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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of motherwort injection (MI, Yi mu cao) in preventing post-abortion hemorrhage and promoting uterine retraction after induced abortion surgery.Methods: In this multi-center randomized controlled trial undertaken between September 2014 and August 2016, 408 child-bearing age women who underwent induced abortion surgery and randomly assigned to two groups: MI group who received intramuscular MI treatment (n = 207) and no-treatment group (n = 201). The volume of vaginal bleeding and its duration were used as primary end points; and uterine size and dimension were measured as secondary end points. Blood coagulation indices, routine blood and adverse events were recorded to evaluate the safety.Results: The efficacy analysis was based on 366 patients. No significant difference were found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The amount of vaginal bleeding and duration of bleeding were significantly reduced in MI group compared with on-treatment group in Full Analysis Set (FAS) and Per Protocol Set (PPS) populations (P < 0.001). The volume and perimeter of the uterine dimensions in MI group were smaller than no-treatment group (P < 0.001). No significant abnormal vital signs were observed. Only 1 case of mild, transient erythema was found in MI group.Conclusions: MI could reduce post-abortion hemorrhage and improve uterine retraction in women undergoing surgical induced abortion, without serious adverse events. It was a safe and effective treatment in preventing post-abortion hemorrhage after induced abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• [BMIm][HSO 4 ] was employed as dual catalyst-solvent for BuHE formation. • Effect of [BMIm][HSO 4 ] as extractant on esterification was demonstrated by LLE. • Effect of [BMIm][HSO 4 ] as catalyst on esterification was experimentally investigated. • Reactive extraction conditions for BuHE formation were optimized. • Intensification mechanism of [BMIm][HSO 4 ] on reactive extraction was proposed. Butyl hexanoate (BuHE) is currently synthesized through the Fischer esterification with mineral acid as catalyst, which suffers from the problems of side reaction, difficult recycling, and corrosion. To overcome these disadvantages, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIm][HSO 4 ]) is employed as dual catalyst-solvent for the esterification of hexanoic acid (HeAc) with n-butanol (BuOH) in a reactive extraction process. The dual functions of [BMIm][HSO 4 ], extraction and catalysis, were confirmed by liquid-liquid equilibria for the two systems {[BMIm][HSO 4 ] + HeAc + BuHE} and {[BMIm][HSO 4 ] + BuOH + BuHE}, and by the comparison of esterifications with or without [BMIm][HSO 4 ], respectively. Moreover, the optimal reactive extraction conditions for BuHE formation were obtained. Finally, the possible mechanism of intensification of [BMIm][HSO 4 ] on BuHE formation in reactive extraction process was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response rate of indoor thermal environment is a main factor affecting indoor comfort level greatly under air-conditioning intermittent operation. Interior finishing material can affect inner surface temperature response rate directly as the layer closest to indoor air. According to this situation, in order to explore the thermal response of the different interior finishing material under air-conditioning intermittent running, a experiment is built to analyze the effect of the interior finishing material property on inner surface temperature. Results show that interior finishing property has an significant influence on the thermal response on inner surface temperature. The porous interior finishing material has 20% higher thermal response rate of inner surface temperature than the homogeneous dense materials. Integrating with EPS or rubber sponge in the interior finishing material can improve the thermal response rate of inner surface temperature and the increased response rate can be up to 17.7%~29.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium biomineralization can slow uranium migration in the environment and thus prevent it from further contaminating the surroundings. Investigations into the uranium species, pH, inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentration, and microbial viability during biomineralization by microorganisms are crucial for understanding the mineralization mechanism. In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis X-27 was isolated from soil contaminated with uranium and was used to investigate the formation process of uranium biominerals induced by X-27. The results showed that as biomineralization proceeded, amorphous uranium-containing deposits were generated and transformed into crystalline minerals outside cells, increasing the overall concentration of uramphite. This is a cumulative rather than abrupt process. Notably, B. thuringiensis X-27 precipitated uranium outside the cell surface within 0.5 h, while the release of Pi into the extracellular environment and the change of pH to alkalescence further promoted the formation of uramphite. In addition, cell viability determination showed that the U(VI) biomineralization induced by B. thuringiensis X-27 was instrumental in alleviating the toxicity of U(VI) to cells. This work offers insight into the mechanism of U(VI) phosphate biomineralization and is a reference for bioremediation-related studies. • Bacillus thuringiensis X-27 precipitated U rapidly to uramphite outside cells, which can alleviate U toxicity to cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the fatal cancers and has not effective treatments. Alantolactone (ATL), a terpenoid extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herb Inula helenium L., confers significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor activity. However, the activity and mechanisms of ATL in ATC remain unclear.Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-ATC effects in vitro and in vivo and the mechanisms involved.Methods: The anti-proliferative activity of Alantolactone (ATL) against ATC cells was analyzed through CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry assay was performed to assess the cell cycle, cell apoptosis, ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), whereas the cellular localization of cytochrome c and calreticulin were determined using cellular immunofluorescence assays. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity in the cell culture medium was measured using a commercial LDH kit, whereas ELISA was conducted to assess the secretory function of IL-1β. Western blot assays were conducted to determine the expression or regulation of proteins associated with apoptosis and pyroptosis. Subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice was established to evaluate the anticancer activity of ATL in vivo. The expression of Ki67, cyclin B1, cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase 3, and IL-1β in the animal tumor tissues was profiled using immunohistochemistry analyses.Results: Our data showed that ATL significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation activity of ATC cells. ATL induced ATC cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and downregulated the expression of cyclin B1 and CDC2. Furthermore, ATL induced concurrent apoptosis and pyroptosis in the ATC cells, and the cleavage of PARP and GSDME. It also significantly increased the release of LDH and IL-1β. Mechanically, ATL-mediated increase in ROS suppressed the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, downregulated the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased the release of cytochrome c, leading to caspase 9 and caspase 3 cleavage. We also found that ATL induced the translocation of an immunogenic cell death marker (calreticulin) to the cell membrane. In addition, it inhibited the growth of the ATC subcutaneous xenograft model, and activated proteins associated with apoptosis and pyroptosis, with a high safety profile.Conclusion: Taken together, these results firstly demonstrated that ATL exerted an anti-ATC activity by inducing concurrent apoptosis and GSDME-dependent pyroptosis through ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent caspase activation. Meanwhile, these cell deaths exhibited obvious characteristics of immunogenic cell death, which may synergistically increase the potential of cancer immunotherapy in ATC. Further studies are needed to explore deeper mechanisms for the anti- ATC activity of ATL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are used for inducing a calcific barrier at an open tooth root (apexification). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of calcium hydroxide and MTA for apexification of immature permanent teeth.Methods: Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched until November 24, 2015, using the keywords apexification, permanent teeth, MTA, and calcium hydroxide.Results: Of 216 studies identified, four studies were included. There were no differences in the clinical success rate [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-21.72, p = 0.271], radiographic success rate (pooled OR = 4.30, 95% CI: 0.45-41.36, p = 0.206), or apical barrier formation rate (pooled OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 0.59-4.96, p = 0.322) between calcium hydroxide and MTA groups. The time required for apical barrier formation was significantly less in the MTA group (pooled difference in means = -3.58, 95% CI: from -4.91 to -2.25, p < 0.001).Conclusion: While both materials provide similar success rates, the shorter treatment time with MTA may translate into higher overall success rates because of better patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface properties of the clean and O adsorption Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) are investigated using a density functional theory. The result shows that the Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) with Cr–Nb mixed termination is more stable than the Cr-terminated surface in both Cr-rich condition and Nb-rich condition for clean (1 1 1) surface. The O atoms strongly interact with both Cr and Nb atoms on the Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) with Cr–Nb mixed surface. And the O atoms strongly interact with the Cr atom on Cr-terminated surface. The binding energy increases with increasing O atom coverage due to the repulsive interaction between O atoms. It is found the Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) with Cr–Nb mixed surface is more stable than the Cr-terminated Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) under O-rich or O-poor conditions. And a Cr–Nb oxide layer may be produced at the initial stage of oxidation on Cr 2 Nb (1 1 1) surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important role of microbes in the biomineralization and migration behavior of uranium in the field of environmental chemistry has been well emphasized in previous work. However, limited work on mineralization processes of indigenous microorganism has prevented us from a deeper understanding of the process and mechanisms of uranium biomineralization. In this work, the dynamic process and mechanism of uranium biomineralization in Enterobacter sp. X57, a novel uranium-tolerant microorganism separated from uranium contaminated soil, were systematically investigated. Enterobacter sp. X57 can induce intracellular mineralization of U (VI) to Uramphite (NH 4 UO 2 PO 4 ·3H 2 O) under neutral conditions by alkaline phosphatase. In this biomineralization process, soluble U (VI) first bonded with the amino and phosphate groups on the plasma membrane, providing initial nucleation site for the formation of U (VI) biominerals. Then the impairment of cell barrier function and the enhancement of alkaline phosphatase metabolism occurred with the accumulation of uranium in cells, creating a possible pathway for soluble U (VI) to diffuse into the cell and be further mineralized into U (VI)-phosphate minerals. All the results revealed that the intracellular biomineralization of uranium by Enterobacter sp. X57 was a combined result of biosorption, intracellular accumulation and phosphatase metabolism. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of uranium biomineralization behavior and mechanism of microorganisms, as well as possible in-situ bioremediation strategies for uranium by indigenous microorganisms. [Display omitted] • The dynamic process of U-mineralization by Enterobacter sp. X5 7 has been revealed. • Toxic soluble U (Ⅵ) could vitiate the cell wall and diffuse into the cell gradually. • Intracellular U (Ⅵ) converted into insoluble U mineral along the plasma membrane. • U-biomineralization in Enterobacter sp. X57 was promoted by alkaline phosphatase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azo dye is the most versatile class of dyes used in the textile industry. Although the sulfidogenic process shows superiority in the removal of azo dye, the role of biogenic sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the decolorization of azo dye is unclear. This study explored the mechanism of biogenic sulfide for removal of a model azo dye (Direct Red 81 (DR 81)) through biotic and abiotic batch tests with analysis of intermediates of the azo dye degradation. The results showed that biogenic sulfide produced from sulfate reduction directly cleaved two groups of azo bond (-N N-), thereby achieving decolorization. Moreover, the decolorization rate was enhanced by nearly 3-fold (up to 42 ± 1 mg/L-hr; removal efficiency > 99%) by adding an external carbon source or elevating the initial azo dye concentration. This study showed that biogenic sulfide plays an essential role in azo dye decolorization and provides a new avenue for the potential application of biogenic sulfide from the sulfidogenic system for the treatment of azo dye-laden wastewater. [Display omitted] • Azo dye could be effectively removed under sulfidogenic condition. • Biogenic sulfide plays a key role in decolorization of azo dye. • Biogenic sulfide donated electrons to the –N N- in azo dye achieving decolorization. • Addition of pyruvate or riboflavin boosted decolorization of azo dye. • Sulfidogenic process could be an alternative for textile wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited understanding of pruritus mechanisms in cholestatic liver diseases hinders development of antipruritic treatments. Previous studies implicated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as a potential mediator of cholestatic pruritus. Pruritogenicity of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), LPA's precursor, was examined in naïve mice, cholestatic mice, and nonhuman primates. LPC's pruritogenicity involving keratinocyte TRPV4 was studied using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, cultured keratinocytes, ion channel physiology, and structural computational modeling. Activation of pruriceptor sensory neurons by microRNA-146a (miR-146a), secreted from keratinocytes, was identified by in vitro and ex vivo Ca2+ imaging assays. Sera from patients with primary biliary cholangitis were used for measuring the levels of LPC and miR-146a. LPC was robustly pruritic in mice. TRPV4 in skin keratinocytes was essential for LPC-induced itch and itch in mice with cholestasis. Three-dimensional structural modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and channel function analysis suggested a TRPV4 C-terminal motif for LPC binding and channel activation. In keratinocytes, TRPV4 activation by LPC induced extracellular release of miR-146a, which activated TRPV1+ sensory neurons to cause itch. LPC and miR-146a levels were both elevated in sera of patients with primary biliary cholangitis with itch and correlated with itch intensity. Moreover, LPC and miR-146a were also increased in sera of cholestatic mice and elicited itch in nonhuman primates. We identified LPC as a novel cholestatic pruritogen that induces itch through epithelia-sensory neuron cross talk, whereby it directly activates skin keratinocyte TRPV4, which rapidly releases miR-146a to activate skin-innervating TRPV1+ pruriceptor sensory neurons. Our findings support the new concept of the skin, as a sensory organ, playing a critical role in cholestatic itch, beyond liver, peripheral sensory neurons, and central neural pathways supporting pruriception. [Display omitted] Lysophosphatidylcholine is a novel itch-causing endogenous phospholipid with potential key impact on itch of chronic liver disease. Lysophosphatidylcholine's cognate receptor has been detected in skin, calcium-permeable TRPV4 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulation arrest is widely used during total aortic arch replacement. However, the conventional procedures have high morbidity and mortality. We modified the hybrid procedure by optimizing the sequence of anastomosis between the graft and aorta. As a result, the time of extracorporeal circulation was obviously shortened, and cardiac arrest was needed only during the two anastomoses of the aorta with aorta graft main body. In addition, both circulation arrest and deep hypothermia were avoided. Leakage was also prevented by creating a lengthened sealing zone for stent graft deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the flame retardancy of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber fabric, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was first grafted onto the surface of PAN fiber fabric (PAN- g -HEMA) using ultroviolet (UV)-induced photo graft polymerization technology. Then, the PAN- g -HEMA fabric was reacted with phosphoric acid catalyzed by urea, to successfully obtain the flame retardant PAN fiber fabric (FR-PAN- g -HEMA). The optimum process of grafting was obtained. The structure of the fabrics was characterized with FTIR, XRD, XPS and SEM. The thermal analysis indicates that FR-PAN- g -HEMA fabric has good fire retardant properties with an LOI value of 32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]