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Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that may induce complications such as poor wound healing. Stem cell therapies have shown promise in treating diabetic wounds with pre‐clinical and clinical studies. However, little bibliometric analysis has been carried out on stem cells in the treatment of diabetic wounds. In this study, we retrieved relevant papers published from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2023, from Chinese and English databases. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the authors, institutions, and keywords by standard bibliometric indicators. Our analysis findings indicated that publications on stem cells in the treatment of diabetic wounds kept increasing. The most prolific author was Qian Cai (n = 7) and Mohammad Bayat (n = 16) in Chinese and English databases, respectively. Institutions distribution analysis showed that Chinese institutions conducted most publications, and the most prolific institution was the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (n = 9) and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (n = 17) in Chinese and English databases, respectively. The highest centrality keyword in Chinese and English databases was "wound healing" (0.54) and "in vitro" (0.13), respectively. There were 8 and 11 efficient and convincing keyword clusters produced by a log‐likelihood ratio in the Chinese and English databases, respectively. The strongest burst keyword was "exosome" (strength 3.57) and "endothelial progenitor cells" (strength 7.87) in the Chinese and English databases, respectively. These findings indicated a direction for future therapies and research on stem cells in the treatment of diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are a class of functional anionic clays that typically consist of orthorhombic arrays of metal hydroxides with anions sandwiched between the layers. Due to their unique properties, including high chemical stability, good biocompatibility, controlled drug loading, and enhanced drug bioavailability, LDHs have many potential applications in the medical field. Especially in the fields of bioimaging and tumor therapy. This paper reviews the research progress of LDHs and their nanocomposites in the field of tumor imaging and therapy. First, the structure and advantages of LDH are discussed. Then, several commonly used methods for the preparation of LDH are presented, including co‐precipitation, hydrothermal and ion exchange methods. Subsequently, recent advances in layered hydroxides and their nanocomposites for cancer imaging and therapy are highlighted. Finally, based on current research, we summaries the prospects and challenges of layered hydroxides and nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of new mesoporous hydroxyapatite (noted as mesoHA) with about 2.4 nm average porous diameter was successfully prepared by casting Ca2+ and H2PO4− ions on the inner channel surface of Si‐MCM‐41 and dissolving the Si‐MCM‐41 in alkali soluble, and the porous material was used as a pH‐responsive platform to adsorb and release ciprofloxacin molecules. A maximum mass of 0.51 mg of ciprofloxacin (noted as Cip) was loaded on 1.00 mg of the host, and the release rate of the drug was found increasing with the acidic increase of the external solution environment (based on the stability of mesoHA) that simulated basic composition to human plasma. About 88.5% of Cip was released from the platform when environmental pH value was about 4.8, which provides a new method on utilizing antibiotics drugs efficiently, for the host mesoHA is friendly to human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Intracavernosal pressure measurement is the gold standard for evaluating erectile function in experimental animals, but it has the shortcoming of being invasive. This study aimed to explore the application of laser speckle perfusion imaging in evaluating erectile function in rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation and model groups (n = 30 each). A rat model of neuroinjury erectile dysfunction was established by surgically damaging the bilateral cavernous nerves in the model group. Simulated surgery was performed in the sham operation group; the nerves were not damaged. Erectile function was evaluated by comparing the changes in intracavernosal pressure and blood flow fluctuations when the cavernous nerve was stimulated using the same voltage parameters. Intracavernosal pressure in the model group was significantly lower than that in the other group when using 2.5 V. No significant difference was found in cavernous blood flow fluctuation between the two groups when using 0.5 V. Cavernous blood flow fluctuation in the model group after 2.5 V, 5 V and 7.5 V stimulations was significantly lower than that in the sham operation group. Evaluating erectile function in rats is feasible by measuring the cavernous blood flow using laser speckle perfusion imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Advances of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Materials for Tumor Imaging and Therapy" explores the use of layered double hydroxides (LDH) and their nanocomposites in the field of cancer imaging and therapy. The article provides detailed information on the structures and fabrication methods of LDHs, as well as recent advancements in their application for cancer diagnosis and therapy. It also discusses the prospects and challenges associated with using layered hydroxides and nanocomposites in this context. The article is authored by Ke Ma, Ke-Zheng Chen, and Sheng-Lin Qiao. [Extracted from the article]

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related disorder that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. It seriously affects the health of maternity and the fetus. However, the pathogenesis of PE is still unknown. Decidualization deficiency is considered a contributing factor to the development of PE. CTP synthetase (CTPS) which is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the CTP de novo biosynthesis, is essential for nucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy metabolism, and often appears as cytoophidium in many cell types. Here, we found that the expression of CTPS was significantly downregulated in decidual tissues of patients with severe PE compared with healthy pregnant women. During in vitro decidualization, changes in CTPS were accompanied by opposite fluctuation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, the downregulation of CTPS by glutamine analogs or CTPS small interfering RNA inhibited the decidualization process and the AMPK signaling pathway. Investigating the underlying mechanism of action by co‐immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry showed that CTPS interacted with ATP synthase (ATPS) and maintained the content of ATP on Day 3 of decidualization. However, when combined with mitochondrial stress protein STRESS‐70 instead of ATPS, the concentration of ATP on Day 6 of induction was reduced. Corresponding to this, CTPS was mainly distributes in the cytoplasm on Day 3 of induction, while it appeared both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus on Day 6 in decidualized cells, which was similar to that in cells before induction. In summary, we believe that CTPS plays an important role in decidualization by participating in energy metabolism. Abnormal expression of CTPS in decidualization would lead to abnormal decidualization and consequently result in the occurrence of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO)‐based fluorescent DNA aptasensors are promising nanomaterials in bioassays owing to the fluorescent ultrasensitivity and target identification ability. However, their in vivo application remains an appealing yet significantly challenging task. In this contribution, for the first time, a nanomaterial for in vivo diagnosis and therapy of liver tumors is demonstrated. A DNA nanomaterial consisting of DNA tetrahedron and aptamers, aggregation‐induced emission luminogens, and antitumor drug doxorubicin, is fabricated and attached on the GO surface. This developed hybrid with good biocompatibility exhibits high selectivity to target liver cancer cells, and performs well in in vitro and in vivo liver tumor fluorescence imaging diagnosis and chemotherapy. Additionally, a GO‐based fluorescent DNA nanodevice is also constructed by using microfluidic chips for liver