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Background: As a medicinal and food homologous plant, Rosa damascena is not only highly ornamental, but also rich in a variety of active ingredients such as polyphenols and flavonoids. It is widely used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. Objective: To study the in vitro efficacy of Rosa damascena solid state fermentation liquid (RDF) and water extract (RDE). Methods: Firstly, the effect of RDF and RDE on the proliferation rate of B16F10 cells was detected by CCK‐8 method, and the melanin content was measured by sodium hydroxide lysis method to evaluate the whitening effect of them. Finally, the antioxidant, anti‐wrinkling and soothing effects of RDF and RDE were evaluated by biochemical methods in vitro. Results: RDF and RDE within a certain concentration range (0.05%–0.5%) had no effect on the proliferation of B16F10 cells. Compared with Rosa damascena extract (RDE), RDF showed significant effects on bleaching, antioxidant, anti‐wrinkling and soothing, among which 0.5% RDF showed the best effect. Conclusion: Both RDF and RDE at a certain concentration have effect on skin care in vitro, but the effect of RDF is more significant than that of RDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions In vitro single‐cell experiments may yield inconsistent results compared to clinical trials. To enhance the reliability of cosmetic active ingredient screening, a coculture model of B16F10‐HaCaT cells was established in vitro based on the structural characteristics of human skin, thereby improving the credibility of experimental outcomes. Currently, most cosmetic whitening additives primarily target simple efficacy goals such as inhibiting tyrosinase activity or melanin transfer. Therefore, investigating novel and efficient whitening additives has become a prominent research focus.The aim is to establish an in vitro cell coculture model for more reliable experimental results and investigate the mechanism by which Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil inhibits melanin production and transfer.The impact of different concentrations of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on cocultured cell proliferation rate was assessed using cck8 assay. Tyrosinase inhibition ability in cocultured cells was tested using levodopa as a substrate. Melanin production inhibition ability in coculture cells was evaluated by lysing cells with sodium hydroxide. The effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on dendrite‐related gene expression levels was examined through qPCR analysis. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to study the effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on dendrite‐related protein expression levels.Different concentrations of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil did not affect the proliferation activity of cocultured cells. A specific concentration of α‐MSH increased cell tyrosinase activity, cellular melanin content, as well as Rac1, Cdc42, and PAR‐2 gene and protein expression related to dendritic formation. Treatment with a certain concentration of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil resulted in decreased tyrosinase activity and melanin content in cells along with downregulated expression levels of Rac1, Cdc42, and PAR‐2 genes and proteins associated with dendritic formation.Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil at specific concentrations exhibits the ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity, decrease melanin content, and possesses the potential to impede melanin transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite altered brain activities being associated with suicidal ideation (SI), the neural correlates of SI in major depressive disorder (MDD) have remained elusive. We enrolled 82 first‐episode drug‐naïve MDD patients including 41 with SI and 41 without SI, as well as 41 healthy controls (HCs). Resting‐state functional and structural MRI data were collected. The measures of fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and grey matter volume (GMV) were calculated and compared. Compared with HCs, patients with SI exhibited increased fALFF values in the right rectus gyrus and left medial superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus and precuneus. Decreased GMV in the right parahippocampal gyrus, insula and middle occipital gyrus and increased GMV in the left superior frontal gyrus were detected in patients with SI. In addition, patients without SI demonstrated increased fALFF values in the right superior frontal gyrus and decreased fALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus. Decreased GMV in the left superior frontal gyrus, right medial superior frontal gyrus, opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, fusiform gyrus and increased left supplementary motor area, superior occipital gyrus, right anterior cingulate gyrus and superior temporal gyrus were revealed in patients with SI. Moreover, in comparison with patients without SI, increased fALFF values were identified in the left precuneus of patients with SI. However, no significant differences were found in GMV between patients with and without SI. These findings might be helpful for finding neuroimaging markers predicting individual suicide risk and detecting targeted brain regions for effective early interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease caused by low‐risk human papillomavirus infection, characterized by high transmission and recurrence rates. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription and are involved in various biological processes. Although recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of lncRNAs in cervical cancer, their expression profile and function in CA remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify messenger RNA (mRNA) and lncRNA expression patterns in CA using high‐throughput lncRNA sequencing. We found that 3033 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1090 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were significantly altered in CA compared to healthy controls. The results from quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining are in accordance with the observed trends in the sequencing data. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that upregulated DEGs in CA were involved in biological processes such as virus response, immune response, cell cycle regulation, the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and the P53 signaling pathway. Co‐expression network analysis identified potential target genes of DELs, with enrichment in biological processes such as cell differentiation, the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, and pathways such as virus infection, pathways in cancer, T helper 17 cell differentiation, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings indicate significant changes in the transcriptome profile, including mRNAs and lncRNAs, in CA compared to healthy controls. Our study provides new insights into the potential functions of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of CA and identifies potential therapeutic targets for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Paeonia lactiflora Pall is rich in various active ingredients such as polysaccharides and total flavonoids while having ornamental value. It has potential application value in the development of food and cosmetics. Objective: To study the in vitro efficacy of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil. Methods: Firstly, the levels of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil were quantified using gas chromatography. The impact of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on the proliferation rate of B16F10 cells was assessed through the CCK‐8 method, while the melanin content of B16F10 cells was determined using the sodium hydroxide lysis method. The inhibitory effects of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil on elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase were evaluated by biochemical techniques in vitro. Lastly, the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane test (HET‐CAM) was conducted to confirm the absence of eye irritation caused by Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil. Results: Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil within a certain volume concentration range (0.5%–4%) had no effect on the proliferation of B16F10 cells. Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil showed significant inhibition of elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase. Notably, the highest concentration tested, 4% Paeonia lactiflora Pall seed oil, yielded the most pronounced outcomes without causing any irritation. Conclusion: A certain concentration of Paeonia lactiflora Pall seeds oil has a significant effect on decreasing the melanin content in B16F10 cells and inhibiting the activities of elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, which can provide a reference for the development of pure natural cosmetics raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing amounts of ultraviolet radiation occur as ozone depletion causes the earth's ozone layer to be destroyed, making antioxidant efficacy a research hotspot. Previous studies on plum blossom have mostly focused on Volatile Oils, Flavonoids, Phenylpropanoids, and other compounds, whereas few studies have focused on low molecular weight polypeptide (LMWP) of plum blossom. This research provides a reference for the deep processing and utilization of plum blossom. Objectives: (a) Plum blossom low molecular weight polypeptides protect HaCaT cells against UVB‐induced oxidative damage in vitro and the underlying mechanism. (b) Improve the theoretical basis for the intense processing and utilization of plum blossom. Methods: The safe concentration of LMWP and the survival rate of HaCaT cells were determined using the CCK‐8 experiment. The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was identified using the dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH‐DA) method; Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured in ruptured cells; Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of three proteins: nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), and benzoquinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO‐1). Results: It was noted that a certain concentration of LMWP could promote cell proliferation. In oxidatively damaged HaCaT cells, SOD levels and survival rates were markedly reduced, but ROS and MDA levels were elevated. However, after treatment with LMWP, the survival rate of the cells and SOD levels were markedly increased, and the levels of ROS and MDA were markedly decreased. As shown by Western blotting, the model group exhibited lower levels of Nrf2, HO‐1, and NQO‐1 expression than the control group, whereas LMWP‐treated cells had significantly higher levels of Nrf2, HO‐1, and NQO‐1 expression than their model‐treated counterparts. Conclusions: LMMP can effectively protect HaCaT cells against oxidative damage in vitro induced by UVB, and the underlying mechanism is linked to the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of JP‐3 kerosene gels were prepared using AC−C10 (N‐acetyl‐L‐isoleucyl decylamine, type A) and modified hydrogenated castor oil (type B) as gelling agents, and the gel formation mechanism between the two gelling agents and JP‐3 kerosene was investigated. The rheological properties of the gels, including stability, yield stress, shear thinning, and thixotropic behavior, were tested and discussed. The viscosity curves were fitted with the HBE constitutive equation and compared with the power‐law model. Non‐time‐dependent, time‐dependent, and temperature‐dependent constitutive equations of the kerosene gels were constructed. The effects of time and temperature on viscosity were analyzed. The results showed that the type B JP‐3 kerosene gel was more physically stable and less influenced by centrifugal force. Both types of gels exhibited a decrease in viscosity with increasing shear rate, indicating shear thinning behavior. Additionally, both gels demonstrated some degree of thixotropy, although the recoagulation was found to be weak. With an increase in temperature, the viscosity of the type A gel initially decreased, then increased, and finally decreased again until it approached the viscosity of kerosene at 75 °C. On the other hand, the viscosity of the type B kerosene gel gradually decreased and approached the viscosity of kerosene at 75 °C. Both types of gels exhibited high temperature sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe the analysis, planning, design, development, implementation and evaluation of a new online Graduate Certificate in Genomic Counselling and Variant Interpretation (GCGCVI) at The University of British Columbia (UBC). Genetic counselling is now a prerequisite for diagnostic genomic testing in many countries, demanding that genetic counselling practitioners have up‐to‐the‐moment genomic counselling skills and knowledge. Current practitioners reported a desire for more training in this rapidly developing field: our international survey revealed substantial interest in online continuing education addressing themes such as testing and clinical bioinformatics, applied variant interpretation, evidence‐based genomic counselling, and other emerging genomic topics. However, our market analysis found no post‐graduate program globally that offered such training. To fill this gap, our oversight team of genetic counsellors and geneticists therefore guided development of curriculum and materials, and online learning specialists developed rigorous interactive asynchronous online graduate courses through collaboration with subject matter experts, following best practices in online learning design. Since launch in September 2020, we have gathered learner feedback using surveys and focus groups, and we have used learning analytics to understand how learners engaged with each other and with course materials. Together, these have helped us understand learner behaviour and guide the continuous process of design improvement to support the learning goals of this audience of professional learners. Our courses have been reviewed and approved by the UBC Faculty of Medicine, UBC Senate, and the Province of British Columbia Ministries of Advanced Education and Health, and assessed by the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC, USA) and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) to enable learners to receive North American continuing education credits. To date, 151 individuals from 18 countries have succeeded in one or more course and 43 have completed the entire certificate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious liver disease that is difficult to treat owing to its unclear pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the roles and molecular mechanisms of calycosin (CA) in ALF. Methods: In this study, the roles and mechanism of CA in ALF were explored using an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALF cell model. Additionally, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)−2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess the effect of CA on the activity of LPS‐induced L02 human liver epithelial cells, and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in L02 cells. Expression levels of apoptosis‐related genes, Bax and Bcl‐2, were measured using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Expression levels of inflammatory factors in LPS‐induced L02 cells were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, the effect of CA on ALF was inhibited via transfection of a toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐plasmid to elucidate the relationship between CA and TLR4/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling pathway in ALF. Results: CA had no toxic effects on L02 cells, but enhanced the activity of LPS‐induced L02 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Apoptosis and inflammatory factor release was increased in ALF, activating the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. However, CA treatment inhibited the apoptosis and release of inflammatory factors. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the upregulation of TLR4 expression reversed the alleviating effects of CA on inflammation and apoptosis in LPS‐induced L02 cells. Conclusion: CA alleviates inflammatory damage in LPS‐induced L02 cells by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway and may be a promising therapeutic agent for ALF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant increases in suspended sediment concentration (SSC) always occur during dam removal or sediment flushing processes, which could result in acute impacts on aquatic organisms. An analysis of the potential impact of the Huangheyuan hydropower dam removal on the upper reaches of the Yellow River is required for adaptive management. But the reports on the impact of high SSC on fishes living in rivers in the plateau areas are limited. Further studies on impact factors, fish behavior, and assessment methods were performed in this paper. The acute response of a typical fish, Gymnocypris eckloni, was tested by experiments with sediment concentrations ranging from 3.3 × 103 to 80.78 × 103 mg·L−1. The changes in fish aquatic surface respiration (ASR) behavior were analyzed under different SSCs. The cluster analysis of the environmental factors was conducted to analyze the relationship between the factors and fish mortality. The severity of ill effects (SEV) model was improved to assess the acute impact on fish. The results indicated that the SSC was the most related factor. The ASR could be induced by the SSC higher than 21 × 103 mg·L−1, and fish mortality was caused by SSC higher than 55 × 103 mg·L−1. The thresholds of SSC and exposure duration for fish protection were proposed to be less than 55 × 103 mg·L−1 and 6 hr, respectively. The findings could support the planning and regulation of dam sediment management on plateau areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pay‐per‐use (PPU) pricing and long‐term contract (LTC) pricing are widely adopted in access service industries. PPU pricing charges a fee for each service requirement, while LTC pricing allows consumers to subscribe to an unlimited use of the services in a given period. This study aims to reveal the link between consumers' choice and these two types of pricing schemes to determine the optimal pricing strategy for a service provider (SP). We propose a model with consumer usage that follows a compound Poisson process to analyze consumers' choice and calculate the expected revenue of the SP. Our analysis shows that covering the entire market is always optimal for the SP. Moreover, the SP should set the PPU fee high, and adopt the LTC scheme in the presence of the PPU scheme. If the SP is patient enough, then adopting both schemes will bring more revenue than only adopting the LTC scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective entity recognition method can quickly and accurately identify the citation entity to facilitate citation comparison, thereby reducing the occurrence of academic fraud and other behaviors. But there is no very effective way to solve this problem till now. In recent years, neural network models for named entity recognition (NER) have shown better performances on general domain datasets. After the multi‐feature citation dataset is created, the article proposes contextual multi‐feature embedding (CMFE) method for word embedding which use multi‐feature to enhance semantic and use CNN to get multi‐level feature. Based on CMFE, a multi‐feature semantic fusion model (MFSFM) is proposed. It designs the multi‐convolution kernel mixed residual CNN module to obtain local attention information and enhance the sensitivity of the entity boundary information. The BiLSTM and LSTM is used for timing learning. The experimental results of Chinese citation datasets and Chinese–English mixed citation datasets show that CMFE can better represent semantics, and MFSFM can perform citation entity recognition well. Finally, the experimental results of CONLL2003 dataset show that it is general on NER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a seller selling a single product in a short period and taking reference price effect into account in the presence of risk preference customers. Customers' demand for the product is closely related to their purchase probability, which is determined by their purchase utility that is contingent on the reference price, selling price, and risk coefficients, through a multinomial logit model. Customers in the market are categorized as three types according to their asymmetry perceptions anchoring on the difference between the reference price and selling price: loss‐averse, gain‐seeking, and loss‐neutral. We first theoretically explore the influences of the reference price, risk coefficients, as well as the numbers of three types of customers on the seller's pricing decisions and profits. Then, we introduce model misspecification and use a computational study to further illustrate the significance of the seller's correct cognition on the customers' risk preference behaviors. We find that customers with higher reference price or lower risk coefficients would urge the seller to increase the optimal price. When there are more loss‐averse customers in the market, markdown is optimal for the seller; whereas markup is optimal for the seller when there are more gain‐seeking customers in the market. In addition, we find that customers' risk preference behaviors are nonnegligible for the seller in making pricing decisions, especially when gain‐seeking customers' risk coefficient is small enough or loss‐averse customers' risk coefficient is large enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA‐24‐3p (miR‐24‐3p) has been implicated as a key promoter of chemotherapy resistance in numerous cancers. Meanwhile, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can secret exosomes to transfer miRNAs, which mediate tumour development. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism of CAF‐derived exosomal miR‐24‐3p in colon cancer (CC). Hence, this study intended to characterize the functional relevance of CAF‐derived exosomal miR‐24‐3p in CC cell resistance to methotrexate (MTX). We identified differentially expressed HEPH, CDX2 and miR‐24‐3p in CC through bioinformatics analyses, and validated their expression in CC tissues and cells. The relationship among HEPH, CDX2 and miR‐24‐3p was verified using ChIP and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays. Exosomes were isolated from miR‐24‐3p inhibitor–treated CAFs (CAFs‐exo/miR‐24‐3p inhibitor), which were used in combination with gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments and MTX treatment. CCK‐8, flow cytometry and colony formation assays were conducted to determine cell viability, apoptosis and colony formation, respectively. Based on the findings, CC tissues and cells presented with high expression of miR‐24‐3p and low expression of HEPH and CDX2. CDX2 was a target gene of miR‐24‐3p and could up‐regulate HEPH. Under MTX treatment, overexpressed CDX2 or HEPH and down‐regulated miR‐24‐3p reduced cell viability and colony formation and elevated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR‐24‐3p was transferred into CC cells via CAF‐derived exosomes. CAF‐derived exosomal miR‐24‐3p inhibitor diminished cell viability and colony formation and increased cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibited tumour growth in vivo under MTX treatment. Altogether, CAF‐derived exosomal miR‐24‐3p accelerated resistance of CC cells to MTX by down‐regulating CDX2/HEPH axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) is a newly identified damage‐associated molecular pattern molecule. Its roles beyond promoting inflammation and in human diseases are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of CIRP in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods: Immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT‐PCR, and ELISA were used to detect the expression of CIRP and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in sinonasal mucosal samples and nasal secretions. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and THP‐1 cells, a human monocytic/macrophage cell line, were cultured to explore the regulation of CIRP expression and MMP expression. Results: Cytoplasmic CIRP expression in nasal epithelial cells and CD68+ macrophages in sinonasal tissues, and CIRP levels in nasal secretions were significantly increased in both patients with eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP as compared to those in control subjects. IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐10, IL‐17A, TNF‐α, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1, and lipopolysaccharide induced the production and secretion of CIRP from HNECs and macrophages differentiated from THP‐1 cells. CIRP promoted MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, MMP12, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) production from HNECs, macrophages differentiated from THP‐1 cells, and polyp tissues, which was inhibited by the blocking antibody for Toll‐like receptor 4, but not advanced glycation end products. The expression of MMPs and VEGF‐A in tissues correlated with CIRP levels in nasal secretions in patients with CRSwNP. Conclusions: The upregulated production and release of CIRP from nasal epithelial cells and macrophages may contribute to the edema formation in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP by inducing MMP and VEGF‐A production from epithelial cells and macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper presents the development of a three‐dimensional discrete element model using flat‐joint and smooth‐joint contact models to investigate the effect of anisotropy on the tensile behaviour of slate, a transversely isotropic rock, under Brazilian testing from both macro and microscales. The effect of anisotropy is further realised by exploring the influence of foliation orientations (β and ψ) on the tensile strength, fracture pattern, microcracking and stress distribution of the transversely isotropic rock. The variation of tensile strength with foliation orientation is presented. The cross‐weak‐plane fracture growth observed in laboratory is reproduced, and the criterion for which to form is also given from the aspect of foliation orientation. Furthermore, the proportional variations of microcracks well account for the effects of foliation orientation on the tensile strength and failure pattern. Finally, it is found that the existence of weak planes increases both the heterogeneity and the anisotropy of stress distributions within the transversely isotropic rock, with the degree of influence varying with the foliation orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of genetic diversity increases the risk of extinction of a population through inbreeding depression. In addition, the number of deleterious genetic variations, which might accumulate in a small population through genetic drift, can also make the population vulnerable. Rhododendron boninense is a critically endangered azalea species, which grows on the Bonin Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its population size in the wild dropped to only a single individual. Although a governmental program for species conservation has been conducted, no successful natural regeneration or population growth was achieved. We hypothesized that the reduced genetic diversity and accumulated deleterious genetic variation might cause the vulnerability of the species, and conducted comparative genetic and genomic analyses between R. boninense and its congeners. Genetic analysis using microsatellite markers indicated that the genetic diversity of R. boninense was ultimately low; microsatellite loci of this species were all fixed, whereas the congeners maintain high allelic diversity. Based on comprehensive transcriptome analysis, the amount of deleterious variation