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C67H49Cl3N6O18, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 12.3281(4) Å, b = 15.8887(5) Å, c = 16.9037(6) Å, α = 89.015(2)°, β = 77.885(3)°, γ = 72.021(3)°, V = 3075.20(19) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0658, wRref(F2) = 0.1558, T = 291.2(3) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematogenous metastasis is essential for the progression of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and can occur even after patients receive multidisciplinary therapies, including immunotherapy and hepatectomy; circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are one of the dominant components of the metastatic cascade. However, the CTC capture efficiency for HCC is low due to the low sensitivity of the detection method. In this study, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)/vimentin/Glypican-3 (GPC3) antibody-modified lipid magnetic spheres (LMS) were used to capture tumor cells with epithelial phenotype, mesenchymal phenotype and GPC3 phenotype, respectively, in order to capture more CTCs with a more comprehensive phenotype for monitoring tumor metastasis. Results: The novel CTC detection system of Ep-LMS/Vi-LMS/GPC3-LMS was characterized by low toxicity, strong specificity (96.94%), high sensitivity (98.12%) and high capture efficiency (98.64%) in vitro. A sudden increase in CTC counts accompanied by the occurrence of lung metastasis was found in vivo, which was further validated by a clinical study. During follow-up, the rapid increase in CTCs predicted tumor progression in HCC patients. Additionally, genetic testing results showed common genetic alterations in primary tumors, CTCs and metastatic tissues. The proportion of patients predicted to benefit from immunotherapy with the CTC detection method was higher than that for the tissue detection method (76.47% vs. 41.18%, P = 0.037), guiding the application of clinical individualized therapy. Conclusions: The Ep-LMS/Vi-LMS/GPC3-LMS sequential CTC capture system is convenient and feasible for the clinical prediction of HCC progression. CTCs captured by this system could be used as a suitable alternative to HCC tissue detection in guiding immunotherapy, supporting the clinical application of CTC liquid biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is proposed a new structure design for high performance accelerometer.Design/methodology/approach An improved sensitivity structure considering sensitivity, natural frequency and cross-axis sensitivity is established and realized. The proposed structure was designed to improve the trade-off between the sensitivity and the natural frequency of piezoresistive accelerometer and eliminate the lateral sensitivity effect by the specific configuration, which is made possible by incorporating slots into the eight-beam structure. The mechanical model and its mathematical solution are established for calculating the sensitivity and natural frequency behavior of the designed structure. The developed sensor is fabricated on the n-type single-crystal silicon wafer and packaged for experiment. The accelerometer prototype was tested in the centrifugal machine and dynamic calibration system.Findings The experimental results show that the sensitivity of the designed sensor is 0.213 mV/(Vg) and the natural frequency of the sensor is 14.22 kHz. Compared with some piezoresistive accelerometers in literatures, the designed sensor possesses a suitable characteristic in sensitivity, natural frequency and transverse effect, which allows its usage in measuring high frequency vibration signals.Originality/value The accelerometer with slotted eight-beam structure shows a good performance in the static and dynamic experiments and can be used in measuring high frequency vibration signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design, fabrication and test of a novel MEMS fuze are presented in this paper. It is a multilayer stacked device: the bottom layer is the MEMS detonator, which can generate a high speed slapper (4088 m/s) when initiated by 2500 V surge voltage. The middle layer is the SA (safety and arming) device. With proper driven voltages, the SA device can generate 508.98 μm output displacement and realize changing safety mode to arming mode in 16 ms. The top layer is the MEMS encapsulation, which is integrated with the position limiting structure and energetic grain. 3D printing process and laser process are introduced during the whole fabrication process, and the total size of the device can be minimized into 15 mm × 17 mm ×5 mm successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared absorption local vibration mode (LVM) spectroscopy is used to study hydrogen related defects in n-type ZnO single crystal grown by a closed chemical vapor transport (CVT) method under Zn-rich growth conditions, in which carbon is used as a transport agent. Two C–H complex related absorption peaks at 2850 cm−1 and 2919 cm−1 are detected in the sample. The formation of the C–H complex implies an effect of carbon donor passivation and formation suppression of H donor in ZnO. The influence of the complex defects on the electrical property of the CVT-ZnO is discussed based on Hall measurement results and residual impurity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons in the penumbra (the area surrounding ischemic tissue that consists of still viable tissue but with reduced blood flow and oxygen transport) may be rescued following stroke if adequate perfusion is restored in time. It has been speculated that post-stroke angiogenesis in the penumbra can reduce damage caused by ischemia. However, the mechanism for neovasculature formation in the brain remains unclear and vascular-targeted therapies for brain ischemia remain suboptimal. Here, we show that VEGFR1 was highly upregulated in pericytes after stroke. Knockdown of VEGFR1 in pericytes led to increased infarct area and compromised post-ischemia vessel formation. Furthermore, in vitro studies confirmed a critical role for pericyte-derived VEGFR1 in both endothelial tube formation and pericyte migration. Interestingly, our results show that pericyte-derived VEGFR1 has opposite effects on Akt activity in endothelial cells and pericytes. Collectively, these results indicate that pericyte-specific expression of VEGFR1 modulates ischemia-induced vessel formation and vascular integrity in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The impact of cell-specific and hypoxia-responsive signaling pathways on sepsis-induced thrombus formation is unclear • Evidence for a role of cell-specific HIFs in sepsis-induced thrombosis could lead to the identification