Search

The management of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations with massive glenoid bone defects typically involves arthroscopic intervention. Autologous iliac bone grafting with double-row elastic fixation reportedly yields excellent outcomes. In this article, we introduce a specialized technique for iliac bone grafting that uses double-row elastic fixation and double antirotating anchors. Implementation of this technique prevents the occurrence of iliac graft rotation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the thermal efficiency of gas turbine, the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) increases up to 2000 K, leading to an extremely high heat load on the first-stage vane. Taking into consideration that there are complex endwall secondary flow and the passage vortices which have significant effect on the flow field and thermal behavior near the endwall, it is essential to study the aero-thermal characteristics of endwall and develop efficient endwall cooling approach. In this work, two novel upstream slot structures, referred to as the vane-type slot and cascade-type slot, are proposed, and a comprehensive numerical analysis is conducted to reveal their mechanism and superiority in improving the film cooling and aerodynamic performance of first-stage vane compared with the conventional slot structure. The results indicate that compared with the conventional rectangular straight slot, the coolant jets from two novel slots have a more significant inhibition effect on the development of the endwall secondary flow due to their lower outflow angle and thus higher momentum in streamwise direction, which contributes to reducing the strength of the endwall secondary flow. This is beneficial to provide a lower cascade aerodynamic loss and a higher film cooling effectiveness of the endwall near the suction side leading edge and the higher film cooling effectiveness along the trajectory of the horseshoe vortex on the more downstream region. Moreover, the vane-type slot provides the largest coolant coverage and cooling effectiveness of endwall and the lowest total pressure loss within slot and cascade aerodynamic loss, followed by the cascade-type slot and conventional slot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report an all-room-temperature approach to prepare carbon-coated MoS 2 /graphene hybrids by combining the exfoliation of bulk MoS 2 and simultaneously generation of amorphous carbon coverage using CO 2 as carbon source. As the anode material for sodium ion battery, the carbon-coated MoS 2 /graphene hybrids exhibit high rate capability (316 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1) and superior cycling stability (415 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 150 cycles) than the uncoated one (180 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 150 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance should be attributed to the synergistic combination of electrical conductivity of graphene and surface protection of carbon coating. This method is facile, efficient and believable to be widely used in making other 2D carbon-coated heterostructure materials with many functional applications. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Gd 2 compounds exhibit magnetic refrigeration properties with −Δ S m = 18.59 J kg−1 K−1 for 2 (Δ H = 7 T and T = 2.0 K) and −Δ S m = 18.75 J kg−1 K−1 for 4 (Δ H = 7 T and T = 2.0 K). Two series of LnIII 2 compounds, [Ln 2 (L1) 2 (tmhd) 2 (CH 3 O) 2 ] (Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2), Tb (3)) and [Ln 2 (dbm) 5 L2](Ln = Gd (4), Tb (5), Ho (6)), based on two Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized. The structural analysis indicate that these compounds are μ 2 -O bridged dinuclear complexes and each center Ln(III) ion of them is eight-coordinated with a biaugmented trigonal prism geometries. Magnetic properties measurement exhibit that the two Gd 2 compounds 2 and 4 display magnetic refrigeration with −Δ S m = 18.59 J kg−1 K−1 for 2 (Δ H = 7 T and T = 2.0 K) and −Δ S m = 18.75 J kg−1 K−1 for 4 (Δ H = 7 T and T = 2.0 K). Moreover, complexes 1 , 3 and 5 show the characteristic lanthanum luminescence at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Entamoeba nuttalli found in non-human primates is the phylogenetically closest species to Entamoeba histolytica and is potentially pathogenic. However, infection of wild long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) with E. nuttalli has not been found. In this study, the prevalence of Entamoeba infections in wild long-tailed macaques was examined in seven locations in six provinces of Thailand. The positive rate for E. nuttalli in 214 fecal samples was 43.9% using PCR, but no infection with E. histolytica or Entamoeba dispar was found, demonstrating that long-tailed macaque is one of the natural hosts for E. nuttalli. Twenty-four