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Ustiloxins I–M (1 – 5), five undescribed cyclopeptides bearing a 15-membered macrocyclic skeleton, were isolated from Cordyceps militaris. The structures of 1 and 5 were identified by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods, whereas the structures of 2 – 4 were assigned by spectroscopic and computational approaches. Biological evaluation of all the compounds toward human triple-negative breast cancer cells revealed that compounds 4 and 5 are toxic with IC 50 values of 64.29 μM and 28.89 μM, respectively. Five undescribed cyclopeptides were isolated from the fungus Cordyceps militaris. Compounds 45 and exhibit moderate cell toxic activity toward MDA-MB-231 cells. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed cyclopeptides were isolated from Cordyceps militaris. • 1 – 5 both consist of four amino acids and possess a 15-membered ring system. • Compounds 4 and 5 show potential cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical efficacy of decompression for 3 cases with large periapical lesions and to review technique details. Three cases with large periapical cystic lesions were treated with decompression after root canal treatment. A traditional decompression technique was used for the first case. After aspiration, mucogingival incision, irrigation, and incisional biopsy, a pediatric endotracheal tube was sutured in place and kept for 3 weeks for lesion debridement. An aspiration/irrigation technique was adopted for the second case. An 18-G needle with a syringe was used to aspirate the cystic lesion. Two needles were then inserted into the lesion; copious saline irrigation was delivered from 1 needle and until clear saline was expressed from the other. For the third case, decompression was accomplished with a surgical catheter that was subsequently replaced with a gutta-percha plug after 1 month. None of the 3 cases underwent complete enucleation and root-end surgery. Healed lesions or lesions in healing were observed after 1 to 2 years. Based on the presented cases and published case reports on decompression, a literature review was provided covering indications, technique details, modification, and prognosis of decompression in endodontics. For large periapical cystic lesions, conservative decompression may be used for certain cases before or in lieu of apical surgery. Decompression enables healing of large, persistent periapical lesions after root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Previous research has linked parental corporal punishment and children's problem behaviors, whereas little is known about the effects of fathers' corporal punishment. Moreover, stress-buffering model suggested that parenting practices that are characterized by acceptance, supportive and responsiveness such as inductive reasoning may buffer children against the negative impacts of stressful life events including parental corporal punishment. As such, the current research examined the potential moderating effects of fathers' and mothers' inductive reasoning on the associations between their corporal punishment and children's problem behaviors, and further explored whether the moderating effects of inductive reasoning would be more stronger in same gender dyads (i.e., mother & daughter, father & son) than in mixed gender dyads (i.e., mother & son, father & daughter) within Chinese families. The Chinese version of Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC), the parental inductive reasoning items from the Iowa Youth and Families Project, the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were used as the main assessment tools. Utilizing a sample of 675 elementary school-age children and their parents, similar patterns of findings between same gender dyads and mixed gender dyads emerged. Both mothers' and fathers' corporal punishment were directly associated with children's problem behaviors, whereas their inductive reasoning failed to moderate these associations. Findings from the current study suggested that it may be difficult for positive parenting (e.g., inductive reasoning) to counteract the adverse effects that parental harsh discipline (e.g., corporal punishment) has on children adjustment, and it may be more meaningful for intervention programs to focus on decreasing both fathers' and mothers' harsh discipline. Highlights • The moderating role of inductive reasoning in the link between corporal punishment and child problem behavior was examined. • Both mother's and father's corporal punishment were negatively associated with child problem behavior. • Parental inductive reasoning failed to moderate the link between corporal punishment and child problem behavior. • The patterns of findings in same gender dyads were similar to those in mixed gender dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of understanding crime in the United States assumed enhanced protrusion in the wake of the increased crime rates year by year in certain cities. Neighborhood social demographic variables have been largely used to measure their associations with crime. Other than those social factors, street lighting is a feature of urban and suburban settlement which is widely thought to be a necessary element in preventing crime. Previous research has drawn mixed conclusions about the relationship between street lighting and crime, and the effect of streetlights on neighborhood crime is not entirely definitive. To address this challenge, we examined the spatial associations between street light density, neighborhood social disorganization characteristics and crime (e.g., burglary, vehicle theft, weapons offenses, etc.) in Detroit, Michigan in 2014. Using the street lighting data from the Detroit Public Lighting Authority, crime data from the City of Detroit, supplemented with Census 2010 data, we conducted a Generalized Least Squares model of neighborhood crime in 879 census block groups to test the random effects of the spatial variables and different hours of day on crime. The results show an inverse relationship