation through characteristic strains. Furthermore, the flow stress–strain behavior of high-grade pipeline steels was predicted by the established model based on the coupling effects of DRV and DRX. The corresponding predicted results are in good agreement with the experimental results according to standard statistical parameters analysis. Finally, the economic strain (ε3) is proposed by the third derivative of the given kinetic model. Based on these calculation results, when the economic strain (ε3) is reached, uniform and refined DRX grains can be obtained, the energy consumption reduced, and the production costs controlled, which is of great significance to actual factory production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a qualitative analysis of the particle-induced viscosity reduction phenomenon observed in polymeric composites like polylactic acid (PLA)/partially methylated silica particles, but not in composites like PLA/hydroxyl-terminated silica particles. The analysis is mainly based on considerations of the friction coefficients of spherical particles in the composites. The analysis reveals that sufficiently small particles, relatively weak polymer-particle interfacial interactions, particle rotation, and the existence of interfacial slipping in a polymeric composite are necessary conditions for the occurrence of particle-induced viscosity reduction, while long-distance particle-particle interactions based on polymer-particle interactions, and possibly existing additional interfacial elastic behaviors conversely lead to an increase in viscosity. The ratio of the radius of the particles to the gyration radius of the coils of polymer chains in polymer melts ( R/ R) is found to be not crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the number of nodes harvested and the rate of node positivity, and to evaluate the effect of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in improving lymph node detection and staging accuracy in patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by curative resection.Study Design: Between September 2008 and June 2014, 152 consecutive rectal cancer patients treated with NCRT and curative resection were included. Forty-five patients underwent preoperative submucosal injection of CNPs (CNP group); the other patients underwent surgery only (control group). The relationship between the number of lymph nodes harvested and the rate of node positivity was investigated. A comparison of the number of harvested lymph nodes and the node positivity rate between the 2 groups was also performed. The lymph nodes in the CNP group were analyzed in detail.Results: The rate of node positivity increased gradually from 8.6% in patients with 1 to 5 nodes assessed to 37.8% in patients with 17 to 44 nodes assessed. The number of lymph nodes harvested was an independent risk factor for node positivity (p = 0.036). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved in the CNP group was more than in the control group (21.1 vs 8.0, p = 0.000). The percentage of patients with positive lymph nodes was lower than in the control group (19.6% vs 35.6%, p = 0.037). In the CNP group, of 58 metastatic lymph nodes, 45 (77.6%) were dyed. Of 37 metastatic lymph nodes smaller than 5 mm, 33 (89.2%) were dyed.Conclusions: More precise oncologic prognosis assessment was provided for patients with rectal cancer after NCRT by increasing the number of lymph nodes counted using a dye-tracing method, indicating that the use of CNPs is beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both INPP5D and INPP5F are members of INPP5 family. INPP5F rs117896735 variant was associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) risk, and INPP5D was an Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk gene. However, it remains unclear about the roles of INPP5F rs117896735 variant in AD.Objective: We aim to investigate the roles of rs117896735 in AD.Methods: First, we conducted a candidate variant study to evaluate the association of rs117896735 variant with AD risk using the large-scale AD GWAS dataset. Second, we conducted a gene expression analysis of INPP5F to investigate the expression difference of INPP5F in different human tissues using two large-scale gene expression datasets. Third, we conducted an expression quantitative trait loci analysis to evaluate whether rs117896735 variant regulate the expression of INPP5F. Fourth, we explore the potentially differential expression of INPP5F in AD and control using multiple AD-control gene expression datasets in human brain tissues and whole blood.Results: We found that 1) rs117896735 A allele was associated with the increased risk of AD with OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.005-1.315, p = 0.042; 2) rs117896735 A allele could increase INPP5F expression in multiple human tissues; 3) INPP5F showed different expression in different human tissues, especially in brain tissues; 4) INPP5F showed significant expression dysregulation in AD compared with controls in human brain tissues.Conclusion: Conclusion: We demonstrate that PD rs117896735 variant could regulate INPP5F expression in brain tissues and increase the risk of AD. These finding may provide important information about the role of rs117896735 in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a strain capacity assessment on high-strain marine pipe was carried out by comparing the crack growth driving force and the crack growth resistance. The crack growth driving force was given by FEA, the stress-stain relationship was given by a DIC tensile test, and the crack growth resistance was given by a single-edge notched tensile (SENT) test using a single-specimen flexibility method. The proposed approach was compared with the failure assessment curve and validated against full-scale tests with a girth weld notch. The results of the full-scale tests showed that the assessment method using FEA was more accurate and the result of the failure assessment curve assessment was more conservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: How to identify whether T1-2 colorectal cancers have lymph nodes metastases pre-op or intra-op is a crucial problem in clinic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using carbon nanoparticles to track lymph nodes metastases in T1-2 colorectal cancers. Methods: A multi-center study was performed between July 2012 and January 2014. Seventy-three patients with T1-2 colorectal cancer identified by pre-op endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were recruited. 