of a novel therapeutic target • Nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies could be used in the treatment of sepsis-induced thrombosis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been used in cognition impairment due to various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, its optimum parameters and the neuroimaging mechanism are still of uncertainty. In order to simulate a study setting as close to real world as possible, the present study introduces a new orthogonally-designed protocol, consisting of the rTMS intervention with four key parameters (stimulating site, frequency, intensity and pulse number) and three different levels in each one, and aims to investigate the optimum parameters and the brain activity and connectivity in default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention network (DAN), central executive network (CEN) following rTMS intervention to post-stroke cognition impairment (PSCI). Methods: A single-center, orthogonally-designed, triple-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted and forty-five PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of nine active rTMS groups based on four rTMS paraments: stimulating site, frequency, intensity and pulse number. Neuropsychological, activities of daily living, quality of life and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evaluations were be performed pre-, post- and 3 months after rTMS. Discussion: This study evaluates the optimum parameters of rTMS for patients with post-stroke cognition impairment and explores the alteration of neural function in DMN, DAN, CEN brain network. These results would facilitate the standardized application of rTMS in cognition impairment rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently no effective treatments for sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The repositioning of existing drugs is one possible effective strategy for the treatment of sepsis and ARDS. We previously showed that vascular repair and the resolution of sepsis-induced inflammatory lung injury is dependent upon endothelial HIF-1α/FoxM1 signaling. The aim of this study was to identify a candidate inducer of HIF-1α/FoxM1 signaling for the treatment of sepsis and ARDS. Employing high throughput screening of a library of 1200 FDA-approved drugs by using hypoxia response element (HRE)-driven luciferase reporter assays, we identified Rabeprazole (also known as Aciphex) as a top HIF-α activator. In cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells, Rabeprazole induced HIF1A mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. A dose-response study of Rabeprazole in a mouse model of endotoxemia-induced inflammatory lung injury identified a dose that was well tolerated and enhanced vascular repair and the resolution of inflammatory lung injury. Rabeprazole treatment resulted in reductions in lung vascular leakage, edema, and neutrophil sequestration and proinflammatory cytokine expression during the repair phrase. We next used Hif1a/Tie2Cre knockout mice and Foxm1/Tie2Cre knockout mice to show that Rabeprazole promoted vascular repair through HIF-1α/FoxM1 signaling. In conclusion, Rabeprazole is a potent inducer of HIF-1α that promotes vascular repair and the resolution of sepsis-induced inflammatory lung injury via endothelial HIF-1α/FoxM1 signaling. This drug therefore represents a promising candidate for repurposing to effectively treat severe sepsis and ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity is known to have anti-cancer effects, including immunomodulatory actions. This study investigated the hypothesis that physical activity synergizes with combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy to enhance efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC. Methods: The physical activity levels of patients with unresectable HCC receiving combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy were recorded by questionnaire. Patients were categorized according to physical activity levels (active vs. sedentary). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). A subcutaneous syngeneic HCC model was generated in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were randomized to receive placebo, combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibodies or combination therapy plus physical activity. Tumors were measured every 3 days and harvested for immunohistochemistry analysis at 20 mm maximum diameter. Results: Fifty-nine patients with unresectable HCC were categorized to active (n = 28) or sedentary (n = 31) groups. The active group had higher albumin and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels and lower hepatitis B virus load at baseline; other clinical and oncologic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Patients in the active group had significantly longer OS (HR = 0.220, 95% CI 0.060–0.799) and PFS (HR = 0.158, 95% CI 0.044–0.562) and higher ORR (OR = 4.571, 95% CI 1.482–14.102) than patients in the sedentary group. Regular physical activity was independently associated with OS, PFS and ORR. The mouse model showed that physical activity significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, physical activity inhibited Treg cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression (including CTLA4, TIGIT and TIM3) induced by long-term combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy, improving efficacy. Conclusions: Regular physical activity was associated with improved outcomes in unresectable HCC receiving combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy. Physical activity may improve therapeutic efficacy by reprograming the tumor microenvironment from an immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the major pathogen that causes diarrhea and high mortality in newborn piglets, with devastating impact on the pig industry. To further understand the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of PEDV field strains, in this study the complete genomes of four PEDV variants (HN2021, CH-HNYY-2018, CH-SXWS-2018, and CH-HNKF-2016) obtained from immunized pig farms in central China between 2016 to 2021 were characterized and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome and S gene showed that the four strains identified in the present study had evolved into the subgroup G2a, but were distant from the vaccine strain CV777. Additionally, it was noteworthy that a new PEDV strain (named HN2021) belonging to the G2a PEDV subgroup was successfully isolated in vitro and it was further confirmed by RT-PCR that this isolate had a large natural deletion at 207–373 nt of the ORF3 gene, which has never been reported