between street light density and crime rates across census block groups in Detroit and the effects of time period of a day vary according to different types of crime. These findings provided more credible evidence for researchers and policy makers to effectively optimize scarce public safety resources, such as improving street lighting in disadvantaged neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitivity is an important parameter of molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors, and various methods have been extensively investigated to improve this parameter. This review focuses on recent reports about different methods that can enhance the sensitivity of these sensors. To a great extent, the sensitivity of the molecularly imprinted sensor is limited by the number of cavities formed in a molecularly imprinted polymer on an electrode after elution. To enhance sensitivity and fabricate sensing devices, researchers employ signal amplification by labels, amplification by functional materials doped in imprinted membranes, sensitive film amplification, and other methods. Some perspectives in this research area, current problems, and challenges are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides (USPIOs) for noninvasive MRI of CTGF within carotid atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-deficient (apoE −/− ) mice. Anti-CTGF polyclonal and nonspecific IgG antibodies were conjugated to polyethylene glycol-coated USPIOs, and apoE −/− carotid partial ligation-model mice were imaged via MRI before and after contrast administration. ApoE −/− mice were treated with CTGF-neutralizing antibodies for 3 weeks. Carotid artery diameter and plaque volume were measured via MRI in IgG and CTGF antibody-treated groups. Anti-CTGF-USPIO-treated macrophages showed the greatest iron uptake. MRI signal loss was observed in carotid atherosclerotic lesions 24 h after anti-CTGF-USPIO administration, consistent with the presence of nanoparticles, as indicated by pathological examinations. Atheromata in anti-CTGF-treated mice showed reduced macrophage deposition, CTGF expression, and plaque volume. Anti-CTGF-USPIOs can be used for the direct detection of CTGF and imaging of atherosclerotic lesions in vivo . CTGF is a potential therapeutic target for treating atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limitations associated with wet-bonding led to the recent development of a selective demineralization strategy in which dentin was etched with a reduced concentration of phosphoric acid to create exclusive extrafibrillar demineralization of the collagen matrix. However, the use of acidic conditioners removes calcium via diffusion of very small hydronium ions into the intrafibrillar collagen water compartments. This defeats the purpose of limiting the conditioner to the extrafibrillar space to create a collagen matrix containing only intrafibrillar minerals to prevent collapse of the collagen matrix. The present work examined the use of polymeric chelators (the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid) of different molecular weights to selectively demineralize extrafibrillar dentin. These polymeric chelators exhibit different affinities for calcium ions (isothermal titration calorimetry), penetrated intrafibrillar dentin collagen to different extents based on their molecular sizes (modified size-exclusion chromatography), and preserve the dynamic mechanical properties of mineralized dentin more favorably compared with completely demineralized phosphoric acid-etched dentin (nanoscopical dynamic mechanical analysis). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy provided evidence for retention of intrafibrillar minerals in dentin surfaces conditioned with polymeric chelators. Microtensile bond strengths to wet-bonded and dry-bonded dentin conditioned with these polymeric chelators showed that the use of sodium salts of polyacrylic acid for chelating dentin prior to bonding did not result in significant decline in resin-dentin bond strength. Taken together, the findings led to the conclusion that a chelate-and-rinse conditioning technique based on extrafibrillar collagen demineralization bridges the gap between wet and dry dentin bonding. Statement of Significance The chelate-and-rinse dental adhesive bonding concept differentiates from previous research in that it is based on the size-exclusion characteristics of fibrillar collagen; molecules larger than 40 kDa are prevented from accessing the intrafibrillar water compartments of the collagen fibrils. Using this chelate-and-rinse extrafibrillar calcium chelation concept, collagen fibrils with retained intrafibrillar minerals will not collapse upon air-drying. This enables adhesive infiltration into the mineral-depleted extrafibrillar spaces without relying on wet-bonding. By bridging the gap between wet and dry dentine bonding, the chelate-and-rinse concept introduces additional insight to the field by preventing exposure of endogenous proteases via preservation of the intrafibrillar minerals within a collagen matrix. If successfully validated, this should help prevent degradation of resin-dentine bonds by collagenolytic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the contribution of nanolayering on resin-dentin bond durability, two phosphoric acid ester resin monomers, 10-methacryloyloxy-decyl-dihydrogen-phosphate (10-MDP) or its analog, methacryloyloxy-penta-propyleneglycol-dihydrogen-phosphate (MDA), were examined for their affinity for mineralized dentin powder in a column chromatography setup. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was dispersed in experimental primers consisting of 10-MDP or MDA solvated in ethanol/water and examined with FTIR, 31 P MAS-NMR and XPS. Light-curable 10-MDP or MDA primers were used for bonding to dentin, and examined after 24 h or one-year of water-aging by TEM for evidence of nanolayering, and for microtensile bond strength evaluation. Primer-bonded dentin was examined by thin-film XRD to identify short-range order peaks characteristic of nanolayering of resin monomer-Ca salts. Although 10-MDP had better affinity for mineralized dentin than MDA, both monomers completely eluted from the mineralized dentin powder column using ethanol-water as mobile phase, indicating that the adsorption processes were reversible. This finding was supported by chemoanalytic data. XRD of 10-MDP-bonded dentin showed three diffraction peaks hat were absent from MDA-bonded dentin. Nanolayering was identified by TEM in 10-MDP-bonded dentin, but not in MDA-bonded dentin. Significant drop in bond strength (in MPa) was observed for both groups after one-year of water-aging compared with 24-h: 10-MDP group from 48.3 ± 6.3 to 37.4 ± 4.6; MDA group from 50.7 ± 5.0 to 35.7 ± 3.8 (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups at the same time-point. Because both functional monomer-primed, resin-bonded dentin exhibited similar bond strength decline after water-aging, presence of nanolayering is unlikely to contribute to the overall resin-dentin bond durability. Statement of Significance The durability of resin-dentin bonds in 10-MDP containing self-etching adhesives has been anecdotally attributed to the presence of nanolayering of 10-MDP-calcium salts in the resin-dentin interface. Results of the present work indicate that such a claim cannot be justified. Complete elution of the phosphoric acid ester monomer from mineralized dentin powder in the column chromatography experiments using ethanol-water mobile phase to simulate the solvent mixture employed in most 10-MDP-containing dentin adhesives further challenges the previously proposed adhesion-decalcification concept that utilizes chemical bonding of phosphoric acid ester monomers to apatite as a bonding mechanism in 10-MDP containing dentin adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study evaluated the long-term dentine bonding effectiveness of five universal adhesives in etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode after 12 months of water-ageing.Methods: The adhesives evaluated included All-Bond Universal, Clearfil Universal Bond, Futurabond U Prime&Bond Elect and Scotchbond Universal. Microtensile bond strength and transmission electron microscopy of the resin-dentine interfaces created in human coronal dentine were examined after 24h or 12 months.Results: Microtensile bond strength were significantly affected by bonding strategy (etch-and-rinse vs self-etch) and ageing (24h vs 12 months). All subgroups showed significantly decreased bond strength after ageing except for Prime&Bond Elect and Scotchbond Universal used in self-etch mode. All five adhesives employed in etch-and-rinse mode exhibited ultrastructural features characteristic of collagen degradation and resin hydrolysis. A previously-unobserved inside-out collagen degradation pattern was identified in hybrid layers created by 10-MDP containing adhesives (All-Bond Universal, Scotchbond Universal and Clearfil Universal Bond) in the etch-and-rinse mode, producing partially degraded collagen fibrils with intact periphery and a hollow core. In the self-etch mode, all adhesives except for Prime&Bond Elect exhibited degradation of the collagen fibrils along the thin hybrid layers. The three 10-MDP containing universal adhesives did not protect surface collagen fibrils from degradation when bonding was performed in the self-etch mode.Conclusions: Despite the adjunctive conclusion that bonds created by universal adhesives in the self-etch bonding mode are more resistant to decline in bond strength when compared with those bonds created using the etch-and-rinse mode, bonds created by universal adhesives are generally incapable of defying ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical method was used to load ionic molecules into hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings during electrochemical synthesis. A metal cathode surface was first electrochemically coated with a thin layer of HA. Then, a second electrochemical coating step was conducted with non-reactive ionic molecules added to the synthesis solution. The loading and release from the HA films are driven in large part by the sign and valence of charge on the ionic additive. Cationic additives are attracted to the cathode surface and effectively loaded to form composite HA films, while anionic species are repelled from the cathode and not effectively incorporated. Divalent cations are released more slowly than monovalent cations. This simple method may be used to create drug eluting bioactive coatings for controlled release. The loading and release of streptomycin, a common antibiotic, was measured as a representative pharmaceutical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of changes occur in the early embryo that are critical for subsequent development, and the pig is an excellent animal model of human disease, so understanding the regulatory mechanisms of early embryonic development in the pig is of very importance. To find key transcription factors regulating pig early embryonic development, we first profiled the transcriptome of pig early embryos, and confirmed that zygotic gene activation (ZGA) in porcine embryos starts from 4 cell stage. Subsequent enrichment analysis of up-regulated gene motifs during ZGA revealed that the transcription factor ELK1 ranked first. The expression pattern of ELK1 in porcine early embryos was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and qPCR, and the results showed that the transcript level of ELK1 reached the highest at the 8 cell stage, while the protein level reached the highest at 4 cell stage. To further investigate the effect of ELK1 on early embryo development in pigs, we silenced ELK1 in zygotes and showed that ELK1 silencing significantly reduced cleavage rate, blastocyst rate as well as blastocyst quality. A significant decrease in the expression of the pluripotency gene Oct4 was also observed in blastocysts from the ELK1 silenced group by immunofluorescence staining. Silencing of ELK1 also resulted in decreased H3K9Ac modification and increased H3K9me3 modification at 4 cell stage. To investigate the effect of ELK1 on ZGA, we analyzed transcriptome changes in 4 cell embryos after ELK1 silencing by RNA seq, which revealed that ELK1 silencing resulted in significant differences in the expression of a total of 1953 genes at the 4 cell stage compared with their normal counterparts, including 1106 genes that were significantly upregulated and 847 genes that were significantly downregulated. Through GO and KEGG enrichment, we found that the functions and pathways of down-regulated genes were concentrated in protein synthesis, processing, cell cycle regulation, etc., while the functions of up-regulated genes were focused on aerobic respiration process. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the transcription factor ELK1 plays an important role in regulation of preimplantation embryo development of pigs and deficiency of ELK1 leads to abnormal epigenetic reprogramming as well as zygotic genome activation, thus adversely affecting embryonic development. This study will provide important reference for the regulation of transcription factors in porcine embryo development. • Knockdown of ELK1 causes developmental barrier of porcine preimplantation embryos and impaires blastocyst quality. • Absence of transcription factor ELK1 results in abnormal H3K9 modification of porcine 4 cell embryos. • Absence of transcription factor ELK1 leads to abnormal transcription profile of porcine 4 cell embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thuja koraiensis Nakai is a kind of precious economic tree species with fragrance, ornamental and medicinal functions. The essential oil has the satisfactory antibacterial activity. In this paper, the essential oil from the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai was studied by optimization of extraction process, and the optimized parameters mainly include solid-liquid ratio, NaCl concentration, distillation time, storage conditions, etc. Which provided technical scientific basis for the development and utilization of Thuja koraiensis Nakai. The essential oil from the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai was extracted by steam distillation, and the single factor experiment was carried out. The extraction process of the essential oil from the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai was optimized by response surface methodology. The chemical constituents were analyzed by GC–MS. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was detected by filter paper and plate coating methods. Thuja koraiensis Nakai showed that when the material-to-liquid ratio was 50 g/400 ml, the NaCl concentration was 6.0%, the distillation time was 5 h,the storage condition was dry branch, the oil content was the highest. The response surface optimization method showed that material-to-liquid ratio was 7.8804 ml/g, distillation time was 2.23 h, NaCl concentration was 6.56%, under such condition, the yield was 1.1712%. The chemical constituents of the essential oil were analyzed by GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), and 45 compounds were detected, accounting for 96.03% of the total number. The bacteriostatic activity was detected by filter paper method. The results showed that the essential oil of Thuja koraiensis Nakai had antibacterial effect on three strains (Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli) , among them, the diameter of bacteriostatic circle against S. aureus , B. subtilis and E. coli was 10.00 mm, 15.20 mm and 9.86 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai to S. aureus was 5 μg/ml, to B. subtilis was 0.625 μg/ml and to E. coli was 2.50 μg/ml. The highest extraction yield of essential oil from the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai by steam distillation was 1.30%. A total of 45 compounds were identified from the essential oils of Thuja koraiensis Nakai, among which carverol acetate was the highest. The essential oil from the branches and leaves of Thuja koraiensis Nakai has obvious antibacterial effect and great development potential, for example, making insect repell0ents, fungicides, essential oil soaps, so it is recommended to collect and use it. • The essential oil of Thuja koraiensis Nakai was extracted by steam distillation. • When the material-to-liquid ratio was 50 g/400 ml, the NaCl concentration was 6% AND the distillation time was 5 h. • The highest extraction rate of essential oil was 1.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 200 serological proteins were measured and compared between healthy controls and patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). • Serological VEGF, MPIF-1 and NrCAM were positively associated with AQP4-IgG titer in NMOSD patients. • IL-17B may be a key biomarker of NMOSD and MS. • Increased expression of EGF in NMOSD patients contribute to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and severe inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. The aims of this study were to determine whether the expression levels of serological cytokines could distinguish 1) NMOSD from healthy controls (HCs); and 2) NMOSD patients with and without the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody biomarker from each other; and 3) NMOSD patients without the antibody to AQP4 from MS patients. The expression levels of 200 proteins in serum from 41 NMOSD (32 with antibodies to AQP4, 9 without antibodies to AQP4), 12 MS patients, and 34 HCs were measured using glass-based antibody arrays. None of the patients received any immunosuppressive treatment. In parallel, the correlation between protein expression in NMOSD/MS patients and clinical traits was determined with Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Thirty-nine serological proteins were differentially expressed in NMOSD patients compared to HCs, with 29 of these proteins not observed in MS patients. In addition, the data reveal 15 differentially-expression proteins (DEPs) between AQP4-IgG seronegative and AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients, and 9 DEPs