1 ml carbon nanoparticles suspension was endoscopically injected into the submucosal layer at four points around the site of the primary tumor 1 day before surgery. Laparoscopic radical resection with lymphadenectomy was performed. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were defined as nodes that were black-dyed by carbon nanoparticles. Pathology confirmed whether lymph nodes have cancer metastases and the SLNs accuracy. Results: SLNs were easily found under laparoscopy. The mean number of SLNs was 3 (range 1-5). All patients had SLNs lying alongside the mesenteric vessel or main arterial vessel. After pathological analysis, 2 patients (9.52 %) had lymph node metastasis in 21 patients with EUS T1 cancers, and 10 patients (19.23 %) had lymph node metastasis in 52 patients with EUS T2 cancers. In two T1 cases with lymph node metastasis, SLNs were positive with 100 % accuracy. In ten T2 cases with lymph node metastasis, SLNs were positive in nine cases. In pathology, carbon nanoparticles were seen in lymphatic vessels, and lymphoid sinus and macrophages in negative SLNs. When SLNs were positive, carbon nanoparticles were seen around cancer cells in lymph nodes. The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of SLNs in T1-2 colorectal cancers were 91.67, 100, 98.63 %, respectively. Conclusions: We demonstrated the feasibility of using carbon nanoparticles to track lymph nodes metastases in T1-2 colorectal cancers. Carbon nanoparticles black-dyed lymph nodes play a role as SLNs in T1-2 colorectal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Buckypapers, the thin sheets made from an aggregate of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have demonstrated promising electrical and thermal conductivities. However, the high in-plane to perpendicular anisotropy makes its application as thermal interface materials difficult. In order to increase the perpendicular electrical and thermal conductivities, copper nanowires (Cu NWs) were introduced into buckypapers. The Cu NWs stuck into the empty spaces between CNTs, connected them perpendicularly, and even induced a certain perpendicular CNT alignment. The electrical conductivity increased continuously with increasing the Cu content, while the smallest anisotropy was observed at the 50wt.% Cu filling because an in-plane Cu network formed and improved much more the in-plane conductivity above this filling. On the contrary, as CNTs are more thermally conducting than Cu, the loading of Cu NWs over 50wt.% decreased the thermal conductivity. Our measurement showed a high perpendicular conductivity of 10.1W/mK at the 50wt.% loading, more than quadruple and double as compared with the ones for a pure buckypaper and the one filled with 67–75wt.% Cu NWs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Genetic variations in the gene XPC may be associated with increased risk for gallbladder cancer (GBC). In this study, we detected two non-synonymous polymorphisms in XPC (Ala499Val and Lys939Gln) in 334 cases of GBC and 329 subjects of hospital-based age- and sex frequency-matched controls in China using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Allelic association analysis for the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed that the risk allele T of Ala499Val was significantly associated with GBC [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.76, P = 0.005), with a population attributive risk of 5.3%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Ala499Val CT heterozygote (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13–2.14, P = 0.002) and TT homozygote (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.04–3.55, P = 0.048) had a significantly increased risk compared with CC homozygotes. Genetic analysis suggested that either the SNPs directly exert an effect or the linked functional gene impact of the disease trait likely follows an additive or dominant model. Gene interaction analysis demonstrated that the effects of XPC diplotypes (defined as the number of risk genotypes at the two SNP loci) were highly dependent on gallstone. The data from this case–control study indicated that XPC exonic variants contributed to the risk of GBC in this Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the intercalation of amphoteric amino acid tyrosine (Tyr) into LDH by the co-precipitation method is systematically examined. The influence of pH values has been examined. Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific surface areas and pore size distributions, and thermal analysis have been employed for the characterization of the nanocomposites. The nanohybrids were found to have expanded layered structure, indicating that the biomolecules were intercalated into the gallery as anions. The intercalation of amino acids resulted in the increase of surface areas and pore volumes, and these values increased with increasing of biomolecules intercalated. TEM analysis revealed that with the decrease of pH values, the nanohybrids changed from hexagonal particles to spherical ones. Moreover, the configuration of Tyr anions varied under different pH values, the configuration changing from monolayer to bilayers with more biomolecules in the gallery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct electrochemistry and thermal stability of hemoglobin (Hb) immobilized on a nanometer-sized zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) modified pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrode were studied. The immobilized Hb displayed a couple of stable and well-defined redox peaks with an electron transfer rate constant of (7.90±0.93) s−1 and a formal potential of −0.361 V (−0.12 V versus NHE) in 0.1 M pH 7.0 PBS. Both nanometer-sized ZrO2 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) could accelerate the electron transfer between Hb and the electrode. Spectroscopy analysis of the Hb/ZrO2/DMSO film showed that the immobilized Hb could retain its natural structure. This modified electrode showed a high thermal stability up to 74 °C and an electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) without the aid of an electron mediator. The electrocatalytic response showed a linear dependence on the H2O2 concentration ranging from 1.5 to 30.2 μM with a detection limit of 0.14 μM at 3σ. The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant KMapp for H2O2 sensor was estimated to be (0.31±0.02) mM, showing a high affinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

