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Objectives This study evaluated optimum stability of different screw techniques for condylar head fractures (CHF) (P close to an M fracture with the lateral pole preserved according to AO classification 2014) by finite element analysis (FEA) and provided a biomechanical basis for clinical treatment. Study Design Four CHF fixation models were evaluated: (A) single bicortical screw, (B) 2 bicortical screws, (C) 1 bicortical screw and 1 monocortical screw (used as a positional screw) inserted via a 2-hole titanium plate, and (D) 2 bicortical screws inserted via a titanium plate. Stresses were calculated (FEA) to measure mechanical properties. Results The displacement for A and C was larger than for B and D. The maximum stress on the screws for A and C exceeded their breaking limit but was safe for B and D. The stress on the titanium plate for C and D was safe. The stress on bone for A and C was larger than for B and D. Conclusions The 2 bicortical screw fixation reduced the stress on implanted materials and surrounding bone tissue. Titanium plates further alleviated the lever action. Two bicortical screw fixation was more reliable for CHF, and early postoperative loading and functional training can be expected.

Pure drug-assembled nanomedicines (PDANs) are currently under intensive investigation as promising nanoplatforms for cancer therapy. However, poor colloidal stability and less tumor-homing ability remain critical unresolved problems that impede their clinical translation. Herein, we report a core-matched nanoassembly of pyropheophorbide a (PPa) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Pure PPa molecules are found to self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs), and an amphiphilic PEG polymer (PPa-PEG2K) is utilized to achieve core-matched PEGylating modification via the π‒π stacking effect and hydrophobic interaction between the PPa core and the PPa-PEG2K shell. Compared to PCL-PEG2K with similar molecular weight, PPa-PEG2K significantly increases the stability, prolongs the systemic circulation and improves the tumor-homing ability and ROS generation efficiency of PPa-nanoassembly. As a result, PPa/PPa-PEG2K NPs exert potent antitumor activity in a 4T1 breast tumor-bearing BALB/c mouse xenograft model. Together, such a core-matched nanoassembly of pure photosensitizer provides a new strategy for the development of imaging-guided theragnostic nanomedicines., Graphical abstract Pyropheophorbide a (PPa)-driven nanoassembly was formed by the core-matched modification of PPa-PEG2K. Afterwards, PPa/PPa-PEG2K NPs are endocytosed by tumor cells to exert effective photodynamic under laser irradiation.Image 1

Micro-nanobubbles can spontaneously generate hydroxyl free radicals (OH). Urea is a cheap reductant and can react with NOx species, and their products are nontoxic and harmless N2, CO2 and H2O. In this study, a Wet Direct Recycling Micro-nanobubble Flue Gas Multi-pollutants Removal System (WDRMRS) was developed for the simultaneous removal of NO, SO2 and Hg0. In this system, a micro-nanobubble generator (MNBG) was used to produce a micro-nanobubble gas-liquid dispersion system (MNBGLS) through recycling the urea solution from the reactor and the simulated flue gas composed of N2, NO, SO2 and Hg0. The MNBGLS, which has a large gas-liquid dispersion interface, was recycled continuously from the MNBG to the reactor, thus achieving cyclic absorption of various pollutants. All of the investigated parameters, including the initial pH and temperature of the absorbent as well as the concentrations of urea, NO and SO2 had significant effects on the NO removal efficiency but did not significantly affect the SO2 removal efficiency, whereas only the initial solution pH and NO concentration affected the Hg0 removal efficiency. The analysis results of the reaction mechanism showed that ·OH played a critical role in the removal of various pollutants. After the treatment by this system, the main removal products were Hg0 sediment, SO42- and NH4+ which could be easily recycled. The use of this system (MNBGLS) for the simultaneous removal of NO, SO2 and Hg0 is a new technology application and research. Recycling process based on MNBGLS succeeded in simultaneously removing NO, SO2 and Hg0. The system (MNBGLS) can provide a reference for commercial applications. The removal products are relatively simple and beneficial to recycling, which can reduce the cost of waste gas treatment.