E. nuttalli isolates were successfully cultured and four of them were axenized. The sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA genes of E. nuttalli from long-tailed macaques differed from those of E. nuttalli isolates from other species of wild macaques. Eleven types of sequences in serine-rich protein genes were identified in the 24 isolates and these were specific for each location in Thailand. By analysis of six tRNA-linked short tandem repeat loci, these isolates were divided into 14 types, and each type was also location-specific. Phylogenetic analysis revealed correlation between genotypes of the parasite and the geographic distribution of the host macaques. Genetic distance and geographic distance correlated significantly in a Mantel test, with r values of 0.888 based on the tRNA-linked short tandem repeat loci and 0.815 based on the serine-rich protein genes. These results suggest that genetic divergence and co-evolution of the parasite occurred during dispersion and colonization of the host macaque, and that genotypic analysis of the parasite may enable identification of the geographic localization of the host. Highlights • Entamoeba nuttalli was prevalent in wild long-tailed macaques in Central Thailand. • Twenty-four isolates of E. nuttalli were obtained from seven locations. • Sequences of 18S rDNA of the amebae differed from those of other species of wild macaques. • The 24 E. nuttalli isolates could be divided into 17 genotypes. • Genotypes of E. nuttalli isolates reflected the difference in geographic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction method combining high performance liquid chromatography was developed to determine the residues of tetracycline drugs in animal derived foods. The polymer was synthesized with chlortetracycline as template molecule, methacrylic acid as functional monomer at template/monomer ratio of 1:4. The prepared solid phase extraction column was able to capture four tetracyclines simultaneously with high adsorption capacities (3560–4700 ng) and high recoveries (>87%), and was able to be reused for at least thirty times. The limits of detection were in a range of 20–40 ng/g, and the recoveries from fortified blank samples (milk, egg and pork) were in a range of 74%–93%. Furthermore, the polymer-based column achieved better purification effect than three commercial solid phase extraction columns. This is the first study reporting the use of chlortetracycline based molecularly imprinted polymer for determination of tetracyclines in animal derived foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently demonstrated the potentially virulent species Entamoeba nuttalli as one of the highly prevalent parasites in rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) in Mount Long-hu and Gui-yang in China. Tibetan macaque ( Macaca thibetana ) is a unique species living in China. To evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba species in wild Tibetan macaques, we obtained 89 stool samples in Mount E-mei of Si-chuan Province in China. PCR analysis detected E. nuttalli , Entamoeba coli , and Entamoeba polecki ST2 in 17%, 42%, and 66% of the samples, respectively, whereas Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar were undetected. This study is the first to report on the detection of E. nuttalli from Tibetan macaques. Six E. nuttalli isolates were obtained, 18S rRNA gene and six tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci of the isolates were sequenced. The Mantel test results gave an r value of 0.97 of relationships between geographical distance and genetic diversity of Chinese E. nuttalli populations, indicating a significant isolation-by-distance effect in Chinese E. nuttalli according to the tRNA-STR loci sequences. Structural analysis of E. nuttalli isolates based on tRNA-linked STR loci demonstrated three Chinese E. nuttalli populations with their respective features, but the Gui-yang population was located in the middle. In the distance-based NJ tree, E. nuttalli isolates were divided into five different branches, and E-mei isolates were attributed to an independent branch to distinguish them from Gui-yang and Long-hu isolates. Genetic analysis in this study provided clues of the genetic differences between E. nuttalli isolates from Tibetan macaques and rhesus macaques in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CD4+ T lymphocytes can be primarily polarized to differentiate into Th2 cells, and are heavily involved in the Th2 inflammation of asthma. Little is known about the correlation between microRNAs and Th2 inflammation in asthma, therefore we explore the roles of five microRNAs (microRNA-181a, -155, -150, -146a and -146b) in Th2 inflammation of asthma by tracking their expression levels in splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes under different conditions. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the dynamic changes of these microRNAs in murine models of acute asthma (i.e. the OVA group) were analyzed, in comparison to a control group. The effects of dexamethasone on the miRNA expression levels were also investigated. The results showed that the expression levels of microRNA-181a, -150, -146a and -146b were higher in the OVA group compared to the control group in the beginning of the disease, and after 5days dropped to control group levels because there was no new airway challenge. Moreover, the miRNA-146a expression was down-regulated by treatment with dexamethasone. MicroRNA-181a had a positive linear correlation with the numbers of inflammatory cells (i.e. the numbers of total cells or of the eosinophils in the BALF) by Spearman correlation analysis, so did miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b. These observations suggest that microRNA-181a, -146a and -146b are proinflammatory factors in asthma, and that down-regulation of miRNA-146a may partially account for the anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anemarrhena asphodeloides originated from the rhizome of Liliaceae Anemarrhena asphodeloides. One of the active pharmacological components of Anemarrhena asphodeloides is timosaponin (TSA), which reduces blood lipids and shows antioxidation and anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanism is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TSA on oxidative stress induced by a long-term high-fat diet in obese rats. Body weight and the obesity index of the rats were measured during the experiment. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were used to detect oxidative stress indexes in serum and liver tissue. To observe the effect of TSA on the liver and adipose tissue of rats with oxidative stress, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining was used. The p–NF–κB, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and Nrf2 in Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. TSA was found to improve oxidative stress in obese rats by reducing MDA levels and increasing T-AOC and GSH-Px levels. Histological examination revealed that TSA effectively attenuated liver damage and improved obesity in rats. TSA was found to down-regulate the protein level of p–NF–κB and up-regulate the protein level of Nrf2/HO-1. These results suggested that TSA could effectively block inflammation and dyslipidemia in obese rats, thus improving oxidative stress, and its mechanism could be related to the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways. • Objective to investigate the antioxidative stress effects of TSA in obese rats. • TSA could efficiently block oxidative stress and inflammatory responses associated with obesity. • The mechanism of TSA could be activating Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entamoeba nuttalli infection is highly prevalent in captive and wild macaques. A recent study suggested that the genetic factor of host macaques was correlated with the genotypes of E. nuttalli isolates. This study focused on the correlation between the rhesus macaque host major histocompatibility complex gene and E. nuttalli infection. Thirty-nine stool samples were obtained from Mount Qing-ling (Guizhou Province, China). Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the infection rate of E. nuttalli , Entamoeba coli , and Entamoeba chattoni as 69.23%, 69.23%, and 87.18%, respectively. A new Serine-rich Protein genotype was detected, and the rRNA of E. nuttalli isolates from Mount Qian-ling was completely identical to the GY4 strain. In the distance-based neighbor-joining tree, Mamu-DRB1 , not Mamu-DPB or Mamu-B gene, was related to E. nuttalli infection. Mamu-DRB1 genes of rhesus macaques in Mounts Qian-ling and Long-hu were highly polymorphic, and the rhesus macaques with two major types of Mamu-DRB1 showed susceptibility to E. nuttalli infection. The Mamu-DRB1 gene analysis in this study indicated that the Mamu-DRB1 gene is an important factor that influences the susceptibility of E. nuttalli infection in Chinese Macaca mulatta. This study contributes to a better understanding of host susceptibility to Entamoeba. • Analysis of 76 stool samples from rhesus macaques in two provinces of China. • High prevalent (69.23%) of Entamoeba nuttalli in Mount Qing-ling's macaques • Sequence of Mamu-DRB1 , Mamu-DPB and Mamu-B genes in these macaques • Mamu-DRB1 genes were highly polymorphic in Mount Qian-ling and Long-hu's macaques • Mamu-DRB1 , not Mamu-DPB or Mamu-B gene, was related to E. nuttalli infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinyl chloride)/montmorillonite (PVC/MMT) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ intercalative polymerization and their microstructure, particle characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. The montmorillonite layers were almost exfoliated into nanoscale layers and an exfoliated nanostructure was