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Introduction: Patients with pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs), the most common primary brain tumors in children, can often benefit from MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) treatment. However, rapid tumor regrowth, also referred to as rebound growth, may occur once treatment is stopped, constituting a significant clinical challenge. Methods: Four patient-derived pediatric glioma models were investigated to model rebound growth in vitro based on viable cell counts in response to MAPKi treatment and withdrawal. A multi-omics dataset (RNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS based phospho-/proteomics) was generated to investigate possible rebound-driving mechanisms. Following in vitro validation, putative rebound-driving mechanisms were validated in vivo using the BT-40 orthotopic xenograft model. Results: Of the tested models, only a BRAFV600E-driven model (BT-40, with additional CDKN2A/Bdel) showed rebound growth upon MAPKi withdrawal. Using this model, we identified a rapid reactivation of the MAPK pathway upon MAPKi withdrawal in vitro, also confirmed in vivo. Furthermore, transient overactivation of key MAPK molecules at transcriptional (e.g. FOS) and phosphorylation (e.g. pMEK) levels, was observed in vitro. Additionally, we detected increased expression and secretion of cytokines (CCL2, CX3CL1, CXCL10 and CCL7) upon MAPKi treatment, maintained during early withdrawal. While increased cytokine expression did not have tumor cell intrinsic effects, presence of these cytokines in conditioned media led to increased attraction of microglia cells in vitro. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate rapid MAPK reactivation upon MAPKi withdrawal as a tumor cell intrinsic rebound-driving mechanism. Furthermore, increased secretion of microglia-recruiting cytokines may play a role in treatment response and rebound growth upon withdrawal, warranting further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechano-sensitive hair-like sensilla (MSHS) have an ingenious and compact three-dimensional structure and have evolved widely in living organisms to perceive multidirectional mechanical signals. Nearly all MSHS are iontronic or electronic, including their biomimetic counterparts. Here, an all-optical mechano-sensor mimicking MSHS is prototyped and integrated based on a thin-walled glass microbubble as a flexible whispering-gallery-mode resonator. The minimalist integrated device has a good directionality of 32.31 dB in the radial plane of the micro-hair and can detect multidirectional displacements and forces as small as 70 nm and 0.9 μN, respectively. The device can also detect displacements and forces in the axial direction of the micro-hair as small as 2.29 nm and 3.65 μN, respectively, and perceive different vibrations. This mechano-sensor works well as a real-time, directional mechano-sensory whisker in a quadruped cat-type robot, showing its potential for innovative mechano-transduction, artificial perception, and robotics applications. Hair-like sensilla are evolved widely in organisms that perceive mechanical signals. Here, the authors report an all-optical mechano-sensor that can detect the real-time, directional displacement and force at several nm and μN levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. A computer search for the published literature on OLIF and MIS-TLIF for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and other databases was performed, from which 522 related articles were retrieved and 13 were finally included. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies and analyzed them using RevMan 5.4. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane systematic analysis and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis showed that the blood loss [95% confidence intervals (CI) (− 121.01, − 54.56), P < 0.001 ], hospital stay [95% CI (− 1.98, − 0.85), P < 0.001 ], postoperative fusion rate [95%CI (1.04, 3.60), P = 0.04 ], postoperative disc height [95% CI (0.50, 3.63), P = 0.01 ], and postoperative foraminal height [95% CI (0.96, 4.13), P = 0.002 ] were all better in the OLIF group; however, the complication rates were significantly lower in the MIS-TLIF group [95% CI (1.01, 2.06), P = 0.04 ]. However, there were no significant differences between the two in terms of surgery time, patient satisfaction, or postoperative functional scores. The OLIF group had the advantages of lower blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a higher postoperative fusion rate, and better recovery of the disc and foraminal heights, whereas MIS-TLIF had a relatively lower complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the differences in postoperative efficacy between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Materials and methods: Strictly based on the search strategy, we searched the published papers on OLIF and TLIF for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. A total of 607 related papers were retrieved, and 15 articles were finally included. The quality of the papers was evaluated according to the Cochrane systematic review methodology, and the data were extracted and meta-analyzed using Review manager 5.4 software. Results: Through comparison, it was found that in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, the OLIF group had certain advantages over the TLIF group in terms of intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain (VAS-LP), Oswestry disability index (ODI), disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), fused segmental lordosis (FSL), and cage height, and the differences were statistically significant. The results were similar in terms of surgery time, complications, fusion rate, VAS for back pain (VAS-BP) and various sagittal imaging indicators, and there was no significant difference. Conclusions: OLIF and TLIF can relieve low back pain symptoms in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, but OLIF has certain advantages in terms of ODI and VAS-LP. In addition, OLIF has the advantages of minor intraoperative trauma and quick postoperative recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA) has aroused a special concern for their odor problem and potential threats. In this study, the degradation of 2,4,6-TCA by UV/chlorination with different UV sources was compared, including low-pressure mercury lamp (LPUV, 254 nm) and ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED, 275 and 285 nm). The maximum removal of 2,4,6-TCA can be achieved by 275-nm UV-LED/chlorination in neutral and alkaline conditions which was 80.0%. The reaction, kinetics, and water matrix parameters on 2,4,6-TCA degradation were also evaluated. During UV-LED (275 nm)/chlorination, 2,4,6-TCA degradation was mainly caused by direct UV photolysis and indirect hydroxyl radical (HO·) oxidation, while reactive chlorine