between NMOSD and MS patients who did not have AQP4-IgG. Serological IL-17B is significantly upregulated in both NMOSD and MS patients compared to HCs, and could be a key biomarker of NMOSD and MS. Serological VEGF, MPIF-1 and NrCAM were positively associated with AQP4-IgG titer. We also demonstrate that EGF may be involved in the breakdown of the BBB by downregulating Claudin-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of a root canal treatment with and without additional ultrasonic activation of the irrigant. Methods: Single-rooted teeth with radiographic evidence of periapical bone loss were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. In both groups syringe irrigation was performed, and in one group the irrigant was also activated by ultrasound. Ten to 19 months after treatment, the teeth were examined by using periapical radiography (PA) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Area and volume of the periapical lesions were measured, and the outcome was presented in 4 categories: absence, reduction or enlargement of the radiolucency, or uncertain. Lesions were classified as reduced or enlarged when the change in size of the radiolucency was 20% or more. Results: The recall rate was 82%, and 84 teeth were analyzed. CBCT detected significantly more post-treatment lesions than PA (P = .038), but the percentages of absence and reduction of the radiolucency together revealed by CBCT and PA were similar (P = .383). The CBCT results showed that absence of the radiolucency was observed in 16 of 84 teeth (19%) and reduction of the radiolucency in 61 of 84 teeth (72.6%), but there was no significant difference between the results of the 2 groups (P = .470). Absence and reduction of the radiolucency together were observed in the ultrasonic group in 39 of 41 teeth (95.1%) and in the syringe group in 38 of 43 teeth (88.4%). Conclusions: Root canal treatments with and without additional ultrasonic activation of the irrigant contributed equally to periapical healing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The impairment of the tissue kallikrein (KLK1)–kinin system (KKS) may result in atheroma development. However, it remains unclear if the KKS correlates with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: KLK1, VEGF and hs-CRP plasma levels were measured in 100 patients newly diagnosed with CAD and 33 CAD-free controls. Patients were followed-up for the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for 8months to 2y. Gene expression of KLK1, CD105 and CD68 was assessed in human coronary endarterectomy specimens. Results: Patients with CAD and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) had significantly elevated KLK1 levels. In addition, the concentration of hs-CRP was increased in ACS patients. A strong positive correlation between plasma KLK1 and the severity of CAD was also demonstrated, suggesting that high KLK1 levels are an independent predictor for CAD. MACE during follow-up significantly correlated with KLK1 levels in the ACS group. Unstable coronary plaques demonstrated markedly increased KLK1 levels, macrophage infiltration and high microvessel density. Additionally, KLK1 staining primarily colocalized with macrophages. Conclusions: In the present study, plasma KLK1 levels were a useful predictor for the presence and extent of CAD. More extensive studies are, however, necessary in order to validate these findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To observe the impact of supernatants from macrophages that phagocytized dead MSCs (pMΦ) on the survival of hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Methods: MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of mice and dead MSCs were harvested after 6h hypoxia. Macrophages were obtained from thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal cavity. Macrophages and dead MSCs were co-cultured for 2days in the presence or absence of LPS (1μg/ml). Cardiomyocytes obtained from neonatal mice were exposed to various medium including supernatants from pMΦ. MTT cell proliferation assay and mitochondria membrane potential were used to evaluate the viability of cardiomyocytes. Cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12, PGE2, VEGF-α, Ang-1, KGF, IGF-1, PDGF-BB, and EPO) in culture medium of macrophages, MSCs and pMΦ were detected by ELISA and Real-Time-PCR. Results: phagocytic activity of macrophages to dMSC was significantly enhanced by LPS. PGE2, VEGF-α, Ang-1, KGF, IGF-1, PDGF-BB, and EPO levels were significantly increased in supernatants of pMΦ. Exposure to supernatants of pMΦ significantly improved viability and survival time of hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: Exposure to supernatants of pMΦ significantly improved viability and survival time of hypoxic cardiomyocytes, which might be linked to increased cytokines and chemokines secretion by pMΦ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phylogenies can be constructed in many ways, including using shared complex characters known as rare genomic changes (RGCs), such as insertions and deletions (indels), retroposon integrations and intron positions. Here, we demonstrate that distance-based phylogenies, which were determined by shared overlapping genes from 13 completely sequenced γ-Proteobacteria genomes, are consistent with phylogenies based on 16S rRNAs and other robust markers. These findings suggest that overlapping genes could provide interesting additional insights into the phylogenomics of completely sequenced microbial genomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Both parental harsh discipline were linked to boys' externalizing problem behaviors. • Boys' gender-related traits were linked to boys' externalizing problem behaviors. • Results supported an additive model. The present study aimed to examine the additive and interactive effects of both paternal and maternal harsh discipline (corporal punishment and psychological aggression) and boys' gender-related traits (masculinity and femininity) on boys' externalizing problem behaviors