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Plants control water-use efficiency (WUE) by regulating water loss and CO2 diffusion through stomata. Variation in stomatal control has been reported among lineages of vascular plants, thus giving rise to the possibility that different lineages may show distinct WUE dynamics in response to water stress. Here, we compared the response of gas exchange to decreasing leaf water potential among four ferns and nine seed plant species exposed to a gradually intensifying water deficit. The data collected were combined with those from 339 phylogenetically diverse species obtained from previous studies. In well-watered angiosperms, the maximum stomatal conductance was high and greater than that required for maximum WUE, but drought stress caused a rapid reduction in stomatal conductance and an increase in WUE in response to elevated concentrations of abscisic acid. However, in ferns, stomata did not open beyond the optimum point corresponding to maximum WUE and actually exhibited a steady WUE in response to dehydration. Thus, seed plants showed improved photosynthetic WUE under water stress. The ability of seed plants to increase WUE could provide them with an advantage over ferns under drought conditions, thereby presumably increasing their fitness under selection pressure by drought.

Drought is a cyclical phenomenon in natural environments. During dehydration, stomatal closure is mainly regulated by abscisic acid (ABA) dynamics that limit transpiration in seed plants, but following rehydration, the mechanism of gas exchange recovery is still not clear. In this study, leaf water potential (ψleaf ), stomatal conductance (gs ), leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf ), foliar ABA level, ethylene emission rate in response to dehydration and rehydration were investigated in four Caragana species with isohydric (Caragana spinosa and C. pruinosa) and anisohydric (C. intermedia and C. microphylla) traits. Two isohydric species with ABA-induced stomatal closure exhibited more sensitive gs and Kleaf to decreasing ψleaf than two anisohydric species which exhibited a switch from ABA to water potential-driven stomatal closure during dehydration. Following rehydration, the recovery of gas exchange was not associated with a decrease in ABA level but was strongly limited by the degradation of the ethylene emission rate in all species. Furthermore, two anisohydric species with low drought-induced ethylene production exhibited more rapid recovery in gas exchange upon rehydration. Our results indicated that ethylene is a key factor regulating the drought-recovery ability in terms of gas exchange, which may shape species adaptation to drought and potential species distribution.

Efficient hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy remains a significant challenge due to the unsatisfactory targeting efficiency of nanoparticles (NPs) with either a passive targeting or a single active targeting property. Although a dual-targeting mechanism-based strategy can promote the partial targeting efficiency, most of the reported NPs with dual-targeting properties generally suffer from sophisticated chemical design, multistep synthesis, and purification procedures, leading to batch-to-batch variation and difficulties in scalable production. To develop a facile yet efficient strategy toward dual-targeting ligand-functionalized NPs for precise HCC therapy and potential clinical translation, folic acid (FA) was readily introduced as a hydrophobic and targeting component to a hydrophilic macromolecular prodrug, galactosylated chitosan-5-fluorouracil acetic acid (GC-FU), to afford FA-GC-FU formulation that can self-assemble into NPs driven by the solubility variation of FA and GC-FU without the necessity of previously used physical cross-linking. The resulting nanoparticles of FA-GC-FU can target the overexpressed asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) and folate receptors (FRs) on the surface of HCC cells, respectively, via the FA and lactobionic acid (LA) residues exposed on the surface of the NPs, leading to the maximized targeting efficiency of HCC and minimized nonspecific uptake by normal hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study not only developed a simple yet efficient strategy toward a facile fabrication of NPs with dual-targeting ligands but also presented a precise therapeutic platform for HCC with great potential for clinical translation.

Silicon (Si) plays an important role in plant nutrient capture and absorption, and also promotes plant mechanical strength and light interception in alpine meadows. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to examine the effect of nitrogen (N) application, with (N + Si) and without Si (N-only), on the potential for soil nutrient and the growth of grass and legume plant functional types (PFTs) in an alpine meadow. It was found that N + Si resulted in higher soil nutrient contents, leaf N and P concentrations, abundance and biomass of legume and grass PFTs than N-only. The aboveground biomass of grass (598 g m−2) and legume (12.68 g m−2) PFTs under 600 kg ha−1 ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) per year addition with Si was significantly higher than that under the same level of N addition without Si (515 and 8.68 g m−2, respectively). The grass:legume biomass ratio did not differ significantly between the N + Si and N-only. This demonstrates that Si enhances N fertilization with apparently little effect on grass:legume ratio and increases plant-available nutrients, indicating that Si is essential for the plant community in alpine meadows.

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR) is characterized by central facial erythema and transient papules and/or pustules, with or without telangiectases. The treatment of PPR is challenging due to the unclear and complex pathogenesis. In the present retrospective study, patients with PPR treated with oral minocycline and supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) 30% chemical peels enrolled between June 2018 and June 2019 were evaluated. All patients were treated with 50 mg minocycline twice a day and SSA 30% twice a month. A total of 19 patients were enrolled and all received the therapy for 12 weeks. A significant reduction of rosacea severity was observed by Investigator Severity Assessment (ISA) after treatment; the mean score reduced from 3.32±0.6 at baseline to 0.89±0.7 (P

The intestinal epithelium barrier functions to protect human bodies from damages such as harmful microorganisms, antigens, and toxins. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect and molecular mechanism of a dominant polymethoxyflavone nobiletin (NOB) from tangerine peels on intestinal epithelial integrity. The results from transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) suggested that NOB pretreatment counteracts epithelial injury induced by inflammatory cytokines (TEER value in 48 h: vehicle, 135.6 ± 3.9 Ω/cm2; TNF-α + IL-1β, 90.7 ± 0.5 Ω/cm2; 10 μM NOB + TNF-α + IL-1β, 126.1 ± 0.8 Ω/cm2; 100 μM NOB + TNF-α + IL-1β, 125.3 ± 0.5 Ω/cm2. P < 0.001). Clinical and pathological test results suggested that administration of NOB effectively alleviates intestinal barrier injury induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) as evidenced by the length of colon villi on day 7 (control, 253.7 ± 4.8 μm, DSS 131.6 ± 4.6 μm, NOB + DSS, 234.5 ± 5.1 μm. P < 0.001). Interestingly, when screening tight junction molecules for intestinal barrier integrity, we observed that independent treatment with NOB sharply increased claudin-7 levels (ratio of claudin-7 over GAPDH: control, 1.0 ± 0.06; DSS, 0.02 ± 0.001; NOB + DSS, 0.3 ± 0.07. P < 0.001), which was previously suppressed upon DSS stimulation. Furthermore, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α) transcriptional regulation of claudin-7 contributed to intestinal barrier homeostasis. Therefore, our study suggests potential intestinal protective strategies based on polymethoxyflavones of aged tangerine peels.

