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The dynamic charging system of electric vehicles has great potential for development. Electric vehicles initiate charging requests, and charging stations charge authorized electric vehicles. Fog computing improves the efficiency of request processing. However, open channels can be vulnerable to various attacks by a malicious adversary. Mutual authentication schemes allow users and charging stations to confirm each other. Therefore, numerous authentication and key agreement schemes have been proposed. In 2021, Babu et al. proposed an authentication scheme based on fog servers. Unfortunately, we found that their scheme can not resist FS impersonation attack and replay attack. Hence, we propose an authentication scheme between electric vehicles and fog servers to resolve the security weakness. Our scheme uses lightweight hash functions and XOR operations, which is more suitable for resource‐constrained electric vehicles. We proved our scheme can achieve mutual authentication by using BAN logic, and analyzed that our scheme can resist impersonation, replay, and known session key attacks, ensuring anonymity and untraceability. We finally compare computation cost and communication cost of our scheme with the existing schemes. The result shows that our scheme performs better than others overall. Therefore, our scheme is secure and suitable for dynamic charging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar‐driven water vaporization for freshwater production attracts significant interest due to its potential for solving global water scarcity problems. In this review, the recent development of management strategies via diverse rational designs in terms of light, thermal, water, and anti‐salt fouling for enhancement of overall vaporization efficiency, is summarized. For device design, a host–guest concept is raised for clearly elaborating the detailed function and interaction between the solar–thermal material and the substrates. In addition, the rising technologies derived from solar vaporization, such as energy generation, photocatalysis, dehumidification, salt harvesting, sterilization, and biofuel production, are also highlighted. This review provides a new horizon toward the development of solar technologies and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinfu'an Decoction (JFAD) is a traditional Chinese decoction used in lung cancer treatment to improve patient quality of life and survival. Previous research has established that JFAD has a significant therapeutic effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been largely underexplored. We used network pharmacology to identify the putative active ingredients of JFAD and conducted experimental studies to determine the potential molecular mechanism of JFAD in NSCLC treatment. The herbal components in JFAD-containing serum were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), and targets associated with the anti-lung cancer metastasis effects of JFAD were retrieved from various databases. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Next, the protein-protein interactions network and the "JFAD-Chemical Component-Target-KEGG Pathway" network were constructed. The network pharmacology findings were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess cell viability by CCK8 assay, cell cycle analysis by propidium iodide (PI) assay, and migration and invasion ability of cells by the transwell assay. In vivo experiments were performed to assess the efficacy of JFAD on the tumor by observing the growth of transplanted tumor models in nude mice and evaluated by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Moreover, we assessed the effect of JFAD on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and proteins of Lumican, p120ctn, and specific RhoGTP enzyme family members (RhoA, Rac1, and RhoC) by Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. 32 herbal components were identified in the JFAD-containing serum, which potentially acted on 229 targets related to lung cancer metastasis. Network pharmacology results suggested that JFAD may treat lung cancer metastasis by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway via regulating multiple core targets. Our experiments showed that JFAD suppressed the proliferation of A549 cells in vitro, induced cell cycle arrest, and reduced the migration and invasion ability of A549 cells. Our in vivo study revealed that JFAD inhibited tumor growth in a nude mouse model. Additionally, we found that JFAD could downregulate the expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway and affect the expression of Lumican, p120ctn, and specific RhoGTPase family members. In conclusion, through network pharmacology, we have unveiled the underlying mechanisms that link the various components, targets, and pathways influenced by JFAD in the context of lung cancer metastasis. Our experimental results suggest that the oncostatic effects of JFAD may be achieved by upregulating the expression of Lumican/p120ctn and downregulating the levels of specific RhoGTPase family members, which in turn block the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Based on network pharmacology, we predict a complex mechanism of action of Jinfu'an decoction to inhibit proliferation, invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. • The experiment verified the mechanism of Jinfu 'an Decoction against non-small cell lung cancer. • Jinfu'an decoction interferes with non-small cell lung cancer metastasis may be through regulating the expression of Lumican/p120ctn, mediating the expression of specific members of the Rho family menber, thereby blocking