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Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) are extensively used as effective tools for the microarchitectural designing of cellular structures. CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy, known for its high strength and high ductility, is an ideal candidate for fabricating TPMS-based structures. However, few studies have focused on this topic. This study investigated the compressive mechanical and energy absorption properties of CoCrNi D-sheet TPMS cellular structures fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM). The surface morphology of the fabricated D-sheet TPMS structure was observed through scanning electron microscopy, and the deformation and failure mechanisms of the structure were analyzed by the quasi-static compression test. The results indicated that the SLM-ed CoCrNi D-sheet TPMS structure exhibited stable collapse mechanisms compared to other metal-based TPMS structures. Meanwhile, the energy absorption characteristics of the modified finite element (FE) model agreed well with the experimental results. Furthermore, the impact of the level constant on the energy absorption performance of the D-sheet TPMS structure was investigated using the FE model. Thus, an optimal D-sheet (OD-sheet) TPMS structure with lower density and higher energy absorption capacity was obtained. Additionally, the Gibson–Ashby prediction model was established to aid in selecting CoCrNi OD-sheet TPMS structures with controlled relative densities for energy absorption applications. [Display omitted] • CoCrNi D-sheet TPMS cellular structures were fabricated via selective laser melting. • SLM-ed CoCrNi D-sheet TPMS structure exhibited stable collapse mechanisms. • Optimal D-sheet TPMS structure with high energy absorption capacity was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells (TSCs) are an effective device architecture for surpassing the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit of single-junction solar cells. Owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties and solution processability, wide-bandgap (E g ≥ 1.60 eV) perovskites are a unique class of top-cell materials for tandem applications. They can be paired with a range of bottom-cell materials such as Si, narrow-gap perovskites, organic semiconductors, and CIGS to create high-efficiency, low-cost TSCs. Notably, perovskite/Si and perovskite/CIGS TSCs have already outperformed their single-junction counterparts. However, the operational lifetimes of perovskite-based monolithic TSCs are generally limited by the instability of the wide-bandgap perovskites, hampering the progress toward commercial applications. In this review, we critically examine the recent advances in tackling the stability challenge of wide-bandgap perovskite cells for tandem applications. Factors affecting the stability of wide-bandgap perovskite materials, exemplified using organic-inorganic mixed-halide and all-inorganic perovskites, are analyzed with an emphasis on phase segregation and transition. These are accompanied by a discussion of possible strategies for improving the operational stability of perovskite-based monolithic TSCs. Finally, we outline the challenges ahead and opportunities in this direction, with an aim to broaden the horizons of designing stable wide-bandgap perovskite cells for tandem applications. [Display omitted] • A critical review on the stability of perovskite-based tandem solar cells is provided. • The instability of the wide-bandgap perovskite top cell is identified as the key challenge. • Strategies for overcoming phase segregation and transition issues unique to this materials class are analysed. • Future directions in developing stable wide-bandgap perovskite cells for tandem applications are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduced oxygen concentration is a distinctive feature of osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage, whereas the mechanical friction also contributes to the inflammatory hypoxia microenvironment of OA. Herein, novel hypoxia-responsive methylprednisolone (MP) delivery microgels combining the capability of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-depletion and lubrication were constructed for regulating the microenvironment of OA. Methacrylate-modified sulfonated azocalix[4] arene (MACA) loaded with MP, the copolymers consisting of bioinspired lubricant 2-methacryloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), and polyethylene glycol-modified ROS-responsive poly(thioketal) (PEG-4PTK) were crosslinked together to construct the microgels. The zwitterionic MPC offered a lubrication effect, while the ROS-elimination was contributed by the PTK segments and the phenol groups in MACA. The microgels responsively released cargos in inflammatory environment and decreased inflammation by inhibiting the production of ROS and regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and showed the lowest hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) positive area and presented more deposition of glycosaminoglycans and collagen II with a smoother and integrated cartilage structure in therapy of OA in rats in vivo. [Display omitted] ● Stimuli-responsive microgels deliver anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator in response to hypoxia. ● The microgels have very low viscosity and can be precisely delivered with the clinical convenience. ● The microgels dissipate stress, and sensitively respond to the physiological stimuli of inflammatory factors, ROS and hypoxia. ● The microgels improve intra-articular lubrication and ROS-elimination to adaptively regulate the inflammation of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the efforts at controlling automobile emissions, it is important to know in what extent air pollutants from on-road vehicles could be truly reduced. In 2014 we conducted tests in a heavily trafficked tunnel in south China to characterize emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from on-road vehicle fleet and compared our results with those obtained in the same tunnel in 2004. Alkanes, aromatics, and alkenes had average emission factors (EFs) of 338, 63, and 42 mg km −1 in 2014 against that of 194, 129, and 160 mg km −1 in 2004, respectively. In 2014, LPG-related propane, n-butane and i-butane were the top three non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) with EFs of 184 ± 21, 53 ± 6 and 31 ± 3 mg km −1 ; the gasoline evaporation marker i-pentane had an average EF of 17 ± 3 mg km −1 ; ethylene and propene were the top two alkenes with average EFs of 16 ± 1 and 9.7 ± 0.9 mg km −1 , respectively; isoprene had no direct emission from vehicles; toluene showed the highest EF of 11 ± 2 mg km −1 among the aromatics; and acetylene had an average EF of 7 ± 1 mg km −1 . While EFs of total NMHCs decreased only 9% from 493 ± 120 mg km −1 in 2004 to 449 ± 40 mg km −1 in 2014, their total ozone formation potential (OFP) decreased by 57% from 2.50 × 10 3 mg km −1 in 2004 to 1.10 × 10 3 mg km −1 in 2014, and their total secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) decreased by 50% from 50 mg km −1 in 2004 to 25 mg km −1 in 2014. The large drop in ozone and SOA formation potentials could be explained by reduced emissions of reactive alkenes and aromatics, due largely to fuel transition from gasoline/diesel to LPG for taxis/buses and upgraded vehicle emission standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Forsythiae Fructus (called Lianqiao in Chinese), the fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is utilized as a common traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. It is traditionally used to treat pyrexia, inflammation, gonorrhea, carbuncle and erysipelas. Depending on the different harvest time, Forsythiae Fructus can be classified into two forms, namely Qingqiao and Laoqiao. The greenish fruits that start to ripen are collected as Qingqiao, while the yellow fruits that are fully ripe are collected as Laoqiao. Both are applied to medical use. This review aims to provide a systematic summary of F. suspensa ( Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl) and to reveal the correlation between the traditional uses and pharmacological activities so as to offer inspiration for future research. Materials and methods All corresponding information about F. suspensa was searched by Scifinder and obtained from scientific databases including Springer, Science Direct, Wiley, Pubmed and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI). Local dissertations and books were searched as well. Results According to classical Chinese herbal texts and Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Forsythiae Fructus dominantly displays heat-clearing and detoxifying effects in TCM prescriptions. In modern research, more than 230 compounds were separated and identified from F. suspensa . 211 Of them were isolated from fruits. Lignans and phenylethanoid glycosides are considered as the characteristic and active constituents of this herb, such as forsythiaside, phillyrin, rutin and phillygenin. They exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-virus, anti-cancer and anti-allergy effects, etc. Currently, there is no report on the toxicity of Forsythiae Fructus, despite slight toxicity of forsythiaside reported in local publications. Compared to Laoqiao, Qingqiao contains higher levels of forsythiaside, forsythoside C, cornoside, rutin, phillyrin, gallic acid and chlorogenic acid and lower levels of rengyol, β -glucose and S-suspensaside methyl ether. Conclusion Heat-clearing actions of Forsythiae Fructus are based on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of lignans and phenylethanoid glycosides. Detoxifying effects attribute to the antibacterial, antiviral and anti-cancer activities of Forsythiae Fructus. And traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characteristics of Forsythiae Fructus (bitter flavor, slightly cold nature and lung meridian) supported its strong anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of Forsythiae Fructus contribute to its anti-cancer and neuroprotective activities. The higher proportion of lignans and phenylethanoid glycosides in Qingqiao than Laoqiao might explain the better antioxidant ability of Qingqiao and more frequent uses of Qingqiao in TCM prescriptions. For future research, more in vivo experiments and clinical studies are encouraged to further clarify the relation between traditional uses and modern applications. Regarding to Qingqiao and Laoqiao, they