The standard litterbag method isolates soil or litter from decomposing roots by a dense nylon mesh that is likely to underestimate root decomposition rate. Thus, we evaluated the effect of direct contact between roots and soil or litter during root decomposition. Schima superba and Cleyera japonica order 1–3, 4–5, and 6 roots were decomposed using two types of litterbags at two soil horizons: standard litterbags (R_O, pure root in O horizon; R_A, pure root in A horizon) and mixed litterbags (R + L_O, mixed root with semi-decomposed litter in O horizon; and R + HS_A, mixed root with humus soil in A horizon). The mass and nutrient dynamics were measured in one year of decomposition. After one year of decomposition, litterbag types and soil horizons significantly affected root mass and nutrient dynamics. Litterbags mixed with humus soil and litter increased 1–3 order root decomposition rate by 139–143% and 42–89%, respectively. Furthermore, 1–3 order roots had a significantly different decomposition rate than higher-order roots, but standard and mixed litterbags showed the opposite effect. The decomposition rate of 1–3 order roots appears to be more sensitive to litterbag type than higher-order roots. Directly contact between root and soil or litter was important for root decomposition in corresponding soil layers. Standard litterbags significantly underestimate the decomposition rate of lower-order roots in the early stages of decomposition.

Objective: To investigate the frequency and function of Tim-3+CD8+T cells in the third trimester of normal pregnancies (NPs) and preeclamptic (PE) pregnancies. Methods: T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) expression levels of CD8+T cells in the decidua, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood obtained from women showing NPs and PE pregnancies were analyzed using flow cytometry. Decidual CD8+T cells were cultured in the presence of recombinant human carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) protein and/or Tim-3-specific neutralizing antibodies for analyzing CD107a and intracellular cytokine expression. The placental CEACAM1 protein expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results: Tim-3+CD8+T cells were more abundant in the decidua than in the peripheral blood. Tim-3 expression in the decidual CD8+T cells was significantly lower in PE patients. Decidual Tim-3+CD8+T cells from PE patients expressed higher levels of CD107a and the Th1-type cytokine IFN-γ, but lower levels of the Th2-type cytokine IL-4. CEACAM1 altered the CD107a, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels; this was reversed by anti-Tim-3 antibodies. The CEACAM1 protein levels were lower in the placental tissues of women with PE pregnancies than in those of women with NPs. Conclusions: Abnormal CEACAM1/Tim-3 regulation may participate in the development of PE, accompanied by disturbed Th2 cell predominance and higher cytotoxicity of decidual CD8+T cells.

Seventeen quinolizidine alkaloids, including two new ones, 5-hydoxy-7,11-dehydromatrine (1) and 11-hydroxylupanine (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Sophora tonkinensis. The structures of the isolates were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR analyses, as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. The anti-inflammatory activities of all the isolates on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Compounds 3, 4, 13, and 14 were shown to have moderate anti-inflammatory effects.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with excellent characteristics are considered as promising cartilage replacement materials. However, there are still some main issues to be solved for PVA hydrogel, such as poor mechanical strength and disordered structure. Inspired by the highly ordered structure of biological soft tissues such as articular cartilage, here, we prepared a high-strength but anisotropic polyvinyl alcohol-nanohydroxyapatite-polyacrylic acid (PVA-HA-PAA) composite hydrogel by directional stretching, freezing–thawing, and annealing method. Stretching of an as-prepared isotropic PVA-HA-PAA composite hydrogel leads to the orientation of PVA crystallites and PVA chains, which enables the formation of ordered structure and more hydrogen bonds via freezing under stretching. The microstructure, water content, swelling and creep performance, tensile and bio-tribology properties of the composite hydrogel are studied, the results indicated that the properties of the hydrogel are affected by stretching due to the formation of ordered structure in the anisotropic hydrogel. For instance, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the anisotropic hydrogel reach 5.703 MPa and 18.958 MPa, respectively, which is significantly enhanced by comparing with isotropic hydrogel. Moreover, the friction property is anisotropic, and the Coefficient Of Friction (COF) reduced in the parallel direction. Thus, this work provides a simple and practicable strategy to design strong and anisotropic hydrogels for potential applications in biomedical materials such as cartilage substitute.

The ERF-type transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in plant secondary metabolism. ERF TFs simultaneously regulate the expression levels of key enzyme genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites due to its “multi-point control” function. In this study, one gene of ERF TFs from Panax japonicus (PjERF1) was cloned. The open reading frame of PjERF1 was 801 bp and encoded 266 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PjERF1 belonged to ERF subfamily with a typical conserved domain. Subcellular localization found that PjERF1 protein might be located in eukaryotic cell nucleus. Yeast one-hybrid assay demonstrated that PjERF1 could bind to the promoters of PjβAS, PjCAS, and PjSE specifically and regulate the expression levels of such key enzyme genes involved in the triterpene saponins biosynthesis. Therefore, in the PjERF1 overexpression cell lines, the expression levels of some key enzyme genes involved in the triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis were significantly increased compared with those in non-transgenic cell line. As a result of it, the biosynthesis of chikusetsusaponin IV and IVa, and other ginsenosides (Rd, Rb1, Re, and R0) were also promoted in the PjERF1 overexpression cell lines. This study indicated that PjERF1 could regulate the biosynthesis of saponins in P. japonicus through controlling the expression levels of key enzyme genes related to the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins.