the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based 2D covalent–organic framework (COF) is realized and featured with broadband optical absorption and high solar‐thermal conversion performance. Moreover, a 3D hierarchical structure, referred to as COF‐based hierarchical structure (COFHS), is rationally designed to achieve an enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency. In this water evaporator, diketopyrrolopyrrole is immobilized into conjugated COF to achieve enhanced light absorption, whereas a porous PVA network scaffold is utilized to support COF sheets as well as to enhance the hydrophilicity of the evaporator. Due to this structural advantage, COFHS displays a high solar‐to‐vapor energy conversion efficiency of 93.2%. Under 1 sun AM1.5 G irradiation, a stable water evaporation rate of 2.5 kg m–2 h–1 can be achieved. As a proof‐of‐concept application, a water collection device prepared with the COFHS can achieve high solar‐thermal water collection efficiency of 10.2 L m–2 d–1 under natural solar irradiation. The good solar‐thermal conversion properties and high‐water evaporation rate make the COFHS a promising platform for solar‐thermal water production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescence method based on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) is developed for the enzyme-free amplified determination of thrombin. In the proposed design, aptamer against thrombin was hybridized with the capture DNA-modified magnetic nanoparticles to yield the FMNPs. In the presence of thrombin, aptamers are released due to the specific and high-affinity binding between thrombin and its aptamer. The exposed capture DNA subsequently hybridized with the partial sequence of helper DNA, and the vacant sequence of helper DNA further hybridized with HCR products which is pre-formed by the alternate hybridization of single-stranded DNAs (H1 and H2). The immobilized HCR products were then labeled with YOYO-1 for fluorescence measurement. Fluorescence signal intensity of labeled YOYO-1 was measured at an emission wavelength of 519 nm (excitation under 488 nm) and used for calibration. By taking advantage of HCR amplification, this direct assay strategy showed a linear response in the 20- to 200-pM concentration range, and the limit of detection is 9.2 pM which is about 3-orders of magnitude lower than the serum thrombin concentration (10 nM) that triggers blood clotting. This developed method can efficiently differentiate the target protein from a protein matrix, and it is verified by determination of thrombin in spiked serum samples with recoveries in the range of 94.5–103.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid (UA) is an important biological molecule in human pathology and is related to many critical diseases. Designing a simple and rapid method for sensitive UA determination is of great significance. Herein, we report a novel turn-on fluorescence assay for UA detection, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between carbon dots (C-dots) and MnO2 nanosheets. MnO2 nanosheets can adsorb C-dots to form nanocomposites, where the fluorescence of C-dots is quenched via FRET. Fluorescence recovered when UA was introduced into the sensing system due to the decomposition of MnO2 nanosheets to Mn2+. Under optimized conditions, the fluorescence signal was linearly related to UA concentration in the range of 0.1–200 μM and the detection limit was as low as 45 nM. Moreover, this developed assay was successfully applied for human urine sample analysis, which indicated that this strategy could be an efficient tool for clinical disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly designed quantum dots and manganese dioxide nanosheets nanocomposite-based fluorescence lateral flow biosensor was developed for rapid detection of glutathione (GSH). In this biosensing system, nanocomposites of biotinylated quantum dots (Biotin-QDs) and MnO 2 nanosheets were first fixed on the conjugation pad of the test strip. The addition of GSH could trigger the decomposition of nanocomposites by digesting MnO 2 nanosheets and consequently release Biotin-QDs. Under the capillary effect, the free Biotin-QDs would continue to move forward and be captured by streptavidin (SA) on the test line due to the specific binding between biotin and SA. Thereafter, an obvious fluorescent enhancement can be observed on the test line with a portable strip reader as well as naked eyes under irradiation by a 365 nm handheld ultraviolet lamps, which was used successfully for the quantitative detection of GSH with a short assay time of 20 min. Furthermore, this biosensor was utilized for GSH detection in diluted HeLa cells extracts (1%) samples with satisfactory results, which can meet low concentration detection for GSH with a good linear relationship in the range from 0.05 to 1.2 mM. Holding the advantages such as simple, convenient, rapid and cost effective, this developed fluorescence lateral flow biosensor has a great potential to be used for GSH detection in point of care diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced chondrocytes apoptosis plays a key role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Uncoupling protein 4 (UCP4) can protect cells against oxidative stress via reducing ROS production and cell apoptosis. Here, silencing of UCP4 in primary chondrocytes significantly inhibited cell survival, but induced ROS production and cell apoptosis. UCP4 mRNA of cartilage tissues was decreased in osteoarthritis patients, which was negatively correlated with synovial fluid (SF) leptin concentration. Moreover, leptin treatment (5, 10 and 20 ng/ml) of primary cultured chondrocytes significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of UCP4, but increased ROS production and cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of leptin treatment (20 ng/ml) on chondrocytes was partially reversed by ectopic expression of UCP4. More importantly, intraarticularly injection of UCP4 adenovirus remarkably alleviate OA progression and cell apoptosis in a rat OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). In conclusion, UCP4, whose expression was suppressed by leptin, may be involved in the ROS production and apoptosis of chondrocytes, thus contributing to the OA pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and osteoporosis (OP) affect a substantial proportion of the population. Accumulating evidence suggests that MS patients are at high risk for OP. We performed a meta-analysis to identify risk factors for lowered bone mineral density (BMD) in MS patients.Methods: We searched for articles within the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, published up to March 2014, pertaining to associations between MS and BMD. A total of 11 studies was included in the meta-analysis.Results: The analysis indicated that MS patients have reduced lumbar spine, femur neck, and hip BMD compared with healthy controls (lumbar spine, standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.76, 95% CI: −1.07, −0.45; femur neck, SMD = −0.56, 95% CI: −0.84, −0.29; and hip, SMD = −0.62, 95% CI: −0.96, −0.29). Further subgroup analysis revealed that a disease duration of >7 years, total steroid dose during the disease of >15 g, and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of > 3, increased the risk of reduced BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, but not in the hip. Meta-regression analysis did not explain the heterogeneity in the clinical characteristics or outcome definitions.Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that MS patients have reduced overall BMD compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, disease duration (>7 years), total steroid dose (>15 g), and EDSS score (>3) are risk factors for reduced BMD in MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A multifactorial and oriented scaffolds was constructed to stimulate osteochondral regeneration. This is the first demonstration that both drug and gene nanoparticles were spatially deposited on a patterned film through metal-ligand interactions. For the first time, film-rolling approach was employed to construct osteochondral plug to mimick the Haversian canal structure of natural bone. The integrated repair of bone and cartilage boasts advantages for osteochondral restoration such as a long-term repair effect and less deterioration compared to repairing cartilage alone. Constructing multifactorial, spatially oriented scaffolds to stimulate osteochondral regeneration, has immense significance. Herein, targeted drugs, namely kartogenin@polydopamine (KGN@PDA) nanoparticles for cartilage repair and miRNA@calcium phosphate (miRNA@CaP) NPs for bone regeneration, were in situ deposited on a patterned supramolecular-assembled 2-ureido-4 [lH]-pyrimidinone (UPy) modified gelation hydrogel film, facilitated by the dynamic and responsive coordination and complexation of metal ions and their ligands. This hydrogel film can be rolled into a cylindrical plug, mimicking the Haversian canal structure of natural bone. The resultant hydrogel demonstrates stable mechanical properties, a self-healing ability, a high capability for reactive oxygen species capture, and controlled release of KGN and miR-26a. In vitro, KGN@PDA and miRNA@CaP promote chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via the JNK/RUNX1 and GSK-3β/β-catenin pathways, respectively. In vivo, the osteochondral plug exhibits optimal subchondral bone and cartilage regeneration, evidenced by a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulation in specific zones, along with the successful integration of neocartilage with subchondral bone. This biomaterial delivery approach represents a significant toward improved osteochondral repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) performed with a novel device in patients with underactive bladder (UAB). Patients and Methods: This was a multicentre, prospective, single‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with UAB in China. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive conventional IVES (n = 38) or IVES with an open circuit (n = 38). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy measures included changes in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), bladder voiding efficiency (BVE), number of 24‐h clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) procedures, and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition‐Scale (PPBC‐S) and American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life (AUA‐SI‐QoL) scores from baseline after 4 weeks of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the trial. Results: In the full analysis set (FAS), the mean (sd) PVR changes in the trial and control groups at 4 weeks were −97.1 (107.5) mL and −10.5 (86.7) mL, respectively (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the per‐protocol set (PPS): −102.9 (100.0) mL vs 0.7 (82.5) mL (P < 0.01). In the FAS and PPS, Qmax improved significantly at 4 weeks (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). In the FAS and PPS, BVE was significantly improved at 4 weeks in the two groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences in the number of 24‐h CIC procedures, PPBC‐S score or AUA‐SI‐QoL score were observed between the groups. Six possible therapy‐related AEs occurred in six