A series of binuclear lanthanide complexes with formulas [Dy2(DMOMP)2(TFNB)4]·CH3CH2OCH2CH3 (1), [Dy2(DMOEP)2(TFNB)4] (2), [Dy2(DMOEP)2(BTFA)4] (3), [Dy2(DMOEP)2(TTA)4] (4), and [Dy2(DMOAP)2(TFNB)4] (5), (DMOMP = 2,6-dimethoxy-4-methylphenol, DMOEP = methyl 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoate, DMOAP = 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, TFNB = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-naphthyl)-1,3-butanedione, BTFA = benzoyltrifluoroacetone, TTA = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone) were structurally and magnetically characterized. The core structures of these complexes consist of dinuclear lanthanide(III) ions bridged firmly by phenoxyl O atoms from two nearly horizontal and isolated 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMOP) derivatives, which provide an ideal model to investigate the synergistic contribution of single-ion anisotropy and magnetic exchange interaction. In this case, the modification was carried out on the para position of the phenol hydroxyl of the DMOP bridge and on one side of the terminal substituent of the β-diketonate co-ligand with electron-donating/withdrawing substituents that also exhibit different steric hindrance. Following this, the effective energy barrier (Ueff) of magnetization reversal was enhanced by ten times in magnitude at the most, and the hysteresis temperature increased from zero to 2.5 K.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are well recognized for their defensive role in plants under abiotic stress conditions, but 28-homobrassinolide (HBR)-induced tolerance to drought stress has not been reported in soybean (Glycine max L.). The present study investigated the effect of HBR on soybean seedlings under drought stress. Drought stress suppressed growth and photosynthetic systems while increased the proline, glycine betaine (GB), anthocyanin, total phenolic (TP), and total flavonoid (TF) levels in soybean seedlings. HBR restricted reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and decreased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content by triggering the antioxidant systems. HBR acts as a shield in soybean, protecting the plant against the harmful effects of methylglyoxal (MG) effects by upregulating the enzymes glyoxalase I, (Gly I;15%) and glyoxalase II (Gly II;29.1%) compared to the levels in drought stressed seedlings. Overall, HBR improved drought tolerance in soybean seedlings by modulating osmolytes, the AsA–GSH cycle, and enzyme activities.

A new dysprosium complex [Dy(IA)2(H2O)4]nnNO3 (1; IA is isonicotinic acid anion), was synthesized. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Every two neighborin...

The selective adsorption of APPT-Cd-MOF 1 for propyne, 2-butyne and phenylacetylene was confirmed by single-crystal analysis. In addition, the selective adsorption performance of Cd-MOF for C3H4/C3H6/C3H8 was investigated. The matching of the functionality and size/shape between porous materials and guest molecules clarified the specific recognition of 1 for linear alkyne molecules.

SummaryAlmost all terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) still assume infinite mesophyll conductance (gm) to estimate photosynthesis and transpiration. This assumption has caused low accuracy of TBMs to predict leaf gas exchange under certain conditions.In this study, we developed a photosynthesis-transpiration coupled model that explicitly considers gm and designed an optimized parameterization solution through evaluating four different gm estimation methods in 19 C3 species at 31 experimental treatments.Results indicated that temperature responses of the maximum carboxylation rate (Fcmax) and the electron transport rate (Jmax) estimated by fusing the Bayesian retrieval algorithm and the Sharkey online calculator together with gm temperature response estimated by fusing the chlorophyll fluorescence-gas exchange method and anatomy method predicted leaf gas exchange more accurately. The gm temperature response exhibited activation energy (ΔHa) of 63.13 ± 36.89 kJ mol-1 and entropy (ΔS) of 654.49 ± 11.36 J K-1 mol-1. The gm optimal temperature (Topt_gm) explained 58% of variations in photosynthesis optimal temperature (ToptA). The gm explicit expression has equally important effects on photosynthesis and transpiration estimations.Results advanced understandings of better representation of plant photosynthesis and transpiration in TBMs.

Objective: Explore the partial mechanisms of cupping therapy by means of the cellular factors in the peripheral blood cells; methods: Replicate the rabbit model of cold stagnation leading to blood stasis by adopting the cold stimulation and randomly dividing 12 rabbits to three groups based on the weight. Observe the sign of the rabbits before and after cupping test, the content of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF)in the peripheral blood; Results: After replicated the model, the model group and the treatment group gradually appeared the sign of cold stagnation leading to blood stasis. After cupping treatment, the sign of cold stagnation leading to blood stasis of the rabbits gradually disappeared. Compared with the blank controlled group and the model group at the same time, the epidermal growth factor (EGF)in the peripheral blood of the treatment group was much higher after cupping and was statistically difference (p

Background Riehl's melanosis is a chronic, refractory disorder, which can adversely affect patient's quality of life. Intense pulse light, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, hydroquinone, tranexamic acid have been reported to treat this disease, but there have been few reports on the effectiveness of other treatments. Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of triple combination therapy with salicylic acid chemical peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C for Riehl's melanosis. Patients/methods Three patients diagnosed with Riehl's melanosis were enrolled. All patients were treated with glycyrrhizin compound (150 mg/d), vitamin C (100 mg/d), and salicylic acid 30% peels once every 2 weeks. Clinical photographs and VISIA were used to assess the efficacy. Results All patients received obvious improvement and reported no obvious side effects. Conclusion Triple combination therapy with salicylic acid peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C is a safe and effective modality for Riehl's melanosis.