remain to be differentiated by all-round quality control methods, and the chemical compositions and clinical effects between them should be compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper irrigation by Panax notoginseng growers can lead to soil consolidation, low fertilizer utilization, and decreased yield quality. In an attempt to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for Panax notoginseng cultivation to improve soil microhabitat and yield quality, field experiment were conducted on three-year-old Panax notoginseng in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The experimental design consisted of two control factors, the amount of irrigation (W) and the amount of fertilizer (F) applied. The irrigation was set to three levels, as W1, W2, and W3, with exact irrigation volumes of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm. The amount of fertilizer applied was different in all four growth stages. The amount of fertilizer applied according to the four growth stages (rooting stage: seedling stage: flowering stage: fruiting stage), where F1 (360–360–360–360 kg∙hm−2), F2 (288–360–432–360 kg∙hm−2), F3 (216–432–432–360 kg∙hm−2) and F4 (144–576–288–432 kg∙hm−2). The W and F were randomly combined to form a total of 12 treatments. And a control treatment (CK), was added, and CK was neither irrigated nor fertilization. For obtaining the best treatment results, the TOPSIS method was used to comprehensively evaluate the soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, enzyme activity, physiological growth and saponin content of Panax notoginseng in 13 different water and fertilizer treatments. The results indicated that microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, urease, sucrase, acid phosphatase and catalase activities of Panax notoginseng soil were significantly different (P < 0.05) and varied with the growth stage. The comprehensive evaluation by the TOPSIS method ranked W3F4 first and was the optimal treatment. The W3F4 treatment was more beneficial to the quality of Panax notoginseng than the other 12 treatments. W3F4 had the largest soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content. W3F4 had the highest urease, sucrase, acid phosphatase, and catalase activities, which were 1.95, 1.69, 2.32, and 1.47 times higher than the CK treatment, respectively. W3F4 significantly improved R 1 , Rg 1 , Re, Rb 1 , and Rd saponin content. This study provided a theoretical basis for the water and fertilizer regulation of Panax notoginseng with its green, healthy and efficient quality cultivation. • W3F4 treatment was most beneficial for the increase of ginsenoside content. • Soil microbial biomass C and N were negatively associated with Re, and were positively associated with R 1. • Soil water content, sucrase, acid phosphatase, catalase, and urease were negatively correlated with Rb 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We isolated six prenylflavones from the barks of Broussonetia papyrifera. [•] We examined their effects on MCF-7 cells both in vitro or in vivo. [•] We also found that compounds 2 and 5 down-regulated expression concentrations of estrogen receptor-α. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fate and behavior of the Sanchi oil spill during January–February 2018 was simulated by coupling an oil spill model and satellite observations with meteo-oceanographic forcing. Extensive validation tests were performed for winds, currents, surface slick, stranded oil and oil fate. A series of hindcast experiments was designed to take into account the uncertainties in oil amount, environmental forcing and model parameters. The simulations confirmed that the stable large-scale Kuroshio acted as the primary driving force. Most oil followed the Kuroshio's large-meander path, rapidly passing through the East China Sea to the waters south of Japan. The wind, appearing as the secondary transport factor, did not change the path of this large-scale current, but did contribute to the drift of surface oil. The different fates for heavy fuel oil and condensate in the accident were also compared quantitatively and discussed in this study. • The fate and behavior of the Sanchi oil spill during January-February, 2018 was simulated by coupling an oil spill model and satellite observations with meteo-oceanographic forcing. • Extensive validation tests were performed for winds, currents, surface slick, stranded oil and oil fate. • A series of hindcast experiments was designed to take into account the uncertainties in oil amount, environmental forcing and model parameters. • The roles of current and wind to transport the spilled oil were revealed. • The different fates for heavy fuel oil and condensate in the accident were compared quantitatively and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantage of remarkable mechanical processing ability without losing its strength, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based medical devices have been drawing great attention in orthopedic treatments. However, its limited osseointegration capacity and susceptibility to bacterial colonization-induced infections pose a considerable risk of implant failure. Current methods of antimicrobial and osteogenic functionalization frequently exhibit conflicting