in China. Chinese boys (n = 1042) aged 7–13 years were instructed to independently complete the Chinese version of the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC), the Children's Sex Role Inventory (CSRI) and the Achenbach Youth Self-Report (YSR). A series of hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to test the additive and interactive effects of parental harsh discipline and boys' gender-related traits on boys' externalizing problem behaviors. Results indicated that both paternal and maternal harsh discipline and boys' gender-related traits were independently related to boys' externalizing problem behaviors. In addition, there were no significant interactions between parental harsh discipline and boys' gender-related traits, thus supporting an additive model in the prediction of boys' externalizing problem behaviors. These findings indicated that decreasing both paternal and maternal harsh discipline and providing advice and effective problem-solving strategies for higher levels of masculinity and lower levels of femininity boys would be helpful for effectively reducing their externalizing problem behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carrier concentration of ZnO film is determined by resonant Raman spectroscopy. • Raman method gives a relatively accurate result for high concentration. • Our work paves a way for non-destructive carrier concentration determination for ZnO. • This method can be further applied in samples of other wurtzite semiconductors. For Raman-based carrier concentration determination in thin film semiconductors, above-band-gap excitation is necessary, as the interference from underlying substrate is eliminated by limited photon penetration depth. With resonant Raman spectroscopy, this study investigates the plasmon-phonon coupled modes in n-type ZnO films to non-destructively probe the carrier concentration. The observed coupled mode slightly redshifts from A 1 (LO) frequency and fails to show monotonic carrier concentration dependency, which differs from the behavior under non-resonant conditions. The correlation between point defects and abnormal behaviors is studied both experimentally and theoretically. The second order LO phonons (2LO) instead of 1LO ones are applied in carrier concentration determination process, in order to avoid the influence from point defects. Reasonable results, especially in high carrier concentration range, are extracted from Raman spectra with the help of Lindhard-Mermin framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the concept of sustainable development spreads globally, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) have increasingly become a focal point in social and environmental agendas. In the form design process of NEVs, transforming the design workflow from a traditional resource and time-consuming model to a rapid and efficient intelligent design, along with the objective and precise extraction of user needs and engineering analysis, represents a critical systemic task. Utilizing online review data, the research employs natural language and image processing to establish a cross-modal generation model that aligns image schemes with user expectations. Further, a deep convolutional neural network for Kansei label recognition refines selections, while multi-criteria compromise ranking and computational fluid dynamics simulations ensure the designs' sustainability and aerodynamic efficiency. Guided by big data insights, the resultant NEV designs advance sustainable consumption, energy efficiency, and innovative solutions to environmental challenges, highlighting the study's contribution to sustainable automotive development. [Display omitted] • Efficient and economical design transformation via intelligent algorithms. • User demand information conversion issues resolved through cross-modal technology. • Computer-aided training and generation of multi-perspective complex scenario. • Provided fluid analysis results considering environmental factors. • Significantly informative for the sustainable development of new energy vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) and existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) severely impede the therapeutic efficacy of current anti-tumor treatments, which is regarded as the culprit of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Herein, a TME-responsive nanoplatform based on manganese dioxide (MnO 2) nanozyme was proposed for synergistic anti-tumor therapy. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an effective ferroptosis-inducer that possesses good reactive oxygen species-producing ability and immunological cell death-triggering property, was loaded in hollow MnO 2 nanoparticles, which was further coated with polymetformin/hyaluronic acid (HA) to obtain MDPH nanozyme. Due to the catalase-like features of MnO 2 nanozyme, more oxygen was produced while more glutathione was consumed in TME, facilitating DHA-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Meanwhile, MDPH nanozyme specifically targeted both tumor cells and CSCs owing to the active targetability of HA towards CD44 receptor. The ferroptosis induced by MDPH nanozyme efficaciously inhibited CSCs that are more sensitive to ferroptotic therapy but often resistant to conventional treatment regimens. By combining with aPD-L1-based immunotherapy, MDPH nanozyme efficiently suppressed 4 T1 breast tumor growth, decreased tumor stemness and reshaped immunosuppressive TME, remarkably preventing tumor relapse and metastasis. Therefore, this strategy provides a perspective and feasible approach for precise anti-tumor therapy through focusing on CSCs elimination and combined CDT/immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various connections have been machined to improve the fit between the dental abutment and implant. In vivo, the instability created by imprecisely fitting components can cause soft tissue irritation and bacterial colonization of the implant system. The aim of this study was to quantify abutment stability under in