of R. boninense was significantly greater than that of R. amanoi. Repeated generation transitions of the small population of R. boninense on the oceanic islands is likely to have resulted in low genetic diversity as well as more deleterious variations in the genome, and we speculated that the accumulated deleterious variation might result in vulnerability of R. boninense. This study indicates the possibility of evaluating the feasibility of effective conservation programs based on the genetic diversity and the amount of accumulated deleterious variation in the genome of critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifunctional catalysts based on polyoxometalate (POM) decorating chitosan nanofibers (H5PMo10V2O40/chitosan nanofibers, abbreviated as HPMoV/CS‐f), synthesized by using the electrospinning method, realized highly efficient oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF). Decorating chitosan nanofibers with POMs generated enhanced catalytic activity by merging their unique individual properties of redox ability, Brønsted acidity, basicity, and nanofiber structure with higher surface area. As a result, HPMoV/CS‐f(25) (with 25 representing the POM amount) was found to be the most active catalyst in the aerobic oxidation of HMF, resulting in 94.1 % DFF yield at 96.2 % conversion in DMSO at 120 °C for 6 h, whereas 56.2 % DFF yield at 95.0 % conversion was obtained in water at 140 °C for 8 h. Importantly, DFF could be produced in one pot in one step to give 61.9 and 31.4 % yield, respectively, directly from fructose and glucose under the reaction conditions of 140 °C, 6 h in DMSO, which was owing to the suitable balance of Brønsted acidity and basicity of the trifunctional HPMoV/CS‐f(25). Moreover, HPMoV/CS‐f showed good stability and ability to be reused at least ten times without leaching of the POMs from the chitosan nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In classic discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA), artificial springs must be employed to enforce the contact condition through the open‐close iteration. However, improper stiffness parameters might cause numerical problems. The main goal of this paper is to propose a new framework of DDA using second‐order cone programming. The complementarity relationship at contacts can be formulated directly; thus, artificial springs are avoided. Stemming from the equations of momentum conservation of each block, the governing equations of DDA can be cast as convex optimization problems. The basic variables in the formulations can be either block displacements or contact forces. The derived optimization problems can be reformulated into a standard second‐order cone programming program, which can be solved using standard efficient optimization solvers. The proposed approach is validated by a series of numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the design and synthesis of cesium-doped hydroxyapatite for direct and high-yield conversion of biobased lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione (72.3 %). Cs species derived from CsNO3 at high temperature of calcination is introduced into the hydroxyapatite structure to regulate its acid-base properties. It is found that a balance of acid-base chemistry favors the condensation of lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione. As a result, the undesired reactions such as lactic acid dehydration, decarbonylation, and coking are suppressed. Instead, a concerted catalysis between surface basic site and acidic site for lactic acid condensation to 2,3-pentanedione dominates on the cesium-doped hydroxyapatite catalyst, leading to a highly selective process for direct conversion of bio-lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of atopy to aeroallergens in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mucosal immunopathologic characteristics of CRSsNP with and without atopy to inhalant allergens. Methods Thirteen nonatopic CRSsNP patients, 9 atopic CRSsNP patients, and 11 nonatopic control subjects were enrolled in this study. The expression of type 1, 2, and 17 cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines for T cell subsets and granulocytes in sinonasal mucosa was detected using Bio-Plex suspension chip technology or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subjective symptoms were scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS), while disease severity on computed tomography (CT) was graded by the Lund-Mackay CT scoring system. Results There was no significant difference in VAS and CT scores between atopic and nonatopic CRSsNP. Compared with control, both atopic and nonatopic CRSsNP demonstrated increased interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels in sinonasal mucosa. In contrast, although no difference in interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-13 and eotaxin-1 expression, or mucosal eosinophil infiltration, was found between the control and whole CRSsNP group, atopic CRSsNP manifested an increased expression of IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin-1, as well as an enhanced infiltration of mucosal eosinophils in comparison with control and nonatopic CRSsNP. Mucosal eosinophil infiltration correlated with IL-5 and eotaxin-1 expression. No difference in IL-12, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-8, myeloperoxidase, 'regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted' (RANTES), or chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) protein expression was found among control, atopic CRSsNP, and nonatopic CRSsNP. Conclusion Atopic and nonatopic CRSsNP have distinct mucosal