Two new compounds, dendronobilate (1) and 4-O-demethyl-nobilone (2), together with one known fluorenone were isolated from the aerial parts of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Their structures were characterized by detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, HRESIMS and ECD spectra. Compounds 1–3 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 27.46 ± 3.14, 4.52 ± 0.33, and 10.78 ± 2.05 μM, respectively, which were superior to the acarbose (745.9 ± 3.3 μM). The binding interactions of 1 and 2 with α-glucosidase were investigated using molecular docking simulations. In addition, compound 2 exhibited potent inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS activated RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 value of 35.40 ± 1.77 μM without cytotoxicity observed.

Facile preparation of functional hydrogel materials for environmental catalysis is a hot research topic of soft materials science and green catalysis. In this study, a carboxylcellulose hydrogel confined Fe3O4 nanoparticles composite catalyst (Fe3O4@CHC) with magnetic recyclability has been synthesized by taking the advantages of the newly developed cellulose solution in tetramethyl guanidine/DMSO/CO2 through in situ acylation using mixed cyclic anhydrides and ion exchange reaction. The achieved Fe3O4@CHC hydrogel catalyst was shown to be an more efficient and better Fenton-like catalyst for decomposition of the organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, with almost complete decomposition occurring within 180 min, in comparison with Fe3O4@cellulose hydrogel (CH) with excellent recyclability. This work provided a facile strategy for the preparation of hydrogel-based functional composite green catalytic materials, which has potential applications in green catalysis.

A phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Laggera pterodonta resulted in the isolation and identification of 23 compounds, including twelve sesquiterpenoids (1–12), two norisoprenoids (13, 14), three alkaloids (15-17), one lignan (18), and five flavonoids (19-23). Among them, norpterodonols A (1) and B (2) are two undescribed norsesquiterpenoid derivatives. Their structures were established on the basis of NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic analysis. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 8, 10, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 23 were shown to have obvious anti-inflammatory effects.

Three new triterpenoids (1–3), including two new 19 (10 → 9β) abeo-tirucallane derivatives (1–2) and a new tirucallane-type triterpenoid (3), together with two known tirucallane-type triterpenoids (4–5) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fruits of Chukrasia tabularis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and MS data. The isolated triterpenoids 1 and 2 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 75.98 ± 2.12 and 24.86 ± 1.16 μM, respectively. Compound 5 showed cytotoxic activities against the selected tumor cell lines.

In order to control complex motion behavior in organisms, most biological tissues have highly oriented structures and anisotropic mechanical properties, such as articular cartilage, muscle, skin an...

Soil fertility plays a key role in citrus productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effects of soil amendments on soil fertility and citrus productivity and estimate carbon fractions’ suitability, which response to soil fertility and citrus productivity. A field experiment in a citrus orchard was conducted containing five treatments: local habit fertilization (LF), special fertilizer [25% lower NPK than LF, (SF)], special fertilizer, and rice straw mulching [0%, 12.5%, and 25% NPK higher than LF (SFRS25, SFRS37.5, and SFRS50, respectively)]. Total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (ROC), available N, P, K, fruit yield, and quality were analyzed. Straw mulching and special fertilizer significantly increased soil carbon fractions, such as MBC and ROC. Such treatments also enhanced the soil available N, P, and K, subsequently elevated the fruit yield. MBC, available K, and available P showed a significantly positive correlation with citrus yield. Redundancy analysis indicated that MBC and ROC significantly explained 61.87% of the variation for available nutrients, suggesting that the increase of organic carbon fractions and microbial biomass could accelerate nutrient cycling for the plant. It proved that decrement application of special compound fertilizer with straw mulching raised fruit yield by altering soil carbon fractions to improve soil available nutrients or fertility. The MBC of soil labile carbon responded more sensitively to not only soil fertility but also citrus fruit yield.

Low-cost catalysts with high activity are in immediate demand for energy storage and conversion devices. In this study, polyvinyl pyrrolidone was used as a complexing agent to synthesize La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) perovskite oxide. The obtained porous layered LSCF has a large specific surface area of 23.74 m2/g, four times higher than that prepared by the traditional sol-gel method (5.08 m2/g). The oxygen reduction reaction activity of the oxide in 0.1 mol/L KOH solution was studied using a rotating ring-disk electrode. In the tests, the initial potential of 0.88 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) and the limiting diffusion current density of 5.02 mA/cm2 were obtained at 1600 r/min. Therefore, higher catalytic activity and stability were demonstrated, compared with the preparation of LSCF perovskite oxide by the traditional method.