obtained. The mean particle size of the nanocomposites decreased and the degree of porosity of the particles increased with increasing organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) content. The nanocomposites exhibited higher cold plasticizer absorption (CPA) and slightly greater fluid plasticity in comparison with pure PVC. The addition of OMMT into PVC matrix improved the production process and the mechanical properties of the composite resin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poly(vinyl chloride)/montmorillonite (PVC/MMT) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ intercalative polymerization and their thermal properties were examined by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The nanocomposites exhibited a little higher glass transition temperature in comparison with pure PVC. The presence of organophilic montmorillonite enhanced the rapidest decomposition temperature and reduced the maximum decomposition rate and the onset decomposition temperature. At high temperature, a compact char formed in the surface of the nanocomposites, obstructing the thermal degradation of the polymer matrix. The compact char surface was characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Entamoeba nuttalli found in macaques is phylogenetically the closest species to Entamoeba histolytica and is potentially pathogenic. In this study, the prevalence of Entamoeba infections was examined in wild rhesus macaques by examining 73 and 90 fecal samples collected from two sites, Popa Taung Kalat (PTK) and Pho Win Taung (PWT), in Myanmar. The positive rates of E. nuttalli detected using PCR were 49% and 31% in PTK and PWT, respectively, but no infections of E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii were found. Entamoeba dispar was detected in 6% of samples only from PWT. Positive rates of E. chattoni and E. coli were both 70% in PWT and 67% and 79% in PTK, respectively. Six E. nuttalli strains from PTK and eight from PWT were obtained in the culture with xenic medium and then, one and two strains, respectively, were axenized and finally cloned. The genotypic analysis of serine-rich protein genes revealed two genotypes each in both sites. The genotypes found in five of six strains from PTK were similar to those from the strains found in Nepal, whereas the remaining one from PTK and two from PWT were similar to those obtained from macaques in China. The sequence of the 18S rDNA of strains with these four genotypes was identical to that of the strains from China. Six loci of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats were analyzed for further genotyping of the strains. Although there were two types in locus A-L in PTK isolates, one of each type for PTK and PWT was found in the other loci, including locus A-L in PWT strains. These results demonstrated that the E. nuttalli strains from Myanmar are closer to the strains from macaques in China rather than those from macaques in Nepal. • Entamoeba nuttalli is prevalent in wild rhesus macaques from two sites in Myanmar. • Its 18S rDNA sequence was identical to those from the rhesus macaques in China. • Four genotypes of serine-rich protein were found in 14 E. nuttalli strains. • E. nuttalli strains from each site had unique tRNA-short tandem repeat sequences. • E. nuttalli strains from Myanmar are closer to those from China than from Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of goat oocytes are important for establishing a valuable genetic bank for domesticated female animals and improving livestock reproductive efficiency. C-Phycocyanin (PC) is a Spirulina extract with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and radical scavenging properties. However, whether PC has positive effect on goat oocytes IVM or developmental competence after vitrification is still unknown. In this study, we found that first polar body extrusion (n = 293), cumulus expansion index (n = 269), and parthenogenetic blastocyst formation (n = 281) were facilitated by adding 30 μg/mL PC to the oocyte maturation medium when compared with the control groups and that supplemented with 3, 10, 100 or 300 μg/mL PC (P < 0.05). Although PC supplementation did not affect spindle formation or chromosome alignment (n = 115), it facilitated or improved cortical granules migration (n = 46, P < 0.05), mitochondria distribution (n = 39, P < 0.05), and mitochondrial membrane potential (n = 46, P < 10−4). Meanwhile, supplementation with 30 μg/mL PC in the maturation medium could significantly inhibit the reactive oxygen species accumulation (n = 65, P < 10−4), and cell apoptosis (n = 42, P < 0.05). In addition, PC increased the oocyte mRNA levels of GPX4 (P < 0.01), and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of BAX (P < 0.01). Next, we investigated the effect of PC supplementation in the vitrification solution on oocyte cryopreservation. When compared with the those