tumor cell screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites are promising semiconductor materials for a variety of device applications. However, fundamental issues of charge transport through multiple quantum wells separated by bulky organic ligands remain unsolved. Herein, a mixture of π‐conjugated organic ligands, (2‐(3‴,4′‐dimethyl‐[2,2′:5′,2′:5″,2‴‐quaterthiophen]‐5‐yl)ethan‐1‐ammonium iodide) (4Tm) and 2‐([2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)ethan‐1‐aminium iodide (2T), is used as spacer to form (4Tm)x(2T)2−xSnI4 2D perovskite thin films. The new strategy of alloying 2T into 4Tm ligands reduces the interlayer distance (barrier thickness) while maintaining the relatively small energy barrier height for the hybrid quantum wells, enhances interlayer interactions, and improves charge transport across adjacent perovskite layers. Moreover, solar cell devices fabricated with (4Tm)x(2T)2−xSnI4 exhibit improved photovoltaic properties and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WB2 powders were successfully prepared at 1000°C using NaCl–KCl salts as molten salts. Compared to the conventional solid‐state reaction, the introduction of NaCl–KCl salts decreased the synthesis temperature of WB2 phase, which was related to the faster diffusion rate of particles in the liquid state than in the solid‐state. The effect of reaction temperature, time, and the amount of molten salts on the synthesis of WB2 were studied in detail. The template formation mechanism was considered to have played an essential part in the synthesis process. Transmission electron microscope analysis showed that the as‐synthesized WB2 powders exhibited a hexagonal crystal structure. Furthermore, the oxidation protective performance of as‐synthesized WB2 powders was investigated by TG‐DSC measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Solid predominant lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) have distinct histopathological and clinical characteristics compared with nonsolid subtypes. A comprehensive comparison of altered genes found in solid and nonsolid subtypes has not previously been performed. In this study, we analyzed differences in gene expression, genetic mutations, and DNA methylation to better understand the risk factors for these two subtypes of LUAD. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially mutated genes (DMGs) were analyzed from RNA‐seq data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Broad Institute database. To understand the functional significance of molecular changes, we examined the DEGs and DMGs with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Results: A total of 184 patients in the TCGA cohort and 140 patients in the Broad Institute cohort were included in this study. We identified 75 DEGs, of which 15 were upregulated and 56 downregulated in the solid group relative to the nonsolid group. The DEGs were mainly involved in the regulation of water and fluid transport. We discovered 38 significantly differentially expressed genes that overlapped in the two groups. The DMGs were mainly enriched for pathways involved in cell–cell adhesion, cell adhesion, biological adhesion, and hemophilic cell adhesion. We additionally discovered nine significantly methylated genes between solid and nonsolid LUAD. Conclusions: Our study identified distinct DEGs, DMGs, and methylation genes for solid and nonsolid LUAD subtypes. These findings improve our understanding of the different carcinogenesis mechanisms in LUAD and will help to develop new therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) was controversial in non‐cervical esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to identify which stage of non‐cervical esophageal cancer would get benefit from NRT using propensity score matching (PSM) and survival analysis based on the Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: A selection process was used for case screening from the SEER database. Seven baseline variables were included in PSM. The survival analysis were based on T stage (T2 and T3) and status of lymph node involvement (N0 and N+) using Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test for comparing the overall survival of patient with NRT plus surgery versus those who with surgery alone (SA). Results: A total of 1631 cases were included in this study. After PSM, 225 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 606 cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) were enrolled in survival analysis. We found that only T3N+ stage of EAC would got survival benefit from NRT (P = 0.0052), while NRT showed no significant benefit in overall survival in other stages of EAC and ESCC. Conclusions: NRT followed by resection had a significant survival benefit in non‐cervical EAC patients with T3N+ stage. For patients with ESCC and other EAC stages, NRT versus SA did not demonstrate a statistical significant survival difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TMEM16A, also known as anoctamin 1, is a recently identified Ca2+-activated chloride channel and the first member of a 10-member TMEM16 family. TMEM16A dysfunction is implicated in many diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and cystic fibrosis. TMEM16A channels are well known to be dually regulated by voltage and Ca2+. In addition, recent studies have revealed that TMEM16A channels are regulated by many molecules such as calmodulin, protons, cholesterol, and phosphoinositides, and a diverse range of stimuli such as thermal and mechanical stimuli. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of TMEM16A is important to understand its physiological and pathological role. Recently, the crystal structure of a TMEM16 family member from the fungus Nectria haematococcaten (nhTMEM16) is discovered, and provides valuable information for studying the structure and function of TMEM16A. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of TMEM16A channels based on the crystal structure of nhTMEM16A and focus on the regulatory mechanisms of TMEM16A channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 707-716, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rifampicin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has neuroprotective, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of rifampicin on autoimmune disorders of the nervous system is not clear. In this study, we investigated whether rifampicin was beneficial to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide ( MOG33-35)-induced female C57 BL/6 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE) mice, the well-established animal model of multiple sclerosis. Rifampicin treatment (daily from the first day after EAE immunization) remarkably attenuated clinical signs and loss of body weight, which are associated with suppression of inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in spinal cords of EAE mice. Furthermore, rifampicin dramatically reduced the disruption of blood-brain barrier integrity, down-regulated serum concentration of IL-6 and IL-17A, inhibited pathological Th17 cell differentiation, and modulated the expression of p- STAT3 and p-p65. These results suggest that rifampicin is effective for attenuating the clinical severity of EAE mice, which may be related to its inhibitive ability in differentiation of Th17 cell and secretion of its key effector molecule IL-17A via regulation of excessive activation of the key signaling molecules of JAK/ STAT pathway. Our findings may be helpful for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies for multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of inorganic nanostructures have been used as photocatalysts for generating H2. To increase activity, Z-scheme photocatalytic systems have been implemented that use multiple types of photoactive materials and electron mediators. Optimal catalysis has previously been obtained by interfacing different materials through aggregation or epitaxial nucleation, all of which lowers the accessible active surface area. DNA has now been used as a structure-directing agent to organize TiO2 and CdS nanocrystals. A significant increase in H2 production compared to CdS or TiO2 alone was thus observed directly in solution with no sacrificial donors or applied bias. The inclusion of benzoquinone (BQ) equidistant between the TiO2 and CdS through DNA assembly further increased H2 production. While the use of a second quinone in conjunction with