Background Acaricide resistance is a serious problem in spider mites. Cyflumetofen is a new complex II inhibitor, whereas pyridaben acts at complex I and has been used for decades. Although cross-resistance between cyflumetofen and pyridaben has been observed in Tetranychus cinnabarinus, the specific mechanisms at play have not yet been investigated. Results Investigation into the cross-resistance mechanisms identified five P450s, among which CYP389C16 was evaluated as the most likely candidate conferring cross-resistance. Knockdown of CYP389C16 expression via RNA interference diminished the level of cross-resistance in the cyflumetofen-resistant strain. In addition, recombinant CYP389C16 (40 pmol) effectively metabolized 25.0 ± 0.7% of cyflumetofen, 39.7 ± 1.0% of pyridaben, and 69.3 ± 3.3% of AB-1 (active de-esterified metabolite of cyflumetofen) within 2 h. In addition, hydroxylation metabolite of AB-1 was identified by HPLC-MS/MS. Conclusions The study reveals that overexpressed CYP389C16 is involved in the cross-resistance between cyflumetofen and pyridaben in T. cinnabarinus. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary choline and its containing foods are biotransformed to trimethylamine (TMA) via gut microbial metabolism. Subsequently, as an intermediate molecule, TMA is quickly transported and oxidized in the liver by hepatic flavin monooxygenases to form trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). TMAO was treated as a waste byproduct from choline metabolism, but recent convincing evidence demonstrated the association between the small molecule TMAO and inflammation-related diseases, including blood vessel inflammation and vascular diseases. The scope of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of nobiletin on TMAO-induced blood vessel inflammation. Our results from Western blot showed that the inhibition of TMAO-induced cardiovascular inflammation was correlated with nobiletin-mediated inhibitory effects on NF-κB and MAPK/ERK related pathways. More specifically, nobiletin prevented the oxidative damage of vascular sites (proximal aorta), inhibited the activity of MAPK/ERK, reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65, and consequently decreased the inflammatory response. Flow cytometry analyses showed that nobiletin decreased TMAO-induced apoptosis of HUVEC cells and counteracted TMAO-induced HUVEC cell proliferation. Results from HE staining and immunohistochemical results also showed that nobiletin reduced the degree of inflammation of the proximal aorta in Sprague-Dawley rats. In summary, nobiletin significantly reduced TMAO-induced vascular inflammation via inhibition of the NF-κB/MAPK pathways.

Background Cyflumetofen is an outstanding acaricide with a novel mode of action. Tetranychus cinnabarinus, an important agricultural pest, is notorious for developing resistance to most classes of acaricides rapidly and results in enormous loss for the economy. Our previous study had pointed out glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) significantly contributed to the cyflumetofen-resistance formation in T. cinnabarinus, but the more specific mechanism needed to be further investigated. Results The unstable resistance was observed in cyflumetofen-resistant strain (CyR)under acaricide-free condition. The activity of GSTs increased along with the development of resistance. The expressions of 13 GST genes were detected in CyR and susceptible strain (SS), of which six genes were overexpressed in CyR and the TcGSTm02 was selected as the representative for functional study. The expression of TcGSTm02 changed along with the resistant level of CyR with the same trend. Recombinant protein of TcGSTm02 with high activity was successfully obtained by E. coli expression system, whose activity could be inhibited by cyflumetofen (IC50 = 0.23 mM). Recombinant TcGSTm02 could effectively decompose cyflumetofen, and catalyze GS- to conjugate with cyflumetofen. Conclusion All clues confirmed that GSTs strongly associated with cyflumetofen-resistance and a representative gene, TcGSTm02, showed function on contributing the evolution of cyflumetofen-resistance in T. cinnabarinus. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

A novel samarium complex {[Sm(IA)3(H3O)2]2n}(2nHgCl4)(nHg2Cl5)·nH3O·3nH2O (1) (HIA = isonicotinc acid) has been synthesized under solvothermal condition and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It possesses a one-dimensional (1-D) chain-like structure. Solid-state photoluminescence measurement shows that it displays red light emission bands. The emission bands result from the characteristic emissions of the 4f electrons intrashell transitions of 4G5/2 → 6HJ (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) of the samarium(III) ions. Energy transfer mechanism is explained by the energy level diagram of the samarium(III) ion and isonicotinic acid ligand. Complex 1 has a remarkable CIE chromaticity coordinate of (0.6182, 0.3813); so, it is a potential candidate for red light emitting materials for light emitting diodes (LEDs). Solid-state UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum reveals that complex 1 has a wide optical band gap of 3.23 eV.

Choline-rich foods in the diet are metabolized by intestinal microflora to trimethylamine (TMA). TMA is subsequently oxidized in the liver by hepatic flavin monooxygenases (FMO), yielding trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in vivo. TMAO has been reported to cause blood vessel inflammation and induce vascular diseases and atherosclerosis. To investigate the preventive effect of nobiletin on choline chloride—induced vascular oxidative stress and inflammation, the choline chloride-treated rats were intragastric administrated of nobiletin. The serum content of IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and the contents of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The results revealed that nobiletin decreased the oxidative stress of the aorta and serum inflammatory cytokines level of the experimental rats to reduce the level of vascular inflammation.

The integrity of the intestinal barrier is critical for homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of pterostilbene (PTE) on the intestinal epithelium barrier. In vitro results of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Caco-2 cells indicated that PTE counteracted tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced barrier damage. In vivo PTE pretreatment markedly ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Notably, intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) molecules were restored by PTE in mice exposed to DSS. The mechanism study revealed that PTE prevented myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) from driving phosphorylation of MLC (p-MLC), which is crucial for maintaining intestinal TJ stability. Furthermore, PTE blunted translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 into the nucleus to downregulate MLCK expression and then to safeguard TJs and barrier integrity. These findings suggest that PTE protected the intestinal epithelial barrier through the NF-κB- MLCK/p-MLC signal pathway.