equilibrate in the vitrification solution without PC, recovered oocytes in the 30 μg/mL PC group showed higher ratios of normal morphology (n = 85, P < 0.05), survival (n = 85, P < 0.05), first polar body extrusion (n = 62, P < 0.05), and parthenogenetic blastocyst formation (n = 107, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, PC supplementation of the vitrification solution increased oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential (n = 53, P < 0.05), decreased the reactive oxygen species accumulation (n = 73, P < 0.05), promoted mitochondria distribution (n = 58, P < 0.05), and inhibited apoptosis (n = 46, P < 10−3). Collectively, our findings suggest that PC improves goat oocyte IVM and vitrification by reducing oxidative stress and early apoptosis, which providing a novel strategy for livestock gamete preservation and utilization. • PC promoted oocytes in vitro maturation and embryo development. • PC improved mitochondrial function after oocytes IVM and vitrification. • PC reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis levels after oocytes IVM and vitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the role of cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) in cartilage inflammaging and osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis in the isolated primary human chondrocytes in vitro , cartilage explants ex vivo, and a pre-clinical mice model. Recombinant human CCN1 stimulation and small interfering RNA inhibition were conducted in human chondrocytes. The RNA was extracted to quantify catabolic targets and pro-inflammatory genes and the proteins were probed with specific antibodies. IL-1β and IL-6 were monitored by ELISA. IHC was performed to evaluate important hypertrophic hallmarks and catabolic markers. The effects of Tanshinone IIA on chondrocytes were investigated in both time-dependent and dose-dependent processes. Cartilage explants were cultured in growth medium and further treated with Tanshinone IIA. The intra-articular injection was performed in 13 months old C57BL/6J mice. Safranin O and fast green staining were performed to evaluate the histological change of cartilage followed by a semi-quantitative analysis using the OARSI scoring system. RNA and protein levels of CCN1 increased in an age-dependent manner compared to young donors. Increased CCN1 expression was also found in the damaged area compared to the non-lesion area which correlated with the advanced pathological change in human OA. The overexpression of CCN1 promoted chondrocytes senescence, while the down-regulation of CCN1 by small interfering RNA reduced CCN1 production and limited inflammation secretion suggesting that CCN1 was a possible novel target to intervene OA. Inhibition of CCN1 by using Tanshinone IIA could reduce SASP components in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, our data showed that Tanshinone IIA was able to preserve articular cartilage integrity, suppress CCN1 production, and inhibit SASP factors in human cartilage explants and in aged mice model. This study showed that CCN1 signaling aggravated cartilage inflammaing and matrix degradation. Collectively, our findings showed new insight into repurposing Tanshinone IIA for slowing down OA advancement in human and mice by inhibiting the CCN1 axis. • We explored the role of CCN1 in cartilage inflammaging and osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. • CCN1-induced senescence was tested in human aged chondrocytes in vitro and cartilage explants ex vivo. • CCN1 could be a sufficient and essential factor that induces senescence in aging-related OA. • Intra-articular administration of Tanshinone IIA partially inhibited CCN1-driven chondrocyte senescence and OA. • CCN1 signaling may be a novel target to mitigate inflammation in cartilage aging and OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale underground hydrogen storage can replace fossil fuel power generation and balance long-term and short-term energy consumption. There is still a lack of research on the quantitative evaluation of hydrogen saturation in hydrogen storage formations. By constructing a sandstone hydrogen storage reservoir model for numerical simulation of gas-water identification, a method for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of hydrogen saturation and hydrogen density in reservoirs is found. Monitor the change of hydrogen saturation in the reservoir, master the storage status of hydrogen, and enrich the hydrogen injection plan. In this paper, the RPM-formation model is established by combining the pulse neutron logging technology and the Monte Carlo method. The relationship between the capture gamma count ratio the hydrogen density and the hydrogen saturation under different porosity conditions is simulated. The effect of formation water salinity and shale content on the relationship between the count ratio and porosity. The results