BQ showed no more improvement, its location within the Z-scheme was found to strongly influence catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of inorganic nanostructures have been used as photocatalysts for generating H2. To increase activity, Z-scheme photocatalytic systems have been implemented that use multiple types of photoactive materials and electron mediators. Optimal catalysis has previously been obtained by interfacing different materials through aggregation or epitaxial nucleation, all of which lowers the accessible active surface area. DNA has now been used as a structure-directing agent to organize TiO2 and CdS nanocrystals. A significant increase in H2 production compared to CdS or TiO2 alone was thus observed directly in solution with no sacrificial donors or applied bias. The inclusion of benzoquinone (BQ) equidistant between the TiO2 and CdS through DNA assembly further increased H2 production. While the use of a second quinone in conjunction with BQ showed no more improvement, its location within the Z-scheme was found to strongly influence catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Form Co xNi1- x hydroxides with different Co/Ni ratios were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method under mild conditions. The effects of Co/Ni ratio on the structure, morphology, and supercapacitive properties of α-form Co xNi1- x hydroxides were investigated in detail. α-Form Co xNi1- x hydroxides had structures similar to those of hydrotalcite and α-Co(OH)2, and they exhibited better electrochemical performance than α-Co(OH)2 on testing by XRD, FTIR, and electrochemical performance (when x ≠ 0). The highest specific capacitance at 1 A g-1 for α-form Co xNi1- x hydroxides (for x = 0.2) is 1696.7 F g-1. An asymmetric supercapacitor packaged with Co0.6Ni0.4 hydroxide and activated carbon as positive and negative material, respectively, had an energy density of 23.5 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 412.5 W kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanogens are known to inhabit not only the anaerobic bulk soil but also the rhizosphere of rice plants. The release of root exudates, a major carbon source for CH4 production in the rhizosphere, is closely coupled to plant photosynthesis. In the present study we hypothesized that the diel cycle of plant photosynthetic activity may shape the structure and function of methanogens in the rhizosphere of rice. We performed a field experiment to determine the diel dynamics of methanogen mcrA and their transcripts in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. The chemistry of NH4+, NO3−, SO42− and Fe( II) in the rice rhizosphere remained constant over a diel sampling. The mcrA copy number and their transcripts were greater in the rice rhizosphere compared with the bulk soil, indicating the enhanced activity of methanogens in the rhizosphere. The hydrogenotrophic Methanomicrobiales in particular increased in the rhizosphere whereas Methanosarcinaceae were more abundant in the bulk soil. Both the phylogenetic affiliation and copy numbers of methanogen mcrA in the rice rhizosphere did not display diel dynamics. The mcrA transcripts, however, significantly increased in the night compared with the daytime. The diel pattern of physical factors like temperature appeared not to affect the methanogen dynamics. The response of mcrA transcripts is probably due to the plant attributes, which release less O2 from roots in the night and hence stimulate the methanogen gene transcription and activity compared with the daytime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice variety is one of the key factors regulating methane (CH4) production and emission from the paddy fields. However, the relationships between rice varieties and populations of microorganisms involved in CH4 dynamics are poorly understood. Here we investigated CH4 dynamics and the composition and abundance of CH4-producing archaea and CH4-oxidizing bacteria in a Chinese rice field soil planted with three types of rice. Hybrid rice produced 50-60% more of shoot biomass than Indica and Japonica cultivars. However, the emission rate of CH4 was similar to Japonica and lower than Indica. Furthermore, the dissolved CH4 concentration in the rhizosphere of hybrid rice was markedly lower than Indica and Japonica cultivars. The rhizosphere soil of hybrid rice showed a similar CH4 production potential but a higher CH4 oxidation potential compared with the conventional varieties. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the archaeal 16S rRNA genes showed that the hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominated in the rhizosphere whereas acetoclastic methanogens mainly inhabited the bulk soil. The abundance of total archaea as determined by quantitative (real-time) PCR increased in the later stage of rice growth. However, rice variety did not significantly influence the structure and abundance of methanogenic archaea. The analysis of pmoA gene fragments (encoding the α-subunit of particulate methane monooxygenase) revealed that rice variety also did not influence the structure of methanotrophic proteobacteria, though variable effects of soil layer and sampling time were observed. However, the total copy number of pmoA genes in the rhizosphere of hybrid rice was approximately one order of magnitude greater than the two conventional cultivars. The results suggest that hybrid rice stimulates the growth of methanotrophs in the rice rhizosphere, and hence enhances CH4 oxidation which attenuates CH4 emissions from the paddy soil. Hybrid rice is becoming more and more popular in Asian countries. The present study demonstrated that planting of hybrid rice will not enhance CH4 emissions albeit a higher grain production than the conventional varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To test the hypothesis that declining fertility would affect the number of cesarean sections (c-sections) on maternal demand, but not medically indicated c-sections. Data Sources. The 1996–2004 National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for all singleton deliveries. Study Design. Retrospective population-based, longitudinal study. Estimation was performed using multinomial probit models. Principal Findings. Results revealed that declining fertility had a significant positive effect on the probability of having a c-section on maternal request but not medically indicated c-section. Conclusions. Our findings offer a precautionary note to countries experiencing a fertility decline. Policies to contain the rise of c-sections should understand the role of women's preferences, especially regarding cesarean deliveries on maternal request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various possible structures of adenine-uracil-formamide hydrogen-bond complexes were optimized at 6-311++G(d,p) level, and the binding energies of these complexes were also calculated at DFT B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. Eight stable cyclic structures being involved in the interaction are found on the potential energy surface. By analyzing the structure, NPA charge and interaction energy of complexes, we obtain the most stable geometry structure. The results show that the interactions between formamide and adenine-uracil (A-U) base pair affect the stabilities of the base pairs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion behavior of (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 and Ti3AlC2 in static oxygen‐saturated liquid lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 550°C and (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 in static oxygen‐depleted LBE at 500°C were investigated. In oxygen‐saturated corrosion, the loose and porous corrosion layer consisting of (PbTiO3 + TiO2) was generated on the surface of Ti3AlC2. In contrast, (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 formed the protective Cr2O3 layer with better corrosion resistance. Moreover, dissolution corrosion of (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 in oxygen‐depleted corrosion was intensified without a protective oxide film. And impurity phase TiC on the surface also caused the decomposition of matrix, thus impairing corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adebrelimab, a novel anti‐PD‐L1 antibody, has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China as an intravenous infusion for use in combination with carboplatin and etoposide