One novel decanuclear copper cluster, {[Cu10(L)8(CH3COO)2(μ3- OH)2]·(DMF)2·(H2O)5} (1, H2L = (E)- 2-(((4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)imino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, DMF = N,N’-dimethyl-formamide), were obtained by room temperature micro-bottle reaction. The complex 1 was characterized using elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. 1 is decanuclear copper cluster. The {Cu10O4(N2triazol)8} core displays dominant antiferromagnetic interactions owing to the μ3-OH, and μ2-Ophenoxo bridged binding modes with g = 2.126, J = − 6.81 $$\times {10}^{-4}$$ cm−1, and zJ’ = − 0.577 cm−1.

Background Roasted peanut is widely loved as a kind of food with rich taste. However, peanut allergy is one of the major threats to human health, which affects about 5% of children and 1.4-2% of adults in the world. Results To evaluate the sensitization mechanism of peanut allergen Ara h 3, Caco-2 cells as the model, which has the similar structure and function to differentiated small intestinal epithelial cells. Compared with Ara h 3-raw (purified from raw peanut) group, more significant results such as the inhibited Caco-2 cell viability and proliferation, the increased secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the decreased transepithelial electrical resistance were obtained in Ara h 3-roasted (purified from roasted peanut) group. Accordingly, oxidative stress and NF-κB signaling pathway were more imbalanced, which lead to the increased of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1). Then, the gene expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and JAM-1 were reduced, which proved that the integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer barrier is severely damaged. Conclusion These finding identify the mechanisms of the allergenicity of roasted peanut allergy proteins are probably associated with intestinal uptake and cytokine dependent allergies. The aggravated allergic reaction might be caused by the increment of TSLP, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 due to the activated NF-κB signaling pathway, and the enhanced transport of Ara h 3-roasted protein by Caco-2 monolayer. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

In this study, a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nanoparticle (PGMA NP)-coated column system with two antibiotics as selector was constructed for enantioseparation. The PGMA NP coating inside the capillary columns could be easily introduced by a simple ring open reaction. Five basic drugs were used as the model to evaluate the enantioselectivity of Azithromycin Lactobionate (AL) and Clindamycin phosphate (CP)-based separation system. Factors that influence the chiral separation resolution were systematically investigated, such as chiral selector concentration, background electrolyte (BGE) pH, applied voltage and system temperature. Under the optimized conditions, improved enantioseparations were obtained for all enantiomers and the maximum column efficiency of model drugs could reach 120,000 plates/m. The repeatability of relative standard deviations for EOF representing run-to-run, day-to-day and column-to-column was less than 4.32%. In addition, molecular modeling with AutoDock was applied to elucidate the explored potential mechanism of AL/CP for recognizing racemic drugs.

Thirteen undescribed dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenes, hypogricins A-M, were isolated from the twigs of Tripterygium hypoglaucum. Extensive spectroscopic techniques were used for the structural elucidation of these compounds. All the compounds showed no significant cytotoxicity against adriamycin-sensitive HepG-2 and adriamycin-resistant HepG-2/Adr cell lines. When HepG-2/Adr cell line was co-treated with those compounds plus adriamycin, hypogricins A and B showed potent activity to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) of HepG2/Adr cells to adriamycin (reversal fold: RF = 102 and 200, respectively). In addition, hypogricins E, H, and L showed moderate activity to inhibit NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 of 22.3, 17.8, and 19.8 μM, respectively.

Nature offers intriguing examples for adhesive surface with superhydrophobicity, like gecko foot hair and red rose petals. The superhydrophobic adhesion surface mainly depends on its ingenious hierarchical structure and chemical composition. Utilizing biomimetic strategy, we synthesized a fluorosulfurized reduced graphene oxide powder with a hierarchical structure by post-processing of graphene oxide. The adhesive fluorine-sulfurized reduced graphene cotton (AFC) was successfully prepared by ultrasonic soaking, self-assembly and drying. The water contact angle of AFC was 154° ± 1.4°, and its maximum adhesion force was about 102.9 ± 4.9 μN. The AFC exhibited excellent high superhydrophobic adhesive because it possessed not only the C–F bond and microscopic morphology of wrinkles and protrusions but also the inherent roughness of cotton fabrics. Importantly, the high superhydrophobic adhesive properties of AFC were not attenuated by sonication for 200 mins or UV exposure for 30 hours. Interestingly, AFC had prominent oleophobic properties for certain organic solvents (e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol, etc.) with surface tensions greater than 30 mN/m. Finally, AFC was successfully used to nonpolar/polar separation and transfer droplets to various accepted surfaces (e.g., copper sheets, stainless steel mesh, plastics, etc.), demonstrating its great potential in liquid mixture separation and microdroplet transport.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn much attention recently because of their outstanding photo-electrical performance, especially lead halide perovskites. However, the high toxicity of lead contained in perovskite severely hinders further development of the devices in industrial production and commercial applications. As a result, Tin, as one of the non-toxic metal elements exhibiting similar electronic properties with Pb, has been considered as the most suitable ions to substitute toxic Pb in PSCs. However, Sn-based PSCs also face serious challenges such as high intrinsic defects density which mainly originates from Sn2+ oxidation and fast crystallization which will cause poor film morphology, serious recombination and result in poor Voc and FF. To overcome these defects, additive engineering is introduced into the fabrication of Sn-based perovskites and has already achieved remarkable progress in improving opto-electrical performance through film morphology modification, crystallinity enhancement, defect passivation and band gap optimization. This review discussed the corresponding researches on additives which show outstanding efficacy to optimize the Voc and FF of Sn-based PSCs and it can be concluded that additives engineering has indispensable effect on achieving high performance Sn-based devices and the future development of Sn-based PSCs.

Although a series of biomass-derived hemostats has been developed, the desire for green-prepared hemostatic materials with biosafety has not decreased. Herein, we constructed porous carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate/Ca(OH)2 powders (PCSCPs) with suitable adaptability for instant control of irregular hemorrhage via a facile and green approach. By one-pot chemical crosslinking of carboxymethyl chitosan and sodium alginate, hydrogels were formed and immediately ionically cross-linked along with the generation of Ca(OH)2 to prepare PCSCPs. As hydrogel powders, PCSCPs with abundant hydrophilic carboxymethyl groups and porous hierarchically micro-nanostructures displayed a high water absorption ratio of over 1600%. The PCSCPs were confirmed with favorable hemocompatibility, non-cytotoxic effects and excellent degradability. Hemostasis assays in vitro showed that PCSCPs possessed an outstanding property of platelet activation and red blood cell aggregation. The PCSCPs effectively shortened the hemostatic time and blood loss to ca. 50% in rodent bleeding models compared with medical gauze and commercial chitosan-based hemostats. Furthermore, a mouse subcutaneous implantation model demonstrated an ignorable inflammation response and potential tissue repair capability of PCSCPs. It's believed that green-prepared and biomass-derived PCSCPs are feasible biomedical hemostatic materials in view of engineering and provide a promising platform to design hemostats in prehospital management and clinical settings.

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical phenotypes associated with the β-amyloid PET and dopamine transporter imaging (123I-FP-CIT SPECT) findings in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the core clinical features of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; MCI-LB).MethodsPatients with MCI who had at least 1 core clinical feature of DLB (n = 34) were grouped into β-amyloid A+ or A− and 123I-FP-CIT SPECT D+ or D− groups based on previously established abnormality cut points for A+ with Pittsburgh compound B PET standardized uptake value ratio (PiB SUVR) ≥1.48 and D+ with putamen z score with DaTQUANT 123I-FP-CIT SPECT. Individual patients with MCI-LB fell into 1 of 4 groups: A+D+, A+D−, A−D+, or A−D−. Log-transformed PiB SUVR and putamen z score were tested for associations with patient characteristics.ResultsThe A−D+ biomarker profile was most common (38.2%), followed by A+D+ (26.5%) and A−D− (26.5%). The least common was the A+D- biomarker profile (8.8%). The A+ group was older, had a higher frequency of APOE ε4 carriers, and had a lower Mini-Mental State Examination score than the A− group. The D+ group was more likely to have probable REM sleep behavior disorder. Lower putamen DaTQUANT z scores and lower PiB SUVRs were independently associated with higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III scores.ConclusionsA majority of patients with MCI-LB are characterized by low β-amyloid deposition and reduced dopaminergic activity. β-Amyloid PET and 123I-FP-CIT SPECT are complementary in characterizing clinical phenotypes of patients with MCI-LB.