show that under the same porosity condition, the counting ratio increases with the increase of hydrogen density, and increases or decreases with the increase of hydrogen saturation under different hydrogen densities. The salinity and shale content of the formation water affect the count ratio. Based on the simulation data, the evaluation model of hydrogen saturation is established, the influence of shale content and formation water salinity is analyzed and corrected, the capture gamma ratio chart is constructed, and the method of qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the reservoir is found, which provides a logging method for monitoring the change of hydrogen saturation in different components of underground hydrogen storage formation. [Display omitted] • The simulation process of pulsed neutron logging is realized by Monte Carlo method. • The qualitative evaluation of reservoir gas-bearing property is realized by using Rcapture. • An evaluated model was established to quantify reservoir hydrogen saturation. • A correction chart corrects shale content and formation water salinity. • The research results can assist in optimizing the hydrogen injection scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Two Ln 2 compounds have been synthesized and completely characterized. Magnetic property study indicates that the Gd 2 compound displays cryogenic magnetic refrigeration property and Dy 2 compound shows slow magnetic relaxation behavior. Highlights • A polydentate ligand with interesting and various potential ligand modes has been imployed. • Two new Ln 2 compounds has been synthesized and structurally characterized. • Magnetic studies reveal that 1-Gd 2 displays cryogenic magnetic refrigeration property. • 2-Dy 2 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation behavior under zero dc filed. Abstract Two new dinuclear lanthanide(III) compounds based a multidentate Schiff base ligand with the general formula [Ln 2 (dbm) 2 L 2 (CH 3 OH) 2 ](Ln = Gd (1) and Dy (2), dbm = H 2 L = N′-(4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde)pyridyl-2-carbohydrazide), have been synthesized, structurelly and magnetically characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 are μ 2 -O bridged dinuclear complexes and each center Ln(III) ion is eight-coordinated with one bidentate dbm−, one CH 3 OH and two μ 2 -O bridging Schiff base ligands. Magnetic studies reveal that 1 displays cryogenic magnetic refrigeration property (−ΔS m = 21.1 J kg−1 K−1 for Δ H = 7 T at 2.0 K); while 2 exhibits slow magnetic relaxation behavior under zero dc filed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued interest in the bioactive alkaloids led to the isolation of five undescribed alkaloids (1–5), ophiorglucidines A-E, and seven known analogues (6–12) from the water-soluble fraction of Ophiorrhiza japonica. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and quantum calculations as well as X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of 1 was characterized as a hexacyclic skeleton including a double bridge linking the indole and the monoterpene moieties, which is the first report of a single crystal with this type of structure. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of zwitterionic indole alkaloid glycosides on xanthine oxidase was found for the first time. The alkaloids 2 and 3 , both of which have a pentacyclic zwitterionic system, were more active than the reference inhibitor, allopurinol (IC 50 = 11.1 μ M) with IC 50 values of 1.0 μ M, and 2.5 μ M, respectively. Structure-activity relationships analyses confirmed that the carbonyl group at C-14 was a key functional group responsible for the inhibitory effects of these alkaloids. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed alkaloids are identified from Ophiorrhiza japonica. • For the first time, the inner salt indole alkaloid glycosides were found to have an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase. • The key pharmacophore with inhibitory activity was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing large-section underground structures using the pipe jacking technique presents challenges, including the insufficient size of the rectangular pipe-jacking machine and the transportation and hoisting of large prefabricated ring structures. This paper introduces and investigates the construction, challenges, and key techniques involved in jacking a super-large rectangular prefabricated tunnel underpass a rainwater box culvert. The adoption of an assembly concept for manufacturing both the super-large rectangular pipe-jacking machine and ring structures, along with innovative in-shaft assembly and jacking techniques, effectively addresses issues in super-large section pipe-jacking engineering. The on-site monitoring data analysis reveals that the jacking force for the super-large rectangular tunnel significantly exceeds the estimated value. This