outcomes. The antimicrobial functionalization of implants usually leads to cytotoxicity and histotoxicity, adversely affecting the connection with surrounding tissues, whereas the osteogenic functionalization may inadvertently promote bacterial adhesion and biofilm development. Therefore, it is highly demanded to endow the PEEK implants with antibacterial and osseointegration properties simultaneously. In this study, 3D-printed PEEK implants were surface modified with hyperbranched poly- l -lysine (HBPL) via physisorption (PEEK- a -HBPL) and chemical grafting (PEEK- g -HBPL), respectively, which were demonstrated by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Remarkably, both the PEEK- a -HBPL and PEEK- g -HBPL exhibited significantly improved antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli , while their osteogenesis ability was not affected but even promoted in vitro. In an in vivo bone-infection and implantation model in rats, significantly reduced surrounding tissue inflammation and larger new bone formation were observed in both the PEEK- a -HBPL and PEEK- g -HBPL groups compared to the untreated PEEK group. This comprehensive study lays a foundation for the advancing of organic orthopedic implant materials, offering potential solutions to the pressing issues of osseointegration deficits and implant-related infections. [Display omitted] • Surface modification of PEEK implants was achieved by physical adsorption and covalent grafting of HBPL. • HBPL-modified PEEK exhibited exceptional antibacterial efficacy against both S. aureus and E. coli. • PEEK- g -HBPL elicited reduced inflammation and superior osseointegration in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adhesion between heart and chest post-operation raises a significant challenge for the application of cardiac patches due to its severe influences on the recovery of heart function and increased risk of re-treatment. Anabatic inflammatory response and increased oxidative stress aggravate the damage to heart functions. Herein, a multi-functional cardiac patch was manufactured by successive electrospinning of two types of novel selenium-containing polyurethanes (PU), followed by click grafting of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules on the top layer. This patch possessed dual-functions of postoperative anti-adhesion and anti-oxidative stress for efficient therapy post myocardial infarction (MI). The high redox reactivity of diselenium bonds were introduced into the main chains of PU, which reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulated the inflammatory environment, alleviating the synechia formation simultaneously. The cardiac patch could effectively resist fibroblast adhesion, regulate the expression of vinculin and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and inhibit the synechia formation. Meanwhile, it also restored significantly the heart function post MI by decreasing the local inflammation, facilitating less collagen formation, and improving cell signal transduction and angiogenesis. Collectively, this novel patch achieved anti-adhesion and therapeutic effect synergistically, bringing advancement in cardiac patch design and potential for translation of medicinal devices. A bi-layered nanofibrous membrane with synergistic anti-adhesion and anti-oxidation promotes cardiac repair post myocardial infarction (MI) in vivo. PEG-modified surface (top-layer) of the nanofibers resists adhesion of fibroblasts and thereby prevents postoperative adhesion, whereas the bottom layer consisting of diselenide nanofibers relieves the oxidative stress and thereby mediates the inflammatory microenvironment. [Display omitted] • Novel polyurethanes with a high density of Se in the backbone. • Grafting PEG on top surface and maintaining high Se in bottom-layer. • Dual-functions of antiadhesion and antiinflammation achieve good therapeutic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multicellular structure and gradient thickness design were combined to achieve ideal energy absorption (IEA). • Multicellular tubes with different cell densities and material distribution principles were tested under axial compression. • High energy absorption performance of multicellular tubes with modified gradient thickness (MGT) was confirmed by experiment and simulation. • Its performance potential was further explored through parameter allocation. • Comparison of the structural efficiency of various energy absorbers revealed the MGT multicellular structure to be feasible to approach IEA with controllable cost. Energy absorption of traditional tubular energy absorbers is restricted by the low structure efficiency, which makes the mean crushing force of the structure usually much lower than its yield strength. The combination of a multicellular design and a gradient-thickness strategy significantly improves the energy-absorption ability of thin-walled energy absorbers while reducing weight. Gradient-thickness multicellular tubes (GTMT) were studied in this paper to demonstrate this advantage. Mechanical performances of GTMT with two material-distribution principles, sample gradient thickness (SGT) and modified gradient thickness (MGT), were investigated experimentally and numerically, primarily in terms of folding behaviors, energy-absorption