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Clinical diagnosis has high requirements for the resolution of medical images, but most existing medical images super‐ resolution (SR) methods are performed under a known or specific degradation kernel. However, the difference between the actual degradations and their assumed degradation kernels results in a severe performance drop for the advanced SR methods in real applications. This paper proposes a medical image blind super‐resolution model (Med‐BSR) based on an improved degradation process to handle this issue. The model makes each of the degradation factors in medical image blind SR, such as blur, noise, and downsampling, more complex and practical. Specifically, the authors use the random select/combine strategy to randomly arrange and combine the type and order of each degradation factor, which significantly expands the degradation space. The authors also improved the loss function of the primary enhanced super‐resolution generative adversarial networks (ESRGAN) network. The extensive experimental results demonstrate that the authors' designed model can accurately restore the natural degradation process, which can reconstruct high‐quality SR medical images. It also has a good generalization ability to realistic images simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with hypertension (pSS-HT) have a significantly increased risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Serum uric acid (SUA), a potential inflammatory substance, is considered to be closely related to hypertension in the general population. Our aim is to assess the association between SUA and pSS-HT. This is a retrospective cohort study. The diagnosis of pSS is based on the American European Consensus Classification criteria. Primary outcome was incident hypertension in pSS patients. Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of SUA in pSS-HT. The authors also plotted Kaplan-Meier plots to assess the cumulative risk of first hypertension in patients with hyperuricemia and normal uric acid. In addition, the dose-response curve was also used to discuss the relationship between SUA and pSS-HT. Finally, three hundred and fifty-one pSS patients were enrolled from May 2011 to May 2020, of which 166 cases developed hypertension within a mean follow-up of 3.91 years. Univariate Cox regression demonstrated that SUA was associated with the onset of hypertension in pSS (HR: 1.005 95%Cl: 1.002-1.009). After adjusting for the potential risk factors, the relationship remained unchanged (HR: 1.003, 95%Cl: 1.001-1.005). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a statistically significant difference of hypertension risk between hyperuricemia patients and normal uric acid patients (P = .026). There was also a significant dose-effect relationship between SUA and hypertension in pSS in dose-response model. In this study, the authors find that SUA may be closely associated with the development of hypertension in pSS, which is also confirmed by our dose-response model. Therefore, SUA could be considered in the management of pSS-HT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nanometre fiso interferometer to measure heterodyne interference signals at the same time for phase and phase element detection and phase‐locked frequency multiplication counting is employed here. After a certain logic mixing, a set of measurement results with a certain degree of redundancy can be obtained; the test results can be measured and resolved. The rate is better than 0.1 nm, and the measurement range is not limited by the λ/2 period, thus overcoming the previous problems that is the measurement range of the phase measurement method is limited to one period and the resolution of the phase‐locked frequency multiplication counting method is not easy to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, causing 782,000 deaths in 2018. Poor prognosis and lack of treatment are the reasons for the high mortality rate of HCC. In the current study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis, followed by a series of bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), aiming to unfold the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCC. In the comparative transcriptomic analysis of 10 pairs of HCC tumoral tissues and adjunct nontumoral tissues, we identified 115 common differentially expressed genes in HCC. The GO enrichment analysis of these genes highlighted alterations in the immune response, cell proliferation and DNA damage, energetic metabolism, cell–matrix adhesion, and filament assembly in HCC. In addition, the canonical pathway analysis of IPA further showed the importance of many cell‐signaling pathways involved in the carcinogenesis of HCC. The findings of this study provide a cluster of novel biomarkers and molecular therapeutic targets for HCC diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac involvement is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Hypertension, an important cardiovascular risk factor for the general population, has a crucial role in heart involvement. However, few studies have focused on the hypertension associated with IIMs. This study aimed to develop and assess the prediction model for incident hypertension in patients with IIMs. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 362 patients with IIMs, of whom 54 (14.9%) were given a diagnosis of new‐onset hypertension from January 2008 to December 2018. The predictors of hypertension in IIMs were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, multivariable logistic regression, and clinically relevance, and then these predictors were used to draw the nomogram. Discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the model were evaluated using the C‐index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis, respectively. The predicting model was validated by the bootstrapping validation. The nomogram mainly included predictors such as age, diabetes mellitus, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and smoking. This prediction model demonstrated good discrimination with a C‐index of 0.754 (95%CI, 0.684 to 0.824) and good calibration. The C‐index of internal validation was 0.728, and decision curve analysis demonstrated that this nomogram was clinically useful. Clinicians can use this prediction model to assess the risk of hypertension in IIMs patients, and early preventive measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of hypertension in high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential toxicity of haloacetic acids (HAAs), common disinfection by products (DBPs), has been widely studied; but their combined effects on freshwater green algae remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological interactions of HAA mixtures in the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata and predict the DBP mixture toxicities based on concentration addition, independent action, and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. The acute toxicities of 6 HAAs (iodoacetic acid [IAA], bromoacetic acid [BAA], chloroacetic acid [CAA], dichloroacetic acid [DCAA], trichloroacetic acid [TCAA], and tribromoacetic acid [TBAA]) and their 68 binary mixtures to the green algae were analyzed in 96‐well microplates. Results reveal that the rank order of the toxicity of individual HAAs is CAA > IAA ≈ BAA > TCAA > DCAA > TBAA. With concentration addition as the reference additive model, the mixture effects are synergetic in 47.1% and antagonistic in 25%, whereas the additive effects are only observed in 27.9% of the experiments. The main components that induce synergism are DCAA, IAA, and BAA; and CAA is the main component that causes antagonism. Prediction by concentration addition and independent action indicates that the 2 models fail to accurately predict 72% mixture toxicity at an effective concentration level of 50%. Modeling the mixtures by QSAR was established by statistically analyzing descriptors for the determination of the relationship between their chemical structures and the negative logarithm of the 50% effective concentration. The additive mixture toxicities are accurately predicted by the QSAR model based on 2 parameters, the octanol–water partition coefficient and the acid dissociation constant (pKa). The toxicities of synergetic mixtures can be interpreted with the total energy (ET) and pKa of the mixtures. Dipole moment and ET are the quantum descriptors that influence the antagonistic mixture toxicity. Therefore, in silico modeling may be a useful tool in predicting disinfection by‐product mixture toxicities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1431–1442. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) have attracted enormous interest thanks to their competitive power/energy densities and long‐duration lifespan. However, the sluggish insertion kinetics of battery‐type anodes seriously limits comprehensive performance of LICs. It is therefore imperative yet significant to develop advanced anodes with high‐rate Li+ intercalation. Herein, first the in‐plane assembled single‐crystalline orthorhombic Nb2O5 nanorods (T‐Nb2O5 NRs) are designed and constructed via efficient hydrothermal and subsequent annealing treatment by employing few‐layered Nb2CTx nanosheets as a niobium‐based precursor. The inherent formation mechanism of single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 NRs is tentatively proposed. When evaluated as anode material for LICs, the T‐Nb2O5 NRs are endowed with robust crystalline skeletons and high diffusion dynamics benefiting from their appealing structure merits, and they exhibit a high‐rate capacity of ≈147 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1. The lithium storage process of the resultant single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 is unveiled as well with in situ X‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the T‐Nb2O5 NR‐based LICs display a large energy density of ≈35.6 Wh kg−1 at 8 kW kg−1, along with exceptional capacity retention of ≈95% over 4000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. More significantly, the devised synthetic methodology and in‐depth insights here will stimulate extensive development of single‐crystalline T‐Nb2O5 NRs for next‐generation LICs and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nuclear‐cytoplasmic trafficking is crucial for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells due to the spatial separation of transcription and translation by the nuclear envelope. However, the mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown in plants.In this study, we isolated a maize (Zea mays) mutant designated developmentally delayed kernel 1 (ddk1), which exhibits delayed seed development and slower filling. Ddk1 encodes a plant‐specific protein known as Importin‐4 β, and its mutation results in reduced 80S monosomes and suppressed protein synthesis.Through our investigations, we found that DDK1 interacts with eIF1A proteins in vivo. However, in vitro experiments revealed that this interaction exhibits low affinity in the absence of RanGTP. Additionally, while the eIF1A protein primarily localizes to the cytoplasm in the wild‐type, it remains significantly retained within the nuclei of ddk1 mutants. These observations suggest that DDK1 functions as an exportin and collaborates with RanGTP to facilitate the nuclear export of eIF1A, consequently regulating endosperm development at the translational level.Importantly, both DDK1 and eIF1A are conserved among various plant species, implying the preservation of this regulatory module across diverse plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the three case studies related to 20-month-old baby girl who has referred to the hospital due to congenital hemolytic anemia, 10-month-old baby boy who being born by cesarean section as a term baby and second pregnancy, with the birth weight, and 6-month-old baby boy who being born by cesarean section as a term baby and first pregnancy. Topics include the most common cause of inherited nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common lethal cancers worldwide. To explore the potential prognosis‐associated microRNAs (miRNAs) for HCC patients, we performed integrated analyses on the miRNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. Genome‐wide overall survival (OS)‐ and progression‐free survival (PFS)‐associated miRNA screening were performed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A five‐miRNA expression signature (miR‐148a, miR‐3677‐3p, miR‐744*, miR‐210, and miR‐3613‐5p) was identified as an indicator for HCC OS (p < .0001; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.631). In addition, a seven‐miRNA expression signature (miR‐127‐5p, miR‐146a, miR‐152, miR‐193a‐3p, miR‐331‐5p, miR‐500a*, and miR‐550a*) was identified as a predictor for HCC PFS (p < .0001; HR = 2.608). This systematic analysis suggested that both the OS‐ and PFS‐associated signatures have better performance in HCC survival prediction than the conventional clinicopathological parameters. Further functional enrichment analysis of the corresponding genes targeted by these signature miRNAs revealed their biological significance in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our present study identified a five‐miRNA OS‐associated signature and a seven‐miRNA PFS‐associated signature as HCC prognostic biomarkers with potential clinical significance, which could enable the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is initiated by the attachment of conidia to plant surfaces. Germ tubes emerging from conidia develop melanized appressoria to physically penetrate the host surface. Previous studies revealed that appressorium development requires the breakdown of storage lipids and glycogen that occur in peroxisomes and the cytosol respectively, culminating in production of pyruvate. However, the downstream product(s) entering the mitochondria for further oxidation is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular basis underlying the metabolic flux towards the mitochondria associated with the infectious-related development in M. oryzae. We showed that D-lactate is a key intermediate metabolite of the mobilization of lipids and glycogen, and its oxidative conversion to pyruvate is catalysed by a mitochondrial D-lactate dehydrogenase MoDLD1. Deletion of MoDLD1 caused defects in conidiogenesis and appressorium formation, and subsequently the loss of fungal pathogenicity. Further analyses demonstrated that MoDLD1 activity is involved in the maintenance of redox homeostasis during conidial germination. Thus, MoDLD1 is a critical modulator that channels metabolite flow to the mitochondrion coupling cellular redox state, and contributes to development and virulence of M. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an effective ultra‐broadband absorber in long‐wavelength infrared is achieved by a metal‐insulator‐metasurface (MIM) stacked structure. This absorber exhibits an average absorption of 90% at wavelengths ranging from 8 to 14 µm and a maximum absorption rate of up to 97.1%. It is found that the performance is achieved by three mode combinations. The ultra‐broadband leveling absorber is to be polarization‐independent due to its geometrical symmetry. The absorption property can be controlled by the parameters of the triangle unit. It has great potential in many applications such as infrared detection and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinogalactan proteins ( AGPs) are highly glycosylated proteins that play pivotal roles in diverse developmental processes in plants. Type- II AG glycans, mostly O-linked to the hydroxyproline residues of the protein backbone, account for up to 95% w/w of the AGP, but their functions are still largely unclear. Cotton fibers are extremely elongated single-cell trichomes on the seed epidermis; however, little is known of the molecular basis governing the regulation of fiber cell development. Here, we characterized the role of a CAZy