as first‐line treatment for extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer in 2023. A two‐compartment model with empirical time‐varying CL for adebrelimab was established based on data from 263 patients receiving body weight‐based doses from two clinical studies. Significant covariate effects of baseline body weight, albumin levels, tumor size, neutrophil counts, and presence of anti‐drug antibodies were identified on CL of debrelimab, none of which were clinically significant or warranted dose adjustment. The degree of decrease in CL was higher in patients who responded to treatment with adebrelimab than in non‐responders. Adebrelimab exposures (AUC, Ctrough, or Cmax) were not identified as a statistically significant factor related to efficacy or safety endpoint in the exposure–response analysis. Distribution of simulated exposure metrics from the flat dose regimen (1200 mg q3w) was similar to the marketed weight‐based dosing regimen (20 mg/kg q3w), supporting the alternative flat dose regimen in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neck tumor located at the adventitia of the common carotid artery bifurcation. The prominent pathological features of CBT are high vascularization and abnormal proliferation. However, single‐cell transcriptome analysis of the microenvironment composition and molecular complexity in CBT has yet to be performed. In this study, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis on human CBT to define the cells that contribute to hypervascularization and chronic hyperplasia. Unbiased clustering analysis of transcriptional profiles identified 16 distinct cell populations including endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), neuron cells, macrophage cells, neutrophil cells, and T cells. Within the ECs population, we defined subsets with angiogenic capacity plus clear signs of later endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to normal ECs. Two populations of macrophages were detectable in CBT, macrophage1 showed enrichment in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) and as well as an early EPCs cell‐like population expressing CD14 and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition to HIF‐1‐related transcriptional protein expression, macrophages1 also display a neovasculogenesis‐promoting phenotype. SMCs included three populations showing platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta and vimentin expression, indicative of a cancer‐associated fibroblast phenotype. Finally, we identified three types of neuronal cells, including chief cells and sustentacular cells, and elucidated their distinct roles in the pathogenesis of CBT and abnormal proliferation of tumors. Overall, our study provided the first comprehensive characterization of the transcriptional landscape of CBT at scRNA‐seq profiles, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying its formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiota–gut–brain axis plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly anxious depression, and attracts more attention gradually. Zhi Zi Chi decoction (ZZCD) consisting of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis and Glycine max (L.) Merr, is a classic formula in clinic and widely applied in anxiety and depression treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms of regulating microbiota–gut–brain axis in the treatment of anxious depression by oral administration of ZZCD remain elusive. Materials and Methods: In this project, we clarified the origin and preparation methods of the Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis and Glycine max (L.) Merr and examined the chemical ingredients of ZZCD by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. Then, corticosterone combined with chronic restraint stress was applied to establish an anxious depression model. After treated with ZZCD standard decoction, based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 16S rRNA technology, high‐throughput sequencing, quantitative RT‐PCR and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), the multiple associations between nucleus accumbens and intestinal flora in anxious depression mice were determined to clarify the mechanism of ZZCD in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorder. Results: We found various substances with antidepressant and antianxiety properties in ZZCD such as rosiridin and oleanolic acid. ZZCD could alleviate depressive and anxiety behaviors in anxious depression mice via regulating the disturbance of gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the bioactive compounds of ZZCD might directly active on neurodevelopment and neuroimmune‐related genes. Furthermore, the secretion of prolactin and estrogen, and interfering with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways were mainly involved in the multi‐target therapeutic effects of ZZCD against anxiety and depression. Conclusions: These findings suggested that ZZCD exerts antidepressant effects pleiotropically through modulating the microbiota‐gut‐brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various antidepressants have introduced in clinical practice for pain management, but it is important to understand how to properly use them. We therefore performed a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to compare and rank the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for patients with chronic back pain. We identified eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and safety of antidepressants for chronic back pain from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, searching from inception to May 2023. Six categories of antidepressants for the treatment of chronic back pain were included, and the surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities was applied to rank the treatment strategies. Overall, we selected 19 RCTs recruiting 2903 patients for the meta‐analysis. Tricyclic antidepressants presented the best relative effects for relief in pain score (surface under the cumulative ranking, 84.4%). The results of pairwise comparison analyses found the use of serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) significantly reduced pain score and low disability score compared with placebo, irrespective of treatment duration. Noradrenaline–dopamine reuptake inhibitors (relative risk [RR], 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30‐6.03; P =.008) and SNRIs (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.27; P <.001) significantly increased the risk of adverse events. SNRIs were associated with an increased risk of withdrawal due to adverse events (RR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.64‐3.43; P <.001). This study found that antidepressants are more efficacious than placebos for treating chronic back pain, and tricyclic antidepressants are the most likely medications that lead to pain relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the efficacy and mechanisms of salidroside treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Forty male rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only) (S); BCNI (M); BCNI + rapamycin (M + rapamycin); and BCNI + salidroside (M + salidroside). Erectile function in the rats was measured by intracavernosal pressure. Penile tissue was harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, haematoxylin–eosin staining, TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and western blotting. The M group exhibited a decrease in erectile responses and increased apoptosis and fibrosis compared to these in the S group. Meanwhile, nerve content and the penile atrophy index were also decreased in the M group. Treatment with salidroside and rapamycin for 3 weeks partially restored erectile function and significantly attenuated corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, nerve content and penile atrophy in the M group. Moreover, the autophagy level was further enhanced in the M + salidroside group, which was the same as that in the positive observation group (M + rapamycin). Salidroside treatment not only improved erectile function in rats with BCNI, but also inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis and ameliorated the loss of nerve content and endothelial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by promoting protective autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air‐sea exchanges across oceanic fronts are critical