ability, and load-carrying capacity undulation. Wire-cut electrical discharge machining technology was used to create a series of aluminum alloy specimens that were then compressed under quasistatic loading conditions. Following that, finite element method was used to run detailed numerical simulations. The effect of geometric configuration was determined after conducting parametric studies with different cell density and thickness gradient coefficients. The results showed that, compared to a traditional multicellular tube, a gradient-thickness one with MGT material distribution can improve structural efficiency with a stable loading history. Increases in cell density and thickness gradient coefficient have positive effects on energy-absorption ability; however, excessively high parameter values will lead to global bending deformation and weaken the mean crushing force. Therefore, reasonable parameter matching is vital. The result shows that when the cell density reached 9 × 9 and the thickness gradient coefficient reached 1.4, the mean crushing force was 98.16% of the full-plastic strength of the matrix, and there was no irregular deformation, indicating that ideal energy absorption is almost achieved. These achievements pave a way for achieving ideal energy absorption. [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases including atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammation and myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, a ROS-responsive biodegradable elastomeric polyurethane containing thioketal (PUTK) linkages was synthesized from polycaprolactone diol (PCL-diol), 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and ROS-cleavable chain extender. The PUTK was electrospun into fibrous patches with the option to load glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (MP), which were then used to treat MI of rats in vivo. The fibrous patches exhibited suitable mechanical properties and high elasticity. The molecular weight of PUTK was decreased significantly after incubation in 1 mM H 2 O 2 solution for 2 weeks due to the degradation of thioketal bonds on the polymer backbone. Both the PUTK and PUTK/MP fibrous patches showed good antioxidant property in an oxidative environment in vitro. Implantation of the ROS-responsive polyurethane patches in MI of rats in vivo could better protect cardiomyocytes from death in the earlier stage (24 h) than the non ROS-responsive ones. Implantation of the PUTK/MP fibrous patches for 28 days could effectively improve the reconstruction of cardiac functions including increased ejection fraction, decreased infarction size, and enhanced revascularization of the infarct myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel vehicle exhaust is an important source of carbonaceous aerosols, especially in developing countries, like China. Driving condition impacts diesel vehicle emissions, yet its influence needs further understanding especially on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. In this study tailpipe exhaust from an in-use light duty diesel vehicle at idling and driving speeds of 20 and 40 km h−1 was introduced respectively into a 30 m−3 indoor smog chamber to investigate primary emissions and SOA formation during photo-oxidation. The emission factors of SO 2 at 20 and 40 km h−1 were higher than those at idling, whereas the emission factors of aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) decreased when driving speeds increased. The emission factors of black carbon (BC) and primary organic aerosol (POA) at idling were comparable to those at 20 and 40 km h−1. The SOA production factors were 0.41 ± 0.09 g kg-fuel−1 at idling, approximately 2.5 times as high as those at 20 km h−1 (0.16 ± 0.09 g kg-fuel−1) or 40 km h−1 (0.17 ± 0.09 g kg-fuel−1). Total carbonaceous aerosols, including BC, POA and SOA, from diesel vehicles at 20 and 40 km h−1 were 60–75% of those at idling, due largely to a reduction in SOA production. Measured AHs and PAHs altogether were estimated to explain <10% of SOA production, and eight major OVOCs could contribute 8.4–23% of SOA production. A preliminary comparison was further made for the same diesel vehicle at idling using diesel oils upgraded from China 3 to China 5 standard. The emission factors of total particle numbers decreased by 38% owing to less nuclei mode particles, which was probably caused by the reducing fuel sulfur content; the emission factors of BC were almost unchanged, the POA emission factors and SOA production factors however decreased by 72% and 37%. Unlabelled Image • Diesel vehicle primary emissions and SOA formation were studied using smog chamber. • Emission factors of AHs, PAHs and OVOCs deceased with the increasing driving speeds. • Comparable BC and POA emissions but lower SOA productions at cruising than at idling; • Eight OVOCs altogether could explain 8.4–23% SOA production. • Total BC/POA/SOA at idling dropped 32% as fuel upgraded from China-3 to China-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical profiles of isoprene and monoterpenes were measured by a proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) at heights of 3, 15, 32, 64, and 102 m above the ground on the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) tower in central