The facile design and preparation of polyelectrolytes is a frontier topic in the fields of polymer science, energy storage devices and catalysis. Herein, linear water soluble cellulosic poly(protic ionic liquid) (CPIL) electrolytes were facilely and atom economically prepared after the dissolution of cellulose in the newly developed DBU/CO2/DMSO solvent system, followed by the simple addition of succinic anhydride under mild conditions. The DBU not only participated in the dissolution of cellulose as a solvent component, but also acted as an organocatalyst for the acylation reaction of cellulose with succinic anhydride, as well as a cation component in the targeted CPIL electrolytes. The reaction was optimized, and the effect of the reaction conditions on the chemical and physical properties of the CPILs was investigated. And then, as a proof of concept, the CPIL electrolyte aqueous solution was successfully used as the catalytic reaction media for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. It was found that the reaction was homogeneous at the beginning, and the products could precipitate out from the media with the proceeding of the reaction, thus affording satisfactory filtration yields ranging from 56.7% to 93.8%. The solution properties of the CPIL aqueous solution were primarily investigated towards an in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism, by which a synergetic catalytic mechanism of the CPILs was proposed, and the reaction started with a nucleophilic addition reaction, and was then followed by a fast dehydration reaction. Finally, the direct reusability potential of the CPIL aqueous solution after the product filtration was also primarily investigated for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

Background/aim Curcumin is a polyphenol that exerts a variety of pharmacological activities and plays an anti-cancer role in many cancer cells. It was recently reported that gasdermin E (GSDME) is involved in the progression of pyroptosis. Materials and methods HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of curcumin and cell viability was examined using MTT assay, apoptosis was analysed using flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels using dihydroethidium, LDH release using an LDH cytotoxicity assay, and protein expression using western blot. Results Curcumin increased the expression of the GSDME N-terminus and proteins involved in pyrolysis, promoted HspG2 cell pyrolysis and increased intracellular ROS levels. Moreover, inhibition of the production of intracellular ROS with n-acetylcysteine (NAC) improved the degree of apoptosis and pyrolysis induced by curcumin. Conclusion Curcumin induces HspG2 cell death by increasing apoptosis and pyroptosis, and ROS play a key role in this process. This study improves our understanding of the potential anti-cancer properties of curcumin in liver cancer.

Background:Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) for renal replacement therapy is widely practiced in critically ill patients. However, concern exists regarding its labor-intensiveness for monitoring and the associated hypocalcemia. In this study, we provided an algorithm for prescribing RCA and evaluated its safety in patients.Methods:During 18 hemofiltration treatments with calcium-free replacement solution, participants were randomized to receive algorithm-based or trial-and-error RCA protocol. The effluent volume, post-filter and in vivo ionized calcium (iCa), and calcium in the sera and effluents were periodically measured at an interval of 1 to 2 h.Results:For patients received algorithm-based RCA protocol, no one had a serum iCa less than 0.9 mmol/L, and none needed calcium supplement adjustment to maintain serum calcium stability. For patients accepted trial-and-error protocol, all patients had a serum iCa below 0.9 mmol/L, their serum iCa and calcium levels fluctuated dramatically, and all patients need additional calcium supplement adjustment during RCA. None of the participants showed a post-filter iCa > 0.4 mmol/L.Conclusion:We provided a safe algorithm for calculating calcium supplementation doses that could maintain serum calcium stability without additional adjustment during RCA.

Two new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives (1–2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of artificial agarwood induced by holing method originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, and they were isolated from this genus for the first time. The structures of these two new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, one- and two-dimensional NMR and HRESIMS measurements. Bioassay tests of these two new compounds showed compounds 1 and 2 had weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase at a concentration of 50.0 μg/ml.

Cotton fibre yield and quality are markedly influenced by drought and high-temperature stress. We examined the traits of the leaf stomata in 39 cotton genotypes subjected to exogenous phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, electrolyte leakage under 40°C thermal stress, and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels under two treatments. Stomatal density and area ranged from 66 to 182/mm2 and 663 to 1305 μm2, respectively. Under exogenous ABA signalling, the changes in stomatal aperture (ΔSAp) were in the range of 2.5–31.2%; ΔSAp and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels were significantly correlated, respectively. Electrolyte leakage increased unequally among cotton genotypes after heat stress. The changes in electrolyte leakage (ΔEL) and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels were very strongly correlated, respectively. Their relative expression levels could be used as references for the rapid identification of stress-tolerant cotton strains. Cluster analysis of the 39 cotton genotypes indicated that Xinluzao36, Shiyang1, shinong98-7 and Zhongmiansuo293 are heat- and drought-resistant. We integrated both analysis of physiological parameters and molecular methods to identify cotton varieties with the drought and heat tolerance, in order to provide a reference for the selection of materials and methods for the research and production of cotton.