More and more studies indicated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying miRNAs have been potential biomarkers of various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the function of miR-224-5p carried by EVs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in CRC. Here, we found that miR-224-5p was highly expressed while SLC4A4 was lowly expressed in CRC cells. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay testified that miR-224-5p targeted SLC4A4. The expression of miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs was found to be elevated. It was also testified that CAFs-derived EVs could transfer miR-224-5p into CRC cells. miR-224-5p in CAFs-derived EVs facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion and anti-apoptosis of CRC cells. Overexpressing miR-224-5p increased the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of CRC cells and inhibit CRC cell apoptosis, while overexpressing SLC4A4 caused the opposite result. Research in vitro and in vivo further indicated that miR-224-5p promoted CRC cell progression via binding to its downstream target gene SLC4A4. Rescue assay also demonstrated that overexpressing miR-224-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpressed SLC4A4 on cancer cell growth. In addition, in vivo assay identified that high level of miR-224-5p promoted the growth of cancer cells in mice in vivo. In conclusion, we explored the effect of miR-224-5p in CRC, which helps for further exploration of new methods for CRC targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two novel MET exon 14 variants was identified in Ia NSCLC patients. • MET exon 14 skipping was confirmed via DNA-based and RNA-based assays. • The new variants was defined as MET exon 14 skipping analogs. • Annotation for novel MET exon 14 alterations by DNA-NGS requires RNA-level evidence. MET exon 14 skipping (MET ex14) is a validated oncogenic driver in lung cancer and MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors are now available as effective clinical treatments. The majority of known MET ex14 alterations are typical donor/acceptor splicing or ubiquitination site mutations. Herein, two new MET ex14 variants were detected in two patients with lung adenocarcinoma by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). Reverse transcription (RT)-based analysis confirmed that these mutations led to MET exon 14 skipping. Our analysis provided evidence for possible targeted therapy options for patients carrying these MET mutations or similar MET ex14 analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey-processed Astragalus is a dosage form of Radix Astragali processed with honey, which exhibits better efficacy of tonifying Qi than the raw product. Polysaccharides are its main water-soluble active components. This work was designed to study the structural differences of homogeneous honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharides (HAPS3a) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS3a) and their effects on colitis mice. The results showed that HAPS3a (Mw = 2463.5 kDa) and APS3a (Mw = 3373.2 kDa) differed in molecular weight, monosaccharide compositions, glycosidic bonds and degree of branching (DB). Notably, the molar ratios of galactose and galacturonic acid in HAPS3a were 22.66% and 33.24%, while those in APS3a were 11.87% and 49.55%, respectively. The uronic acid residues 1,4-β-Gal p A and 1,6-α-Glc p A of the backbone in APS3a were converted into the corresponding neutral residues in HAPS3a after honey processing. The different DB of HAPS3a (15.35%) and APS3a (25.13%) suggested that the chain conformation became smoother. The anti-inflammatory effects on colitis mice revealed that HAPS3a exhibited better effects than APS3a by protecting intestinal mucosa, regulating the expression of cytokines and influencing microbiota diversity. Taken together, the differences in anti-inflammatory activity might be related to structural differences caused by honey processing. Our findings have laid a foundation for the processing mechanism of Astragalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A label-free PEC sensor based on soluble melem unit/g-C 3 N 4 materials was constructed. Development of label-free photoelectrochemical sensor to detection of aquatic Cu2+ is of great significance for disease prevention and environment preservation. Reported herein is the rational construction of a facile strategy, combined with a hydrothermal exfoliation and subsequent assembly process, which obtain the soluble melem unit/g-C 3 N 4 materials. This composite possesses porous structure and hydrophilic group (–OH), contributing to its great contact with aquatic solution and diffusion channel for target analytes. And abundant functional groups (-NH x) on the surface of soluble melem unit is capable of easily incorporating with aquatic Cu2+ to form the Cu-N bond, which was unveiled by experiential result of XPS spectra, providing tremendous potential for the application in Cu2+ detection. Consequently, a label-free photoelectrochemical sensor based on soluble melem unit/g-C 3 N 4 exhibited a significant signal change due to the formation of Cu2+-induced surface exciton trapping, thus achieve the aquatic Cu2+ monitoring with low cost and high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey‐processed Astragalus is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine that has a better effect on reinforcing "Qi" (vital energy) than the raw one. A comparative study of metabolites analysis between them in rat serum for finding the bioactive ingredients was