glycosyltransferase 31 ( GT31) family member, GhGalT1, in cotton fiber development. The fiber length of the transgenic cotton overexpressing GhGalT1 was shorter than that of the wild type, whereas in the GhGalT1-silenced lines there was a notable increase in fiber length compared with wild type. The carbohydrate moieties of AGPs were altered in fibers of GhGalT1 transgenic cotton. The galactose: arabinose ratio of AG glycans was higher in GhGalT1 overexpression fibers, but was lower in GhGalT1-silenced lines, compared with that in the wild type. Overexpression of GhGalT1 upregulates transcript levels of a broad range of cell wall-related genes, especially the fasciclin-like AGP ( FLA) backbone genes. An enzyme activity assay demonstrated that GhGalT1 is a β-1,3-galactosyltransferase (β-1,3-GalT) involved in biosynthesis of the β-1,3-galactan backbone of the type- II AG glycans of AGPs. We also show that GhGalT1 can form homo- and heterodimers with other cotton GT31 family members to facilitate AG glycan assembly of AGPs. Thus, our data demonstrate that GhGalT1 influences cotton fiber development via controlling the glycosylation of AGPs, especially FLAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are ubiquitous antioxidant proteins involved in many molecular processes to protect cells against oxidative damage. Here, we study the roles of Grxs in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii. We show that Grxs are localized in the mitochondria (Grx1), cytoplasm (Grx2), and apicoplast (Grx3, Grx4), while Grx5 had an undetectable level of expression. We generated Δgrx1‐5 mutants of T. gondii type I RH and type II Pru strains using CRISPR‐Cas9 system. No significant differences in the infectivity were detected between four Δgrx (grx2‐grx5) strains and their respective wild‐type (WT) strains in vitro or in vivo. Additionally, no differences were detected in the production of reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and sensitivity to external oxidative stimuli. Interestingly, RHΔgrx1 or PruΔgrx1 exhibited significant differences in all the investigated aspects compared to the other grx2‐grx5 mutant and WT strains. Transcriptome analysis suggests that deletion of grx1 altered the expression of genes involved in transport and metabolic pathways, signal transduction, translation, and obsolete oxidation–reduction process. The data support the conclusion that grx1 supports T. gondii resistance to oxidative killing and is essential for the parasite growth in cultured cells and pathogenicity in mice and that the active site CGFS motif was necessary for Grx1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), with its global distribution and extensive genetic diversity, is now known to be a complex of over 35 cryptic species. However, a satisfactory resolution of the systematics of this species complex is yet to be achieved. Here, we designed experiments to examine reproductive compatibility among species with different levels of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) divergence. The data show that putative species with mtCOI divergence of >8% between them consistently exhibited complete reproductive isolation. However, two of the putative species, Asia II 9 and Asia II 3, with mtCOI divergence of 4.47% between them, exhibited near complete reproductive compatibility in one direction of their cross, and partial reproductive compatibility in the other direction. Together with some recent reports on this topic from the literature, our data indicates that, while divergence in the mtCOI sequences provides a valid molecular marker for species delimitation in most clades, more genetic markers and more sophisticated molecular phylogeny will be required to achieve adequate delimitation of all species in this whitefly complex. While many attempts have been made to examine the reproductive compatibility among genetic groups of the B. tabaci complex, our study represents the first effort to conduct crossing experiments with putative species that were chosen with considerations of their genetic divergence. In light of the new data, we discuss the best strategy and protocols to conduct further molecular phylogenetic analysis and crossing trials, in order to reveal the overall pattern of reproductive incompatibility among species of this whitefly complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, effectively reduces plasma cholesterol, but its effect on atherosclerosis is unclear. Foam cell formation has been implicated as a key mediator during the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on foam cell formation and explore the underlying mechanism. The results presented here show that ezetimibe reduces atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE-/-) mice by lowering cholesterol levels. Treatment of macrophages with Chol:M β CD resulted in foam cell formation, which was concentration-dependently inhibited by the presence of ezetimibe. Mechanically, ezetimibe treatment downregulated the expression of CD36 and scavenger receptor class B1 ( SR-B1), but upregulated the expression of apoE and caveolin-1 in macrophage-derived foam cells, which kept consistent with our microarray results. Moreover, treatment with ezetimibe abrogated the increase of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase ( ERK) 1/2 and their nuclear accumulation in foam cells. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 attenuated the inhibitory effect of ezetimibe on the expression of p- ERK1/2 and caveolin-1. Taken together, these results showed that ezetimibe suppressed foam cell formation via the caveolin-1/ MAPK signalling pathway, suggesting that inhibition of foam cell formation might be a novel mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effect of ezetimibe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol accumulation is a critical step during the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recently, Wnt5a expression has been found to be markedly upregulated in both murine and human atherosclerotic lesions. However, the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of Wnt5a on cholesterol accumulation during atherosclerosis. We used RAW264.7 and vascular smooth muscle cells ( VSMC) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox LDL) as lipid-loaded cell models. We found that expression of Wnt5a protein was increased in a concentration (25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL)- and time (24, 48 and 72 h)-dependent manner by ox LDL treatment. To explore the underlying mechanism, we used Wnt5a short interference (si) RNA to knockdown Wnt5a expression in both RAW264.7 cells and VSMC, or applied recombinant Wnt5a (rWnt5a) to stimulate Wnt5a signalling. After Wnt5a knockdown, total cholesterol ( TC) and free cholesterol ( FC) content in both cell types increased significantly ( P < 0.05) upon exposure to ox LDL. Conversely, the TC and FC content decreased markedly ( P < 0.05) after treatment of cells with rWnt5a. More importantly, both protein and m RNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 ( ABCA1) was significantly reduced after exposure of wnt5a si RNA-treated cells to ox LDL, whereas rWnt5a treatment of cells resulted in increased Caveolin-1 and ABCA1 protein expression after exposure of cells to ox LDL. Together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that Wnt5a reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in lipid-loaded cells by regulating the mRNA expression of Caveolin-1 and ABCA1, which are involved in reverse cholesterol transport. This may present a novel mechanism of Wnt5a-mediated cholesterol transportation in macrophages and VSMC. Therefore, targeting the Wnt5a signalling pathway may have clinical implications in atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new CoII coordination polymers, [Co(L1)0.5(hip)] n ( 1) and [Co(L2)(mip) ·2H2O] n ( 2) [L1 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, L2 = 1,3-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-2-propanol, H2hip = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, H2mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid], were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D supramolecular network constructed with 2D (4,4) layer by O-H ···O hydrogen bonding. Complex 2 has 1D ladder-like chains, which are further assembled into a 3D supramolecular framework by π-π stacking interactions. In addition, fluorescence and catalytic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated in solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two metal-organic coordination polymers of CoII with the molecular formulae [Co(L1)(tp)(H2O)2] n ( 1) and [Co(L2)(tp) ·H2O] n ( 2) [L1 = 1, 4-bis(benzimidazole-1-ylmethyl)- benzene; L2 = 1, 1-(1, 4-butanediyl)bis(5, 6-dimethylbenzimidazole); tp = terephthalate] were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and elemental analysis. The structure determination of complex 1 reveals a 2D layer with (4, 4) topology, with CoII ions at the nodes connected through tp and L1 co-ligands. Complex 2 is the first example of a four-connected SrAl2 structure type ( sra, 42638 topology) with threefold interpenetration in CoII coordination frameworks, forming by bridging L2 and tp co-ligands. In addition, the fluorescence and catalytic performances of the complexes for the degradation of methyl orange were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative structure-retention relationship ( QSRR) models were developed for the retention indices of 505 frequently reported components of plant essential oils. Multiple linear regression was used to build QSRR models for the dimethyl silicone, dimethyl silicone with 5% phenyl groups, and polyethylene glycol stationary phases. We tried to improve the variable selection and modeling method based on prediction method for selecting the optimum descriptors from the molecular weight, 75 topological indices, and 170 atom-type E-state indices. The three-variable QSRR models perform high correlation coefficients of 0.937 for dimethyl silicone and 0.933 for dimethyl silicone with 5% phenyl groups stationary phase. Four variables were selected to developed QSRR model for the polyethylene glycol stationary phase. The leave-one-out and leave-many-out cross-validations, bootstrapping, and y-randomization test showed the three models are robust and have no chance correlation. The external validation with the test set showed the three models present high externally predictive power. The three models presented high-quality fit, internally, and externally predictive power. It is expected that the models can effectively predict retention indices of essential oils components without experimental value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated reset neuromodulation consists of the application of consecutive brief high-frequency pulse trains through the different contacts of the stimulation electrode. In theoretical studies, by achieving unlearning of abnormal connectivity between neurons, coordinated reset neuromodulation reduces pathological synchronization, a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease pathophysiology. Here we show that coordinated reset neuromodulation of the subthalamic nucleus has both acute and sustained long-lasting aftereffects on motor function in parkinsonian nonhuman primates. Long-lasting aftereffects were not observed with classical deep brain stimulation. These observations encourage further development of coordinated reset neuromodulation for treating motor symptoms in Parkinson disease patients. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:816-820 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two coordination polymers, [Ag2(pydca)(bbbi)2] n ( 1) and [Co2(pydca)2(bbbi)3] n · nH2O ( 2) [pydca = pyridine-2, 6-dicarboxylate, bbbi = 1, 1′-(1, 4-butylene)bis-1H-benzimidazole)] were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 features a one-dimensional helical chain structure bridged by bbbi ligand, and further assembled into a 2D supramolecular architecture through three kinds of intermolecular π-π stacking interactions. Compound 2 displays an undulated 2D (6, 3) layer structure, in which each [Co(pydca)] unit is connected by three bbbi bridge ligands. Moreover, 1 and 2 have a remarkable activity for degradation of methyl orange in a photo-assisted Fenton-like process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li LQ, Huang HL, Ping JL, Xu W, Li J, Dai LC. Expression of midkine and endoglin in breast carcinomas with different immunohistochemical profiles, APMIS 2010; 119: 103-110. The aim of this study was to investigate the midkine and endoglin expression in breast carcinomas with five different immunohistochemical profiles and their relevance to histopathologic and clinicopathologic features. We analyzed 161 archival tissues immunohistologically. The level of midkine expression in breast cancer significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001) and TNM staging (p = 0.003). High microvessel density (MVD) was associated with higher midkine reactivity group (p = 0.036). Although the basal-like subtype had higher midkine expression level and MVD, no significant difference with the other breast cancer subtypes was found. In conclusion, midkine was a promising target for tumor prognosis in clinical diagnosis and treatment. This study found no significant differences in tumor angiogenesis in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to explain the complexity of the Knops blood group system in the Chinese population. The Knops blood group system consists of antigens encoded by CR1 gene exon 29. A total of 281 individuals from the Han, Uigur, Tu, Lisu and Dong ethnic groups were studied. The coding region of the CR1 gene of 11 Han donors was analysed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. CR1 gene exon 29 in the 39 samples was analysed through genomic DNA sequencing. According to the sequencing result, a PCR-sequence-specific primers system was designed to screen the A4646G and A4870G alleles in the Chinese population. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed in the coding region of the CR1 gene in the Han population. Two SNPs (A4646G and A4870G) were detected in the CR1 gene exon 29. The 4646G allele was found only in the Uigur and Tu ethnic groups, in which the allele frequencies were 0·11 and 0·06, respectively. The frequencies of the 4870A allele in the Han, Uigur, Tu, Lisu and Dong ethnic groups were 0·82, 0·83, 0·82, 0·57 and 0·57, respectively. The CR1 gene in the Chinese people is more conservative than that in the Caucasian or African people. Different Chinese ethnic groups may have their own different CR1 gene characteristics. The existence of 4646G in the Uigur and Tu ethnic groups suggests that both may carry certain Caucasian characteristics in the CR1 gene. The frequency of 4870G in the Lisu and Dong ethnic groups implies possible incidence of evolutionary pressure similar to what the Africans had experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In adult mammals, CNS damage does not repair well spontaneously. The Nogo receptor (NgR) signaling pathway prevents axonal regrowth and promotes neuronal apoptosis. This pathway, and pathways like it, may be part of the reason why nerves do not regrow. A number of preclinical experiments inhibiting portions of the NgR pathway have yielded limited induction of nerve repair. Here, we developed a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down NgR expression. With the use of rat hippocampal slices in tissue culture, we induced neuronal damage similar to that of ischemia-reperfusion injury by exposing the cultured tissues to oxygen-glucose deprivation. We then assayed the effect of NgR knockdown in this model system. Adenovirally delivered NgR shRNA decreased NgR mRNA and protein expression. Thirty minutes of oxygen-glucose deprivation resulted in widespread tissue damage, including apoptosis and loss of neurite extension, 72 h after termination of oxygen-glucose deprivation. The NgR shRNA knockdown reduced, but did not eliminate, the effects of oxygen-glucose deprivation. Thus, NgR shRNA shows promise as a potential tool for the treatment of nerve damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma who initially presented with acute ascending weakness and sensory changes. Electrodiagnostic testing and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) studies were initially suggestive of a demyelinating polyneuropathy. Further clinical evaluation and testing were consistent with mononeuropathy multiplex. Autopsy revealed disseminated intravascular large-cell lymphoma. Intravascular large-cell lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a rapidly evolving neuropathy associated with other organ involvement. Muscle Nerve, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of an immune response to vaccination that reliably predicts protection from clinically significant infection, i.e. an immunological surrogate endpoint, is a primary goal of vaccine research. Using this problem of evaluating an immunological surrogate as an illustration, we describe a hierarchy of three criteria for a valid surrogate endpoint and statistical analysis frameworks for evaluating them. Based on a placebo-controlled vaccine efficacy trial, the first level entails assessing the correlation of an immune response with a study endpoint in the study groups, and the second level entails evaluating an immune response as a surrogate for the study endpoint that can be used for predicting vaccine efficacy for a setting similar to that of the vaccine trial. We show that baseline covariates, innovative study design, and a potential outcomes formulation can be helpful for this assessment. The third level entails validation of a surrogate endpoint via meta-analysis, where the goal is to evaluate how well the immune response can be used to predict vaccine efficacy for new settings (building bridges). A simulated vaccine trial and two example vaccine trials are presented, one supporting that certain anti-influenza antibody levels are an excellent surrogate for influenza illness and another supporting that certain anti-HIV antibody levels are not useful as a surrogate for HIV infection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background information. The DM (doublesex and male aberrant-3) genes implicated in sexual development in diverse metazoan organisms have been proved to be involved in development of non-gonadal tissues. The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize Dmrt3 (DM-related transcription factor 3) of zebrafish.Results. Zebrafish Dmrt3 has a conserved DMA domain, besides a common DM domain, which clustered it into the DMRTA subfamily. During embryogenesis, Dmrt3 expression increases gradually to a high level at pharyngula stage, which is restricted to the olfactory placode and the neural tube. In the juvenile zebrafish, the gene expression is first detected in undifferentiated gonad on 17 dpf (day post-fertilization). In adult, Dmrt3 is expressed only in the developing germ cells of both gonads, mainly in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and developing oocytes. The Dmrt3 has a functional NLS (nuclear localization signal) K41GHKR45within the DM domain, which ensures that Dmrt3 exerts its role in the nucleus. Moreover, EMSA (electrophoretic mobility-shift assay) indicates that the Dmrt3-derived DM polypeptide binds to similar sites of both targets of DSX (doublesex) and MAB-3 (male aberrant-3).Conclusion. These results suggest that as a DNA-binding protein, zebrafish Dmrt3 may function in the nucleus as a potential transcription factor to exert potential roles in the development of the olfactory placode, the neural tube and germ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRPML3 belongs to the TRPML subfamily of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. The A419P mutation in TRPML3 causes the varitint-waddler phenotype as a result of gain-of-function mutation (GOF). Regulation of the channels and the mechanism by which the A419P mutation leads to GOF are not known. We report here that TRPML3 is a Ca2+-permeable channel with a unique form of regulation by extracytosolic (luminal) H+ (H+e-cyto). Regulation by H+e-cyto is mediated by a string of three histidines (H252, H273, H283) in the large extracytosolic loop between transmembrane domains (TMD) 1 and 2. Each of the histidines has a unique role, whereby H252 and H273 retard access of H+e-cyto to the inhibitory H283. Notably, the H283A mutation has the same phenotype as A419P and locks the channel in an open state, whereas the H283R mutation inactivates the channel. Accordingly, A419P eliminates regulation of TRPML3 by H+e-cyto, and confers full activation to TRPML3(H283R). Activation of TRPML3 and regulation by H+e-cyto are altered by both the α-helix-destabilizing A419G and the α-helix-favouring A419M and A419K. These findings suggest that regulation of TRPML3 by H+e-cyto is due to an effect of the large extracytosolic loop on the orientation of fifth TMD and thus pore opening and show that the GOF of TRPML3(A419P) is due to disruption of this communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralogical studies show that fly ash–lime systems without NaOH produced Al-rich calcium silicate hydrates and a small amount of ettringite. The presence of NaOH accelerates the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash. Fly ash–lime systems with NaOH produced Al-rich calcium silicate hydrates, calcite, meixnerite, and NaX-type zeolite (or zeolite precursor) after 28 days of reaction time. Carbonation of alkali-activated fly ash–lime systems call for specific studies. The experimental work was supplemented with reaction path modeling, which provided a quantitative procedure to decipher the chemical nature of fly ash hydration and cementitious system formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background:: Voglibose is an α-glucosidase inhibitor used to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Although clinical concern has not yet been raised, hepatic dysfunction has been reported in a few patients taking this drug. Method:: In the present study, we studied the effects of voglibose on the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen (APAP) in rats, since both of these agents exert their effects through isoforms of cytochrome P450. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given a daily ration (20g) of powdered chow diet containing 0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0mg/100g of voglibose. Three weeks later, the rats were challenged with either 0.50g/kg CCl4 orally or 0.75g/kg APAP intraperitoneally for biochemical examinations or killed for an in vivo metabolism study. Results:: Voglibose at these three experimental doses potentiated CCl4 and APAP hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by significantly increased levels of both plasma asparate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminae (ALT). The glutathione (GSH) content was decreased while malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in the liver after CCl4 or APAP administration. Hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) concentration was increased at doses of 5.0 and 10.0mg/100g of voglibose and its activity increased in the three voglibose dosage groups, while hepatic cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) were only slightly changed at any dose. Conclusion:: Our study demonstrated that voglibose can potentiate CCl4 and APAP hepatotoxicity in rats by inducing hepatic CYP2E1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A UV multilevel partitioning method (UV-MLP) is developed to solve the volume-scattering problem. The method involves creating a rank table of transmitting and receiving block sizes and their separation. The table can be set up speedily using coarse-coarse sampling. For a specific scattering problem with given geometry, the scattering structure is partitioned into multilevel blocks. By looking up the rank in the predetermined table, the impedance matrix for a given transmitting and receiving block is expressed as a product of U and V matrices. We illustrate the method for 2D volume scattering by discrete scatterers. Multiple scattering is cast into the Foldy–Lax equations of partial waves. We show that UV decomposition can be applied directly to the impedance matrix of partial waves of higher order than the usual lowest-order Green's function. Numerical results are illustrated for randomly distributed cylinders that are one wavelength in diameter. For scattering by 1024 cylinders on a single PC processor with a 2.6-GHz CPU and 2-GB memory, only 14 CPU min are required to obtain the numerical solution. If subsectional volumetric discretization with the method of moments (MoM) is applied to this problem, the equivalent number of volumetric unknowns is 80,425. Furthermore, for 4096 cylinders that have 321,700 equivalent numbers of volumetric unknowns, it takes only 7.34 sec for one matrix-vector multiplication. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 41: 354–361, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20140 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McKenzie IFC, Li YQ, Xing PX, Dinatale I, Koulmanda M, Loveland BE, Sandrin MS. CD46 protects pig islets from antibody but not cell-mediated destruction in the mouse. Xenotransplantation 2003; 10: 615–621. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003 We have previously reported that islets present in cultured fetal pig pancreas (FPP) are resistant to destruction by Galα(1,3)Gal antibodies and complement, but are susceptible to the ‘secondary’ antibody response which occurs on transplanting pig islet tissue to Galo/o murine recipients. In a model of antibody-mediated graft rejection, we tested the resistance of porcine islets to antibody. Using FPP from human CD46 transgenic pigs, we now report that the complement regulator, CD46, affords protection from antibody-mediated rejection when mouse anti-pig serum (MAPS) was administered to scid mice bearing FPP grafts from either CD46 transgenic or normal pigs. Indeed, whereas normal pig islets were destroyed by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.1 to 0.2 ml of MAPS antibody, destruction of CD46-expressing transgenic islets required 0.5 ml, i.e. up to five times the amount. In contrast, there was no prolongation of the survival of CD46 transgenic mouse skin or heart major histocompatibility complex-compatible or -incompatible allografts – rejected by predominantly cellular immune mechanisms, as opposed to xenograft rejection. Although complement regulators have been examined for their protective role in hyperacute rejection of vascularized xenografts, it is clear that they also have protective effects in the later, antibody-mediated responses, but are unlikely to effect the inflammatory response in cell-mediated rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of a single-layered via through two parallel ground planes is studied. The problem is decomposed into the exterior problem and the interior problem. For each problem, the quasi-static solution, the full-wave solution, and the low-frequency solution are studied. The exterior solutions and the interior solutions are then combined to give the overall characteristics. Different combinations can be made. In solving the interior part with the quasi-static approach, the aperture of the via hole is replaced by the equivalent source. The Green's function between two PEC planes is used to form the surface integral equation, and the MoM is used to extract the capacitance. The extracted quasi-static results are compared with those from the low-frequency and full-wave solutions. It is shown that the capacitance from the full-wave approach is very weakly frequency dependent and compares well with that from the quasi-static approach at the frequency range of interest. The inductance of the interior part is found to be infinity with the magneto-static approach. Thus the quasi-static solution cannot be used for the interior problem to find the inductance. On the other hand, the inductance based on the full-wave solution is strongly frequency dependent. It is also shown in this article that the combination of the quasi-static solution for the exterior problem and the full wave for the interior problem gives good performance in terms of both accuracy and CPU requirements. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 35: 34–40, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10508 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma has a higher mortality rate than any other skin cancer, and its cases are increasing. The transcription factor YY1 has been proven to be involved in tumour progression; however, the role of YY1 in melanoma is not well understood. This study investigates how YY1 functions in melanoma progression, and it also elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved. We have found that in clinical human melanoma tissues, YY1 is overexpressed compared with YY1 expression in normal melanocytes and skin tissues. Cellular immunofluorescence shows that YY1 is mainly located in the nucleus. YY1 knockdown reduces proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of cells is significantly increased in low‐YY1 environments. The overexpression of YY1 resulted in decreased apoptotic rates in melanoma cells. YY1 also affects the expression of EMT‐related proteins. Additional experiments reveal that YY1 knockdown disrupts the interaction of MDM2–p53, and that it both stabilizes and increases p53 activity. The upregulation of p53 expression in turn stimulates p21 expression just as it suppresses CDK4 expression, which then induces cells that were arrested in the G1 phase. The effect then is to constrain cell proliferation in melanoma cells. Upon activation of the p53 pathway, Bax, a pro‐apoptotic protein, is upregulated, and Bcl‐2, an anti‐apoptotic protein, was downregulated in A375 cells. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the pathology of melanoma as well as the role that YY1 plays in tumour progression. The findings also suggest that targeting YY1 has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to examine the effects of echinacoside on cognitive impairment in mice after exposure to sevoflurane. To examine the role of FOXO1, si-FOXO1 and si-con were injected into the hippocampus through the left lateral cerebral ventricles. Sevoflurane-induced mice had serious cognitive dysfunction. However, pretreatment with echinacoside alleviated the cognitive dysfunction, as measured by a shortened escape latency time, and increased platform crossing times, the percentage of distance in the target quadrant and Y-maze spontaneous alternations. In addition, we found that echinacoside elevated FOXO1 expression in the hippocampus; increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins including Beclin 1, ATG5, ATG7, and LC3; and reduced P62 expression. Silencing of FOXO1 aggravated the cognitive deficits and reduced expression of the autophagy-related markers, whereas the effects of si-FOXO1 on memory were abrogated by echinacoside. Echinacoside attenuated the cognitive impairment in sevoflurane-induced mice through FOXO1-mediated autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic devices based on silicon waveguides are essential to versatile high‐performance and low‐cost photonic integrated systems. Extremely complex silicon photonic devices with hundreds or even thousands of degrees of freedom (DOF) are successfully designed and manufactured based on recent advances in data science and nanofabrication technology. At this level, conventional forward‐reasoning may no longer be suitable for designing high‐performance silicon photonic devices with novel functionalities since the light‐matter interaction is complex and non‐intuitive. Therefore, the timely development of sub‐wavelength silicon photonic devices that can precisely mold the flow of light is a critical and urgent issue requiring joint engineering and scientific efforts. In this paper, an inverse design strategy based on heuristic and gradient descendant algorithms, enabling the realization of large‐scale integrated devices is first introduced. Subsequently, the burgeoning deep learning technology, which offers a promising direction for the automation design of silicon photonics with a data‐driven approach, is discussed. Finally, the obstacles and prospects in this emerging research direction are revealed. Detail discussions from multiple perspectives are provided. This review aims to provide general guidance and a comprehensive reference for scientists developing photonic integrated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The slow lethality of fungal biopesticides to insects restrains their widespread application as a strategy of pest control. In this study, unary, binary and ternary transgenic Metarhizium robertsii were created by integrating genes that encode the scorpion neurotoxin BjαIT, the cuticle‐degrading protease Pr1A, and a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) that targets host gnbp3, individually or collectively under a constitutive promoter to enhance virulence. Compared with the parental wild type, all unary transgenic strains had increased virulence against four insect species, Tenebrio molitor, Locusta migratoria, Plutella xylostella and Galleria mellonella, whereas the binary transgenic strain expressing both pr1A and BjαIT had increased virulence to T. molitor and L. migratoria, with no change in virulence against P. xylostella and G. mellonella. Importantly, all ternary transgenic strains simultaneously expressing pr1A, BjαIT, and the dsRNA specific to host gnbp3 exhibited the highest increase in insect‐specific virulence. This finding highlights a novel strategy for genetic engineering of dsRNAs that target genes associated with the host immune response alongside virulence genes to maximize fungal virulence and lethality against insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P53 gene mutation is one of the important causes in tumors. p53‐MDM2 (murine double minute 2) inhibitors can interrupt p53‐dependent gene transcription activity, and inhibit p53‐mediated apoptosis, block p53‐MDM2/MDMx interaction, and significantly reduce DNA formation. In this article, we focused on the synthesis methods about nutlins and other p53 small molecule inhibitors, in order to find potential new structure for novel p53 small molecule inhibitor synthesizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Plant architecture, lodging resistance, and yield are closely associated with height. In this paper, we report the identification and characterization of two allelic EMS‐induced mutants of Zea mays, xyl‐1, and xyl‐2 that display dwarf phenotypes. The mutated gene, ZmXYL, encodes an α‐xylosidase which functions in releasing xylosyl residue from a β‐1,4‐linked glucan chain. Total α‐xylosidase activity in the two alleles is significantly decreased compared to wild‐type plants. Loss‐of‐function mutants of ZmXYL resulted in a decreased xylose content, an increased XXXG content in xyloglucan (XyG), and a reduced auxin content. We show that auxin has an antagonistic effect with XXXG in promoting cell divisions within mesocotyl tissue. xyl‐1 and xyl‐2 were less sensitive to IAA compared to B73. Based on our study, a model is proposed that places XXXG, an oligosaccharide derived from XyG and the substrate of ZmXYL, as having a negative impact on auxin homeostasis resulting in the dwarf phenotypes of the xyl mutants. Our results provide a insight into the roles of oligosaccharides released from plant cell walls as signals in mediating plant growth and development. Significance Statement: Our study is the first to probe the role of an α‐xylosidase, ZmXYL, in mediating maize growth via modulating auxin homeostasis. ZmXYL functions to cleave xylosyl residues from the XyG chain. Mutation of ZmXYL in xyl mutants results in an increased XXXG content embedded in XyG and a reduced sensitivity to auxin. Our findings suggest that auxin exhibits an antagonistic association with XXXG and that XXXG acts as a signal molecule to attenuate auxin biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluids released through the dehydration of serpentinite can be rich in Cl−, which enables the significant mobility of Cr in subduction zones. However, the Cr isotope behavior accompanying the mobility of Cr during serpentinite dehydration is still poorly constrained. Here, we report high‐precision Cr isotope data for a unique suite of serpentinites that represent metamorphic products at different depths in oceanic subduction zones. Low‐grade serpentinites affected by significant Cr loss during serpentinization exhibit remarkably higher δ53Cr, while samples with Cr contents >∼1,800 ppm typically preserve mantle‐like δ53Cr. Antigorite serpentinites have an average δ53Cr value of −0.17‰ ± 0.19‰ (n = 12, 2SD), which is statistically lower than those of low‐grade serpentinite (−0.05‰ ± 0.30‰, n = 80, 2SD) and higher‐grade chlorite harzburgite (−0.10‰ ± 0.27‰, n = 22, 2SD). This suggests that resolvable Cr isotope fractionation occurs during serpentinite dehydration, which is explained by the variability of Cr isotope behavior in the presence of Cl‐bearing fluids at different dehydration stages. No obvious Cr isotope fractionation was found during chlorite harzburgite dehydration, probably related to the limited Cr mobility in a Cl‐poor fluid. Other processes, such as melt extraction, external fluid influx and retrograde metamorphism, have negligible effects on the Cr isotope systematics of meta‐serpentinites. Fluids released by serpentinite dehydration may have a great effect on the Cr isotope heterogeneity of mantle wedge peridotites and arc magmas. Plain Language Summary: Serpentinite plays an important role in crust–mantle interaction and arc magmatism in oceanic subduction zones. Serpentinite‐derived fluids potentially mobilize Cr in the form of Cl complexes. However, there is limited information available about the Cr isotope compositions of subducted serpentinites, hindering the understanding of Cr isotope behavior during the dehydration of serpentinite. Here, we first report high‐precision Cr isotope data for a unique suite of (meta‐)serpentinite that encompasses low‐pressure oceanic serpentinite to metamorphic products of complete dehydration at great depth. Our results fill the gap in the Cr isotope composition of meta‐serpentinites metamorphosed under diverse P–T conditions in oceanic subduction zones. We found that there is variable and significant Cr isotope fractionation during prograde dehydration of serpentinites. Such serpentinite‐derived fluids may contribute to the Cr isotope heterogeneity of mantle wedge peridotites and arc magmas. Key Points: First high‐precision Cr isotope compositions on a unique suite of meta‐serpentinitesOceanic serpentinites with significant Cr loss tend to exhibit remarkably higher δ53CrSignificant Cr isotope fractionation occurs during prograde dehydration of serpentinites in subduction zones [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isorhynchophylline (IRN), an oxindole alkaloid isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla, elicited distinct antidepressant-like activity in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of IRN in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice and to illustrate its possible mechanisms of action. The mice were subjected to CUMS for 6 wk and administered with IRN (20 or 40 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage for 3 wk. The PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) inhibitors were used to determine the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3ß pathway in the antidepressant-like effects of IRN in the mice. The results showed that CUMS caused depression-like behaviors in the mice, such as behavioral despair by the forced swim test (FST) and anhedonia by the sucrose preference test. In addition, CUMS could significantly reduce the levels of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor but markedly increase the release of TNF-a and IL-6 in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the mice. Western blotting analysis showed that CUMS markedly suppressed the levels of phosphorylated GSK-3ß (Ser9) and phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) but significantly enhanced the translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytosol to nuclei in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the mice. CUMS could also significantly increase the NF-κB binding activity in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the mice, whereas IRN treatment could significantly reverse the behavioral and biochemical changes induced by CUMS in the mice. Moreover, the antidepressant-like effect of IRN was completely abolished by the PI3K/Akt inhibitor. Combination treatment with IRN and GSK-3ß inhibitors in the mice exerted a synergistic anti-immobility action in the FST. The results of mechanistic investigations indicated that the antidepressant-like action of IRN was mediated, at least in part, by enhancing neurotrophins and attenuating neuroinflammation via modulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3ß pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a nutritious legume with seeds rich in protein, minerals and an array of diverse specialized metabolites. The formation of a seed requires regulation and tight coordination of developmental programs to form the embryo, endosperm and seed coat compartments, which determines the structure and composition of mature seed and thus its end‐use quality. Understanding the molecular and cellular events and metabolic processes of seed development is essential for improving lentil yield and seed nutritional value. However, such information remains largely unknown, especially at the seed compartment level. In this study, we generated high‐resolution spatiotemporal gene expression profiles in lentil embryo, seed coat and whole seeds from fertilization through maturation. Apart from anatomic differences between the embryo and seed coat, comparative transcriptomics and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis revealed embryo‐ and seed coat‐specific genes and gene modules predominant in specific tissues and stages, which highlights distinct genetic programming. Furthermore, we investigated the dynamic profiles of flavonoid, isoflavone, phytic acid and saponin in seed compartments across seed development. Coupled with transcriptome data, we identified sets of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of these metabolites. The global view of the transcriptional and metabolic changes of lentil seed tissues throughout development provides a valuable resource for dissecting the genetic control of secondary metabolism and development of molecular tools for improving seed nutritional quality. Significance Statement: The transcriptome data provide a rich resource for functional studies on lentil seed development and for the identification of new regulatory networks. Given the close correspondence observed between changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the corresponding metabolite profiles , these data hold potential for supporting the identification of new targets for molecular breeding to improve lentil seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) by differing biomarkers are differentially associated with mortality or whether the associations differ by diabetes status remains unclear, especially in Chinese population. Methods: We included 6995 participants without diabetes (mean age: 60.4 years) and 1543 with diabetes (mean age: 61.8 years). Each eGFR measure was divided into normal (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), modestly declined (60 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) groups. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) of all‐cause mortality associated with each eGFR. Results: Over a follow‐up of 7 years, 677 and 215 deaths occurred among individuals without or with diabetes, respectively. Among those without diabetes, all measures of modestly declined eGFR were not associated with mortality, whereas CKD defined by eGFR cystatin C (eGFRcys) and eGFR creatinine (eGFRcr)‐cys (HRs were 1.71 and 1.55, respectively) but not by eGFRcr were associated with higher risk of mortality. Among diabetes, all measures of modestly declined eGFR (HRs: 1.53, 1.56, and 2.09 for eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr‐cys, respectively) and CKD (HRs: 2.57, 2.99, and 3.92 for eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr‐cys, respectively) were associated with higher risk of mortality. Regardless of diabetes status, an addition of eGFRcys or eGFRcr‐cys to traditional risk factors lead to a larger improvement in the prediction of all‐cause mortality risk than adding eGFRcr. Conclusions: The association of eGFR with mortality risk appeared to be varied by its measures and by diabetes status among middle‐aged and older Chinese, which needs to be considered in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, [Cu2Cl4(C12H10N2O)2], was synthesized by reacting phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime with CuCl2·2H2O in a basic medium. The organic ligand coordinates to the CuII ions through its N atoms, while the oxime O atom remains uncoordinated. The Cl- ions play two roles: one is a terminal ligand and the other is a bridging ligand, the bridge being formed through a crystallographic inversion centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: To investigate the efficacy of chitin biological absorbable catheters in a rat model of autologous nerve transplantation. Methods: A segment of sciatic nerve was removed to produce a sciatic nerve defect, and the sural nerve was cut from the ipsilateral leg and used as a graft to bridge the defect, with or without use of a chitin biological absorbable catheter surrounding the graft. The number and morphology of regenerating myelinated fibers, nerve conduction velocity, nerve function index, triceps surae muscle morphology, and sensory function were evaluated at 9 and 12 months after surgery. Results: All of the above parameters were improved in rats in which the nerve graft was bridged with chitin biological absorbable catheters compared with rats without catheters. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that use of chitin biological absorbable catheters to surround sural nerve grafts bridging sciatic nerve defects promotes recovery of structural, motor, and sensory function and improves muscle fiber morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming cell‐to‐module (CTM) efficiency losses is indispensable to realize large‐area high‐efficiency perovskite photovoltaic devices for commercialization. Laser scribing technology is used to fabricate perovskite modules, but it does not seem to solve the problem of high‐quality interconnection and high geometric filling factor (GFF), which are the prerequisites for overcoming CTM losses. In reality, what kind of laser technology is needed to fabricate high‐efficiency perovskite solar modules is still an open question. Herein, this work demonstrates that a nanosecond pulse laser is able to deliver a reduced heat‐affected zone due to the small thermal diffusion coefficient (Dt) of perovskite material, contributing to the accomplishment of a high GFF of up to 95.5%. In addition, the monolithic interconnection quality is improved by finely lifting off the capping layers on indium tin oxide and identifying the residue within the scribed area. As a result, a certified aperture area efficiency of 21.07% under standard 100 mW cm−2 AM1.5G illumination is achieved with a high photovoltaic fill factor exceeding 80%. The present study provides guidance in overcoming key CTM efficiency losses in perovskite photovoltaic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]