vitro force applications. Abutment stability and fit were quantitatively measured after application of rotational, vertical, and horizontal forces. The abutment connection held by friction (Friction-Fit) was the only group to have 0° angular rotation. A significantly greater vertical force was required to pull the abutment from the implant for the Friction-Fit connection as compared to all other experimental groups. The abutment connection held by a mechanically locking friction-fit with four grooves (CrossFit) and Friction-Fit demonstrated significantly lower lateral movement as compared to all other connections. The remaining connections evaluated included two hexagon connections that rely on screw placement for abutment fit (Conical + Hex #1 and Conical + Hex #2), one connection with protruding slots to align with recessed channels inside the implant (Conical + 6 Indexing Slots), and an internal connection that allows for abutment indexing every 120° (Internal Tri-Channel). Internal connection geometry influenced the degree of abutment movement. Friction-Fit and CrossFit connections exhibited the lowest rotational and horizontal motions. Significant differences were found between Friction-Fit and CrossFit following the application of a vertical force, with the Friction-Fit requiring a significantly greater pull force to separate the abutment from the implant. • In-vitro biomechanical studies measured abutment stability and fit on the implant. • Abutment micromovements were quantified following force applications. • Internal conical connections have microgaps that reduce abutment fit. • A tight connection provides abutment and crown stabilization. • A tight connection minimizes the risk of bacterial colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A passive harmonic mode-locked ytterbium-doped fiber laser with all-normal dispersion has been demonstrated. The mode-locking mechanism of the laser is based on the interaction between semiconductor saturable absorber mirror and nonlinear polarization rotation. The repetition rate of the laser is adjustable from 7.91 MHz to 31.65 MHz. Via the chirped pulse amplification, the 1 ps mode-locked pulse at the fundamental repetition rate of 7.91 MHz is compressed to 720 fs with single pulse energy of 12.6 nJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial synthesis of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) has received much attention in recent years. In this study, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a, a nonpathogenic GRAS (generally recognized as safe) organism, was engineered to produce 2'-FL. After a synthetic pathway comprising six genes was incorporated into the host cell genome, only a low level of 2'-FL (120 mg/L) was initially detected in recombinant cell culture. Comparison of heterologous lactose transporters confirmed the superior role of LacY from Escherichia coli for efficient production of 2'-FL in B. subtilis. There are two β-galactosidases, GanA and YesZ, in B. subtilis. Deletion of ganA and yesZ caused by insertion of the lacY cassette led to 2'-FL accumulation in shaking-flask culture at concentrations of 3.13 g/L and 5.56 g/L, respectively, which increased to 6.13 g/L in the double-deletion strain 164FL-GY. In addition, enhanced xylose metabolism in 164FL-GY further increased the concentration of 2'-FL to 7.14 g/L. In fed-batch fermentation, the highest productivity of 0.56 g/L·h was achieved in glycerol and xylose containing medium using engineered B. subtilis , and the accumulated 2'-FL reached 31.2 g/L. This is the first report of recombinant B. subtilis for high-level production of 2'-FL via a de novo synthesis pathway. [Display omitted] • The first report employing Bacillus for production of 2'-fucosyllactose via a de novo synthetic pathway. • T7 RNA polymerase-based expression of 2'-fucosyllactose synthases in B. subtilis. • The production level of 2'- fucosyllactose in B. subtilis affected by xylose metabolism. • Improvement of 2'- fucosyllactose titer achieved by knockout of GanA and YesZ in B. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for carbohydrate antigen 125 detection based on dendrimer and magnetic nanoparticles were developed in this study. In the assay, carbohydrate antigen 125 was used as a model analyte, and the detection was based on a sandwich structure formed by the first antibody, the carbohydrate antigen 125 and a second antibody labeled with luminol through poly(diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-ethylene glycol) ester dendrimer. The sandwich system was then modified on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles and immobilized on a magnetic force-controlled carbon paste electrode with the help of a magnet to form the immunosensor. The result showed that the ECL immunosensor was ultrasensitive to carbohydrate antigen 125 detection at a concentration of 0.2–100μU/mL with a detection limit of 0.032μU/mL. The signal was enhanced dramatically than that produced by luminol labeled only, so was the sensitivity of the immunosensor, partly because much more probe molecules could be immobilized on the electrode surface. This also proved that dendrimers could be a useful material for the fabrication of ultrasensitive sensors. The proposed immunosensor was successfully applied to detect CA125 in real human plasma samples, which was compared with the result of conventional ELISA methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The associations between maternal academic involvement and adolescents' subjective well-being, as well as the mediating roles of academic adjustment were examined in China. • Maternal autonomy support was positively and control was negatively associated with adolescents' subjective well-being. • Maternal autonomy support was positively, whereas control was negatively associated with adolescents' academic achievement, which in turn diminished adolescents' subjective well-being. • Only maternal autonomy support was positively associated with adolescents' self-perception of academic competence and