Food allergy is an abnormal immune response of the human immune system to some foods, which can cause extremely serious harm to the human body. Therefore, the development of a sensitive and rapid detection approach for food allergens in various food matrices is essential to assist patients in managing their allergies. In this paper, a kind of circular fluorescence probe-mediated isothermal amplification technology (CFPA) was developed and used to detect the peanut allergen encoding gene (Ara h 6) and soybean allergen encoding gene (Gly m Bd 28 K). This novel assay could be finished within 60 min with high sensitivity (10 copies/μL~1 × 107 copies/μL), specificity (no cross-reaction with other allergens), and reproducibility (CV

Background CKD induces loss of muscle proteins partly by suppressing muscle protein synthesis. Muscles of mice with CKD have increased expression of nucleolar protein 66 (NO66), as do muscle biopsy specimens from patients with CKD or those undergoing hemodialysis. Inflammation stimulates NO66 expression and changes in NF-κB mediate the response. Methods Subtotal nephrectomy created a mouse model of CKD with BUN >80 mg/dl. Crossing NO66flox/flox with MCK-Cre mice bred muscle-specific NO66 (MCK-NO66) knockout mice. Experiments assessed the effect of removing NO66. Results Muscle-specific NO66 knockout in mice blocks CKD-induced loss of muscle mass and improves protein synthesis. NO66 suppression of ribosomal biogenesis via demethylase activity is the mechanism behind these responses. In muscle cells, expression of NO66, but not of demethylase-dead mutant NO66, decreased H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 and suppressed pre-rRNA expression. Knocking out NO66 increased the enrichment of H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 on ribosomal DNA. In primary muscle cells and in muscles of mice without NO66, ribosomal RNA, pre-rRNA, and protein synthesis all increased. Conclusions CKD suppresses muscle protein synthesis via epigenetic mechanisms that NO66 mediates. Blocking NO66 could suggest strategies that counter CKD-induced abnormal muscle protein catabolism.

Background Abnormal expression of protein kinase membrane associated tyrosine/threonine 1 (PKMYT1) is closely associated with multiple types of cancers. In the present study, we examined the roles of PKMYT1 in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Methods We examined the expression status of PKMYT1 in GC tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to inhibit the endogenous expression of PKMYT1 in GC cells. Then we analyzed the effect of PKMYT1 on the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results The findings showed high PKMYT1 expressions in GC tissues as well as a positive correlation between PKMYT1 expression and prognosis of patients with GC. Additional findings also revealed that PKMYT1 silencing significantly enhanced apoptosis and inhibited GC cell proliferation. In vivo, the silence of PKMYT1 inhibits tumor growth. Further analysis showed that the increase in PKMYT1 expressions led to malignant biological behavior through activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion Our data suggested that PKMYT1 promotes cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance in GC cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway, making it a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Laser irradiation (LI) is an emerging antimicrobial strategy that may reduce public health reliance on antibiotics but previous studies reported results based on one wavelength-duration LI, typically on one bacterial species using solid culture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing duration of 405 nm, 532 nm and 650 nm LI on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium fortuitum in liquid culture. Bacterial cultures of 1000 CFU/ml irradiated with 405 nm, 532 nm and 650 nm (200 mW) laser at 1, 2, 5 and 10 min were subcultured on nutrient agar; colony counts pre/post-LI were recorded and survival calculated. Antimicrobial sensitivity and cell morphology pre/post-LI were compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and disc diffusion, respectively. The 405 nm (blue) LI had the highest bactericidal effect (0–6% survival) on all test bacteria compared to 532 nm (green) (12–49% survival) and 650 nm (red) (33–94% survival) LI. An inverse relationship between LI duration and survival was observed, except in 650 nm LI of P. aeruginosa, whereby survival increased with increasing duration. No change in antibiotic sensitivity was observed for subcultured bacterial colonies post-10 min LI. Although SEM micrographs of bacteria 10 minutes post-405 nm LI showed appreciable cell morphological changes, no significant cellular damage was observed. These encouraging results confirm bactericidal effects of 405 nm LI on bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and further expand findings on 532 nm and 650 nm LI on bacterial survival, highlighting the potential of LI as novel antimicrobial strategies on opportunistic pathogens such as MRSA, P. aeruginosa and M. fortuitum.

A challenge in the design of optical and redox-active receptors is how to combine a specific recognition center with an efficient responsive system to facilely achieve multifeature detection in biological and environmental analyses. Herein, a novel ferrocene-rhodamine receptor conjugated with a pyridine bridge was designed and synthesized. This receptor can sensitively sense Hg2+ in aqueous media via chromogenic, fluorogenic, and electrochemical multisignal outputs with a low detection limit and fast response time. Moreover, it can be qualified as a fluorescent probe for effectively monitoring Hg2+ in living cells. A plausible recognition mode was proposed and rationalized with theoretical calculations.