radicals (RCSs) had a negligible contribution. The second-order rate constant between HO· and 2,4,6-TCA was determined as 3.1 × 109 M−1 s−1. Increasing initial chlorine dosage and decreasing 2,4,6-TCA concentration or pH value significantly promoted 2,4,6-TCA degradation during UV/chlorination process. The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) can inhibit 2,4,6-TCA degradation, while chloride ion (Cl−) had a negligible effect. The kinetic model for 2,4,6-TCA degradation was established and validated, and the degradation pathways were proposed based on the identified intermediates. Furthermore, UV-LED (275 nm)/chlorination also exhibited a promising effect on 2,4,6-TCA removal in real water, which can be used to control 2,4,6-TCA pollution and odor problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain calcification is a critical aging-associated pathology and can cause multifaceted neurological symptoms. Cerebral phosphate homeostasis dysregulation, blood-brain barrier defects, and immune dysregulation have been implicated as major pathological processes in familial brain calcification (FBC). Here, we analyzed two brain calcification families and identified calcification co-segregated biallelic variants in the CMPK2 gene that disrupt mitochondrial functions. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from these patients showed impaired mitochondria-associated metabolism pathways. In situ hybridization and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed robust Cmpk2 expression in neurons and vascular endothelial cells (vECs), two cell types with high energy expenditure in the brain. The neurons in Cmpk2-knockout (KO) mice have fewer mitochondrial DNA copies, down-regulated mitochondrial proteins, reduced ATP production, and elevated intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) level, recapitulating the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the PBMCs isolated from the FBC patients. Morphologically, the cristae architecture of the Cmpk2-KO murine neurons was also impaired. Notably, calcification developed in a progressive manner in the homozygous Cmpk2-KO mice thalamus region as well as in the Cmpk2-knock-in mice bearing the patient mutation, thus phenocopying the calcification pathology observed in the patients. Together, our study identifies biallelic variants of CMPK2 as novel genetic factors for FBC; and demonstrates how CMPK2 deficiency alters mitochondrial structures and functions, thereby highlighting the mitochondria dysregulation as a critical pathogenic mechanism underlying brain calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultra-deep Ordovician reservoirs in North Shuntuoguole Oilfield (or Shunbei Oilfield) of Sinopec have achieved annual production of one million ton, and the oil & gas in different faults show different physical properties and fluid phases. In this study, the 28 oil samples from the ultra-deep Ordovician were analyzed using whole oil chromatography. The heptane and isoheptane values of the oil samples were in the range of 29.79%–46.86% and 1.01%–3.06%, respectively, indicating the oils are high mature. The maturity that calculated based on light hydrocarbon values was higher than which calculated by using aromatic hydrocarbon parameters, suggesting the light hydrocarbon maturity mostly reflects the maturity of the late charged hydrocarbon. The 2M-/3M-C5 and 2M-/3M-C6 ratios varied in the ranges of 1.41–1.81 and 0.79–1.09, respectively, and the iC5/nC5 and 3M-C5/nC6 ratios were 0.31–0.90 and 0.16–0.37, respectively, indicating that ultra-deep Ordovician reservoirs have not experienced biodegradation. The Mango parameter K1 of the oil samples ranges 0.96–1.01 except for the oil from Well SB4, which suggests that most of the reservoirs have not suffered thermochemical sulfur reduction (TSR). Meanwhile, the oils have not experienced evaporative fractionation since the toluene/nC7 and nC7/MCC6 ratios range from 0.10–0.38 and 1.50–1.80, respectively. The close correlation between P3 and P2 + N2 and between P2 and N2/P3 indicates that the oils from different faults have the same origin. According to the characteristics of LHs rich in n-alkane, as well as other biomarkers, such as aryl isoprenoids, and aromatic hydrocarbon parameters, the oil originated from the source rock of Lower Cambrian Yu' ertusi Formation. Meanwhile, the source rocks in different fault zones slightly differed in organic facies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-material 3D printing has created a wide range of applications because of its high-resolution and multi-functional capabilities. It is important to understand the interaction of the materials both macroscopically and microscopically. This article investigates the mechanical responses of rigid-rubbery polymeric material fabricated using the PolyJet technique as an individual constituent and as an integrated composite unit cell. A series of experiments were conducted to obtain the mechanical responses for individual VeroMagentaV (rigid) and Agilus30 (flexible) polymers with different shore-hardness levels. Tensile results show that the interface of the dual material is strong enough to withstand the stretching during the tensile experiment. The interfacial hardness and local elastic modulus in dual-material parts investigated using nano-indentation and visual inspections showed distinct transition properties. The introduction of different types of rigid reinforcement particles of the 3D-printed composite has been demonstrated and quantified. A numerical model is developed, and the results show good agreement with the compression experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency leading the loss of motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord and brainstem. More than 95% of SMA patients are attributed to the homozygous deletion of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and approximately 5% are caused by compound heterozygous with a SMN1 deletion and a subtle mutation. Here, we identified a rare variant c.835-5T>G in intron 6 of SMN1 in a patient affected with type I SMA. We analyzed the functional consequences of this mutation on mRNA splicing in vitro. After transfecting pCI-SMN1, pCI-SMN2, and pCI-SMN1 c.835-5T>G minigenes into HEK293, Neuro-2a, and SHSY5Y cells, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to compare the splicing effects of these minigenes. Finally, we found that this mutation resulted in the skipping of exon 7 in SMN1, which confirmed the genetic diagnosis of SMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hollow magnetic mesoporous SiO/FeO microspheres with different pore sizes were prepared by adjusting the addition of swelling agent (1, 3, 5-trimethylbenzene). The hollow magnetic mesoporous SiO/FeO microspheres were modificated with different degree of aminopropyl groups via co-condensation method. The specific surface area, pore