carried out using serum pharmacochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis. The blood collection methods and time were optimized first. Then the prototypes and metabolites in serum samples after oral administration were investigated by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry integrated with principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. The contents of metabolites were also analyzed to evaluate the metabolic profile differences. As a result, nine prototypes and 36 metabolites were identified. Only two prototypes and 15 metabolites were different between raw and honey‐processed Astragalus. Their biotransformation reactions contained the process of oxidation, demethylation, and hydrolysis in phase I and glucuronide conjugation or sulfate conjugation in phase II. Most of the detected metabolites were transformed from isoflavones and isoflavanes. Our results expand the knowledge about the influence of honey‐processing on Astragalus and suggest the different curative effects between raw and honey‐processed Astragalus might due to their therapeutic material discrepancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential constituents in leaves, stems and roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS) and by multivariate statistical analysis. The established extraction and analysis method showed relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra-day precision of less than 3.40%, for repeatability of less than 4.06% and for stability of less than 5.10%. Principal component analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis of the UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS data showed good ability to classify the leaves, stems and roots of P. multiflorum Thunb. The differential constituents, such as stilbenes, polygoacetophenoside, flavonoids and anthraquinones, accounting for variations between the leaves, stems and roots, were filtered through the variable importance in projection values and were further identified by elemental composition analysis, mass fragmentation data and retention times of available standards. Differences between the chemical compositions in the leaves, stems and roots of P. multiflorum Thunb. were closely related to their various therapeutic effects. This UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS-based analytical strategy could be further utilized to evaluate the overall quality of traditional Chinese medicines and their differences of chemical constituents in different parts of the plant and/or in the plants of different geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in regulating immune responses during pathogen infection. However, roles of TLRs on T cells reside in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) were not be fully elucidated in the course of S. japonicum infection. In this study, T lymphocytes from the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) of S. japonicum-infected mice were isolated and the expression and roles of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were compared. We found that the expression of TLR7 was increased in the MLN cells of S. japonicum-infected mice, particularly in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05). R848, a TLR7 agonist, could enhance the production of IFN-γ from MLN T cells of infected mice (P < 0.05), especially in CD8+ T cells (P < 0.01). In TLR7 gene knockedout (KO) mice, the S. japonicum infection caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of the expression of CD25 and CD69, as well as the production of IFN-γ and IL-4 inducted by PMA plus ionomycin on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the decreased level of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the supernatants of SEA- or SWA-stimulated mesenteric lymphocytes was detected (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that S. japonicum infection could induce the TLR7 expression on T cells in the MLN of C57BL/6 mice, and TLR7 mediates T cell response in the early phase of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have shown that CD103 is an important marker for tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) which plays an important role in anti-infection. However, the role of CD103+ TRM was not elucidated in the progress of S. japonicum infection induced disease.Methods: 6-8 weeks old C57BL/6 mice were infected by S. japonicum. Mice were sacrificed and the lungs were removed 5-6 weeks after infection. Immunofluorescent staining and Q-PCR were performed to identify the expression of CD103 molecule. Single cellular populations were made, percentages of CD103 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were dynamical observed by flow cytometry (FCM). Moreover, the expression of memory T cells related molecules CD69 and CD62L, T cell function associated molecules CD107a, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-9, and IL-10 were compared between CD103+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by FCM.Results: CD103+ cells were emerged in the lung of both naive and S. japonicum infected mice. Both the percentage and the absolute numbers of pulmonary CD4+ and CD8+ cells were increased after S. japonicum infection (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD103+ cells in CD8+ T cells decreased significantly at the early stage of S. japonicum infection (P < 0.05). Increased CD69, decreased CD62L and CD107a expressions were detected on both CD4+ and CD8+ CD103+ T cells in the lungs of infected mice (P < 0.05). Compared to CD8+ CD103+ T cells, CD4+ CD103+ T cells from infected mice expressed higher level of CD69 and lower level CD62L molecules (P < 0.05). Moreover, higher percentage of IL-4+, IL-9+ and IL-10+ cells on CD4+ CD103+ pulmonary T cells was found in infected mice (P < 0.05). Significantly increased IL-4 and IL-9, and decreased IFN-γ expressing cells were detected in CD8+CD103+ cells of infected mice (P < 0.05).Conclusions: CD103-expressing pulmonary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play important roles in mediating S. japonicum infection induced granulomatous inflammation in the lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]