is primarily attributed to excessive resistance during jacking in the reinforcement areas of the launching and receiving shafts, constituting 55 % of the total jacking force. Additionally, the jacking resistance from the soil chamber pressure accounts for approximately 22 % of the total force. The frictional resistance of the ring structures represents only 23 % of the total jacking force, with the average surface friction force approximately at 12.4 kPa. Vertical and horizontal relative deviations of the tunnel were controlled at 32 mm and 22 mm, respectively. The settlements of the ground surface and box culvert induced by pipe-jacking were vulnerable to the grouting pressure of lubricants, with maximum values of 35.9 mm and 39.1 mm, respectively. The experience learnt from this project can provide valuable insights for the application of large-section rectangular pipe-jacking technology in underground space development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New disilver(I) methanedisulfonates complexes {CH2(SO3)2Ag2·[P(OMe)3] n } (n =2, 2a; n =4, 2b; n =6, 2c) were prepared by reacting [CH2(SO3)2Ag2], which could be synthesized from methanedisulfonic acid and Ag2CO3 in water, with trimethylphosphite in dichloromethane. The molecular structure of 2a was determined using X-ray single crystal analysis. Complex 2a exhibits an infinite chain structure with eight-membered rings (AgOSOAgOSO) fully interconnected by the third sulfonic O atoms. Complex 2b was used to deposit silver films by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for the first time. The silver film obtained was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • It was the first time to reveal that zinc screw-released element effectively attenuated bone tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in rabbits. • Implant-released zinc upregulated sodium vitamin C transporter 2 in primary osteoblasts through the nuclear factor of kappa B pathway, which ultimately triggered the osteogenic differentiation. • It laid the foundation for the deployment of biodegradable zinc metallic materials for anterior cruciate ligament rupture patients. Zn and its alloys have recently emerged as new options for orthopedic implants due to their desirable biodegradation rate and mechanical strength. However, whether Zn metallic implants attenuate bone tunnel enlargement (BTE) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and, if so, the underlying mechanism by which this occurs remains elusive. In present study, we explored the possibility of using pure Zn screws to attenuate BTE in rabbits, and the potential molecular mechanism was further explored in primary osteoblasts. Here, our study showed that the pure Zn screws more effectively attenuated BTE after ACL reconstruction in rabbits compared with pure Mg and Ti screws. This was attributed to the fact that the pure Zn screw-released Zn element diminished the size of the femoral tunnels, enhanced the bone mass around the screws, boosted the fixation strength, and promoted the tendon-bone integration. Several lines of cellular evidences suggested that Zn metallic implant-released Zn element induced upregulation of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 in primary osteoblasts and ultimately elevated the expressions of the osteogenic transcription factors to trigger osteogenic differentiation. This study showed that biodegradable Zn metallic materials were promising candidates for interference screw to attenuate BTE after ACL reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Rapid quantification of trace CAP residue in honey by DART-MS/MS are presented. • Dip-it probe sampling model (Q-Dip-it-PM) is applied to analyze sample quantitatively. • The determination result of DART-MS/MS are in good agreement with LC–MS/MS method. • DART-MS/MS should be very valuable for rapid quantitation of trace veterinary drugs residue. Abstract In this paper, we employed a direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source coupled to QTRAP mass spectrometry for the analysis of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey. The accuracy of the DART-MS/MS method for the analysis of CAP in honey was evaluated by comparison with data generated by a validated HPLC-MS/MS method. The sample preparation procedure was optimized to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of trace CAP residue in honey at concentrations less than 1.0 µg/kg. The DART-MS/MS method offers faster analysis time, lower cost per analysis, and reduced matrix effects and simplicity compared to HPLC-MS/MS method. Fifty-two honey samples collected from a Chinese market were analyzed using two methods. The results of the two methods are in good agreement, suggesting DART-MS/MS as a potential technique for the direct detection of trace amounts of veterinary drugs in complex matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]