size, pore volume and ibuprofen loading of obtained composite microspheres were investigated in detail. The results showed that ibuprofen loading was increased with the mesoporous size increasing, and addition of swelling agent can improve the mesoporous size. When the pore size was up to 3.79 nm, ibuprofen reached the highest loading amount (816 mg/g). After modification of the aminopropyl group, which was located in the mesoporous channel, the ibuprofen loading was slightly reduced but the release rate of IBU was significantly decreased. Optimal release properties were achieved when the modification amount of the aminopropyl group was 10%, the ibuprofen continued to be released even after 32 h and the total release quantity is 70%, while the IBU release amount was 93% in the non-functionalized composite microspheres in 12 h. Meanwhile, the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation Q = kt was employed to analyze the drug release profile. The hollow magnetic mesoporous SiO/FeO microspheres had a high magnetization saturation value of 39.4 emu/g, which demonstrated a good responsivity to magnetic fields. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic mesoporous SiO/FeO hollow microspheres, which have a unique network-like shell constructed with magnetic FeO nanorods and mesoporous SiO, were successfully prepared by the co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene. The composite microspheres were utilized as supports for laccase immobilization. The composite microsphere has high surface area (772 m g) and large pore volume (0.83 cm g). The obtained microspheres exhibit relatively high saturated magnetization (13.6 emu g). The composite mesoporous microspheres used to immobilize laccase as support have a notable laccase immobilization (689 mg g) for per gram pure mesoporous SiO in the composite microspheres, which is much larger than those reported in the literature. The activity of immobilized laccase has good pH stability and thermal stability. It is further demonstrated that the immobilized laccase exhibited a good catalytic performance when they were used to react with the 2,4-dichlorophenol solution. The degradation rate and removal rate of the 2,4-dichlorophenol is 52.31 and 81.64 %, respectively. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of inherent rigidity of the conjugated macromolecular chains resulted from the delocalized π-electron system along the polymer backbone, it has been a huge challenge to make conducting polymer hydrogels elastic by far. Herein elastic and conductive polypyrrole hydrogels with only conducting polymer as the continuous phase have been simply synthesized in the indispensable conditions of 1) mixed solvent, 2) deficient oxidant, and 3) monthly secondary growth. The elastic mechanism and oxidative polymerization mechanism on the resulting PPy hydrogels have been discussed. The resulting hydrogels show some novel properties, e.g., shape memory elasticity, fast functionalization with various guest objects, and fast removal of organic infectants from aqueous solutions, all of which cannot be observed from traditional non-elastic conducting polymer counterparts. What's more, light-weight, elastic, and conductive organic sponges with excellent stress-sensing behavior have been successfully achieved via using the resulting polypyrrole hydrogels as precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tarim Basin was a craton block during the Carboniferous period. Except for its open southwestern (SWW) deepening basin margin, the central part of the basin was surrounded by northern, eastern, and southern uplifts. In most parts of the basin, there are three layers of carbonate rocks called Biocalcarenite member, standard limestone member and Xiaohaizi Formation. The present-day Maigeti slope, located in the southwestern area of the basin, was ever a paleogeographic carbonate platform margin to clinoform. Boreholes in the area reveal over ten meters of high-energy biospararenite of beach deposition in Xiaohaizi Formation. This feature is quite different from the low-energy micritic limestone of equivalent horizon in the middle and northern basins. Such typical carbonate beach and platform margin backgrounds indicate an environment conducive for reef growth. According to an interpretation of 3-D seismic data on a 600 km Xinbaza survey, a 25 km-long barrier reef orientated in an east-westward direction is delineated with a hummocky geometry, a 1-2 km wide south-dip reef front, and a 3-6 km wide north-dip backreef. The reef buttress and outlines are also shown on an isopach map of the Xiaohaizi Formation as well as horizon slices of coherency, amplitude, and frequency attributes. The reef extends beyond the range of the rectangular 3-D seismic survey. The thickness of the Xiaohaizi Formation is over 60 m at the central reef, and 12 m larger than the outside of the reef. The barrier reef consists of segments separated by narrow tidal inlets. The neighborhood of the reef is mainly beach deposition of bioclasticgrainstones. Due to Late Permier and Late Tertial tectonic movements, the barrier reef was tilted to dip in a SWW direction. Its updip part was broken and misplaced by a set of reverse faults. Nevertheless, potential stratigraphic pools of a large amount of hydrocarbon reserves related to the reef are expected to be found in the future based on the substantial reef scale and the recent borehole indications beside it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is essential for maintenance of the sensitivity of certain adult sensory neurons. Here, we investigated whether the mTOR cascade is involved in scorpion envenomation-induced pain hypersensitivity in rats. The results showed that intraplantar injection of a neurotoxin from Buthus martensii Karsch, BmK I (10 μg), induced the activation of mTOR, as well as its downstream molecules p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70 S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), in lumbar 5-6 dorsal root ganglia neurons on both sides in rats. The activation peaked at 2 h and recovered 1 day after injection. Compared with the control group, the ratios of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4EBP1 in three types of neurons changed significantly. The cell typology of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4E-BP1 immuno-reactive neurons also changed. Intrathecal administration of deforolimus, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, attenuated BmK I-induced pain responses (spontaneous flinching, paroxysmal pain-like behavior, and mechanical hypersensitivity). Together, these results imply that the mTOR signaling pathway is mobilized by and contributes to experimental scorpion sting-induced pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified a Neogene rapid uplift-denudation event of the South Tianshan based on apatite (U-Th)/He and apatite fission track (AFT) ages in Tertiary rocks of the Tarim basin, using borehole samples. The (U-Th)/He thermochronology can be used to reveal the tectono-thermal events with lower temperature than that of AFT thermochronology and has not been used previously to study the uplift of the Tianshan Mountain. Using these data, we show the relationship between the uplift of the South Tianshan and the subsidence/deposition of the northern Tarim basin during the Neogene. The apatite helium ages reveal the migration of uplift, erosion and deposition in the northern Tarim basin. A rapid uplift of the South Tianshan during the Miocene and a corresponding rapid subsidence in the northern Tarim basin occurred. However, in the Pliocene, the Kuqa Depression and South Tianshan uplifted and eroded at the same time and in turn provided the detrital source rocks for the Northern Uplift of the Tarim basin. In contrast to earlier studies, we arrive at the conclusion that the South Tianshan experienced rapid uplift in the Miocene based on (U-Th)/He data of apatite obtained from borehole samples collected in the Tarim basin itself, and not from the bordering mountain chain. Combined apatite (U-Th)/He and fission track thermochronometry enables reconstruction of thermal histories of sedimentary rocks between 40 and 120°C, and this has implications for the generation of liquid hydrocarbon in the 65-120°C range in the basin. Thermal and burial histories of typical samples were also modelled to show the rapid uplift in our study. Our works not only provide a new evidence for the South Tianshan uplift but also indicate that there is a coupling between uplift and subsidence in the South Tianshan and adjacent northern part of the Tarim basin, which controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in the Kuqa Depression and Northern Uplift of the Tarim basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three electron-deficient conjugated polymers based on perylene diimide (PDI) units, namely, poly[( N, N′-didodecyl-3,4,9,10-perylene diimide-1,7-diyl)-alt-(9,9-dihexylfluorene-2,7-diyl)] (PPDIF), poly{( N, N′-didodecyl-3,4,9,10-perylene diimide-1,7-diyl)-alt-[ N-(2-ethylhexyl) carbazole-3, 6-diyl]} (PPDIC) and poly{( N, N′-didodecyl-3,4,9,10-perylene diimide-1,7-diyl)-co-[ N-(2-ethylhexyl) carbazole-3,6-diyl]-co-(9,9-dihexylfluorene-2,7-diyl)} (PPDICF) have been synthesized via Suzuki coupling reaction, and their chemical structures are confirmed by H NMR, C NMR and FT-IR. All these polymers show broad absorption bands in 250-700 nm, and their optical band gaps are calculated to be ~1.7 eV. Cyclic voltammetry results confirm that the objective macromolecules possess high electron affinity of ~3.9 eV. By employing poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) as electron donor and PPDIC as electron acceptor, all polymer solar cells (aPSCs) with bulky heterojunction structure have been fabricated, preliminary results indicate they have one of the most highest open-circuit voltage ( V) (0.86 V) reported so far in aPSCs with PDI-based polymers as electron acceptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of congenital heart disease (CHD) remains a significant challenge in developing regions. Since 2006, China California Heart Watch has provided cardiac services in China's Yunnan province. Our Grants for Kids program aims to diagnose and fund surgical and nonsurgical treatments for underprivileged children with congenitally malformed hearts. This report analyzes our patient outcomes. From 2007 to 2010, 36 children with CHD underwent either surgical or percutaneous procedures at local Chinese medical centers, and 94% of our patients could be contacted for follow-up assessment. The mortality and complication rates of our patient population compare favorably with international data. Our study provides a model through which networking with local hospitals and regional cardiac centers can be an effective way to assist developing areas in providing cardiac care to rural underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory cilia are assembled and maintained by kinesin-2-dependent intraflagellar transport (IFT). We investigated whether two Caenorhabditis elegans ? - and ?-tubulin isotypes, identified through mutants that lack their cilium distal segments, are delivered to their assembly sites by IFT. Mutations in conserved residues in both tubulins destabilize distal singlet microtubules. One isotype, TBB-4, assembles into microtubules at the tips of the axoneme core and distal segments, where the microtubule tip tracker EB1 is found, and localizes all along the cilium, whereas the other, TBA-5, concentrates in distal singlets. IFT assays, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and modelling indicate that the continual transport of sub-stoichiometric numbers of these tubulin subunits by the IFT machinery can maintain sensory cilia at their steady-state length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavior of electrical resistance was examined in room temperature and elevated temperatures up to 1000 °C for two types of SiC fibers with diameters of 140 and 70 μm, respectively. The results showed that electrical resistance showed a good linear relationship with the length of fibers. Electrical resistance decreased as temperature increased, besides, temperature coefficient of electrical resistance was a minus constant, −5.2 × 10 °C except that in the first heating. In the first heating, electrical resistance and temperature coefficient increased and had a peak in the range of 550-700 °C owing to the burning of the carbon-rich layer on the fiber surface. It suggested that behavior of electrical resistance of the fibers depended mainly on the carbon core and the carbon-rich layer. It was confirmed that SiC fiber could be used as heating elements for micro-heater and finally a micro-heater using SiC fiber as heating elements was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a conserved family of lipid kinases that phosphorylate the 3-hydroxyl group of phosphatidylinositols in response to extracellular stimuli. PI3K pathway is enrolled in different kinds of human cancer and plays a prominent role in cancer cell growth and survival. Several PI3K inhibitors have been recently identified but some PI3K inhibitors with high potency in vitro do not show satisfactory effects in animal cancer models because of the poor pharmaceutical properties in vivo such as poor solubility, instability, and fast plasma clearance rate. In this study, we developed a sustained release system of PI3K inhibitor (TGX221) based on polyhydroxyalkanoate nanoparticles (NP) and used it to block proliferation of cancer cell lines. TGX221 was gradually released from PHA-based NP and growth of cancer cell lines was significantly slower in NP-TGX221-treated cells than in either negative controls or in cells receiving free TGX221. Since poor bioavailability and limited in vivo