In the Lungu area of the Tarim Basin, a large number of karst fracture-cavity reservoirs associated with the subterranean rivers are developed in the ancient buried hills of the Ordovician carbonate rocks. These are the main oil and gas production targets in the area. The reservoirs in the paleo-aqueous system are strong heterogeneity in both vertical and horizontal directions, therefore, identifying and predicting the characteristics of the underground river system is one of the effective ways to improve the success rate of oil and gas exploration and development. To analyze the seismic response characteristics of different shapes, sizes and filling degrees underground river reservoirs. This paper focuses on get forward seismic profiles based on three-dimensional forward modeling method of artillery domain wave equations, which using various types of underground river geology models that established from seismic, logging and drilling data. The forward simulation results show that the length, height, fillings, and surrounding rock factors of the underground river all influence the seismic reflection characteristics. The forward modeling results supported the implement of the spatial distribution of the ancient underground river system and the development of high-quality fracture-cavity reservoirs. In addition, it provided theoretical guidance to the interpretation and prediction of the fractured-cavity reservoirs related to the underground river systems.

Excess selenium (Se) causes toxicity, and nitric oxide (NO)’s function in spermine (Spm)-induced tolerance to Se stress is unknown. Using wheat plants exposed to 1 mM sodium selenate—alone or in combination with either 1 mM Spm, 0.1 mM NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or 0.1 mM NO scavenger cPTIO—the potential beneficial effects of these compounds to palliate Se-induced stress were evaluated at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels. Se-treated plants accumulated Se in their roots (92%) and leaves (95%) more than control plants. Furthermore, Se diminished plant growth, photosynthetic traits and the relative water content and increased the levels of malondialdehyde, HO, osmolyte and endogenous NO. Exogenous Spm significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde by 28%, HO by 37% and electrolyte leakage by 42%. Combined Spm/NO treatment reduced the Se content and triggered plant growth, photosynthetic traits, antioxidant enzymes and glyoxalase systems. Spm/NO also upregulated MTP1, MTPC3 and HSP70 and downregulated TaPCS1 and NRAMP1 (metal stress-related genes involved in selenium uptake, translocation and detoxification). However, the positive effects of Spm on Se-stressed plants were eliminated by the NO scavenger. Accordingly, data support the notion that Spm palliates selenium-induced oxidative stress since the induced NO elicits antioxidant defence upregulation but downregulates Se uptake and translocation. These findings pave the way for potential biotechnological approaches to supporting sustainable wheat crop production in selenium-contaminated areas., The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 31971406 and 31670404)

In recent years, research on spermine (Spm) has turned up a lot of new information about this essential polyamine, especially as it is able to counteract damage from abiotic stresses. Spm has been shown to protect plants from a variety of environmental insults, but whether it can prevent the adverse effects of drought has not yet been reported. Drought stress increases endogenous Spm in plants and exogenous application of Spm improves the plants’ ability to tolerate drought stress. Spm’s role in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms, glyoxalase systems, methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification, and creating tolerance for drought-induced oxidative stress is well documented in plants. However, the influences of enzyme activity and osmoregulation on Spm biosynthesis and metabolism are variable. Spm interacts with other molecules like nitric oxide (NO) and phytohormones such as abscisic acid, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids, and ethylene, to coordinate the reactions necessary for developing drought tolerance. This review focuses on the role of Spm in plants under severe drought stress. We have proposed models to explain how Spm interacts with existing defense mechanisms in plants to improve drought tolerance.

Summary The Ordovician ultra-deep (burial depth more than 7000m) tight limestone formation fault-controlled reservoir is part of the most important targets in the Tarim Basin. It’s formed by dissolved pores that controlled by faults and shown as a “beaded” reflection in seismic. After decades of exploration and development, most easily identified large-scale fractured-vuggy bodies have been drilled. To support the stable production capacity at the current stage, it is critical to identify and locate medium-small scale carbonate reservoirs’ reflection with medium intensity. This abstract proposes an improved method, which not only enhances the sub-level reflection intensity and the seismic response characteristics of medium-small scale carbonate reservoirs but also able to identify and locate the fault-controlled reservoirs. After pre-processing on the original data and performing formation dip and azimuth scanning, it uses the dip and azimuth data to guide the weighted average operation of structurally oriented on adjacent seismic traces. Lastly, it calculates the formation background data with raw data to obtain residual sweet data. The application of this technology in the actual 3D seismic data in the two areas of Tabei uplift of the northern Tarim Basin supported the continual increase of drilling success rate from 80% to 97%.

Abscisic acid (ABA) can induce rapid stomatal closure in seed plants, but the action of this hormone on the stomata of fern and lycophyte species remains equivocal. Here, ABA-induced stomatal closure, signaling components, guard cell K+ and Ca2+ fluxes, vacuolar and actin cytoskeleton dynamics, and the permeability coefficient of guard cell protoplasts (Pf) were analyzed in species spanning the diversity of vascular land plants including 11 seed plants, 6 ferns, and 1 lycophyte. We found that all 11 seed plants exhibited ABA-induced stomatal closure, but the fern and lycophyte species did not. ABA-induced hydrogen peroxide elevation was observed in all species, but the signaling pathway downstream of nitric oxide production, including ion channel activation, was only observed in seed plants. In the angiosperm faba bean (Vicia faba), ABA application caused large vacuolar compartments to disaggregate, actin filaments to disintegrate into short fragments and Pf to increase. None of these changes was observed in the guard cells of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris and lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii treated with ABA, but a hypertonic osmotic solution did induce stomatal closure in fern and the lycophyte. Our results suggest that there is a major difference in the regulation of stomata between the fern and lycophyte plants and the seed plants. Importantly, these findings have uncovered the physiological and biophysical mechanisms that may have been responsible for the evolution of a stomatal response to ABA in the earliest seed plants.

Antibody-based near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Tumor cells can be selectively and efficiently killed by the targeted delivery of an antibody-photoabsorber complex followed by exposure to NIR light. Glycoprotein A33 antigen (GPA33) is highly expressed in most human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is an ideal diagnostic and therapeutic target. We previously produced a single-chain fragment of a variable antibody against GPA33 (A33scFv antibody). Here, we investigate the efficacy of NIR-PIT by combining A33scFv with the NIR photoabsorber IR700 (A33scFv-IR700). In vitro, recombinant A33scFv displayed specific binding and delivery of an NIR dye to GPA33-positive tumor cells. Furthermore, A33scFv-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT was successful in rapidly and specifically killing GPA33-positive colorectal tumor cells. NIR-PIT treatment induced the release of lactate dehydrogenase from tumor cells, followed by cell necrosis, rather than apoptosis, through the promotion of reactive oxygen species accumulation in tumor cells. In mice bearing LS174T tumor grafts, A33scFv selectively accumulated in GPA33-positive tumors. Following only a single injection of the conjugate and subsequent illumination, A33scFv-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT induced a significant increase in therapeutic response in LS174T-tumor mice compared with that in the non-NIR-PIT groups (p < 0.001). Because the GPA33 antigen is specifically expressed in CRC tumors, A33scFv-IR700 might be a promising antibody fragment-photoabsorber conjugate for NIR-PIT of CRC.