learning strategies, which were in turn associated with high levels of adolescents' subjective well-being. The current study aimed to simultaneously examine the associations between two types of maternal academic involvement (i.e., autonomy support and control) and adolescents' subjective well-being, as well as the mediating roles of three aspects of adolescents' academic adjustment (i.e., academic achievement, self-perception of academic competence and learning strategies) in China. Adolescents (N = 760; M age = 14.54 years) reported on maternal autonomy support and control, as well as their self-perception of academic competence, learning strategies and subjective well-being; data of academic achievement was collected from schools. Results indicated that maternal autonomy support was positively and control was negatively associated with adolescents' subjective well-being. With respect to the mediating role of academic adjustment, maternal autonomy support was positively, whereas control was negatively associated with adolescents' academic achievement, which in turn diminished adolescents' subjective well-being. Only maternal autonomy support was positively associated with adolescents' self-perception of academic competence and learning strategies, which were in turn associated with high levels of adolescents' subjective well-being. The current study filled the gaps in existed literature of maternal academic involvement and highlighted that intervention programs targeting adolescents' positive development should focus on increasing maternal autonomy support and decreasing control. Moreover, parents and educators should provide adolescents with assistance as to foster their self-perception of academic competence and learning strategies, thereby improving their subjective well-being. It is also important for intervention programs to prevent the issue that adolescents with high levels of academic achievement benefited from maternal autonomy support may experience low levels of subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are important participants after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the role of their different subtypes in AMI remains controversial. The anti-inflammatory effect of ticagrelor in AMI has been discovered. However, the detailed anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been fully demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether ticagrelor can regulate the differentiation of MDSCs into anti-inflammatory subgroups to exert anti-inflammatory effects after AMI. In vitro experiments revealed no difference in the mRNA and protein expression of P2Y12 receptors on MDSCs and macrophages. Ticagrelor promotes the differentiation of in vitro cultured MDSCs to monocytic-MDSCs (M-MDSCs). A mouse AMI model was established to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ticagrelor in vivo after AMI by interfering with the differentiation of MDSCs. On the first day after AMI, spleen-derived polymorphonuclear-MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) were predominant in the circulation and infarcted heart. Ticagrelor increased the percentage of M-MDSCs in the circulation and infarcted heart of AMI mice in a dose-dependent manner, attenuated cardiac inflammation and increased cardiac contractile function. M-MDSC injection significantly decreased cardiac inflammation levels and improved cardiac function in splenectomized AMI mice compared with PMN-MDSC injection. These data point to a novel anti-inflammatory role for ticagrelor after AMI by interfering with the differentiation of MDSCs. [Display omitted] • Ticagrelor promotes differentiation of MDSCs to M-MDSCs after AMI. • M-MDSCs have an anti-inflammatory effects after AMI. • PMN-MDSCs are positively associated with the degree of cardiac injury after AMI. • Ticagrelor interferes with the differentiation of spleen-derived MDSCs after AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A heating tower heat pump with integrated air gap membrane distillation is proposed. • Antifreeze solution regeneration is driven by the super heat of the refrigeration. • Regeneration penalization on COP deterioration is usually less than 5%. • Impacts of influence parameters on system performance were evaluated. • Separation performance becomes better under lower ambient temperatures. Solution regeneration plays an important role in maintaining the frost-free operation of heating tower heat pump (HTHP). The traditional packed regenerator has limitation on thermal energy utilization due to its low regeneration efficiency. This paper suggests a novel HTHP system with integrated air gap membrane distillation regenerator (AGMD), using the sensible heat of high-temperature refrigerant gas at the compressor discharge to drive the regeneration process, realizing the cascade utilization of thermal energy and reducing the deterioration of COP (DCOP). Thermodynamic model of the novel system is developed and model simulations are carried out to study the system performance, meanwhile the comparison between the proposed system and conventional reverse-defrosting air source heat pump (ASHP) is performed. The results show that the DCOP of the novel system decreases from 4.4% to 2.6% as the evaporating temperature decreases from −15 °C to −25 °C under typical working condition. Decrease of evaporating temperature and increase of condensing temperature will greatly enhance the regeneration efficiency and reduce DCOP. The influence of solution concentration on DCOP is also distinct, which becomes greater as the water removal rate increases. The maximum coefficient of separation performance (COSP) increases from 0.0042 to 0.0052 kg/kJ as the ambient temperature decreases from 0 °C to −20 °C, while it decreases from 0.0031 kg/kJ to 0.0016 kg/kJ with a dramatic decline of 48% for the traditional reverse-defrosting ASHP, indicating that the novel system performs better than the traditional one and is more suitable to find applications at low ambient temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]