half-life are common features of hydrophobic PI3K inhibitors, our results open the way to similar formulation of other PI3K blockers and to new strategies in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin TiO coating was grown on wood surface using a cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and functional groups were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The crystalline phase of TiO was investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The combustion test was carried out on the Dual Analysis Cone Calorimeter, according to the fire testing standard ISO 5660-1. Resulted from the combined analysis of SEM and EDXA, FTIR and XRD, it was demonstrated that the anatase TiO layer accompanying some spheral morphology chemically bonded to wood surface with intact and smooth appearance. The significant differences in combustion parameters between the untreated and the TiO coated wood were observed. In comparison to the untreated wood, the burning time of TiO coated wood was doubled, and the smoke, CO, CO emissions were markedly reduced. As a result, the TiO coating can effectively act as a protective layer to prolong the combustion duration of wood and prevent the harmful gas from spreading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive or overuse disorders of the lumbar spine affect the lives of workers and athletes. We hypothesize that repetitive anterior lumbar flexion–extension under low or high load will result in significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines expression several hours post-activity. High loads will exhibit significantly higher expression than low loads. Lumbar spine of in vivo feline was subjected to cyclic loading at 0.25 Hz for six 10-min periods with 10 min of rest in between. One group was subjected to a low peak load of 20 N, whereas the second group to a high peak load of 60 N. Following a 7-h post-loading rest, the supraspinous ligaments of L-3/4, L-4/5 and L-5/6 and the unstimulated T-10/11 were excised for mRNA analysis and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and TGFβ1 pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. Creep (laxity) developed in the lumbar spine during the loading and the subsequent 7 h of rest was calculated. A two-way mixed model ANOVA was used to assess difference in each cytokines expression between the two groups and control. Tukey HSD post hoc analysis delineated specific significant effects. Significance was set at 0.05. Low and high-load groups exhibited development of creep throughout the cyclic loading period and gradual recovery throughout the 7-h rest period. Residual creep of 24.8 and 30.2% were present in the low and high-load groups, respectively, 7-h post-loading. Significant increases in expression of all cytokines measured relative to control were obtained for supraspinous ligaments from both low and high-load magnitudes. IL-6, IL-8 and TGFβ1 expression in the high-load group were significantly higher relative to the low-load group. Significant increases in cytokines expression indicating tissue inflammation are observed several hours post-repetitive lumbar flexion–extension regardless of the load magnitude applied. Repetitive occupational and athletic activity, regardless of the load applied, may be associated with the potential of developing acute inflammatory conditions that may convert to chronic inflammation if the viscoelastic tissues are further exposed to repetitive activity over long periods. Appropriate rest periods are a relevant preventive measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies in rats have shown that the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin induces antidepressant-like effects with a behavioral profile similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Acute SSRI treatment causes paradoxical anxiogenic responses, although chronic treatment has therapeutic effects on anxiety. However, the role of leptin in anxiety remains to be established. The scope of this study was to investigate the acute effects of leptin on anxiety-related behaviors in comparison with the SSRI antidepressant fluoxetine. Adult male C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injection of leptin or fluoxetine. Thirty minutes after injection, mice were subjected to the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) for evaluating antidepressant activity. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the elevated plus maze (EPM), social interaction, and open field tests 30 min following drug treatment. While leptin and fluoxetine showed similar antidepressant-like behavioral effects in the TST and FST, they differed in the behavioral assays for anxiety. Open arm exploration in the EPM was increased by leptin but decreased by fluoxetine. Analysis of social interaction revealed that distinct social behavioral components were modulated by leptin and fluoxetine. The total time of active social behaviors was increased by leptin but reduced by fluoxetine. In addition, self-grooming, a non-social behavior, was suppressed by leptin treatment. Neither leptin nor fluoxetine produced significant effects in the open field test. In contrast to anxiogenic-like effects induced by acute fluoxetine, leptin elicits anxiolytic-like effects after acute administration. These results suggest that leptin has both antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motor control system may compensate for lumbar instability following cyclic work with differential response to load magnitude. In vivo felines were exposed to a cumulative 1 h of cyclic work at 0.25 Hz. One group exposed to light whereas the second to heavy load while recording lumbar displacement and multifidus EMG during work and in single test cycles over 7 h rest post-work. Significant laxity and reduced reflexive EMG activity were evident immediately post-work in both groups. EMG and laxity recovered over 7 h rest in the group exposed to light load whereas in the group exposed to heavy load, motor control compensation was triggered within 1–2 h post-work. The compensation was expressed by earlier and stronger muscular activation than in baseline. It is concluded that cyclic work is deleterious to spine stability immediately after work. Work with heavy loads elicits delayed motor control compensation whereas work with light loads leaves the spine unstable and exposed to injury for several hours. Overall, prolonged cyclic or repetitive work elicits a transient instability disorder, regardless of the load handled, exposing the individual to potential injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical management of giant liver tumors involving the hepatic hilum tends to be very difficult. The present study assessed the feasibility and safety of resection of such liver tumors. We evaluated 27 patients with liver tumors involving the hepatic hilum. The patients ranged in age from 3 months to 14 years (mean, 4.2 years). Of the 27 cases, 23 were resected completely during the past 10 years. The other four cases did not undergo operation because of their parents’ decisions to discontinue treatment; these cases had multiple space-occupying lesions in addition to tumors involving the hepatic hilum. Before resection, the tumor was fully exposed and an occluding tape was placed around the vena cava when necessary. The hepatectomies were performed under intermittent portal triad clamping; 23 cases were successfully resected without postoperative mortality or morbidity. The mean operation duration was 205 min and mean blood loss was 120 ml. Pathological diagnoses included hepatoblastoma ( n = 9), endotheliosarcoma ( n = 1), mesenchymal hamartoma ( n = 4), teratoma ( n = 1), adenoma ( n = 3), and hepatocellular carcinoma ( n = 4). The nine cases with benign liver tumors were healthy at follow-up at 11 months to 9 years after operation. Of the 14 cases with malignant tumors, six died from recurrence, metastasis, or other complications. The other eight cases were still alive without clinical tumors. Resecting giant liver tumors involving the main hepatic veins and/or the retrohepatic vena cava, although challenging, is feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A novel hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor was developed by immobilizing hemoglobin on the gold colloid modified electrochemical pretreated glassy carbon electrode (PGCE) via the bridging of an ethylenediamine monolayer. This biosensor was characterized by UV-vis reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis), electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The immobilized Hb exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide. The Michaelis–Menten constant (K m) was 3.6 mM. The currents were proportional to the H2O2 concentration from 2.6 × 10−7 to 7.0 × 10−3 M, and the detection limit was as low as 1.0 × 10−7 M (S/N = 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF) is the main form of folate in human plasma, and an important vitamin for human health. Photodegradation of folates may have played a role in the development of different human skin colours. 5MTHF can be degraded directly by exposure to ultraviolet radiation or by exposure to visible light in the presence of endogenous sensitizers like riboflavin (RF). These photochemical reactions were studied by absorption spectroscopy. While 5MTHF is stable under UV and visible light exposure in pure aqueous media, it is quickly degraded in the presence of RF during UVA and blue light exposure. The degradation of 5MTHF is dependent on the concentration of RF, but not on the concentration of 5MTHF itself. UVA and blue light gave similar reactions. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the consequences of large light exposures in vivo in humans. Our findings should be taken into the ongoing discussion about the development of human skin colours. Due to the presence of RF in human blood, folate can be significantly degraded during prolonged or intense blue light exposure. Thus, a dark skin colour may be favourable for prevention of folate degradation under high solar fluence rates, such as in equatorial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the benefits of 3-D reconstruction of spiral computerized tomography (CT) scans for the diagnosis of and surgical guidance to large liver tumors or tumors at the hepatic hilum. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 18 children with large liver tumors or with tumors at the hepatic hilum treated in past 5 years. The ages ranged from 45 days to 14 years. Ten cases were examined using the three-dimensional reconstruction using 64 slice spiral CT and eight patients underwent conventional CT or conventional enhanced CT scanning. In 16 cases, the volume of tissue removed exceeded one-third the entire volume of the liver (considered “large” tumors). The largest tumor removed weighed 4.8 kg. In two cases, the excised tissue represented less than one-third of the total liver volume, but in these cases the location of the tumor was considered “complex” due to the proximity to major hepatic vessels. Seven tumors were located in the right lobe, three in the left lateral segment, three in medial segment, three extended beyond the right lobe and two extended beyond the left lateral segment. Pathological diagnoses included hepatoblastoma ( n = 9), hepatocellular carcinoma ( n = 2), mesenchymal hamartoma ( n = 4), teratoma ( n = 1) and adenoma ( n = 2). The 3-D reconstructed images could be rotated to view the image from several sides, were semitransparent and allowed for the measurement of tumor size and determination of spatial relation to blood vessels. All 18 children had curative resections as indicated by “tumor-free” microscopic margins. No major intra- or postoperative complications were encountered. Three-dimensional CT imaging can provide high quality images of the tumors and location of the tumor relative to vital hepatic blood vessels. This technique offers a kind of comparatively accurate method compared with traditional imaging techniques, it could help the surgeon identify the tumor borders accurately and devise a comparative safe surgical strategy. With its help the surgeon could identify vital hepatic blood vessels before operation, so they can avoid massive hemorrhaging and avoid massive hemorrhaging during operation. This technique should be more widely applied in the resection of large or complex liver tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  With the development of genetically modified organisms, labeling regulations have been introduced, which require appropriate detection methods. Event-specific qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection methods have become the internationally agreed state-of-art. This paper describes an event-specific PCR method for qualitative and quantitative of Roundup Ready canola event GT73. The 3′-integration junction was characterized by two methods: inverse-PCR and thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR. In the conventional qualitative PCR assay, the event-specific primers designed were confirmed to be specific and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05% (approximates to ten haploid genome copies). In the quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR assay, the LOD and the limit of quantification were five and ten haploid genome copies, respectively. In addition, for further quantitative detection, a reference molecule which contained the canola endogenous gene and event-specific sequence was constructed and standard curves were set up. The goodness of the linearity and high efficiency of the PCR reaction indicated the usability of the plasmid and the established PCR system. Moreover, mixed samples with different GT73 content (6, 3, 1 and 0.5%) were quantified using the established real-time PCR system to evaluate the trueness and precision of the system. The trueness expressed as bias varied from 2.00 to 18.00%. The precision expressed as variation coefficient were different from 6.40 to 32.95%. From above results, we believed that the established event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR systems for GT73 in this study were acceptable and suitable for genetic modified canola detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new transesterification method for preparing N, N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DMAEA) from methyl acrylate (MA) and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) was carried out in the presence of organotin catalyst. Among the catalysts examined, (C8H17)2Sn(OCOC11H23)2(TD) is the most active one for the reaction. The products were characterized by gas chromatography, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and Mass spectroscopy. The effects of various reaction conditions such as the different catalysts, the reactants ratio, the amount of catalyst, the reaction time on the DMAE conversion, the selectivity to DMAEA and the DMAEA yield were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the sort of catalyst is vital to improving DMAEA yield. The reactants ratio could effect on the DMAE conversion, the selectivity to DMAEA and the DMAEA yield. The 96.28% conversion of DMAE was obtained over catalyst TD, the yield of DMAEA could reach 94.65%, the selectivity is 98.68%. A possible catalytic mechanism of transesterification of DMAE and MA with organotin catalysts was also presumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel coumarin-terminated poly (p-phenylene vinylene)s were synthesized successfullyviaGilch methodology. The resulting coumarin end-capped poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene (CT-MEH-PPV) film gives yellow photoluminesence with a maximum intensity at 560 nm, which is noticeably blue-shifted about 40 nm from that of MEH-PPV (598 nm). Light-emitting diode based on a double-layer structure (ITO/PEDOT/CT-MEH-PPV/Ba/Al) showed yellow emission with a maximum brightness of 956 cd m- 2 at 8.8 V and an external quantum efficiency of 0.28% at 49.5 mA cm- 2. The coumarin-terminted poly(2,3-diphenyl-5-hexyl -1,4-phenylene vinylene (CT-DPH-PPV), however, has similar emission spectrum with that of DPH-PPV, but its photoluminescence efficiency (0.78) is much more improved than that of DPH-PPV (0.55). The electroluminescent device (ITO/PEDOT/CT-DPH-PPV/Ba/Al) gave green emission peaked at 510 nm with a maximum brightness of 350 cd m- 2 at 18 V and an external quantum efficiency of 0.04% at 61 mA cm- 2. These results suggest that it is a convenient way to modify the structure of conjugated polymers by terminating to tune the emission color and improve photoluminescent and electroluminescent efficiencies as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally stratified shear turbulent channel flow with temperature oscillation on the bottom wall of the channel is calculated to investigate the behavior of turbulent flow and heat transfer by use of large eddy simulation (LES) approach coupled with dynamic subgrid-scale (SGS) models. The objective of this study is to deal with the effect of the temperature oscillation on turbulent behavior of thermally stratified turbulent channel flow and to examine the effectiveness of the LES technique for predicting statistically unsteady turbulent flow driven by time-varying buoyancy force. To validate the present calculation, thermally stratified shear turbulent channel flow is computed and compared with available data obtained by direct numerical simulation (DNS), which confirm that the present approach can be used to predict thermally stratified turbulent channel flow satisfactorily. Further, to illustrate the effect of the temperature oscillation with different Richardson numbers and periods of the oscillation on turbulence characteristics, the phase-averaged mean value and fluctuation of the resolved velocities and temperature, and instantaneous velocity fluctuation structures are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of silicon additions up to 3.5 wt pct on the as-cast carbides, as-quenched carbides, and as-tempered carbides of high-speed steels W3Mo2Cr4V, W6Mo5Cr4V2, and W9Mo3Cr4V were investigated. In order to further understand these effects, a Fe-16Mo-0.9C alloy was also studied. The results show that a critical content of silicon exists for the effects of silicon on the types and amount of eutectic carbides in the high-speed steels, which is about 3, 2, and 1 wt pct for W3Mo2Cr4V, W6Mo5Cr4V2, and W9Mo3Cr4V, respectively. When the silicon content exceeds the critical value, the M2C eutectic carbide almost disappears in the tested high-speed steels. Silicon additions were found to raise the precipitate temperature of primary MC carbide in the melt of high-speed steels that contained d-ferrite, and hence increased the size of primary MC carbide. The precipitate temperature of primary MC carbide in the high-speed steels without d-ferrite, however, was almost not affected by the addition of silicon. It is found that silicon additions increase the amount of undissolved M6C carbide very obviously. The higher the tungsten content in the high-speed steels, the more apparent is the effect of silicon additions on the undissolved M6C carbides. The amount of MC and M2C temper precipitates is decreased in the W6Mo5Cr4V and W9Mo3Cr4V steels by the addition of silicon, but in the W3Mo2Cr4V steel, it rises to about 2.3 wt pct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign infectious agents typically evoke a host immune response. In scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), no immune response has been detectable. However, many latent or persistent viruses evade immune recognition but still activate inflammatory pathways. Unique microglial responses in late CJD infection that could be part of a host defense mechanism were previously delineated, although changes secondary to neurodegeneration could not be excluded. Data here show these microglial transcriptional changes are detectable in CJD brain beginning at 30 days after innoculation. In addition, 10 other interferon-sensitive genes were similarly upregulated at very early stages of infection. These responses occurred well before abnormal prion protein (PrP) and clinical signs of CJD were detectable. Further analyses in very pure microglia from CJD brain suggested the CJD agent activated signaling pathways distinct from those induced by amyloidogenic proteins (including abnormal PrP). Although increases in interferon-α or -β transcript levels were not seen in cultures or in whole brain, CJD microglia exhibited a potentiated interferon response when challenged with double-stranded RNA. The induction of interferon-sensitive genes without appreciable interferon synthesis was strikingly similar to that