Ciclopirox (CPX) modulates multiple cellular pathways involved in the growth of a variety of tumor cell types. However, the effects of CPX on colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying mechanisms for its antitumor activity remain unclear. Herein, we report that CPX exhibited strong antitumorigenic properties in CRC by inducing cell cycle arrest, repressing cell migration, and invasion by affecting N-cadherin, Snail, E-cadherin, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression, and disruption of cellular bioenergetics contributed to CPX-associated inhibition of cell growth, migration, and invasion. Interestingly, CPX-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impaired mitochondrial respiration, whereas the capacity of glycolysis was increased. CPX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) substantially inhibited CRC xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that the antitumor activity of CPX relies on apoptosis induced by ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in both 5-FU-sensitive and -resistant CRC cells. Our data reveal a novel mechanism for CPX through the disruption of cellular bioenergetics and activating protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-dependent ER stress to drive cell death and overcome drug resistance in CRC, indicating that CPX could potentially be a novel chemotherapeutic for the treatment of CRC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a serious threat to people’s health worldwide. Artesunate (ART), one of the classical antimalarial drugs, has recently been shown to exert significant cytotoxicity in various cancers, but its bioavailability is low. Cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes have emerged as a promising class of anticancer therapeutic agents. Herein, through conjugation of two of them, three novel Ir(iii)–ART conjugates, [Ir(C–N)2(bpy-ART)](PF6) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, C–N = 2-phenylpyridine (ppy, Ir-ART-1), 2-(2-thienyl)pyridine (thpy, Ir-ART-2), and 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy, Ir-ART-3)) have been synthesized, and their potential as anti-HCC agents was evaluated. We demonstrate that Ir-ART-1–3 display higher cytotoxicity against HCC cell lines than normal liver cells, and they can especially locate to mitochondria of HepG2 cells and induce a series of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis events. Moreover, Ir-ART-1–3 can regulate the cell cycle and inhibit metastasis of HepG2 cells. Finally, in vivo antitumor evaluation also demonstrates the inhibitory activity of Ir-ART-1 on tumor growth. Taken together, these Ir(iii)–ART conjugates have the potential to become drug candidates for future anti-HCC treatments.

Background We aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers and investigate the metabolic alterations in relation to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and cataract in human aqueous humor. Methods Sixteen POAG patients undergoing surgical treatments and 24 patients undergoing cataract surgeries were included in this case-control study. We performed the metabolomic analysis of aqueous humor samples using a non-targeted gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was computed to assess the discrimination capacities of each metabolite marker. Databases including the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and MetaboAnalyst were utilized to search for the potential pathways of metabolites. Results Aqueous humor metabolomic profiles could well distinguish POAG from controls. Fourteen metabolic biomarkers were identified as potential aqueous humor biomarkers for POAG, yielding AUC values from 0.62 to 0.86. In pathway analysis, Biotin metabolism was highly impacted, implying that these metabolic markers play important roles in the regulation of this pathway. Conclusions This study identified valuable metabolic biomarkers and pathways that may facilitate an improved understanding of the POAG pathogenesis. The finding holds translational value in the development of new therapeutic measures for POAG.

Background: CD28, a cell surface glycoprotein receptor, predominantly expressed on activated T cells, belongs to the Ig superfamily and provides a critical co-stimulatory signal. CTLA-4 has sequence homology to CD28, and is expressed on T cells after activation. It provides an inhibition signal coordinated with CD28 to regulate T cell activation. Both of them regulate T cell proliferation and differentiation and play an important role in the immune response pathway in vivo. Objective: We studied the special role of different structural sites of CD28 in producing costimulatory signals. Methods: We reviewed the relevant literature, mainly regarding the structure of CD28 to clarify its biological function, and its role in the immune response. Results: In recent years, increasingly attention has been paid to CD28, which is considered as a key therapeutic target for many modern diseases, especially some immune diseases. Conclusion: In this paper, we mainly introduce the structure of CD28 and its related biological functions, as well as the application of costimulatory pathways targeting CD28 in disease treatment.

Four new quinolizidine alkaloids, including three matrine-type alkaloids, 8α-hydroxysophocarpine (1), 13β-hydroxyoxymatrine (2), 9α-acetoxymatrine (3), and one sparteine-type alkaloid, 14β-hydroxylupanine (4), together with four known ones, were isolated from the flowers of Sophora viciifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. All of the isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-influenza virus activities. Unfortunately, none of them were active towards these assays.