in powering cloud formation, precipitation, and atmospheric storms. Oceanic submesoscale fronts of scales 1–10 km are characterized by strong sea surface temperature (SST) gradients. However, it remains elusive how submesoscale fronts affect the overlying atmosphere due to a lack of high‐resolution observations or models. Based on rare high‐resolution in situ observations in the Kuroshio Extension region, we quantify the air‐sea exchanges across an oceanic submesoscale front. The cross‐front SST and turbulent heat flux gradients reaches 2.4°C/km and 47 W/m2/km, respectively, far stronger than that typically found in mesoscale‐resolving products. The stronger SST gradient drives substantially stronger air‐sea fluxes and vertical mixing than mesoscale fronts, enhancing cloud formations. The intense air‐sea exchanges across submesoscale fronts are confirmed in idealized model simulations, but not resolved in mesoscale‐resolving climate models. Our finding provides essential knowledge for improving simulations of cloud formation, precipitation, and storms in climate models. Plain Language Summary: Oceanic fronts, characterized by large sea surface temperature (SST) gradients, are ubiquitous in the global ocean. Through intense heat and moisture release, these oceanic fronts induce large horizontal gradient of sea level pressure or increasing vertical mixing intensity in the lower atmosphere, are critical in powering cloud formation, precipitation, and atmospheric storms, but are sensitive to SST gradients. Oceanic submesoscale fronts of spatial scales 1–10 km are characterized by strong SST gradients. However, our knowledge of how the submesoscale fronts affect the overlying atmosphere is by and large void, due to a lack of high‐resolution observations or models. Here, based on high‐resolution in situ observations and model simulations, we show that submesoscale fronts drive much stronger air‐sea exchanges and vertical mixing as compared to mesoscale fronts, with significant implications for marine atmosphere boundary layer changes and cloud formations. Limited by the coarse resolution, the intense air‐sea exchanges across submesoscale fronts are not resolved in mesoscale‐resolving climate models. These results highlight the importance of submesoscale air‐sea interactions and call for a proper representation of submesoscale air‐sea exchanges in the next generation of climate models. Key Points: Observations show strong gradient in sea surface temperature and turbulent heat flux across a submesoscale oceanic frontSubmesoscale fronts drive substantially stronger air‐sea fluxes and vertical mixing than mesoscale frontsThe intense air‐sea exchanges across submesoscale fronts are not resolved in mesoscale‐resolving climate models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites have witnessed great success in green, red, and near‐infrared light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), yet blue LEDs still lag behind. Reducing undesired energetic disorders – broad n‐phases and halide segregation – is considered as the most critical strategy to further improve the performances. Here, the study reports a newly designed and synthesized di‐ammonium ligand with rigid π‐conjugated rings and additional methyl groups to construct Dion–Jacobson (DJ) structure. Augmented coordination from the extra ammonium site and increased effective bulkiness from methyl groups lead to better distribution control over conventional mono‐ammonium ligands. This enhances the radiative recombination of blue emissions in the film with homogeneous energy landscape and improved surface morphology, as evidenced by a series of imaging and mapping techniques. As a result, it demonstrates DJ perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) with peak external quantum efficiencies of ≈4% at 484 nm and ≈11% at 494 nm, which are among the top reported for pure DJ phase‐based PeLEDs in the corresponding wavelength regions. The results deepen the understanding of regulating energetic disorders in perovskite materials via molecular engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional filtering capacitors suffer from low volumetric energy density (Ev), which hinders their integration in miniaturized electronics and their high‐frequency response ability to alternating current (AC). Here, a supercapacitor based on a carbon nano‐onion (CNO)‐graphene hybrid structure concurrently possessing high Ev and ultrahigh rate capability is reported for AC filtering. The hybrid structure is synthesized on etched nickel foil using preformed monodispersed nanocrystals through a chemical vapor deposition method. The supercapacitor device shows capacitive behavior independent of voltage scan rate up to 5000 V s−1 in both aqueous and organic electrolytes, which represents a record high among the reported filtering capacitors to date. It also exhibits a high Ev of 14.9 F V2 cm−3 at 120 Hz and 28.8 mWh cm−3 at a current density of 0.25 mA cm−2. Moreover, the supercapacitor is capable of filtering AC with different waveforms at high frequencies into direct current. The hybrid structure holds promise for applications in compact filtering units. The ultrafast ion transportation performance is enabled by the highly positive surface curvature of CNOs, hierarchical interconnection of CNO particles, and the covalent interfacial bonding between CNOs and graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to statistics, abnormal regulation of lncRNAs pivotally influences multiple malignant tumours. DLEU2, as one of these lncRNAs, is detected to be related to growth and development of tumours. The molecular mechanisms of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma, however, are still unknown. QRT‐PCR was adopted to analyse the correlations of clinicopathological features and prognosis of osteosarcoma cases with DLEU2. The influences of DLEU2 on cell migration and viability were evaluated independently by experiments in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the specific binding of DLEU2 to miR‐337‐3p. Moreover, rescue experiments were carried out to further evaluate the regulatory association between miR‐337‐3p expression and DLEU2. In osteosarcoma tissues and cells, DLEU2 expression level was raised remarkably in comparison with that in para‐carcinoma normal tissues, and DLEU2 high expression had associations with poor prognosis, tumour stages, and TS of osteosarcoma cases. Cell migration ability and viability were blocked by DLEU2 knockdown but enhanced by ectopic DLEU2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, DLEU2 was found to sponge miR‐337‐3p and trigger the stimulating effect in osteosarcoma cells, which would be suppressed by miR‐337‐3p mimics. Furthermore, a negative correlation existed between miR‐337‐3p expression and DLEU2 in osteosarcoma tissues. This study manifests that DLEU2 sponges miR‐337‐3p to accelerate tumour growth and is confirmed to be a factor for poor prognosis of osteosarcoma cases. Significance of the Study: LncRNA DLEU2 has been reported to be dysregulated in many tumours; however, the functions and underlying mechanism of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma pathogenesis are still unknown. This study is the first to demonstrate the roles of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma and revealed that DLEU2 may serve as a ceRNA to sponge miR‐337‐3p and then promote the progression of osteosarcoma, providing a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary pure mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung (PMA) is a rare subtype. However, correlations between clinicopathological features and genetic phenotypes with survival have not been described comprehensively. Methods: Pure mucinous adenocarcinoma patient information collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (FDZSH), and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were extracted, evaluated, and compared with other lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) patient data. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed to explore the functional importance of underlying molecular changes. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated with the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis through Cox proportional hazard regression identified risk factors that predicted OS, and the results were used to construct a nomogram to predict OS for PMA patients. Results: Overall, 3622 patients, 41 patients, and 15 patients with PMA were identified from the SEER, FDZSH, and TCGA databases, respectively. There were 345 differentially expressed genes, 30 differentially mutated genes and 72 differentially methylated genes were identified between PMA and other LUAD samples. In the SEER database, PMA had a better prognosis compared to other LUAD. Compared with patients with other LUAD, patients with PMA exhibited unique clinicopathological features, including fewer grade III/IV tumors, less pleural invasion, more early‐stage cancer, and more lower lobe carcinomas. Multivariate analyses showed that age, race, T stage, N stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent risk factors. The nomogram had a calibration index of 0.724. Conclusions: Our research identified unique clinicopathological characteristics and genetic phenotypes for PMA and other LUAD. The nomogram accurately predicted OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azithromycin eye drops with a bioadhesive ocular drug‐delivery system can offer a simplified dosing regimen. In this study, we compared the pharmacokinetic properties and assessed the bioequivalence of a newly developed generic azithromycin eye drop with a branded formulation. This open‐label, single‐dose, randomized, crossover, sparse‐sampling ocular bioequivalence study was conducted on 48 healthy Chinese volunteers. Tear samples were collected for up to 36 hours, and each participant was randomly allocated to one of the prespecified sampling times. Tear drug concentrations were determined using a validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated via noncompartmental analysis. A nonparametric bootstrap method was used to obtain 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the ratios of the test and reference drugs. Tolerability was evaluated for adverse events (AEs). After bootstrapping (1000 iterations), the 90%CIs for the log‐transformed ratios of Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0–∞were within the acceptable bioequivalence range (80%–125%). No moderate‐to‐severe AEs were reported for either formulation. Bioequivalence was demonstrated between the two formulations. The sparse‐sampling design with the bootstrapping technique is promising for bioequivalence studies of topical ophthalmic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoboninones A-F (I)-(IV) possessing an interesting tetradecahydrobenzo[4,5]indeno[1,7a-c]furan backbone are isolated along with three known compounds, ganoboninketals A-C, from the fruiting bodies of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma boninense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of oral administration of magnesium‐L‐threonate, a novel magnesium compound, on the analgesic effect of opioids in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Eligible cancer patients who took opioids orally were assigned randomly to receive L‐TAMS capsules (1.5 g or 2.0 g according to weight) or a placebo (starch capsules). The primary outcome was the increase in the daily oral dose of morphine in each of the two groups, measured at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 days during this trial. Results: A total of 116 patients from the oncology and pain departments, including inpatients and outpatients, were screened; 83 were enrolled. The increases in daily morphine doses began to differ from day 30 (L‐TAMS group 9.85 mg/d vs. Placebo group 20.49 mg/d, p < 0.05); the differences persisted on day 60 (L‐TAMS group 15.96 mg/d vs. Placebo group 29.06 mg/d, p < 0.05) and on day 90 (L‐TAMS group 21.20 mg/d vs. Placebo group 40.44 mg/d, p < 0.01). Conclusions: L‐TAMS outperforms a placebo in enhancing the analgesic effect of opioids and reducing the necessary opioid dosage. Moreover, L‐TAMS can significantly relieve opioid‐induced constipation. These advantages may be beneficial to patients with advanced cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global biodiversity decline and its cascading effects through trophic interactions pose a severe threat to human society. Establishing the impacts of biodiversity decline requires a more thorough understanding of multi‐trophic interactions and, more specifically, the effects that loss of diversity in primary producers has on multi‐trophic community assembly.Within a synthetic conceptual framework for multi‐trophic beta‐diversity, we tested a series of hypotheses on neutral and niche‐based bottom‐up processes in assembling herbivore and carnivore communities in a subtropical forest using linear models, hieratical variance partitioning based on linear mixed‐effects models (LMMs) and simulation.We found that the observed taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional beta‐diversity of both herbivorous caterpillars and carnivorous spiders were significantly and positively related to tree dissimilarity. Linear models and variance partitioning for LMMs jointly suggested that as a result of bottom‐up effects, producer dissimilarities were predominant in structuring consumer dissimilarity, the strength of which highly depended on the trophic dependencies on producers, the diversity facet examined, and data quality. Importantly, linear models for standardized beta‐diversities against producer dissimilarities implied a transition between niche‐based processes such as environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, which supports the role of bottom‐up effect in determining consumer community assembly.These findings enrich our mechanistic understanding of the 'Diversity Begets Diversity' hypothesis and the complexity of higher‐trophic community assembly, which is fundamental for sustainable biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary breakdown from rigorous outbreeding to self‐fertilization frequently occurs in angiosperms. Since the pollinators are not necessary, self‐compatible populations often reduce investment in floral display characteristics and pollination reward. Primula forbesii is a biennial herb with distribution restricted to southwest China; it was initially a self‐incompatible distylous species, but after 20 years of artificial domestication, homostyly appeared. This change in style provides an ideal material to explore the time required for plant mating systems to adapt to new environmental changes and test whether flower attraction has reduced following transitions to selfing. We did a survey in wild populations of P. forbesii where its seeds were originally collected 20 years ago and recorded the floral morph frequencies and morphologies. The floral morphologies, self‐incompatibility, floral scent, and pollinator visitation between distyly and homostyly were compared in greenhouse. Floral morph frequencies of wild populations did not change, while the cultivated population was inclined to L‐morph and produced homostyly. Evidence from stigma papillae and pollen size supports the hypothesis that the homostyly possibly originated from mutations of large effect genes in distylous linkage region. Transitions to self‐compatible homostyly are accompanied by smaller corolla size, lower amounts of terpenoids, especially linalool and higher amounts of fatty acid derivatives. The main pollinators in the greenhouse were short‐tongued Apis cerana. However, homostyly had reduced visiting frequency. The mating system of P. forbesii changed rapidly in just about 20 years of domestication, and our findings confirm the hypothesis that the transition to selfing is accompanied by decreased flower attraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diterpene cyclases from bacteria and basidiomycete fungi are seldom studied. Here, we presented the identification and verification of EriG, a member of the UbiA superfamily, as the enzyme responsible for the cyclization of the cyathane skeleton in the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Genome mining using the EriG protein sequence as a probe led to the discovery of a new family of ubiquitous UbiA-related diterpene cyclases in bacteria and fungi. We successfully characterized seven new diterpene cyclases from bacteria or basidiomycete fungi with the help of an engineered Escherichia coli strain and determined the structures of their corresponding products. A new diterpene with an unusual skeleton was generated during this process. The discovery of this new family of diterpene cyclases provides new insight into the UbiA superfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diterpene cyclases from bacteria and basidiomycete fungi are seldom studied. Here, we presented the identification and verification of EriG, a member of the UbiA superfamily, as the enzyme responsible for the cyclization of the cyathane skeleton in the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Genome mining using the EriG protein sequence as a probe led to the discovery of a new family of ubiquitous UbiA-related diterpene cyclases in bacteria and fungi. We successfully characterized seven new diterpene cyclases from bacteria or basidiomycete fungi with the help of an engineered Escherichia coli strain and determined the structures of their corresponding products. A new diterpene with an unusual skeleton was generated during this process. The discovery of this new family of diterpene cyclases provides new insight into the UbiA superfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new spirobisnaphthalenes ( 1- 5), one new tetralone derivative ( 6), and six new lactones ( 7- 12) together with the known compound urnucratin C ( 13) have been isolated from the solid culture of the cup fungus Plectania sp. The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Compounds 1- 6 were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the cytotoxicities of 1- 13 were evaluated against the HepG2 and K562 cell lines by using the CCK8 assay. Compounds 1- 3 and 13 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 and K562 with IC50 values in the range 10.7-38.5 µ m. This is the first report of secondary metabolites from this cup fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze the causes of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in spinal osteoid osteoma, and to put forward solutions to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment efficacy in patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on patients with spinal osteoid osteoma in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 1983 to September 2019. All patients underwent surgery. The outcome measures were the extent of local pain, nocturnal pain, radicular symptoms of extremities after surgery, and reduction or disappearance of lesions on CT after surgery. Results: Thirty‐seven patients with spinal osteoid osteoma were recruited in the study. A total of 27% were female, and the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 21.3 (8.7) years. A total of 87.0% of patients presented with nocturnal pain, and 94.7% of patients were responsive to NSAIDS treatment. The mean (SD) time from the initial onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 14.7 (12.5) months. Only four of 37 (10.8%) patients were correctly diagnosed with spinal osteoid osteoma on the first visit to the local hospital. CT is associated with a higher diagnosis rate than X‐ray or MRI on the first visit. Surgical navigation was used in 88.9% of patients who underwent curettage resection, and in 10% of patients who underwent en bloc resection. A total of 37 of 37 patients (100%) reported relief of local pain and radicular symptoms of extremities after surgery, and no recurrence of tumors was found during follow‐ups. Conclusions: Spinal CTs are recommended to be performed if osteoid osteoma is suspected based on clinical manifestation, including nocturnal pain and responsiveness to NSAIDS treatment, to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of spinal osteoid osteoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiferroic Pb(Fe1/2V1/2)O3 (PFV) bulk ceramic was fabricated by a conventional ceramic sintering method. The strong visible-light photovoltaic effect in Sn-doped-In2O3(ITO)/PFV/ITO structure capacitor was observed. The open-circuit voltage was up to ∼0.7 V, which was much higher than the value (∼0.3 V) in BiFeO3 film. The photo-excited electric current is almost proportional to the incident light illumination intensity. The good visible-light photovoltaic makes PFV ceramic a potential candidate for practical application in solar cell devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of plasma modification on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/phenolphthalein polyaryletherketone composites. The influence of oxygen plasma treatment on the surface properties of carbon fibers was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results indicated that oxygen plasma treatment was capable of increasing the concentrations of the oxygen-containing groups of the carbon fiber surface as well as enhancing surface roughness. Both the chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking gave rise to an increase of the interlaminar shear strength of composite. Scanning electron microscope photographs showed that the destruction mode of composites was changed after the carbon fibers were treated by oxygen plasma. The results also indicated that the flexural properties of plasma-treated carbon fiber composites were improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (Ano1 channels) contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Honokiol is known to inhibit cell proliferation and tumour growth in colorectal cancer. However, the molecular target of honokiol remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether honokiol inhibited cell proliferation of colorectal cancer by targeting Ano1 channels. Experimental Approach Patch‐clamp techniques were performed to study the effect of honokiol on Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents in HEK293 cells overexpressing Ano1‐ or Ano2‐containing plasmids or in human colorectal carcinoma SW620 cells. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to identify the critical residues for honokiol‐induced Ano1 inhibition. Proliferation of SW620 cells or human intestinal epithelial NCM460 cells by CCK‐8 assays. Key Results: Honokiol blocked Ano1 currents in Ano1‐overexpressing HEK293 cells and SW620 cells. Honokiol more potently inhibited Ano1 currents than Ano2 currents. Three amino acids (R429, K430 and N435) were critical for honokiol‐induced Ano1 inhibition. The R429A/K430L/N435G mutation reduced the sensitivity of Ano1 to honokiol. Honokiol inhibited SW620 cell proliferation, and this effect was reduced by Ano1‐shRNAs. Furthermore, Ano1 overexpression promoted proliferation in NCM460 cells with low Ano1 endogenous expression and resulted in an increased sensitivity to honokiol. Overexpression of the R429A/K430L/N435G mutation reduced WT Ano1‐induced increase in the sensitivity of NCM460 cells to honokiol. Conclusion and Implications: We identified a new anticancer mechanism of honokiol, through the inhibition of cell proliferation, by targeting Ano1 Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of thermal stress on the antioxidant system was investigated in two invasive plants, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. and E. odoratum L. The former is sensitive to high temperature, whereas the latter is sensitive to low temperature. Our aim was to explore the relationship between the response of antioxidant enzymes and temperature in the two invasive weeds with different distribution patterns in China. Plants were transferred from glasshouse to growth chambers at a constant 25 °C for 1 week to acclimatize to the environment. For the heat treatments, temperature was increased stepwise to 30, 35, 38 and finally to 42 °C. For the cold treatments, temperature was decreased stepwise to 20, 15, 10 and finally to 5 °C. Plants were kept in the growth chambers for 24 h at each temperature step. In E. adenophorum, the coordinated increase of the activities of antioxidant enzymes was effective in protecting the plant from the accumulation of active oxygen species (AOS) at low temperature, but the activities of catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) were not accompanied by the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) during the heat treatments. As a result, the level of lipid peroxidation in E. adenophorum was higher under heat stress than under cold stress. In E. odoratum, however, the lesser degree of membrane damage, as indicated by low monodehydroascorbate content, and the coordinated increase of the oxygen. Detoxifying enzymes were observed in heat-treated plants, but the antioxidant enzymes were unable to operate in cold stress. This indicates that the plants have a higher capacity for scavenging oxygen radicals in heat stress than in cold stress. The different responses of antioxidant enzymes may be one of the possible mechanisms of the differences in temperature sensitivities of the two plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crofton weed is an invasive weed in southwestern China. The activities of several antioxidative enzymes involved in plant protection against oxidative stress were assayed to determine physiological aspects of the crofton weed that might render the plant vulnerable to environmental stress. Stresses imposed on crofton weed were heat (progressively increasing temperatures: 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, 38 °C and 42 °C at 24 h intervals), cold (progressively decreasing temperatures: 25 °C, 20 °C, 15 °C, 10 °C and 5 °C at 24 h intervals), and drought (without watering up to 4 days). The three stresses induced oxidative damage as evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation. The effect varied with the stress imposed and the length of exposure. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in response to all stresses but was not significantly different from the controls ( P < 0.05) when exposed to cold stress. Catalase (CAT) activity decreased in response to heat and drought stress but increased when exposed to cold conditions. Guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased in response to cold and drought but decreased in response to heat stress. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) responded differently to all three stresses. Monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) activity decreased in response to heat and drought, and slightly increased in response to the cold stress but was not significantly different from the controls ( P < 0.05). The activity of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) increased in response to all three stresses. Taken together, the co-ordinate increase of the oxygen-detoxifying enzymes might be more effective to protect crofton weed from the accumulation of oxygen radicals at low temperatures rather than at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects acquire microorganisms from host plants or soil, but it remains unclear how the diversity and functional composition of host plants contribute to structuring herbivore microbiomes. Within a controlled tree diversity setting, we used DNA metabarcoding of 16S rRNA to assess the contribution of Lepidoptera species and their local environment (particularly, tree diversity, host tree species, and leaf traits) to the composition of associated bacterial communities. In total, we obtained 7,909 bacterial OTUs from 634 caterpillar individuals comprising 146 species. Tree diversity was found to drive the diversity of caterpillar‐associated bacteria both directly and indirectly via effects on caterpillar communities, and tree diversity was a stronger predictor of bacterial diversity than diversity of caterpillars. Leaf toughness and dry matter content were important traits of the host plant determining bacterial species composition, while leaf calcium and potassium concentration influenced bacterial richness. Our study reveals previously unknown linkages between trees and their characteristics, herbivore insects, and their associated microbes, which contributes to developing a more nuanced understanding of functional dependencies between herbivores and their environment, and has implications for the consequences of plant diversity loss for trophic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Plasma‐exchange (PE) has improved survival in acute liver failure by ameliorating systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We evaluated PE and compared it to Fractional Plasma Separation and Adsorption (FPSA) and standard medical treatment (SMT) in a large multinational cohort of ACLF patients. Methods: Data were prospectively collected from the AARC database and analysed. Matching by propensity risk score (PRS) was performed. Competing risk survival analysis was done to identify deaths because of multiorgan failure (MOF). In a subset of 10 patients, we also evaluated the mechanistic basis of response to PE. Results: ACLF patients (n = 1866, mean age 44.3 ± 12.3 yrs, 93% males, 65% alcoholics) received either artificial liver support (ALS) (n = 162); [PE (n = 131), FPSA (n = 31)] or were continued on standard medical therapy (SMT) (n = 1704). In the PRS‐matched cohort (n = 208, [ALS‐119; PE‐94, FPSA‐25)], SMT‐89). ALS therapies were associated with a significantly higher resolution of SIRS (Odd's ratio 9.23,3.42‐24.8), lower and delayed development of MOF (Hazard ratio 7.1, 4.5‐11.1), and lower liver‐failure‐related deaths as compared to FPSA and SMT (P <.05). PE cleared inflammatory cytokines, damage‐associated molecular patterns, and endotoxin in all patients. Responders improved monocyte phagocytic function and mitochondrial respiration and increased the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) compared to non‐responders. PE was associated with lesser adverse effects as compared to FPSA. Conclusions: PE improves systemic inflammation and lowers the development of MOF in patients with ACLF. Plasma‐exchange provides significant survival benefit over FPSA and could be a preferred modality of liver support for ACLF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a promising supplementary method for forensic casework in short tandem repeats (STRs) genotyping, owing to several advantageous features in comparison to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, the application of MPS in casework requires accessible datasets from the worldwide population to enrich the allele frequencies of sequence‐based STR genotypes. Methods: In this study, we report the characterization of sequence‐based allele frequencies of 58 STRs from a Tibetan population comprising 120 unrelated individuals using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit. A concordance study evaluating MPS and CE allele data was performed to ensure that MPS is compatible with current CE‐based forensic databases. The diversity of observed alleles, allele frequencies, and forensic parameters per locus by length (LB), sequence without flanking region (RSB), and sequence with flanking region (FSB) were analyzed and compared. Results: The concordance study demonstrated a concordance rate exceeding 99%. The combined random match probability (RMP) for the 26 A‐STRs was 2.04 × 10–29, 1.93 × 10–31, and 9.56 × 10–33 for LB, RSB, and FSB, respectively. Similar trends were observed in other forensic parameters resulting from the increase in the number of unique alleles available. A total of 111 and 113 unique haplotypes in the Y‐STR loci were observed when using length‐based and sequence‐based alleles, respectively. In addition, we identified 35 novel alleles at 25 loci and 25 polymorphisms in the flanking regions at 17 STRs. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MPS‐ and CE‐derived alleles are compatible. MPS‐based analysis of the STR data substantially increased the allele diversity and improved the forensic parameters, which clearly demonstrated the advantages of MPS in comparison to CE. With more pooled data and larger‐scale validation, MPS could play a valuable role in forensic genetics and might be an additional tool for routine casework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 20-year-old man who was taken to a clinic because of uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). He had an increased IOP that had been detected seven years ago with the use of slit-lamp assisted biomicroscopy wherein it revealed a deep anterior chamber and a widely open anterior chamber angle at gonioscopy in both eyes. The patient's development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage may have his abnormally thick cornea or other cornea related factors.

Supercapacitors: Ultrahigh-Rate Supercapacitor Based on Carbon Nano-Onion/Graphene Hybrid Structure toward Compact Alternating Current Filter (Adv. Keywords: alternating current filters; carbon onions; supercapacitors; ultrahigh rate capability EN alternating current filters carbon onions supercapacitors ultrahigh rate capability 1 1 1 11/19/20 20201117 NES 201117 In article number 2002132, Chenguang Zhang and co-workers report on an ultrahigh-rate supercapacitor fabricated based on a carbon onion/graphene hybrid structure for high-performance alternating current line filtering. Alternating current filters, carbon onions, supercapacitors, ultrahigh rate capability. [Extracted from the article]