seen in some viral infections. These data suggest the CJD agent is recognized as a foreign virus-like entity. Moreover, the early reactive gene expression profiles described here may be useful in preclinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of electric heating actuators used of SiCCVD fiber reinforced aluminum composite were successfully developed, which could be used at elevated temperature. The experimental results reveal that the temperature of the actuators increases with the increase of the given electric power. The maximum temperature was found to be higher the 150 and 200°C for 1-side electric heating actuator and 2-side electric heating actuator, respectively, when the electric power of about 10 W were given. It is found that the electric resistance of the actuators decreases obviously with the increase of temperature. A critical temperature was found to exist for the change of the displacement and curvature. The displacement and curvature almost remained unchanged when the temperature of the actuators was lower than the critical temperature. After that, the displacement and curvature increase with the rise of the actuator temperature. Because the 1-side and 2-side actuators have different response characteristics of the displacement and generated force, it is expected that the two types of actuators may be used in different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through systematic experimental and clinical studies, the physiological regulation of utero-placental circulation and the relation of the disturbance in this acirculation to pathogenic mechanisms of high risk pregnancies-Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) and Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were explored. The pharmacological effects and mechanism of a Chinese herbal medicine - Qingxintong in improving the uteroplacental circulation and the therapeutic efficacy in treatment of IUGR and PIH, both accompanied by disturbance of utero-placental circulation, were investigated as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reservoir depth of T-Sh oilfield in Tarim Basin is more than 7500 m, which is a typical deep carbonate fault-controlled reservoir. The S-1 and S-5 fault zones experienced multi-stage tectonic movements and developed complex fault-fracture systems. Based on geometry and dynamics, the evolution characteristics of faults are analyzed; the permeability of strike-slip faults in the middle and lower Ordovician carbonate strata drilled through in S-5 fault zone is studied by comprehensively using core observation, imaging logging, 3D seismic data, and drilling historical data, taking wells F-1 and F-10 as examples. It is found that the fault-fracture system is the main reservoir space and fluid migration channel in the reservoir. A large mud loss will occur when drilling high permeability faults. High production can be obtained after conventional well completion, otherwise, it is difficult to get production. In this paper, slip tendency coefficient is used to quantitatively characterize the permeability of fractures in T-SH ultra-deep reservoir. Based on the one-dimensional geomechanical model and three-dimensional geological structure model of typical wells, the slip tendency coefficients of different parts of the fault-fracture system are calculated using finite element numerical simulation method. Compared with the historical data of drilling in S-1 and S-5 fault zones, it is found that the slip tendency coefficient is positively correlated with mud loss. The results show that the critical slip tendency coefficient of the S-5 fault zone is 0.3, and that of the S-1 fault zone is 0.2. This study provides a new idea and method for the prediction of geological desserts and well trajectory design in the T-Sh reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study of kinetic investigation using two different substrates, 5-nitroisoquinolinium ions and ferricyanide ions to understand the mechanistic details of the NAD(P)H mediated reactions. Methodology used to conduct the study; Results of the study.

Silk and silk fibroin, the biomaterial from nature, nowadays are being widely utilized in many cutting-edge micro/nanodevices/systems via advanced micro/nanofabrication techniques. Herein, for the first time to our knowledge, we report aqueous multiphoton lithography of diversiform-regenerated-silk-fibroin-centric inks using noncontact and maskless femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW). Initially, silk fibroin was FsLDW-crosslinked into arbitrary two/three-dimensional micro/nanostructures with good elastic properties merely using proper photosensitizers. More interestingly, silk/metal composite micro/nanodevices with multidimension-controllable metal content can be FsLDW-customized through laser-induced simultaneous fibroin oxidation/crosslinking and metal photoreduction using the simplest silk/Ag+ or silk/[AuCl4]− aqueous resists. Noticeably, during FsLDW, fibroin functions as biological reductant and matrix, while metal ions act as the oxidant. A FsLDW-fabricated prototyping silk/Ag microelectrode exhibited 104-Ω−1 m−1-scale adjustable electric conductivity. This work not only provides a powerful development to silk micro/nanoprocessing techniques but also creates a novel way to fabricate multifunctional metal/biomacromolecule complex micro/nanodevices for applications such as micro/nanoscale mechanical and electrical bioengineering and biosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, proteins, a promising biocompatible and functionality-designable biomacromolecule material, acted as the host material to construct three-dimensional (3D) whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microlasers by multiphoton femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW). Protein/Rhodamine B (RhB) composite biopolymer was used as optical gain medium innovatively. By adopting high-viscosity aqueous protein ink and optimized scanning mode, protein-based WGM microlasers were customized with exquisite true 3D geometry and smooth morphology. Comparable to previously reported artificial polymers, protein-based WGM microlasers here were endowed with valuable performances including steady operation in air and even in aqueous environments, and a higher quality value (Q) of several thousands (without annealing). Due to the 'smart' feature of protein hydrogel, lasing spectrum was responsively adjusted by step of ~0.4 nm blueshift per 0.83-mmol/L Na2SO4 concentration change (0 ~ 5-mmol/L in total leading to ~2.59-nm blueshift). Importantly, other performances including Q, FWHM, FSR, peak intensities, exhibited good stability during adjustments. So, these protein-based 3D WGM microlasers might have potential in applications like optical biosensing and tunable 'smart' biolasers, useful in novel photonic biosystems and bioengineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]