Beijing during the winter of 2016 and the summer of 2017. Isoprene mixing ratios were larger in summer due to much stronger local emissions whereas monoterpenes were lower in summer due largely to their consumption by much higher levels of ozone. Isoprene mixing ratios were the highest at the 32 m in summer (1.64 ± 0.66 ppbV) and at 15 m in winter (1.41 ± 0.64 ppbV) with decreasing concentrations to the ground and to the 102 m, indicating emission from the tree canopy of the surrounding parks. Monoterpene mixing ratios were the highest at the 3 m height in both the winter (0.71 ± 0.42 ppbV) and summer (0.16 ± 0.10 ppbV) with a gradual decreasing trend to 102 m, indicting an emission from near the ground level. The lowest isoprene and monoterpene mixing ratios all occurred at 102 m, which were 0.71 ± 0.42 ppbV (winter) and 1.35 ± 0.51 ppbV (summer) for isoprene, and 0.42 ± 0.22 ppbV (winter) and 0.07 ± 0.06 ppbV (summer) for monoterpenes. Isoprene in the summer and monoterpenes in the winter, as observed at the five heights, showed significant mutual correlations. In the winter monoterpenes were positively correlated with combustion tracers CO and acetonitrile at 3 m, suggesting possible anthropogenic sources. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a leading proinflammatory cytokine as the master regulator of inflammation in chronic inflammation diseases. Although TNF-α antagonists such as small molecules and peptides are in development, comparable effectiveness in TNF-α neutralization is hardly achieved only with TNF-α capture. In this study, simplified α 2 -macroglobulin (SM) as a novel TNF-α inhibitor was fabricated to relieve inflammation response by TNF-α capture and internalization with lysosomal degradation. SM was prepared by conjugating a TNF-α-targeting peptide with a receptor binding domain (RBD) derived from α 2 -macroglobulin through a synthetic biology strategy. SM exhibited effective capture and bioactivity inhibition of TNF-α. Improved endocytosis of TNF-α into lysosomes was observed with SM in macrophages. Even challenged with LPS/IFNγ, the macrophages showed relieved inflammation response with SM treatment. When administrated in chronic inflammation injury in vivo , SM achieved comparable therapeutic efficacy with Infliximab, showing ameliorated cartilage degeneration with relieved inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) and preserved cardiac function with mitigated myocardium injury in myocardial infarction (MI). These results suggest that SM functioning in TNF-α capture-internalization mechanism might be promising therapeutic alternatives of TNF-α antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This study is to investigate the predictive and prognostic value of ER-α36 expression. [•] Patients with ER-α36 negative expression tumors treated with the neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a lower remission rate. [•] ER-α36 negative tumors benefit more from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [•] ER-α36 negative tumors have better prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Practical applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment are usually operated over a wide range of temperature, especially day–night temperature difference. Here, MFCs at alternating temperatures were compared with those at constant temperatures. MFCs at 6/18 °C reached a steady-state voltage of 0.41 ± 0.05 V at 6 °C and 0.36 ± 0.04 V at 18 °C, which were lower than that of MFCs at 18/30 °C (0.42 ± 0.01 V at 18 °C and 0.47 ± 0.02 V at 30 °C). MFCs at 18/30 °C produced the highest power density of 2169 ± 82 mW m−2 at 30 °C, even higher than that of MFCs at constant temperature 30 °C. Moreover, MFCs at 6/18 °C and 18/30 °C obtained a comparable coulombic efficiencies (94.6 ± 5.2%, 83.2 ± 4.1%, respectively) compared with MFCs at constant temperatures (86.3 ± 7.3% at 18 °C and 84.1 ± 5.5% at 30 °C). These results demonstrate that MFCs could be successfully adapted for use under day–night temperature difference conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) is still a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Elastomer cardiac patches have shown great potential in preventing left ventricle (LV) remodeling post-MI by providing mechanical support to the infarcted myocardium. Improved therapeutic outcomes are expected by mediating pathological processes in the necrosis phase, inflammation phase, and fibrosis phase, through orchestrated biological and mechanical treatments. In this study, a mechanically robust multifunctional cardiac patch integrating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic capabilities was developed to realize the integrative strategy. An elastomeric polyurethane (PFTU) containing ROS-sensitive poly (thioketal) (PTK) and unsaturated poly (propylene fumarate) (PPF) segments was synthesized, which was further clicked with pro-angiogenic Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV) peptides to obtain PFTU- g -REDV (PR), and was formulated into a macroporous patch containing rosuvastatin (PRR). The mechanical support and multifunctional effects of the patch were confirmed in a rat MI model in vivo compared to the patches with only mechanical support, leading to reduced cell apoptosis, suppressed local inflammatory response, alleviated fibrosis, and induced angiogenesis. The cardiac functions and LV morphology were also well maintained. These results demonstrate the advantages of the integrated and orchestrated treatment strategy in MI therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Estrogen is involved in suppression of colorectal cancer development and exerts its function via estrogen receptors α, β and their splicing variants. Whether the recently indentified ER-α splicing variants, ER-α36 and ER-α46, play a role in colorectal cancer development is unknown. In this study, we quantified the mRNA copy numbers of wild type ER-α (ER-α66), ER-α46 and ER-α36 in 35 colorectal cancers and their matched normal colorectal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR assay, and correlated their mRNA levels with the clinicopathological properties of the tumors. We found that ER-α66, ER-α46 and ER-α36 mRNAs were coexpressed in all colorectal cancers and their matched normal tissues. The decreased mRNA levels of ER-α36 and ER-α46 whereas no difference of ER-α66 mRNA was observed in colorectal cancers compared to their matched normal tissues. Moreover, change in the expression of ER-α36 mRNA level was correlated with Dukes’ stage of the tumor and the lymph node metastasis. ER-α36 mRNA was decreased significantly in Dukes’ C+D compared to Dukes’ A+B stage tumors (P =0.017), and the expression of ER-α36 mRNA in N1/N2 was lower than that in N0 lymph node metastasis (P =0.049). So ER-α36 and ER-α46 might be implicated in the development and progression of colorectal cancers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The immune system responds immediately to tissue trauma and to biomaterial implants under the participation of M1/M2 macrophages polarization. The surface properties of biomaterials can significantly influence the tissue repair progress through modulating the macrophage functions. In this study, the surface of poly(propylene fumarate) polyurethane films (PPFU) is grafted with a same density of enantiomeric poly- l -lysine (PPFU-g-PLL) and poly- d -lysine (PPFU-g-PDL), leading to a similar level of enhanced surface wettability for the PPFU-g-PLL and PPFU-g-PDL. The polylysine-grafted PPFU can restrict the M1 polarization, whereas promote M2 polarization of macrophages in vitro , judging from the secretion of cytokines and expression of key M1 and M2 related genes. Comparatively, the PPFU-g-PDL has a stronger effect in inducing M2 polarization in vivo , resulting in a thinner fibrous capsule surrounding the implant biomaterials. The CD44 and integrins of macrophages participate in the polarization process probably by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), and downstream PI3K/Akt1/mTOR signal axis to up regulate M2 related gene expression. This study confirms for the first time that polylysine coating is an effective method to regulate the immune response of biomaterials, and the polylysine-modified thermoplastic PPFU with the advantage to promote M2 polarization may be applied widely in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driving conditions are among the important factors determining gasoline vehicle emissions, yet their relation with exhaust-derived secondary pollutants is poorly understood. Here, we introduced exhaust from a gasoline vehicle under hot idling and cruising conditions into an indoor smog chamber by using a chassis dynamometer and investigated the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) during photochemical ageing under light after characterizing the primary emission of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), nitrogen oxide (NO x) and primary organic aerosol (POA) in the dark. When compared to emission factors (EFs) at idling, during cruising at 20 km h−1 or 40 km h−1, the EFs of NMHCs decreased by more than an order of magnitude, while the EFs of NO x were more than doubled, resulting in a large drop in the NMHC-to-NO x ratios. The percentages of reactive alkenes and aromatic hydrocarbons also decreased from idling to cruising at 20 km h−1 to that at 40 km h−1. The emission factor of benzene, a carcinogenic compound, decreased more than 10 times from ~0.35 g kg-fuel−1 at idling to ~0.03 g kg-fuel−1 during cruising. During photochemical ageing of exhaust, substantial SOA was formed, and the SOA/POA ratios decreased from 52 to 92 at idling to 4–14 during cruising. Traditional aromatics could explain 30–64% of the measured SOA at idling but less than 15% of the measured SOA during cruising. Our results highlight that traffic congestion would greatly promote the emission of reactive volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic benzene from gasoline vehicles and also show that NMHCs as a target in gasoline vehicle emission tests cannot effectively represent the SOA and ozone formation potentials of the partially oxidized hydrocarbons from poorly functioning converters. Unlabelled Image • Primary emissions and SOA formation from hot idling and cruising gasoline vehicle were compared. • Emissions at idling and cruising varied greatly in the NMHC/NOx ratios and NMHC compositions. • Aromatics could explain 30–64% of measured SOA at idling, but less than 15% of that at cruising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]