immunopathologic profiles. CRSsNP is a heterogeneous disorder consisting of multiple groups of biological subtypes, or 'endotypes,' which may argue for different therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive assessments of the cytotoxicity of nitrided iron, a promising bioabsorbable metallic material, were conducted using in vitro methods. Extracting and standing experiments were conducted to determine the factors influencing the precipitation of the extract during extraction and incubation. The MTT method, fluorescent staining, and direct contact method were used to explore the in vitro cytotoxicity of nitrided iron stent extracts, nitrided iron foils, and their bulk corrosion products. The extracting and standing experiments confirmed that the extraction medium and available oxygen are crucial for precipitation during the extraction and incubation processes. In the MTT test, the extract of nitrided iron stents with a high iron ion concentration (124.11 ± 7.55 μg/mL) was not cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts. Thus, the in vitro cytotoxicity of nitrided iron stents was actually caused by the size effect of corrosion particles and not the material itself. Test methodology for in vitro cytotoxicity of biodegradable iron-based materials was analyzed, and the results demonstrate that multiple methods should be combined for comprehensive evaluation of the cytocompatibility of bioabsorbable iron-based materials to get an impartial conclusion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 764-776, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pancreatic islet amyloid is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes. The major protein component of islet amyloid is the polypeptide hormone known as islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, or amylin). IAPP is stored with insulin in the β-cell secretory granules and is released in response to the stimuli that lead to insulin secretion. IAPP is normally soluble and is natively unfolded in its monomeric state, but forms islet amyloid in type 2 diabetes. Islet amyloid is not the cause of type 2 diabetes, but it leads to β-cell dysfunction and cell death, and contributes to the failure of islet cell transplantation. The mechanism of IAPP amyloid formation is not understood and the mechanisms of cytotoxicity are not fully defined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives/Hypothesis: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently been shown in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the biogenesis and function of which are modulated by miRNA machinery proteins. The expression of these proteins in inflammatory airway diseases is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miRNA machinery components in CRS. Study Design: Case-control experimental study. Methods: The mRNA expression levels of miRNA machinery components including Drosha, Dicer, protein activator of the interferon-induced protein kinase (PACT), human immunodeficiency virus transactivating response RNA-binding protein, fragile X mental retardation protein, and argonaute 2/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2C, 2 in nasal biopsies from control, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), eosinophilic, and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) subjects were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to examine the protein expression of PACT and the cellular source of PACT. Results: Among the tested components, only PACT mRNA expression was found to be altered in CRS, the levels of which were upregulated in CRSwNP as compared with control. In comparison with control and CRSsNP, PACT protein expression was also significantly upregulated in CRSwNP, with a further increase in eosinophilic CRSwNP. PACT was mainly expressed in CD138+ plasma cells. A higher percentage of PACT-positive plasma cells in total plasma cells was detected in eosinophilic CRSwNP than in noneosinophilic CRSwNP. PACT protein expression correlated with disease severity and eosinophil infiltration. Conclusions: PACT may be associated with the plasma cell function and eosinophilic inflammation in CRSwNP. However, further experimentation is needed to clarify the functions of PACT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polypeptide hormone Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP, amylin) is responsible for islet amyloid formation in type-2 diabetes and in islet cell transplants, where it may contribute to graft failure. Human IAPP is extremely amyloidogenic and fewer inhibitors of IAPP amyloid formation have been reported than for the Alzheimer's Aβ peptide or for α-synuclein. The ability of a set of hydroxyflavones to inhibit IAPP amyloid formation was tested. Fluorescence detected thioflavin-T-binding assays are the most popular methods for measuring the kinetics of amyloid formation and for screening potential inhibitors; however, we show that they can lead to false positives with hydroxyflavones. Several of the compounds inhibit thioflavin-T fluorescence, but not amyloid formation; a result which highlights the hazards of relying solely on thioflavin-T assays to screen potential inhibitors. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and right-angle light scattering show that Morin hydrate (2′,3,4′,5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone) inhibits amyloid formation by human IAPP and disaggregates preformed IAPP amyloid fibers. In contrast, Myricetin, Kaempferol, and Quercetin, which differ only in hydroxyl groups on the B-ring, are not effective inhibitors. Morin hydrate represents a new type of IAPP amyloid inhibitor and the results with the other compounds highlight the importance of the substitution pattern on the B-ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: Over half of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients in China show noneosinophilic inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to identify the predictors of eosinophilic CRSwNP. Study Design: A retrospective study. Methods: There were 155 CRSwNP patients enrolled in the Tongji cohort. Eosinophilic CRSwNP was diagnosed according to our previously published histologic criterion. The demographic and clinical features were compared between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Factors associated with eosinophilic CRSwNP were determined with regression analysis, and optimal cutoff points of the predictors were determined by a receiver operating characteristic curve. The optimal cutoff points of the predictors were validated in an independent group of 35 CRSwNP patients referred to as the Taizhou cohort. Results: A male preponderance, a higher prevalence of smoking and atopy, and higher peripheral blood eosinophil absolute count and percentage and blood IgE levels were found in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Peripheral eosinophil absolute count and percentage were independently and significantly associated with eosinophilic CRSwNP. An absolute blood eosinophil count ≥0.215 × 109/L yielded a sensitivity of 74.2% and a specificity of 86.5%, and a blood eosinophil percentage ≥3.05% yielded a sensitivity of 80.3% and a specificity of 75.3% for the diagnosis of eosinophilic CRSwNP in the Tongji cohort. The validation study in the Taizhou cohort revealed a lower sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP displayed significant differences in certain clinical features. Peripheral blood eosinophil count could distinguish eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypoxic response in vitro involves alterations in signaling proteins, including Src, STAT3 and AKT that are considered to be broadly pro-survival. The involvement of these signaling proteins in the hypoxic microenviroments that occur in solid tumors was investigated by the use of multicolor fluorescence image analysis to colocalize signaling proteins and regions of hypoxia in 4 human tumor xenografts, pancreatic carcinoma BxPC3 and PANC1 and cervical squamous cell carcinoma ME180 and SiHa. Expression levels of total Src protein (mean intensity × labeled region fraction) were higher in hypoxic regions, identified using the nitroimidazole probe EF5, relative to non-EF5 regions in all 4 tumor models. This was associated with higher levels of phosphorylated (p-) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article was to compare the effects of three different heating methods; water bath (WB), radio frequency (RF), microwave (MW), and their combinations (WB–RF, WB–MW, RF–MW) on reducing bacterial load, extending shelf‐life, and preserving quality (color, texture, peroxide value, and smell) of vacuum packed braised beef. The thermally processed samples were stored at 37°C, and the total number of bacterial colonies, pH, color, texture, and smell profiles was measured and analyzed. WB–RF heating was found to be the most suitable among these three methods and their combinations. WB–RF prolonged the shelf‐life of samples to the longest and also caused the least damage to color, texture, flavor, and caused least lipid oxidation. The WB–RF processed samples had similar sensory acceptability to that of untreated samples. Practical applications: Compared with high temperature and high pressure sterilization, flexible heating methods can be a feasible approach to not only guarantee a certain shelf‐life of the braised beef but also improve the sensory and nutritional quality of products thus increasing the acceptability to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title complex, [Cd(C13H8N5)2(C2H5OH)2], the Cd(II) cation is located on an inversion center and coordinated by two deprotonated 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1H-benzimid-azol-1-ide (L) ligands and two ethanol mol-ecules in a distorted N4O2 octa-hedral geometry. In the L ligand, the dihedral angle between benzoimidazole and benzotriazole ring systems is 10.8 (3)°. In the crystal, the complex mol-ecules are connected by O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds; inter-molecular π-π stacking is also observed [centroid-centroid distances of 3.668 (5) Å between triazole and benzene rings and 3.780 (5) Å between imidazole rings].

The whole mol-ecule of the title compound, C(20)H(18)N(4)O(4), is generated by an inversion center. The benzimidazole ring mean plane make a dihedral angle of 89.4 (8)° with the plane passing through the acetate group (COO). In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π-π inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.743 (3) Å] involving inversion-related benzimidazole groups.

In the title complex, [Ni(C₆H₆N₃O)(NCS)(C₆H₇N₃O)(H₂O)] or [Ni(mpko)(SCN)(mpkoH)(H₂O)] [where mpkoH = 1-(pyrazin-2-yl)ethanone oxime], the Ni(II) cation is in a slightly distorted octa-hedral geometry, being coordinated in the equatorial plane by four N atoms from two different mpkoH ligands, one of which is deprotonated, and by one N atom from a thio-cyanate anion and one O atom from a water mol-ecule in the axial positions. There is an intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond involving the oxime units of the two ligands. In the crystal, a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture is formed by O-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds.