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Geometries and electronic properties associated with relative stabilities and energy gaps of porous (InP)12n (n = 1–12) nanoclusters (NCs) (nanowires and nanosheets) are systemically studied by density functional method. The relative stabilities of (InP)12n NCs through the calculated fragmentation energies and cluster‐binding energies are determined and discussed. Interestingly, the calculated energy gaps of (InP)12n nanowires and nanosheets are localized at regions of visible light energy ranges. (InP)12n are relatively wide‐band semiconductor solar energy nanomaterial. The calculated density of states reveals large‐sized porous (InP)12n nanosheets and nanowires with narrow pore size distribution and slight thickness and a large surface area manifest ultrahigh specific capacitance of trapping solar light energies and high light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiencies in solar energy absorption or conversion or photovoltaicsm. Particularly, (InP)12n NCs maintain their elemental properties of individual (InP)12 clusters in the energy gaps of (InP)12n (n > 4). NCs are almost independent of variable sizes. Specifically, the size‐dependent charge transfers of In atoms in (InP)12n NCs exhibit that ionic and covalent bonding exist in (InP)12n NCs and can stabilize (InP)12n NCs. Comparison with experiment results available is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a mammalian pro‐oxidant protease and it is closely related to severe infections and diverse inflammatory diseases. Rapid and sensitive measurement of MPO activity is essential for anticancer drug discovery and inflammatory research. Herein, we demonstrate the construction of an oxidative cleavage‐activated deoxyribozymes (DNAzyme) biosensor for rapid detection and cellular imaging of the MPO activity. When target MPO is present, the phosphorothioate (PS)‐modified hairpin probe is site‐specifically cleaved by MPO, releasing the intact Mg2+‐dependent DNAzyme sequences. Subsequently, the activated DNAzyme initiates the cyclic cleavage of the signal probe with the assistance of cofactor Mg2+, liberating large numbers of Cy5 molecules. This assay possesses the characteristics of easy operation, low sample consumption, without the requirements of expensive radiolabeling, antibodies, and nanomaterials. Especially, this assay can be performed in one pot under isothermal conditions (37°C) within 60 min. Due to the high efficiency of DNAzyme‐based cyclic cleavage reaction and the intrinsic advantages of single‐molecule detection, this assay achieves high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.74×10−3 ng μL−1. It can be applied to screen MPO inhibitors, measure cellular MPO activity at the single‐cell level, and image intracellular MPO in living cells, providing a powerful platform for early clinical diagnosis and drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in embryogenesis, nuclear export, transcription splicing, and protein translation control. Herein, we demonstrate a copper‐free click chemistry‐mediated assembly of single quantum dot (QD) nanosensor for accurately monitoring locus‐specific m6A in cancer cells. The m6A‐sensitive endoribonuclease MazF can digest the unmethylated A‐RNA, and the intact m6A‐RNA then hybridizes with DNA probes a and b to produce a sandwich hybrid, initiating the click chemistry to generate probe a–b ligation product via first tandem ligation detection reaction (LDR) cycle. Subsequently, DNA probes c and d can hybridize with the probe a–b ligation product to generate the probe c–d ligation product via second LDR cycle. Both LDR cycles can be repeated through denaturation and annealing reaction to generate abundant biotin‐/fluorophore‐modified probe c–d ligation products that can easily assemble on the QD surface to induce distinct fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between QD and Cy5. This assay can be homogenously performed without the involvement of copper catalyst, m6A‐specific antibody, radioactive labeling, ligase enzyme, enzymatic reverse transcription, and next‐generation sequencing. Moreover, it can discriminate even 0.01% m6A level in complex samples and accurately measure cellular m6A‐RNA expression, providing a promising avenue for clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in tau acetylation at K274 and K281 and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics have been observed in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Here, we constructed three types of tau plasmids, TauKQ (acetylated tau mutant, by mutating its K274/K281 into glutamine to mimic disease‐associated lysine acetylation), TauKR (non‐acetylated tau mutant, by mutating its K274/K281 into arginine), and TauWT (wild‐type human full‐length tau). By transfecting these tau plasmids in HEK293 cells, we found that TauWT and TauKR induced mitochondrial fusion by increasing the level of mitochondrial fusion proteins. Conversely, TauKQ induced mitochondrial fission by reducing mitochondrial fusion proteins, exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. BGP‐15 ameliorated TauKQ‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by improving mitochondrial dynamics. Our findings suggest that acetylation of K274/281 represents an important post‐translational modification site regulating mitochondrial dynamics, and that BGP‐15 holds potential as a therapeutic agent for mitochondria‐associated diseases such as AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in embryogenesis, nuclear export, transcription splicing, and protein translation control. Herein, we demonstrate a copper‐free click chemistry‐mediated assembly of single quantum dot (QD) nanosensor for accurately monitoring locus‐specific m6A in cancer cells. The m6A‐sensitive endoribonuclease MazF can digest the unmethylated A‐RNA, and the intact m6A‐RNA then hybridizes with DNA probes a and b to produce a sandwich hybrid, initiating the click chemistry to generate probe a–b ligation product via first tandem ligation detection reaction (LDR) cycle. Subsequently, DNA probes c and d can hybridize with the probe a–b ligation product to generate the probe c–d ligation product via second LDR cycle. Both LDR cycles can be repeated through denaturation and annealing reaction to generate abundant biotin‐/fluorophore‐modified probe c–d ligation products that can easily assemble on the QD surface to induce distinct fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between QD and Cy5. This assay can be homogenously performed without the involvement of copper catalyst, m6A‐specific antibody, radioactive labeling, ligase enzyme, enzymatic reverse transcription, and next‐generation sequencing. Moreover, it can discriminate even 0.01% m6A level in complex samples and accurately measure cellular m6A‐RNA expression, providing a promising avenue for clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carassius auratus complex formula (CACF) is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its antidiabetic effects. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, and there are currently no effective therapies for advanced HCC. This study explores the comprehensive effects and possible mechanisms of CACF on HCC. The results show that CACF reduces the viability of hepatoma cells in vitro, while benefiting normal hepatocytes. In addition, CACF inhibits hepatoma cell growth in a zebrafish xenotransplantation model and decreases lipid accumulation, represses inflammation and cell proliferation markers in fatty acid translocase (CD36) transgenic zebrafish, and inhibits the expression of cell proliferation and β‐catenin downstream targets in telomerase (tert) transgenic zebrafish models. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis reveals that CACF exerts multiple functions, including reduction of inflammation and inhibition of lipid transporter and PPAR signaling pathway. Surprisingly, CACF also regulates the expression of genes and reduces coronavirus infection and pathogenesis in a zebrafish model. CACF treatment is validated to regulate the expression of genes for anti‐coronavirus activity. Mechanistically, CACF stabilizes G‐quadruplex and reduces cell senescence associated β‐galactosidase activity. In summary, CACF may be a promising therapeutic agent with multiple functions including anticancer, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐microorganisms in a zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total dislocation of the talus from all its surrounding joints (talonavicular, tibiotalar, subtalar) is one kind of serious injury of the lower extremity with rare occurrence. It is usually accompanied by fractures of the talus and its periphery, as well as severe soft tissue injury, which is difficult to reset. Complications such as skin necrosis and infection are prone to occur in the early stage, and talus necrosis are prone to occur in the late stage, all of which aggravate disease severity and increase difficulties for its treatment. Case Presentation: Herein, we reported a case of right talus total dislocation accompanied by medial malleolus fracture and posterior tubercle fracture caused by traffic accident. One hour after injury, the doctor tried to perform manual reduction but failed. Then, we successfully performed manual reduction and plaster external fixation on this patient under anesthesia 6 h after injury, followed by the oral administration of Chinese medicine for 3 months. Twenty months of follow‐up investigations revealed that no skin necrosis, talus dislocation, talus necrosis, or other complications occurred; no obvious joint degeneration was observed and the fractures of medial malleolus and talus healed well. MRI of ankle joint indicated the disappearance of ankle effusion caused by injury, and the bone marrow edema had also subsided at talus, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus and calcaneus. Patient presented with no ligament relaxation, ankle instability, pain, swelling, or functional limitation of the injured limb. AOFAS score reached 100. Daily functions and recreation activities were recovered back to the normal level. Conclusion: For patients with closed total dislocation of the talus, fine therapeutic effects can be achieved by early closed manual reduction and plaster external fixation under anesthesia, in combination with oral Chinese herbal medicine afterwards. It is worthy of reference for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is one of the definite factors leading to the occurrence and development of tumors, including prostate cancer (PCa). The androgen receptor (AR) pathway is essential for PCa tumorigenesis and inflammatory response. However, little is known about the AR‐regulated NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in human PCa. In this study, we explored the expression of inflammatory cytokine and AR in high‐grade PCa and observed that NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated genes were upregulated in high‐grade PCa compared with that in low‐grade PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia and were associated with AR expression. In addition, we identified circAR‐3—a circRNA derived from the AR gene—which is involved in the AR‐regulated inflammatory response and cell proliferation by activating the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. While circAR‐3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and the inflammatory response, its depletion induced opposite effects. Mechanistically, we noted that circAR‐3 mediated the acetylation modification of NLRP3 by KAT2B and then promoted NLRP3 inflammasome complex subcellular distribution and assembly. Disturbing NLRP3 acetylation or blocking inflammasome assembly with an inhibitor suppressed the progression of PCa xenograft tumors. Our findings provide the first evidence that targeting NLRP3 acetylation or inflammasome assembly may be effective in inhibiting PCa progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: To suggest a strategy for transoral removal of hilar and intraparenchymal submandibular stones.Study Design: Retrospective case series.Methods: Retrospective evaluation was performed for 514 consecutive patients with hilar and intraparenchymal submandibular stones treated via endoscopy-assisted surgery from January 2006 to June 2018. Three patients had bilateral stones. The stones were classified as: hilar (type I), posthilar (type II), intraparenchymal (type III), and multiple stones (type IV).Results: The affected glands included 311 with type I, 84 with type II, 65 with type III, and 57 with type IV stones. Stones were successfully removed in 478 glands (92.5%, 478/517). Main treatment techniques included hilum ductotomy in 311 glands, intraparenchymal ductotomy in 68, submandibulotomy in 14, intraductal retrieval in 74, and hilum ductotomy accompanied by intraductal retrieval in 11. At a mean 40-months follow-up of 478 successful cases, clinical outcomes were good in 425, fair in 27, and poor in 26 glands. Postoperative sialograms in 75 stone-free patients were categorized as: type I, normal (n = 6); type II, ectasia or stenosis in the main duct and no persistent contrast on functional films (n = 44); type III, ectasia or stenosis in the main duct and mild contrast retention (n = 15); and type IV, poor shape of the main duct and evident contrast retention (n = 10). Postoperative sialometry of 32 patients revealed no significant differences of the gland function between the two sides.Conclusions: Appropriate use of various endoscopy-assisted approaches helps preserve the gland and facilitates recovery of gland function in patients with different depths of hilo-parenchymal submandibular stones.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:2360-2365, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a new method to restore hip rotation center exactly and rapidly in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the assistance of three dimensional (3D) printing technology and evaluate its clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: From March 2014 to July 2018, a total of 17 patients (five hips of four men and 16 hips of 13 women) with end‐stage osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip who underwent THA were analyzed and followed up retrospectively. The average age is 58.00 ± 8.12 years (range from 45 to 71 years). Simulated operations were performed on 3D printed hip models for preoperative planning. The morphology of Harris fossa and acetabular notches were recognized and restored to locate the acetabular center. The size of bone defect was measured by the bone wax method. The agreement on the size of acetabular cup and bone defect between simulated operations and actual operations were analyzed. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to evaluate the recovery of hip joint function. The vertical distance and horizontal distance of the rotation center on the pelvis plain radiograph were measured, which were used to assess the efficacy of restoring hip rotation center and acetabular cup migration. Results: The mean sizes of bone defect in simulated operations and THA were 4.58 ± 2.47 cm2 and 4.55 ± 2.57 cm2 respectively. There was no significant difference statistically between the sizes of bone defect in simulated operations and the actual sizes of bone defect in THA (t = 0.03, P = 0.97). The sizes of the acetabular cup of simulated operations on 3D print models showed a high rate of coincidence with the actual sizes in the operations (ICC = 0.93). All 17 patients were available for clinical and radiological follow‐up. The average follow‐up time was 18.35 ± 6.86 months (range, 12–36 months. The average HHS of the patients was improved from (38.33 ± 6.07) preoperatively to the last follow‐up (88.61 ± 3.44) postoperatively. The mean vertical and horizontal distances of hip rotation center on the pelvic radiographs were restored to 15.12 ± 1.25 mm and 32.49 ± 2.83 mm respectively. No case presented dislocation or radiological signs of loosening until last follow‐up. Conclusions: The application of 3D printing technology facilitates orthopedists to recognize the morphology of Harris fossa and acetabular notches, locate the acetabular center and restore the hip rotation center rapidly and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: To explore the clinically feasible diagnosis criteria and treatment outcomes of allergy‐related sialodochitis (ARS). Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study. Methods: Ninety‐six consecutive patients were enrolled by the following criteria: 1) recurrent swelling of ≥2 large salivary glands that lasted for ≥3 months; 2) with mucus plug exudations; 3) with atopic diseases; 4) ductal stenosis and/or ectasia. Sixty‐four patients with elevation of peripheral blood eosinophil (PBE) and/or serum IgE level comprised group A (highly‐suspected ARS group), while the remaining 32 comprised group B (patients without confirmed evidence of ARS). These patients were treated with interventional endoscopy. A chronic obstructive sialadenitis symptom (COSS) questionnaire was used to quantify the treatment outcomes. Results: In group A, Serum IgE was elevated in 84.4% of patients and PBE was elevated in 34.4% of patients. Percentage of submandibular gland involvement was higher in group A than group B (48.4% vs. 18.8%). On sialograms, the snowflake changes of branch ducts were seen in higher percentage of group A compared with group B (59% vs. 35% for parotid glands, 27% vs. 8% for submandibular glands, respectively). Mucus plug smears showed abundant eosinophils in 14 group A patients. Biopsy of five group A patients revealed significant eosinophil infiltration around the main and interlobular ducts. During follow‐up, the COSS scores were significantly decreased in both groups, and group B was improved better than group A. Conclusion: PBE and serum IgE are important diagnostic indexes of ARS. Mucus plug smear or histopathology verifies the diagnosis. Interventional endoscopy is helpful for ARS cases. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2030–2035, 2021 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a very practical QuEChERS-GC-MS/MS analytical approach for 74 pesticide residues in herb based on retention index was established. This novel analytical approach has two important technical advantages. One advantage is to quickly screen pesticide compounds in herbs without having to use a large number of pesticide standard substances at the beginning of the experiment. The other advantage is to assist in identifying the target pesticide compound accurately. A total of 74 kinds of pesticides were quickly prescreened in all chuanxiong rhizoma samples. The results showed that three kinds of pesticides were screened out in all the samples, including chlorpyrifos, fipronil, and procymidone, and the three pesticides were qualitatively and quantitatively determined. The RSD values for interday and intraday variation were acquired to evaluate the precision of the analytical approach, and the overall interday and intraday variations are not more than 1.97% and 3.82%, respectively. The variations of concentrations of the analyzed three pesticide compounds in sample CX16 are 0.74%–4.15%, indicating that the three pesticides in the sample solutions were stable in 48 h. The spiked recoveries of the three pesticides are 95.22%, 93.03%, and 94.31%, and the RSDs are less than ± 6.0%. The methodological verification results indicated the good reliability and accuracy of the new analytical method. This research work is a new application of retention index, and it will be a valuable tool to assist quickly and accurately in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of multipesticide residues in herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adaptive metamaterial beam with a couple of electromechanical resonators in each unit cell is proposed in this study to open Bragg bandgap or locally resonant bandgap for flexural wave attenuation in Euler–Bernoulli beams. The electromechanical resonator is composed of a piezoelectric layer with segmented electrodes and shunt circuits, which affect the dynamic equivalent stiffness. It is illustrated that there is only a Bragg bandgap when the circuits of the two adjacent resonators are approximate to a short circuit or open circuit, and the locally resonant bandgap will be generated in the pure inductance circuits when the resonant frequencies are different in general. The locally resonant bandgap can be broadened by adding more resonators into the unit cell with the resonant frequencies of the shunting circuits satisfying a proper ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Wear‐induced aseptic loosening has been accepted as one of the main reasons for failure of total hip arthroplasty. Ceramic wear debris is generated following prosthesis implantation and plays an important part in the upregulation of inflammatory factors in total hip arthroplasty. The present study investigates the influence of ceramic debris on osteoblasts and inflammatory factors. Methods: Ceramic debris was prepared by mechanical grinding of an aluminum femoral head and added to cultures of MC3T3‐E subclone 14 cells at different concentrations (i.e. 0, 5, 10, and 15 μg/mL). Cell proliferation was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit (CCK‐8), and cell differentiation was assessed by mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). In addition, cell bio‐mineralization was evaluated through alizarin red S staining, and release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was measured through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Furthermore, mRNA expression of Smad1, Smad4, and Smad5 and protein expression of phosphorylated Smad1, Smad4, and Smad5 were measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting. Results: The ceramic debris had irregular shapes and sizes, and analysis of the size distribution using a particle size analyzer indicated that approximately 90% of the ceramic debris was smaller than 3.2 μm (2.0 ± 0.4 μm), which is considered clinically relevant. The results for mRNA expression of ALP, OCN, and OPN and alizarin red S staining indicated that cell differentiation and bio‐mineralization were significantly inhibited by the presence of ceramic debris at all tested concentrations (P < 0.05, and the values decreased gradually with the increase of ceramic debris concentration), but the results of the CCK‐8 assay showed that cell proliferation was not significantly affected (P > 0.05; there was no significant difference between the groups at 1, 3, and 5 days). In addition, the results of ELISA, RT‐PCR, and western blotting demonstrated that ceramic debris significantly promoted the release of inflammatory factors, including TNF‐α, IL‐β, and IL‐6 (P < 0.05, and the values increased gradually with the increase of ceramic debris concentration), and also greatly reduced the mRNA expression of Smad1, Smad4, and Smad5 (the values decreased gradually with the increase of ceramic debris concentration) as well as protein expression of phosphorylated Smad1, Smad4, and Smad5. Conclusion: Ceramic debris may affect differentiation and bio‐mineralization of MC3T3‐E subclone 14 cells through the bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent years increasing attention has been given to the efficacious synthesis of organic carbonates from sustainable CO2. The carboxylation/hydration reaction of alcohols with CO2 stands out for its environmentally friendly and economic features. However, it faces several substantial challenges such as thermodynamic limitations, low catalytic efficiency, and product selectivity. In this article, recent advances in the development of catalytic methods for the synthesis of organic carbonates through carboxylation/hydration reaction of alcohols with CO2 are summarized. Catalytic schemes (metal and metal‐free catalysis), water‐dehydration strategies, and catalytic mechanisms are also discussed in detail. The review covers the carbonylation cyclization of various alcohols and the equivalent of CO2, i.e. urea. Finally, an overview is provided of the recent breakthrough in the development of thermodynamically favorable processes involving alcohols and CO2. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen that induces chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and other gastric disorders, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. To eradicate H. pylori infection, triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor is the most widely recommended first‐line therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics contained in triple therapy could lead to therapeutic regimen failures. Recent studies showed that many natural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, possess inhibitory effects on H. pylori, indicating their potential to be alternatives to prevent and manage H. pylori infection. This review summarizes the effects of natural products on H. pylori infection and highlights the mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: As promising alternative to current metallic biomaterials, the porous Mg scaffold with a 3‐D open‐pore framework has drawn much attention in recent years due to its suitable biodegradation, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties for human bones. This experiment's aim is to study the mechanical properties, biosafety, and osteogenesis of porous Mg‐Zn alloy. Methods: A porous Mg‐2Zn‐0.3Ca (wt%) alloy was successfully prepared by infiltration casting, and the size of NaCl particles was detected by a laser particle size analyzer. The microstructure of the Mg‐2Zn‐0.3Ca alloy was characterized by the stereoscopic microscope and Sirion Field emission scanning electron microscope. X‐ray computerized tomography scanning (x‐CT) was used to create the 3‐D image. The degradation rate was measured using the mass loss method and the pH values were determined together. The engineering stress–strain curve, compressive modulus, and yield strength were tested next. The bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were cultured in vitro. The CCK‐8 method was used to detect the proliferation of the BMSC. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining were used to reflect the differentiation effects. After co‐culturing, cell growth on the material's surface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cell adhesion was tested by confocal microscopy. Results: The obtained results showed that by using near‐spherical NaCl filling particles, the porous Mg alloy formed complete open‐cell foam with a very uniform size of pores in the range of 500–600 μm. Benefitting from the small size and uniform distribution of pores, the present porous alloy exhibited a very high porosity, up to 80%, and compressive yield strength up to 6.5 MPa. The degradation test showed that both the pH and the mass loss rate had similar change tendency, with a rapid rise in the early stage for 1–2 day's immersion and subsequently remaining smooth after 3 days. In vitro cytocompatibility trials demonstrated that in comparison with Ti, the porous alloy accelerated proliferation in 1, 3, 5, and 7 days (P < 0.001), and the osteogenic differentiation test showed that the ALP activity in the experimental group was significantly higher (P = 0.017) and has more osteogenesis nodules. Cell adhesion testing showed good osteoconductivity by more BMSC adhesion around the holes. The confocal microscopy results showed that cells in porous Mg‐based alloy had better cytoskeletal morphology and were larger in number than in titanium. Conclusions: These results indicated that this porous Mg‐based alloy fabricated by infiltration casting shows great mechanical properties and biocompatibilities, and it has potential as an ideal bone tissue engineering scaffold material for bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The present study aimed to investigate the overall effect of quercetin on mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Materials and Methods. BMSCs were treated with different concentrations of quercetin for 6 days. The effects of quercetin on cell proliferation were assessed at predetermined times using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cells were then treated with quercetin, estrogen, or an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (which was also administered in the presence of quercetin or estrogen) for 7 or 21 days. The effects of quercetin on BMSC osteogenic differentiation were analyzed by an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit, Alizarin Red S staining (ARS), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and western blotting. Results. The CCK-8 and ALP assays and ARS staining showed that quercetin significantly enhanced BMSC proliferation, ALP activity, and extracellular matrix production and mineralization, respectively. The qPCR results indicated that quercetin promoted osterix (OSX), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteopontin (OPN) transcription in the presence of osteoinduction medium, and the western blotting results indicated that quercetin enhanced bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), Smad1, Smad4, RUNX2, OSX, and OPN expression and Smad1 phosphorylation. Treatment with the ER inhibitor ICI182780 blocked the effects of quercetin. Conclusions. Our data demonstrated that quercetin promotes BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Quercetin enhances BMP signaling pathway activation and upregulates the expression of downstream genes, such as OSX, RUNX2, and OPN, via the ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Excitability properties of motor nerves to different muscles are different, but the explanation is uncertain. We characterized motor axon excitability properties to the medial gastrocnemius (MG) in 27 adults, and made comparisons with the peroneal nerve to the tibialis anterior (TA) and median nerve to the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in 10 subjects.Methods: Recordings of multiple excitability properties were made using threshold tracking, stimulating the nerves at the wrist or knee.Results: Threshold electrotonus and superexcitability differed between nerves (APB>MG>TA axons) that may reflect differences in fast K+ conductance. APB axons had larger S2 accommodation and undershoot than TA and MG axons, indicating greater slow K+ conductance. TA axons demonstrated greater accommodation during hyperpolarizing currents than MG and APB axons, suggestive of greater inwardly rectifying current.Discussion: Inherent differences in several conductances underlie nerve differences in excitability, presumably related to muscle or motoneuron properties. Muscle Nerve 57: E60-E69, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to utilize landfill stabilized waste (LSW) as growing substrate for plants during restoration projects, LSW were sampled from five landfills; the properties of unconsolidated samples and those after 3 years of settlement were determined in comparison with farm soil. Results showed that (i) unconsolidated LSW was a soil-like material with high porosity and infiltration rate, which also had low bulk density and shear strength. After 3 years of settlement, its physical properties were similar to those of farm soil. (ii) The contents of available K, available N, available P, and organic matter of LSW were 5·0-21·6 times higher than the values of surrounding farm soil. (iii) The waste samples from 3/5 landfills were suitable for cultivation based on their heavy metal contents, but two samples contained over-limit Hg and/or Zn. (iv) LSW had higher water content, and generally, less surface runoff was generated on LSW slope under natural precipitation compared with the farm soil slope. (v) Water extract of LSW had no significant effect on seed germination, and the effect of LSW on seedling growth depended on plant species. On the basis of the results, LSW can be used in ecological restoration as plant-growing substrate, but measures should be taken to prevent heavy metal contamination and soil erosion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic spinal cord injury ( SCI) happens accidently and often leads to motor dysfunction due to a series of biochemical and pathological events and damage, either temporarily or permanently. Translocator protein 18 ( TSPO) has been found to be involved in the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids which have multiple effects on neurons, but the internal mechanisms are not clear. N-benzyl- N-ethyl-2-(7,8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl) acetamide ( ZBD-2), a newly reported ligand of TSPO, shows some neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia in vivo and NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The present study aims to examine the role of ZBD-2 in SCI mice and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The SCI model was established by crushing spinal cord. ZBD-2 (10 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the hindlimb locomotor functions after SCI and decreased the tissue damage and conserved the white matter of the spinal cord. High-dose ZBD-2 alleviated the oxidative stress induced by SCI and regulated the imbalance between NR2B-containing NMDA and GABA receptors by increasing the levels of GAD67 in the spinal cord of SCI mice. Additionally, ZBD-2 (10 mg/kg) increased phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. These results demonstrate that ZBD-2 performs neuroprotection against SCI through regulating the synaptic transmission and the PI3K/ AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cullin 3 (CUL3) serves as a scaffold protein and assembles a large number of ubiquitin ligase complexes. It is involved in multiple cellular processes and plays a potential role in tumor development and progression. In this study, we demonstrate that CUL3 targets methionine adenosyltransferase IIα (MAT IIα) and promotes its proteasomal degradation through the ubiquitylation-mediated pathway. MAT IIα is a key enzyme in methionine metabolism and is associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer. We presently found that CUL3 down-regulation could rescue folate deprivation-induced MAT IIα exhaustion and growth arrest in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Further results from human CRC samples display an inverse correlation between CUL3 and MAT IIα protein levels. Our observations reveal a novel role of CUL3 in regulating cell proliferation by controlling the stability of MAT IIα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted therapy for osteosarcoma includes organ, cell and molecular biological targeting; of these, organ targeting is the most mature. Bone-targeted drug delivery systems are used to concentrate chemotherapeutic drugs in bone tissues, thus potentially resolving the problem of reaching the desired foci and minimizing the toxicity and adverse effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Some progress has been made in bone-targeted drug delivery systems for treatment of osteosarcoma; however, most are still at an experimental stage and there is a long transitional period to clinical application. Therefore, determining how to combine new, polymolecular and multi-pathway targets is an important research aspect of designing new bone-targeted drug delivery systems in future studies. The purpose of this article was to review the status of research on targeted therapy for osteosarcoma and to summarize the progress made thus far in developing bone-targeted drug delivery systems for neoadjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma with the aim of providing new ideas for highly effective therapeutic protocols with low toxicity for patients with osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Giant cell tumor of bone ( GCTB) invades extensively and metastasizes, however, the pathological grade and imaging findings are not accurate predictors of its prognosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the relationships between expression of cluster of differentiation ( CD)34 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) and the biological behavior of GCTB with the hope of identifying predictors of prognosis. Methods Sixty-eight patients with GCTBs attending our institution from September 2008 to August 2013 were enrolled in this prospective study and grouped according to tumor location. Relevant patient characteristics were assessed. Additionally, the expression of CD34 and MMP-9 in these patients was assayed by an immunohistochemistry staining procedure and the relationships between CD34/ MMP-9 and microvessel density ( MVD) analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results It was found that CD34 factor localizes in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells of small blood vessels in the tumor stroma and is strongly expressed in GCTBs. In addition, radiological grading showed that there was significantly more CD34 antibody-labeled MVD in invasive than in non-invasive tumors ( P < 0.05) and significantly more CD34 antibody-labeled MVD in patients who developed recurrences than in those who did not ( P < 0.05). Expression of MMP-9 was localized in the cytoplasm of tumor cells and the rate of MMP-9 positivity in GCTBs was significantly higher in active and invasive tumors than in non-invasive tumors ( P < 0.01). Moreover, there were significantly more MVDs in MMP-9-positive than in MMP-9 negative tumors ( P < 0.01). CD34 and MMP-9 are positively correlated with MVD values in GCTBs and closely correlated with their grade of malignancy. Conclusion Expression of CD34 and MMP-9 accurately predicts clinical behavior detection and prognosis of GCTBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various irregular Bn ( n=20-56) cages are optimized at the B3LYP/6-311G level. The geometries and electronic properties are systemically discussed. New B24 and B28 geometries are revealed. The calculated results show that the number of polygonal vacancies is apparently increased as the size of irregular cages being increased and that the irregular cage configurations with uneven distribution of different sized holes enhances the stabilities of the fullerenelike cages. The magic numbers of stabilities are predicted to be B48. HOMO and LUMO gaps are discussed. Furthermore, the delocalized π orbitals are mainly distributed around the polygonal vacancies of irregular cages and enhance the stabilities of the irregular boron cages. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between body mass index ( BMI), body fat percentage ( BFP) and gestational outcomes. Material and Methods Maternal- and infant-related data of gestation and gestational outcomes of 411 pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed. BMI was used to classify the women as obese, overweight, or normal. BFP was measured by the segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance method. The mothers' blood lipid profiles were assessed by automated chemical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation of BMI and BFP with gestational complications. Results The rates of gestational diabetes and hypertension were significantly different between mothers who were obese (33.3%, 52.6%), overweight (10.3%, 32.2%) and normal (8.7%, 14.9%) ( P < 0.001). The Apgar score at 1 min and intensive care unit admissions rate at birth were significantly different between infants born to obese (6.14 ± 0.80, 14.0%), overweight (6.64 ± 1.10, 8.9%) and normal (7.20 ± 0.78, 1.9%) mothers ( P < 0.01). The Apgar score at 5 min and the birthweights were not significantly different between these three groups ( P > 0.05). Additionally, the levels of serum total cholesterol (mmol/ L), total triglycerides (mmol/ L), and leptin (ng/m L) were significantly higher in obese (5.87 ± 2.26, 2.04 ± 1.65, 24.79 ± 18.38) and overweight (5.29 ± 1.85, 1.74 ± 1.05, 20.79 ± 15.19) women, compared to normal women (4.89 ± 1.05, 1.45 ± 0.77, 13.35 ± 6.51) ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, BFP was more strongly correlated to gestational diabetes (rs = 0.57 vs 0.68) and hypertension (rs = 0.31 vs 0.43) than BMI. Conclusions Obesity and overweight are associated with increased adverse maternal and neonatal complications. BFP is a more accurate predictor of gestational outcomes than BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geometries, stabilities, and antioxidant activities of L-Ascorbic acid (1a), D-erythroascorbate (2a), and D-erythroascorbate glucoside (3a) as well as their sulfur and selenium derivatives are systematically investigated by using density functional theory. Emphasis is placed on studies of the two main mechanisms, that is, hydrogen atom donation and single-electron transfer, and the O-H bond dissociation enthalpy and the ionization potential are computed in the gas phase and water solution. The calculated results indicate that the 2-OH group in the five-membered ring acts as an important H atom donor to free radicals. The 2-OH radical spin density distribution shows that the unpaired electron is mostly located at the C3 atom of the five-membered ring and partially at the vicinal O atoms, proving that a certain delocalization of the odd electron is effective in the five-membered ring. In water aqueous solution, the antioxidant capacity and the electron donating ability are increased as the O atom in the five-membered ring of 1a, 2a, and 3a is replaced by S and Se, respectively, in good agreement with experimental measurements; Furthermore, their antioxidant capacities are enhanced as compared with the standard antioxidant (resveratrol). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The disproportionate distribution of arable land and water resources has become a bottleneck for guaranteeing food security in China. Virtual water and virtual water trade theory have provided a potential solution to improve water resources management in agriculture and alleviate water crises in water-scarce regions. The present study evaluates the green and blue virtual water content of wheat, maize and rice at the regional scale in China. It then assesses the water-saving benefits of virtual water flows related to the transfer of the three crops between regions. Results The national average virtual water content of wheat, maize and rice were 1071 m3 per ton (50.98% green water, 49.02% blue water ), 830 m3 per ton (76.27% green water, 23.73% blue water) and 1294 m3 per ton (61.90% green water, 38.10% blue water), respectively. With the regional transfer of wheat, maize and rice, virtual water flows reached 30.08 Gm3 (59.91% green water, 40.09% blue water). Meanwhile, China saved 11.47 Gm3 green water, while it consumed 7.84 Gm3 more blue water than with a no-grain transfer scenario in 2009. Conclusion In order to guarantee food security in China, the government should improve water productivity (reduce virtual water content of crops) during the grain production process. Meanwhile, under the preconditions of economic feasibility and land-water resources availability, China should guarantee the grain-sown area in southern regions for taking full advantage of green water resources and to alleviate the pressure on water resources. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]