Summary Clarifying the coordination of leaf hydraulic traits with gas exchange across closely‐related species adapted to varying rainfall can provide insights into plant habitat distribution and drought adaptation.The leaf hydraulic conductance (K leaf), stomatal conductance (g s), net assimilation (A), vein embolism and abscisic acid (ABA) concentration during dehydration were quantified, as well as pressure–volume curve traits and vein anatomy in 10 Caragana species adapted to a range of mean annual precipitation (MAP) conditions and growing in a common garden.We found a positive correlation between Ψleaf at 50% loss of K leaf (K leaf P 50) and maximum K leaf (K leaf‐max) across species. Species from low‐MAP environments exhibited more negative K leaf P 50 and turgor loss point, and higher K leaf‐max and leaf‐specific capacity at full turgor, along with higher vein density and midrib xylem per leaf area, and a higher ratio of K leaf‐max : maximum g s. Tighter stomatal control mediated by higher ABA accumulation during dehydration in these species resulted in an increase in hydraulic safety and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) during drought.Our results suggest that high hydraulic safety and efficiency combined with greater stomatal sensitivity triggered by ABA production and leading to greater WUEi provides drought tolerance in Caragana species adapted to low‐MAP environments.

The battery system in the DC system is an important link to ensure the safe and stable operation of power plants and substations. The LiFePO4 battery will replacement of lead-acid batteries in the DC system is a trend in the future, because of its high energy density, wide operating temperature, long cycle life. The battery system in the DC system is consisted of a large number of cells, and the capacity is high, due to individual differences, will cause the battery imbalanced, resulting in a reduction in the usable capacity of the battery pack. This may cause battery pack life to decrease or damage the battery. In this article, a switching matrix type active equalization topology and its equalization strategy are designed, which is easy to be modular, simple and efficient. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the design.

Two series of isostructural lanthanide coordination complexes, namely, LIFM-42(Ln) (Ln=Eu, Tb, Gd, in which LIFM stands for the Lehn Institute of Functional Materials) and LIFM-43(Ln) (Ln=Er, Yb), were synthesized through the self-assembly of an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) ligand, 5-[2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]isophthalic acid (H2 hpi2cf), with different lanthanide ions. In the coordination structures linked by the ligands and oxo-bridged LnIII2 clusters (for LIFM-42(Ln) series) or isolated LnIII ions (for LIFM-43(Ln) series), the ESIPT ligand can serve as both the host and antenna for protecting and sensitizing the photoluminescence (PL) of LnIII ions. Meanwhile, the -OH⋅⋅⋅N active sites on the ligands are vacant, which provides availability to systematically explore the PL behavior of Ln complexes with ESIPT interference. Based on the accepting levels of different lanthanide ions, energy transfer can occur from the T1 (K*) or T1 (E*) (K*=excited keto form, E*=excited enol form) excited states of the ligand. Furthermore, the sensitized lanthanide luminescence in both visible and near-infrared regions, as well as the remaining K* emission of the ligand, can be modulated by the ESIPT responsiveness to different solvents, anions, and temperature.

As a new acaricide, cyflumetofen can effectively control Tetranychus, Panonychus, as well as other phytophagous mites. But its risk and the way of genetic and resistant inheritance in mites are not clear. In this study, two cyflumetofen-resistant strains (CyR and YN-CyR) were selected for 104 and 12 generations, and developed 104.7-fold and 25.6-fold resistance, respectively. Three crossing groups (CyR_80 × SS, CyR_104 × SS, YN-CyR × SS) were conducted to explore the resistant inheritance of cyflumetofen in T. cinnabarinus changed along with resistant level or not. The results of reciprocal crosses and backcrosses revealed that the incomplete recessive and multiple genes trait involved in two resistant strains. The different stage of resistance also has a same genetic trait. A cross-resistance study revealed that there was no cross-resistance between cyflumetofen and other four acaricides including avermectin, fenpropathrin, propargite and bifenazate respectively, but the cross-resistance to pyridaben reached a high level with 63.8-fold, which indicates an underlying mechanism that can both mediate cyflumetofen- and pyridaben-resistance in T. cinnabarinus.

In past decades, increasing evidence regarding cancer stem cells (CSCs) may account for carcinogenesis, tumor drug-resistant, and metastasis. CSCs are even considered as the root causes of tumor recurrence and metastases. Targeting CSCs may provide a new clue to cure cancer. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that intake of dietary natural products may bring health benefits including lowering risk of cancer incidence. In this review, we have particularly focused on targeting signaling pathways of CSCs by natural resveratrol and its dimethylated derivative pterostilbene. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(1):61-68, 2018.

Myocardial apoptosis and necroptosis are the major etiological factor during doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity, and one of the important reasons that limit the drug’s clinical application. Up to date, its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The protective role of phosphocreatine (PCr) in heart surgery and medical cardiology has been observed in numerous clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate cardioprotective actions of PCr against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and investigate the underlying mechanism involving in transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) mediated myocardial survive signaling pathway. Male Sprague-Dawleyrats were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with normal saline (NS) or DOX (2 mg/kg) alone or DOX with PCr (200 mg/kg) used as animal model. The data showed that DOX significantly impaired cardiac function and structure, induced oxidative stress, myocardial apoptosis and necroptosis, and dramatically down-regulated the expression level of TAK1, while the intervention of PCr obviously attenuated cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, myocardial apoptosis and necroptosis, especially alleviated the decrease of TAK1 expression. In vitro analysis, after H9c2 cells were pretreated with or without PCr (0.5 mM) or N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, 0.5 mM) or 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (5z-7-Ox, 1 μM) for 1 h, subsequently treated with DOX (1 μM) for 24 h. The results revealed that inhibition of TAK1 further deteriorated apoptotic and necroptotic cell death induced by DOX in H9c2 cells, but didn’t affect oxidative stress. While the pretreatment of PCr or NAC enhanced antioxidant activity to reduce oxidative stress, significantly alleviated apoptotic and necroptotic cell death induced by DOX in H9c2 cells. Consistent with the results in vivo, PCr or NAC significantly inhibited the decrease of TAK1 expression induced by DOX. In conclusion, oxidative stress induced by DOX inhibits the expression of TAK1, and leads to myocardial apoptotic and necroptotic death, while the intervention of PCr increases antioxidant activity to alleviate oxidative stress, which in turn activates TAK1 signaling pathway to promote myocardial survival, and finally attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Ozone (O3) is a gaseous environmental pollutant that can enter leaves through stomatal pores and cause damage to foliage. It can induce oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that can actively participate in stomatal closing or opening in plants. A number of phytohormones, including abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA) are involved in stomatal regulation in plants. The effects of ozone on these phytohormones’ ability to regulate the guard cells of stomata have been little studied, however, and the goal of this paper is to explore and understand the effects of ozone on stomatal regulation through guard cell signaling by phytohormones. In this review, we updated the existing knowledge by considering several physiological mechanisms related to stomatal regulation after response to ozone. The collected information should deepen our understanding of the molecular pathways associated with response to ozone stress, in particular, how it influences stomatal regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, and phytohormone signaling. After summarizing the findings and noting the gaps in the literature, we present some ideas for future research on ozone stress in plants

The variation in stomatal movement across vascular plants in response to abscisic acid (ABA) has received great attention in recent years. This review is an attempt to better understand the role of ABA in the stomatal movement of seed and seedless plants under dehydration and rehydration. Seed plants, i.e., gymnosperms and angiosperms, have two divergent ABA responses, the peaking type (P-type) and rising type (R-type), to induce stomatal closure under sustained drought stress. However, in the case of ferns and lycophytes, stomata of almost all species exhibit insensitive (I-type) behaviour to ABA. Consequently, seed plants have evolved an optimized water use efficiency to improve their succession in terrestrial ecosystems. During rehydration, the recovery of gas exchange is constrained by ABA accumulation under drought in R-type plants and constrained by hydraulics in P- and I-type plants. Thus, future studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying the divergence in stomata in response to ABA, focusing on P-type vs. R-type ABA responses in seed plants, the competition of seed plants, and the interaction between ABA and hydraulic pathways during rehydration.

Cardiac fibrosis is considered the initial change of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). We have shown that curcumin alleviates collagen deposition in DCM, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study we sought to investigate the effects of curcumin on cardiac fibrosis in vivo and in vitro and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Experimental diabetes was induced in rats by injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) combined with high energy diet. The rats were orally treated with curcumin (300 mg·kg−1·d−1) for 16 weeks. Curcumin administration significantly suppressed the deposition of type I and type III collagens in the heart tissues of diabetic rats, accompanied by markedly reduced TGF-β1 production, suppressed TβR II levels and Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and increased Smad7 expression. Similar effects were observed in human cardiac fibroblasts exposed to high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L) or exogenous TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL). Furthermore, TGF-β1 or HG treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and p38 MAPK in the fibroblasts. Application of curcumin (25 μmol/L) inhibited TGF-β1- or HG-induced AMPK/p38 MAPK activation and suppressed collagen synthesis in the fibroblasts. These effects were similar to those of the AMPK inhibitor compound C (10 μmol/L) but opposite to the effects of the AMPK activator metformin (2 mmol/L) in the fibroblasts. Our results demonstrate that curcumin suppresses diabetes-associated collagen synthesis in rat myocardium not only by inhibiting TGF-β1 production and canonical Smad signaling but also by blocking the non-canonical AMPK/p38 MAPK pathway.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs a photosensitizer (PS) and visible light in the presence of oxygen, leading to production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, which can damage the cellular organelles and cause cell death. In dermatology, PDT has usually taken the form of topical application of a precursor in the heme biosynthesis pathway, called 5-aminolevulinic acid (or its methyl ester), so that an active PS, protoporphyrin IX accumulates in the skin. As PDT enhances dermal remodeling and resolves chronic inflamation, it has been used to treat cutaneous disorders include actinic keratoses, acne, viral warts, skin rejuvenation, psoriasis, localized scleroderma, some non-melanoma skin cancers and port-wine stains. Efforts are still needed to mitigate the side effects (principally pain) and improve the overall procedure.

Background and Purpose Mirabegron has been classified as a β3-adrenoceptor agonist approved for overactive bladder syndrome. We investigated possible cardiac effects of mirabegron in the absence or presence of β-adrenoceptor subtype antagonists. In view of its phenylethanolamine structure, we investigated whether mirabegron has indirect sympathomimetic activity by using neuronal uptake blockers. Experimental Approach Right atrial trabeculae, from non-failing hearts, were paced and contractile force measured at 37°C. Single concentrations of mirabegron were added in the absence or presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), β3 (L-748,337), β1 (CGP 20712A), β2 (ICI 118,551) -adrenoceptor antagonists, neuronal uptake inhibitors desipramine or phenoxybenzamine. Key Results Mirabegron significantly increased contractile force in human right atrium (1 μM, 7.6 ± 2.6%, n = 7; 10 μM, 10.2 ± 1.5%, n = 22 compared with (−)-isoprenaline P

To investigate whether antenatal taurine supplementation improves neural stem cell proliferation in rats with fetal growth restriction (FGR) through regulating the activity of Rho family factors.FGR models were established via food restriction throughout pregnancy. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into the control group, the FGR group (given 40% of the normal daily feeding in the control group), and the Taurine group (FGR model treated with 300 mg/kg·d taurine from gestational day seven). Expression of fatty acid binding protein-7 (FABP-7), Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK2), Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA), and rac in the brains of newborn rats was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB).Relative FABP7 mRNA levels, the optical density (OD) values of FABP7-positive cells and the expression levels of the tested proteins all demonstrated that the number of neural stem cells (NSCs) in brain tissue was lower in the FGR group than in the control group but was significantly increased after antenatal taurine supplementation (p .05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 were higher in the FGR group but lower in the Taurine group (p .05). In contrast, the rac mRNA level was lower in the FGR group than in the control group but was higher in the Taurine group (p .05).Taurine prenatal supplementation improved neural stem cell proliferation in rats with FGR by inhibiting the activity of Rho family factors.

Two new unsymmetrical ligands, namely, 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (L1) and 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (L2), have been synthesized and their self-assembly reactions with MII(NO3)2 (M = Cd, Zn and Cu) and MII(ClO4)2 (M = Cd and Cu) have been investigated for the rational construction of porous coordination polymers. It was found that the counter-anion plays an important role in the structural assemblies. The strongly coordinating NO3− anions resulted in the formation of one-dimensional (1D) polymers (1–3 and 6). The weakly coordinating ClO4− anions gave rise to two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) porous coordination polymers (4 and 5). In polymers 1–3 and 6, the quinoline units play a critical role in the formation of a π–π stacking system, which further expands the dimensionality from one to three. Polymers 4 and 5 possess 1D rhombic and hexagonal channels, respectively. This study demonstrates that the asymmetric molecules L1 and L2 which contain monodentate and bidentate chelating binding sites can be very useful types of organic ligands to construct porous 2D- and 3D-cation frameworks. Although ab initio prediction of a particular superstructure from the starting materials and synthetic conditions is still impossible, some general principles are applicable for the observed structures and synthetic conditions. The photoluminescence of 1, 2, 4 and 6 and the magnetic properties of 3 and 5 are also studied.

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and is prone to be affected by external environmental factors. Skin aging is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, aging skin tissue is known to create a permissive tissue microenvironment that promotes the initiation, progression and resistance of cancer cells by promoting the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Therefore, more attention should be paid to skin aging. In this review, we highlight the common Rel proteins and two activation pathways: the canonical activation pathway and the non-canonical activation pathway. Furthermore, we summarize the role of NF-κB in skin aging. The effects of UV on the skin results from the production of ROS. Excessive free radicals activate the NF-κB signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway, contributing to the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB. Then it increased the level of TNF-α and the expression of MMPs, which induce the degradation of ECM and accelerated skin aging. We also summarize some reported natural antioxidants and synthetic antioxidants which are related to NF-κB signals. On the other hand, NF-κB plays a key role in SASP. Upon senescence-inducing signals, ATM and ATR block p62-dependent autophagic degradation of GATA4, contributing to NF-κB activation and SASP induction.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is soft tissue malignancy which is locally aggressive, slow-growth, rarely metastasizing but recurs frequently after surgical excision. Fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (FS-DFSP) is a variant of DFSP with a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis. For treatment of metastatic DFSP, antiangiogenesis therapy is an important therapeutic option, which is beneficial in increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy. Apatinib is a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitor and revealed potential anti-tumor efficacy in some types of sarcomas. However, there is still no report of apatinib as an angiogenesis therapy for metastatic DFSP to date. Herein we first describe a case of FS-DFSP relapsed and metastasized post multiple surgeries and adjuvant radiotherapy responded to apatinib in combination with chemotherapy, indicating apatinib may be a potential therapeutic option for metastatic DFSP.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent cutaneous disease characterized by a multifactorial pathogenic process including hyperseborrhea, inflammation, over-keratinization of follicular keratinocytes and Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes) overgrowth. Salicylic acid (SA), a beta-hydroxy acid, is frequently used in the treatment of acne. SA has been found to decrease skin lipids and to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms and pathways involved in such treatment of acne. In this study, we initially investigated the anti-acne properties of SA in human SEB-1 sebocytes. Treatment with SA decreased sebocyte lipogenesis by downregulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol response element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) pathway and reduced inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB pathway in these cells. Salicylic acid also decreased the cell viability of SEB-1 by increasing apoptosis via the death signal receptor pathway. Subsequently, histopathological analysis of a rabbit ear acne model after application of SA for three weeks confirmed that SA suppressed the levels of cytokines and major pathogenic proteins around acne lesions, which supports the mechanisms suggested by our in vitro experiments. These results initially clarified that therapeutic activities of SA in acne vulgaris treatment could be associated with the regulation of SREBP-1 pathway and NF-κB pathway in human SEB-1 sebocytes.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Gnaphalium affine D. Don is an important Traditional Chinese herbal Medicine (TCM) used to treat hyperuricemia, asthma, rheumatic arthritis, antitussive, expectorant and cardiovascular in folk medicine because of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effect of G. affine extract (GAE) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis and explore the possible underlying mechanism in cardiomyocyte. Materials and methods The ingredients of GAE were isolated and tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-Q-Qribatrip-MS/MS. The cardioprotective and anti-oxidant effects of GAE were evaluated in the experimental model with H2O2 induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were pretreated for 3 h with or without GAE or with GAE plus PX866 (PI3K inhibitor), then exposed to H2O2 for 6 h, H9c2 cells viability were detected by CCK8 kit, the content of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured by the commercial biochemical kits, western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were performed to evaluate the proteins and mRNA expression, propidium iodide (PI) staining was adopted to indicate H9c2 cells apoptosis. Results Firstly, seventeen polyphenols and flavonoids compounds with the characteristics of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in GAE were tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-Q-Qribatrip-MS/MS. In the experimental model, GAE not only significantly improved cells viability, but also showed anti-oxidant effects through improving SOD activity, up-regulating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and decreasing intracellular concentration of ROS and MDA and the proteins expression of p47phox, p67phox and gp91phox. On the other hand, GAE revealed anti-apoptotic effect through up-regulating the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), down-regulating Bcl2-associated X (BAX) and cleaved-caspase 3. Furthermore, GAE significantly facilitated phosphorylation of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) but not AMPK, while the effects were blocked by PX866 (PI3K inhibitor). Conclusions Our data suggested that GAE showed strong anti-oxidant effect to ameliorate oxidative stress and attenuate apoptosis induced by H2O2 in H9c2 cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