before. Particularly, in terms of pathogenicity evaluation, colostrum deprivation piglets challenged with PEDV HN2021 showed severe diarrhea and high mortality, confirming that PEDV HN2021 was a virulent strain. Hence, PEDV strain HN2021 of subgroup G2a presents a promising vaccine candidate for the control of recurring porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in China. This study lays the foundation for better understanding of the genetic evolution and molecular pathogenesis of PEDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sesquiterpenoid, named amoienacid (1), was isolated from the n-BuOH extract of the fruiting bodies of Amauroderma amoiensis. Its structure was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HR-ESI-MS data. The new isolate exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with the percentage inhibition of 36.3% at a concentration of 100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R5022 --> 546.3 --> Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life‐threatening gastrointestinal illness affecting mostly premature infants characterized by intestinal inflammation and necrosis. While several factors such as abnormal intestinal colonization and an immature immune response have been shown to play a role in NEC, we previously found that defective intestinal microvascular development promotes NEC development. FOXM1 is a protein expressed in cells undergoing proliferation and a member of the Forkhead box family, a master regulator of cell cycle progression. FoxM1 has been shown to mediate endothelial cell proliferation under stress conditions. Here we hypothesize that promoting FOXM1 expression protects neonatal mice against intestinal injury in an experimental NEC model by promoting endothelial cell proliferation. To test our hypothesis, we first examined FOXM1 mRNA expression during NEC development in a neonatal mouse model. Second, we investigated the role of FOXM1 in NEC development using FOXM1 transgenic and knockout animals. Finally, we examined in vitro whether FOXM1 can protect endothelial cell proliferation under stress condition. We found that FOXM1 expression was significantly decreased in the intestine of pups exposed to the NEC model for 24 and 48 hours compared to dam‐fed littermate controls. Neonatal mice that lack of FOXM1 in endothelial cells showed higher mortality rate and more severe intestinal injury when exposed to the experimental NEC model. While their 3‐day survival remained unchanged, pups with endothelial‐cell specific overexpression of FOXM1 had decreased incidence of severe intestinal injury. Furthermore, when cultured in vitro, intestinal endothelial cells obtained from pups overexpressing FOXM1 showed increased proliferation, which was unaffected by VEGFR2 inhibition using VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor Ki‐8751. In conclusion, FOXM1 protects against neonatal NEC by promoting endothelial cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Seven new IDTs were isolated from the marine-derived fungus. • Compounds 1 and 2 are two novel IDTs featuring different skeletons. • Compound 1 acted as a noncompetitive inhibitor against PTP1B. • Compounds 4 , 8 , and 22 showed potent anti-inflammatory effects. Seven new indole-diterpenoids, penpaxilloids A–E (1 – 5), 7-methoxypaxilline-13-ene (6), and 10-hydroxy-paspaline (7), along with 20 known ones (8 – 27), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. ZYX-Z-143. Among them, compound 1 was a spiro indole-diterpenoid bearing a 2,3,3a,5-tetrahydro-1 H -benzo[ d ]pyrrolo[2,1– b ][1,3]oxazin-1-one motif. Compound 2 was characterized by a unique heptacyclic system featuring a rare 3,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane unit. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, NMR calculations coupled with the DP4 + analysis, and ECD calculations. The plausible biogenetic pathway of two unprecedented indole diterpenoids, penpaxilloids A and B (1 and 2), was postulated. Compound 1 acted as a noncompetitive inhibitor against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with IC 50 value of 8.60 ± 0.53 μM. Compound 17 showed significant α -glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC 50 value of 19.96 ± 0.32 μM. Moreover, compounds 4 , 8 , and 22 potently suppressed nitric oxide production on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new ansamycin derivatives, named 1,19-epithio-geldanamycin A (1), 17-demethoxylherbimycin H (2), herbimycin M (3), and seco-geldanamycin B (4), together with eight known ansamycin analogues (5 – 12) were isolated from the solid fermentation of marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZYX-F-97. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All the compounds were assayed for their antibacterial activity. Among them, compounds 4 , 8 , and 12 exhibited remarkable inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values ranging from 8 μg·mL−1 to 64 μg·mL−1, and displayed moderate inhibition against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC value of 64 μg·mL−1. Compounds 4 , 8 , 9 , and 12 showed moderate inhibition activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with MIC values ranging from 32 μg·mL−1 to 128 μg·mL−1. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanostane-type triterpenoids are the main characteristic constituents in Ganoderma mushrooms. Phytochemical analysis on the ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma amboinense led to isolation and identification of twelve previously undescribed lanostane triterpenoids (1 − 12). Their chemical structures were determined by HR-ESI-MS, IR, and NMR spectroscopic analysis, NMR calculation, as well as X-ray crystallography. All isolates were evaluated for the α-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 1 , 5 , 6 , and 11 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC 50 values ranging from 33.5 μM to 96.0 μM. Moreover, compound 12 showed anti-inflammatory activity with IC 50 value of 21.7 ± 2.1 μM. [Display omitted] • Twelve undescribed triterpenoids were isolated from Ganoderma amboinense. • Compounds 1, 5, 6, and 11 showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. • Compound 12 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BMP signaling deficiency is evident in the lungs of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We demonstrated that PHD2 deficiency suppresses BMP signaling in the lung endothelial cells, suggesting the novel mechanisms of dysregulated BMP signaling in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to explore and analyze the related influencing factors of liver and cardiac iron overload in MDS patients detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have detected cardiac T2* and liver T2* by MRI in 105 MDS patients. Among them, 20 patients accepted MRI examination before and after iron chelation therapy (ICT). Results: We found that adjusted ferritin (ASF) was significantly correlated with liver T2* and cardiac T2*. RBC transfusion volume, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and age were the related factors of cardiac T2*, while RBC transfusion volume and erythropoietin (EPO) were related factors of liver T2*. After ICT, the changes of ASF and liver T2* were earlier than cardiac T2*. Chronic hepatitis but virus copy normal's has no significant effect on liver iron deposition. These results showed special attention should be paid to these related influencing factors of liver and cardiac T2* expression when we evaluated iron overload and detected the efficacy of ICT in MDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds named epipaxilline (1) and penerpene J (2) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. KFD28. Their structures including absolute configurations were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods and ECD analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activities against PTP1B with IC50 values of 31.5 and 9.5 μM, respectively, and compound 2 also showed inhibitory activities against TCPTP with IC50 value of 14.7 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deriving large-scale and high-quality precipitation products from satellite remote-sensing spectral data is always challenging in quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), and limited studies have been conducted even using China's latest Fengyun-4A (FY-4A) geostationary satellite. Taking three rainstorm events over South China as examples, a machine-learning-based regression model was established using the random forest (RF) method to derive QPE from FY-4A observations, in conjunction with cloud parameters and physical quantities. The cross-validation results indicate that both daytime (DQPE) and nighttime (NQPE) RF algorithms performed well in estimating QPE, with the bias score, correlation coefficient and root-mean-square error of DQPE (NQPE) of 2.17 (2.42), 0.79 (0.83) and 1.77 mmh-1 (2.31 mmh-1), respectively. Overall, the algorithm has a high accuracy in estimating precipitation under the heavy-rain level or below. Nevertheless, the positive bias still implies an overestimation of precipitation by the QPE algorithm, in addition to certain misjudgements from non-precipitation pixels to precipitation events. Also, the QPE algorithm tends to underestimate the precipitation at the rainstorm or even above levels. Compared to single-sensor algorithms, the developed QPE algorithm can better capture the spatial distribution of land-surface precipitation, especially the centre of strong precipitation. Marginal difference between the data accuracy over sites in urban and rural areas indicate that the model performs well over space and has no evident dependence on landscape. In general, our proposed FY-4A QPE algorithm has advantages for quantitative estimation of summer precipitation over East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preface for the September 2000 issue of the "Journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology," is presented.

Adding fumed silica (SiO2) has been considered as an effective method for tailoring the phase morphology and performance of elastomer-toughened plastic binary blends. It has been demonstrated that the selective distribution of SiO2 plays a decisive role in the mechanical properties of plastic/elastomer/SiO2 nanocomposites, especially for the impact toughness. In this work, we aim to illuminate the role of specific surface area in controlling their selective distribution of fumed SiO2 and consequent mechanical properties of plastic/elastomer binary blends. Three types of SiO2 with different specific surface areas were incorporated into polylactide/ethylene-co-vinyl-acetate (PLA/EVA) model blends by melt blending directly. It was found that the selective distribution of SiO2 is largely determined by their specific surface areas, i.e. SiO2 nanoparticles with low specific surface area has a stronger tendency to be located at the interface between PLA matrix and EVA dispersed phase as compared to those with high specific surface area. The specific surface area-dependent interfacial selective distribution of SiO2 is mainly attributed to the extent of increased viscosity of EVA dispersed phase in which SiO2 nanoparticles are initially dispersed and resultant migration rate of SiO2 nanoparticles. The interfacial localized SiO2 nanoparticles induce an obvious enhancement in the impact toughness with strength and modulus well maintained. More importantly, in the case of the same interfacial distribution, toughening efficiency is increased with the specific surface area of SiO2. Therefore, this is an optimum specific surface area of SiO2 for the toughening. This work not only provides a novel way to manipulate the selective distribution of SiO2 in elastomer-toughened plastic blends toward high-performance, but also gives a deep insight into the role of interfacial localized nanoparticles in the toughening mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alkaloid named methyl 2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-5-yl)acetate (1), together with 24 known compounds, was isolated from the acetone extract of the fruiting bodies of Ramaria stricta. Their structures were elucidated on HR-ESI-MS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The nematocidal assay showed that three compounds, benzoic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzaldehyde, and 4-(hydroxy)benzylbenzoic acid, exhibited a certain activity against Panagrellus redivivus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new compounds, 2-methyl-2,5,6-bornantriol (1), 4,4′-(3-hydroxypropane-1,1-diyl)diphenol (2), and 7-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-oxazepine-5,6-diol (3), were isolated from the fermentation broth of the soil actinomycete Streptomyces albospinus 15-4-2. Their structures were completely elucidated using the combination of 1D, 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY), and HR-ESI-MS analysis. None of the compounds 1–3 showed any inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 4. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel degraded sesquiterpene, named aquilarin B (1), together with two known compounds (2 and 3), was isolated from the EtOH extract of the fresh stem of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR (HMQC, 1H–1H COSY, HMBC, and ROESY). The cytotoxic activities of the three compounds against three human tumor cell lines K562, SMMC-7721, and SGC-7901 were evaluated, and compound 3 exhibited obvious cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diterpene, named yucalexin P-23 (1), together with three known compounds, yucalexin P-15 (2), protocatechuic acid (3), and catalpinic acid (4), was isolated from the stems of Manihot esculenta. Their structures were determined by means of physicochemical evidence and spectral analysis. Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new drimane sesquiterpenoid glycoside, named 7-drimen-3β,11-diol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, was isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of the seeds of Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. The chemical structure was completely elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) and HR-ESI-MS analysis. The compound showed inhibitory activities toward methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), and human hepatoma (SMMC-7721) cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the role of radiotherapy for patients with resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with concurrent macroscopic abdominal lymph node metastases. We identified 90 patients with resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and concurrent regional lymph node metastases treated between 1999 and 2008, thereinto 24 patients received local limited external beam radiotherapy (classified as the radiotherapy group) with a median total dose of 50 Gy (range 34–60 Gy) in fractions of 2 Gy five times a week. The remaining 66 patients did not receive external beam radiotherapy (classified as the non-radiotherapy group). We studied survival and tumor response to radiotherapy, demonstrated by symptoms and results of imaging, by Kaplan–Meier method and Cox analysis. After radiotherapy, lymph nodes showed partial response in nine patients (37.5%) and complete response in nine patients (37.5%). Median survival was 19.1 months in the radiotherapy group and 9.5 months in the non-radiotherapy group ( P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age, multiple intrahepatic primary tumors, higher level of CA19-9, and non-radiotherapy group were related to a poorer prognosis. The most common cause of death was intrahepatic recurrence, and death resulting from lymph node-related complications was similar between the two groups. External beam radiotherapy seems to improve the prognosis of patients with resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and concurrent macroscopic lymph node metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common type of primary liver cancer. Only few studies have focused on palliative radiotherapy used for patients who weren't suitable for resection by surgery. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for patients with unresectable ICC. Methods: We identified 84 patients with ICC from December 1998 through December 2008 for retrospective analysis. Thirty-five of 84 patients received EBRT therapy five times a week (median dose, 50 Gy; dose range, 30-60 Gy, in fractions of 1.8-2.0 Gy daily; EBRT group); the remaining 49 patients comprised the non-EBRT group. Tumor response, jaundice relief, and survival rates were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Patient records were reviewed and compared using Cox proportional hazard analysis to determine factors that affect survival time in ICC. Results: After EBRT, complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) of primary tumors were observed in 8.6% and 28.5% of patients, respectively, and CR and PR of lymph node metastases were observed in 20% and 40% of patients. In 19 patients with jaundice, complete and partial relief was observed in 36.8% and 31.6% of patients, respectively. Median survival times were 5.1 months for the non-EBRT group and 9.5 months for the EBRT group (P = 0.003). One-and two-year survival rates for EBRT versus non-EBRT group were 38.5% versus 16.4%, and 9.6% versus 4.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that clinical symptoms, larger tumor size, no EBRT, multiple nodules and synchronous lymph node metastases were associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusions: EBRT as palliative care appears to improve prognosis and relieve the symptom of jaundice in patients with unresectable ICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key enzymes in the process of lipid transport, is involved in the disease progression of various types of tumors. This article is to study the role of PCSK9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of PCSK9 in tumor specimens from 105 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of PCSK9 on HCC growth in vivo. TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results: High expression of PCSK9 in tumor tissues was related to microvascular invasion (p = 0.036) and large tumor size (p = 0.001) in HCC patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery were poor in patients with high expression of PCSK9 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PCSK9 promoted the growth of HCC by inhibiting cell apoptosis. A mechanistic study revealed that PCSK9 increases FASN expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. Conclusions: PCSK9 expression level in HCC is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with HCC. FASN-mediated anti-apoptosis plays an important role in PCSK9-induced HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds named asperpenes D (1) and E (2) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCS-KFD66. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compound 2 represents the first natural product bearing a 2-substituted-5-oxo-4-phenyl-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-carboxylic acid skeleton. All the compounds were tested for enzyme inhibitory activity against AChE and α-glucosidase and DPPH radical scavenging activity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the regenerative capacity and proliferation related to cell cycle modulators in irradiated livers after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Methods and materials: Two experimental groups were given a single dose of either 4-Gy or 8-Gy photon radiation to the whole liver following PH. The control group underwent only PH, without irradiation. The liver specimens were analysed for apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle related genes between 0.5 and 12 days. Results: Mean change in weight of the remnant liver in the 8-Gy group was significantly lower than in the control and 4-Gy groups. The apex of proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation index in two irradiated groups were also apparently lower than that in control group. After PH, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), and the type II receptor of TGFβ (TGFβR-II), anti-tumour protein 53(p53) and anti-tumour protein21(p21) protein expression in the irradiated livers was higher than in unirradiated ones. Significant apoptosis was noted in 8-Gy group. However, the maximal value of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and protein expression in the irradiated group was suppressed and restoration of liver function was delayed. Conclusion: Whole liver lower dose irradiation can attenuate regenerative capacity following partial hepatectomy in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study regarding the clinical features and independent survival predictors in patients having bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study administered to 205 patients aims to determine these factors to those who receive external beam radiotherapy (ERT). The result shows that survival outcomes, clinical features and prognostic factors can help these patients in determining proper use of dose and fraction.

Three new C21-steroidal glycosides presenting an unusual 13,14:14,15-disecopregnane-type skeleton, named inamosides A-C (1-3), together with two known C21-steroidal glycosides, were isolated from the MeOH extract of the roots of Cynanchum inamoeum (Maxim.) Loes (Asclepiadaceae). The aglycone of compounds 1, 2, and 3 has a 2β-hydroxyl, which has not yet been reported in the literature. The structure and relative configuration of the aglycone of compounds 1, 2, and 3 were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cache of shoots, leaves and fruits dated by 14C at 2500 years B.P. were unearthed in the Yanghai Tombs, Turpan District in Xinjiang, China. By comparing the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the plant remains found in the tomb and specimens of modern plants, it is shown that the remains belong to Cannabis. Based on the shamanistic background of the deceased man and ancient customs, it is assumed that the Cannabis was utilized for ritual/medicinal purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Eight previously undescribed indole-diterpenoids named penerpenes O–V (1 – 8), together with seven known analogues (9 – 14), were isolated from the marine soft coral-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. ZF-104. Their structures including the absolute configurations of these compounds were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic data and ECD analysis along with quantum ECD and NMR calculations. Compounds 4 and 5 bear rare indolin-2-one units in their structures and 6 bears a reconstructed novel skeleton in which the indole ring and the terpenoid substructure are cleaved before they are reconnected through the nitrogen atom. Compounds 1 , 2 , 7 , and 10 showed protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activities comparable to that of the positive control NaVO 3. Eight previously undescribed indole-diterpenoids were isolated from the marine soft coral-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. ZF-104. Compounds 1 , 2 , 7 , and 10 showed protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activities comparable to that of the positive control NaVO 3. [Display omitted] • Eight previously undescribed indole-diterpenoids named penerpenes were isolated from Aspergillus sp. ZF-104. • Two compounds bear rare indolin-2-ones in their structures and 6 bears a reconstructed novel skeleton. • Four compounds showed protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve previously undescribed and four known lanostane triterpenoids were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma calidophilum. The structures of undescribed compounds, ganodecalones H–S (1 − 12), were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis as well as ECD and NMR calculations. Compound 4 showed significant inhibitory activity against human leukaemia cell line K562, gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901, and cervical cancer cell line HeLa with IC 50 values of 13.10 ± 0.19, 17.26 ± 4.75, and 4.36 ± 0.58 μM, respectively. Compound 16 exhibited inhibitory potency against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase with IC 50 values of 30.2 ± 0.13 μM and 120.6 ± 0.14 μM, respectively. The binding sites and interactions of 16 with PTP1B and α-glucosidase were revealed using molecular docking simulations. Twelve previously undescribed and four known lanostane triterpenoids with anti-proliferative and PTP1B/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma calidophilum. [Display omitted] • 12 undescribed and 4 known triterpenoids were isolated from Ganoderma calidophilum. • Ganodecalone K (4) showed significant anti-proliferative activity. • Compound 16 exhibited inhibitory activities against PTP1B and α-glucosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects on sensitivity to fluoropyrimidine and endothelial cell (EC) migration by transfection with thymidine phosphorylase (TP) cDNA to a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721. Methods: SMMC-7721 was transfected with pcDNA3.1/zeo (+) with human TP cDNA. TP mRNA expression was determined by RT–PCR. Sensitivity to fluoropyrimidine was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Induction of EC migration was detected by Boyden chamber assay. Results: The construction of pcDNA3.1/zeo(+)-TP was verified by digestion with restriction endonuclease Apa1. When comparison was made between SMMC-7721 cell clone transfected with pcDNA3.1/zeo(+)-TP (S-TP) and control clone transfected with pcDNA3.1/zeo(+) (S-vector), we found that TP mRNA expression level was much higher in S-TP, being 2.09±0.16 vs 0.48±0.06 in S-vector ( P<0.01), sensitivity to 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5′-dFUrd, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil) in S-TP was significantly enhanced compared with that in S-vector (IC50; 56.81±9.85 μmol/l vs 162.25±11.03 μmol/l, P<0.01), and the culture medium of S-TP possessed more potential to induce EC migration than that of S-vector (the number of ECs appearing on the outer surfaces of the membrane was 275±29 vs 122±35 per field, P<0.01). Conclusion: Sensitivity to 5′-dFUrd could be enhanced by transfection with TP cDNA for SMMC-7721 cells. However, EC migration was also promoted at the same time. Therefore, transfection with TP alone might have no potential to enhance anti-tumoral effects of fluoropyrimidine in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the ethanolic extract of the rhizomes of Curculigo capitulata have been isolated, and structurally elucidated by spectral evidences and chemical methods, three new norlignans, capituloside ( 1 ), a mixture of curculigenin ( 2 ) and isocurculigenin ( 3 ), along with four known compounds ( 4 - 7 ), a mixture of 1- O -methylcurculigine ( 4 ) and 1- O -methylisocurculigine ( 5 ) and a mixture of curculigine ( 6 ) and isocurculigine ( 7 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the potential role of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have portal vein (PV) and/or inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombi. Methods and materials: One hundred fifty-eight patients with HCC who had PV and/or IVC tumor thrombus were reviewed and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Forty-four patients with HCC who received local limited EBRT (in addition to other treatment modalities) were classified as the EBRT group. The total radiation dose was 36–60 Gy (median, 50 Gy) and was focused on the tumor thrombi. One hundred fourteen patients with HCC who did not receive EBRT were selected from hospitalized patients with HCC who had PV and/or IVC thrombi during the same period; these were classified as the non-EBRT group, and their intrahepatic tumors were treated with transarterial chemoembolization or resection, on the basis of the patients'' status. Parameters observed included survival rates and the tumor thrombus response to EBRT as seen on CT scan or MRI. Results: Of the 44 patients who received EBRT, 15 (34.1%) showed complete disappearance of tumor thrombi, 5 (11.4%) were in partial remission, 23 (52.3%) were stable in their tumor thrombi, and 1 (2.3%) showed disease progression at the end of the study period. The median survival was 8 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 34.8% in the EBRT group. In the non-EBRT group, the median survival and 1-year survival rates were 4 months and 11.4%, respectively. In stepwise multivariate analysis, EBRT showed a strongly protective value (relative risk = 0.324, p < 0.001). Survival was not related to intrahepatic tumor status in the non-EBRT patients. However, in the EBRT group, poorer prognosis was significantly related to intrahepatic multifocal or diffusion lesions, and the most common reason for death was liver failure caused by uncontrolled intrahepatic disease. Conclusion: Although EBRT is palliative in intent, it is preferred for prolonging survival in the treatment of tumor thrombi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The cubic equation of state (EoS) of Patel and Teja with a new mixing rule, which is based on the assumption that the excess Helmholtz energy at infinite pressure is zero, was presented to calculate the vapor–liquid equilibria of highly asymmetric systems. With only one temperature-independent parameter, the new mixing rule was tested with various binary and ternary asymmetric systems and better results were obtained for this new mixing rule compared to the MHV1, LCVM and van der Waals mixing rules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose. Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been conducted for over 20 years, but there is no conclusive evidence that screening may reduce HCC mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of screening on HCC mortality in people at increased risk. Methods. This study included 18,816 people, aged 35–59 years with hepatitis B virus infection or a history of chronic hepatitis in urban Shanghai, China. Participants were randomly allocated to a screening (9,373) or control (9,443) group. Controls received no screening and continued to use health-care facilities. Screening group participants were invited to have an AFP test and ultrasonography examination every 6 months. Screening was stopped in December 1997; by that time screening group participants had been offered five to ten times. All participants were followed up until December 1998. The primary outcome measure was HCC mortality. Results. The screened group completed 58.2 percent of the screening offered. When the screening group was compared to the control group, the number of HCC was 86 versus 67; subclinical HCC being 52 (60.5%) versus 0; small HCC 39 (45.3%) versus 0; resection achieved 40 (46.5%) versus 5 (7.5%); 1-, 3,-, and 5-year survival rate 65.9%, 52.6%, 46.4% versus 31.2%, 7.2%, 0, respectively. Thirty-two people died from HCC in the screened group versus 54 in the control group, and the HCC mortality rate was significantly lower in the screened group than in controls, being 83.2/100,000 and 131.5/100,000, respectively, with a mortality rate ratio of 0.63 (95%CI 0.41–0.98). Conclusions. Our finding indicated that biannual screening reduced HCC mortality by 37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven compounds were isolated from a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. ZF-79, including three new polyketides (1–3), named asperochrins D-F, along with four known compounds 4–7. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. All the compounds were tested for quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 exhibited QSI activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 with MIC values of 50, 100, 50, 50, and 6.25 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The model contains traditional , renewable energy resources and energy storage batteries. • A distributed algorithm based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is proposed here. And we obtain the optimal solution of different generators within 24 h by this method. In this paper, the dynamic economic dispatch problem (DEDP) of a hybrid power network is studied. The micro-grid model is constructed with three types of non-renewable power sources, renewable energy and energy storage batteries. Meanwhile, the pollutant emission costs and benefit function are considered here to maximize the total welfare. Firstly, we transform the benefit-maximum problem into its equivalent minimization problem which the generators connected each other in a directed graph. Then, we introduced a distributed algorithm based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to find the optimal solution of different generators within 24 h. To solve the sub-problem, the bisection method and the finite-time distributed algorithm are adopted here. Finally, the convergence of the distributed algorithm is analyzed. Moreover, our experimental results verify that the optimal solution satisfies the constraints of supply–demand balance equality constraint and capacity inequalities well in each time slot, and meanwhile satisfies the constraints of output threshold between different time slots, furthermore, we utilized a practical example to make a comparison with the existed literature, and the superiority of the algorithm is verified to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new isocoumarin compound named setosphacohol A (1), together with six known ones, alternariol (2), isoaltenuene (3), phomasatin (4), alternariol 5-O-methyl ether (5), 1-deoxyrubralactone (6), and rubralactone (7), was isolated from the entomogenous fungus Setosphaeria sp. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by analysis of the 1D and 2D spectroscopic data as well as MS. Compounds 2, 5, 6 showed moderate cytotoxicity against six human tumor cell lines MCF-7, MGC-803, H1975, Huh-7, A549, and HeLa with IC50 values ranging from 23.04 to 96.91 μg·mL–1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There were few reports in the literature about the hidden blood loss (HBL) after intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for extra-articular tibial fractures. Our purpose was to evaluate the amount of hidden blood loss after intramedullary nail fixation for extra-articular tibial fractures, meanwhile, identified the influential factors causing HBL.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2017, 122 consecutive extra-articular tibial fracture patients fixed with IMN and 96 met all inclusion criteria for the chosen analysis. Preoperative hematocrit (Hct) levels on admission and postoperative Hct levels on the third day after surgery to calculate the amount of HBL.Results: The mean HBL was 473.29 ± 102.75 ml after IMN fixation of extra-articular tibial fractures, the multiple regression analysis showed gender, surgical duration, and the diameter of the medullary cavity at the narrowest part of the tibia had an independent influence on HBL.Conclusions: A significant amount of postoperative HBL has occurred after IMN fixation of extra-articular tibial fractures. Surgeons should be aware that more HBL can be developed in patients who have male sex, small medullary cavity, and long-time surgical duration. HBL deserves attention to ensure patients' safety in the perioperative period of IMN fixation for extra-articular tibial fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asia-Pacific ground-based Optical Space object Observation System (APOSOS) is an international cooperation project, which is initiated and supported by Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Currently, APOSOS consists of three Observation Nodes in Pakistan, Peru and Iran, and a Data and Operation Management Center in National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Each Observation Node is equipped with a dedicated 15 cm aperture refracting telescope, which is capable of real-time astrometric data reduction. APOSOS aims to develop a tracking network of space object to acquire accurate astrometric measurements of space objects owned by APSCO member states. In this paper, we present an overview of APOSOS's design and development. The APOSOS's detecting capability of tracking a space object is darker than 12 m in LEO or 16 m in GEO, the size of which is equivalent to a diameter of 10-cm class in LEO or meter class in GEO respectively. A parametric estimation model is setup to profile APOSOS's capability in different tracking missions, which is verified by experimental observations. Preliminary results of tracking observations of SLR satellites showed that RMS of APOSOS astrometric measurements in RA/DEC is better than 5 ″ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is an essential metal ion in the human body and usually dysregulated in cancers. However, a comprehensive overview of the iron‐related genes and their clinical relevance in cancer is lacking. In this study, we utilized the expression profiling, proteomics, and epigenetics from the Cancer Genome Atlas database to systematically characterized the alterations of iron‐related genes. There were multiple iron‐related genes with dysregulation across 14 cancers and some of these ectopic changes may be associated with aberrant DNA methylation. Meanwhile, a variety of genes were significantly associated with patient survival, especially in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Then differentially expressed genes were validated in clinical samples. Finally, we found deferoxamine and erastin could inhibit proliferation in various tumor cells and influence the expression of several iron‐related genes. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of iron metabolism across cancers and highlights the potential treatment of iron targeted therapies for cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exosomes play crucial roles in regulating the crosstalk between normal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, and in regulating cancer proliferation, migration and invasion through their cargo molecules. Methods: We analyzed the pro-invasiveness of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC using the transwell invasion assay. The co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and exosomes derived from HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the impact of HCC derived exosomes on HUVEC. Nude mice models were used to validate the findings in vitro. Clinically, quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of serum exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC patients at both pre-surgery within one week and post-surgery within three weeks. Results: We aim to investigate the pro-invasive role of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC metastasis. We for the first time demonstrated that circRNA-100,338 was highly expressed in both highly metastatic HCC cells and their secreted exosomes. The transwell invasion assay showed that the overexpression or knockdown of exosomal circRNA-100,338 significantly enhanced or reduced the invasive abilities of HCC cells. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that exosomal circRNA-100,338 affected the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, permeability, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we also observed that the persistent high expression of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in serum of HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy may be a risk indicator of pulmonary metastasis and poor survival. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that metastatic ability of HCC cells could be enhanced by transferring exosomal circRNA-100,338 to recipient HUVECs, which could affect proangiogenic activity by regulating angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]