A series of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives (4a–4n, 5a–5n, 6, and 7) were designed and synthesized as potential anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Their pharmacological activities were evaluated by maximal electroshock test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test in mice. Pharmacological analyses showed that compounds 4-benzyl-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4a) and 4-(3-fluorobenzyl)-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4e) exhibited the greatest anticonvulsant activity (PI 12.02 and 12.25, respectively, 30 min after intraperitoneal injection), and were more efficient than the reference drug, carbamazepine. In addition, 4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6,8-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one (4f) and 6-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2,4-dimethylpyrido[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidin-5(6H)-one (5f) possessed potent antidepressant properties that lead to significant reduction in the duration of the immobility time than did the control (P

Bimetallic macrocyclic complexes have attracted the attention of chemists and various organic ligands have been used as molecular building blocks, but supramolecular complexes based on semi-rigid organic ligands containing 1,2,4-triazole have remained rare until recently. It is easier to obtain novel topologies by making use of asymmetric semi-rigid ligands in the self-assembly process than by making use of rigid ligands. A new semi-rigid ligand, 3-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)sulfanyl]-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (L), has been synthesized and used to generate two novel bimetallic macrocycle complexes, namely bis{μ-3-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)sulfanyl]-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine}bis[(methanol-κO)(nitrato-κ2O,O′)nickel(II)] dinitrate, [Ni2(NO3)2(C17H14N6S)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2, (I), and bis{μ-3-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)sulfanyl]-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine}bis[(methanol-κO)(nitrato-κ2O,O′)zinc(II)] dinitrate, [Zn2(NO3)2(C17H14N6S)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2, (II), by solution reactions with the inorganic saltsM(NO3)2(M= Ni and Zn, respectively) in mixed solvents. In (I), two NiIIcations with the same coordination environment are linked byLligands through Ni—N bonds to form a bimetallic ring. Compound (I) is extended into a two-dimensional network in the crystallographicacplaneviaN—H...O, O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and neighbouring two-dimensional planes are parallel and form a three-dimensional structureviaπ–π stacking. Compound (II) contains two bimetallic rings with the same coordination environment of the ZnIIcations. The ZnIIcations are bridged byLligands through Zn—N bonds to form the bimetallic rings. One type of bimetallic ring constructs a one-dimensional nanotubeviaO—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds along the crystallographicadirection, and the other constructs zero-dimensional molecular cagesviaO—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. They are interlinked into a two-dimensional network in theacplane through extensive N—H...O hydrogen bonds, and a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture is formedviaπ–π interactions between the centroids of the benzene rings of the quinoline ring systems.

A new approach to functionalized γ-butenolides based on reagent-controlled tandem reaction sequences of Morita-Baylis-Hillman-type vinyl epoxides is described. The nucleophilic addition of a tertiary phosphine to the electron-deficient alkene led to ring-opening of the epoxide followed by lactonization to produce phosphonium ylides, which could undergo Wittig olefination with aryl trifluoromethyl ketones and aryl aldehydes to give 3-alkenyl γ-butenolides in moderate to good yields and high E/Z selectivity. Tertiary amine promoted the Michael-type addition of carbon- and nitrogen-based nucleophiles to the vinyl epoxides followed by lactonization to provide diverse 3-substituted γ-butenolides.

Acne vulgaris is a cutaneous chronic inflammatory disorder with complex pathogenesis. Four factors play vital roles in acne pathophysiology: hyperseborrhea and dysseborrhea, altered keratinization of the pilosebaceous duct, Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and inflammation. The main hormones responsible for the development of acne vulgaris include androgens, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1. Other factors involved in this process are corticotropin-releasing hormone, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and substance P. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway and nuclear factor kappa B pathway participate in the modulation of sebocyte, keratinocyte and inflammatory cell (e.g. lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils) activity. Among all the triggers and pathways mentioned above, IGF-1-induced PI3K/Akt/Forkhead box protein O1/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 pathway is the most important signaling responsible for acne pathogenesis. Commonly used anti-acne agents include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and hormonal agents (e.g. spironolactone, combination oral contraceptive and flutamide). New approaches including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ modifier, melanocortin receptor antagonists, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, metformin, olumacostat glasaretil, stearoyl-CoA desaturase inhibitor omiganan pentahydrochloride, KDPT, afamelanotide, apremilast and biologics have been developed as promising treatments for acne vulgaris. Although these anti-acne agents have various pharmacological effects against the diverse pathogenesis of acne, all of them have a synergistic mode of action, the attenuation of Akt/mTORC1 signaling and enhancement of p53 signal transduction. In addition to drug therapy, diet with no hyperglycemic carbohydrates, no milk and dairy products is also beneficial for treatment of acne.

According to its different occurrence mechanism, programmed cell death (PCD) is divided into apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, paraptosis and so on. Paraptosis is morphologically different from apoptosis and autophagy, which exhibit cytoplasmic vacuolation derived from the ER, independent of caspase, absence of apoptotic morphology. Recent researches have implied that a variety of small molecule compounds, such as celastrol, curcumin, can induce paraptosis-associated cell death as the reagent to enhance anti-cancer activity. A better understanding of paraptosis will lay the foundation to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat human cancers that make full use of small-molecule compounds.

Rose Bengal (RB) is a halogenated xanthene dye that has been used to mediate antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation. While highly active against Gram-positive bacteria, RB is largely inactive in killing Gram-negative bacteria. We have discovered that addition of the non-toxic salt potassium iodide (100mM) potentiates green light (540nm)-mediated killing by up to six extra logs with Gramnegative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Gram-positive methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and fungal yeast Candida albicans. The mechanism is proposed to be singlet oxygen addition to iodide anion to form peroxyiodide, which decomposes into radicals, finally forms hydrogen peroxide and molecular iodine. The effects of these different bactericidal species can be teased apart by comparing killing in three different scenarios: (1) cells+RB+KI are mixed together then illuminated with green light; (2) cells+RB are centrifuged then KI added then green light; (3) RB+KI+green light then cells added after light. We showed that KI could potentiate RBPDT in a mouse model of skin abrasions infected with bioluminescent P.aeruginosa.