patients (four in the trial group and two in the control group; P = 0.67), all of which were urinary tract infections. No severe AEs were reported. Conclusions: The results of this clinical study strongly demonstrate that UAB patients benefit from this novel IVES device. More research is needed to validate the clinical utility of this device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the image encryption algorithm based on the bit‐plane has the problem that the encryption speed and the encryption effect cannot be well balanced. To address the problem, an image layered scrambling encryption algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, a new one‐dimensional Cosine Logistic compound chaotic map (1DCLC) is proposed. Several characteristics of the new chaotic map are analyzed by using various measures, such as bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent, sample entropy etc. And the results show that the novel chaotic map has a better chaotic performance. Second, based on the chaotic map, an image encryption algorithm is proposed. The algorithm first performs an XOR encryption operation on the image. Second, the layered scrambling is applied to the XOR encrypted image. Then the layered and scrambled image is recombined for the second XOR encryption operation. In particular, in the layered scrambling, not only can the position of the pixel be changed but also the value of the pixel can be modified, which improves the security of the algorithm. In addition, in order to defend against various plaintext attacks and increase the security of the overall algorithm, the Hash function is introduced to update the key of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the original algorithm is improved and the improved algorithm's ability to resist differential attacks is analyzed. The experimental simulation and security test results show that the proposed encryption algorithm has a comparable encryption effect and a faster encryption speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by repressing translation or cleaving RNA transcripts in a sequence-specific manner. Downregulated microRNAs and their roles in cancer development have attracted much attention. A growing body of evidence showed that microRNA-133a (miR-133a) has inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Methods: MiR-133a expression in human osteosarcoma cell lines and human normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB was investigated by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The role of miR-133a in human osteosarcoma growth and invasion was assessed in cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Then, luciferase reporter assay validated IGF-1R as a downstream and functional target of miR-133a, and functional studies revealed that the anti-tumor effect of miR-133a was probably due to targeting and repressing of IGF-1R expression. Results: MiR-133a was lower expressed in human osteosarcoma cell lines than human normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB and its effect on inhibiting proliferation, invasion and metastasis is mediated by its direct interaction with the IGF-1R. Furthermore, the tumour-suppressive function of miR-133a probably contributed to inhibiting the activation AKT and ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion: MiR-133a suppresses osteosarcoma progression and metastasis by targeting IGF-1R in human osteosarcoma cells, providing a novel candidate prognostic factor and a potential anti-metastasis therapeutic target in osteosarcoma. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To evaluate the genotoxicity of the HA/ZrO2 composite particles by using the micronucleus test (MNT) in vitro. HA/ZrO2 composite particles prepared by sintering at high temperature and pressure, that used powder of HA and ZrO2 of different proportions, were compared with pure HA particles and pure ZrO2 particles. The effect of the composite particles on cell proliferation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells, and its the genotoxicity to rabbit mesenchymal stem cells were detected by MNT method. The MTT test showed that both pure HA particles and composite particles which contained HA promoted cell proliferation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells, while pure ZrO2 particles did not, and there was a significant difference (P <0.05). The MNT test showed no significant difference between the HA group and the negative control group (P >0.05), but a significant difference between the HA group and the positive control group (P <0.05). The difference between the ZrO2 group and the negative control group was significant (P <0.01), while the difference between the ZrO2 group and the positive control group was insignificant (P >0.05). The genotoxicity of the HA/ZrO2 composite particle increased with a higher proportion of ZrO2 and an increase in the concentration of the composite, and the 30wt.% HA/70% ZrO2 composite with 200μg/mL concentration showed significant genotoxicity (P <0.01). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To evaluate the effects of hydroxyapatite/Zirconiumoxide (HA/ZrO2) composite powder on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by using molecular biology methods in vitro. HA/ZrO2 composite powder prepared by using powder of HA and ZrO2 with different proportions sintered at 1600°C were compared with pure HA powder and pure ZrO2 powder. The effects of the composite powder suspensions on the proliferation of the rabbit MSCs were measured by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were measured by the ALP colorimetric assay, and the cellular expression levels of Collagen I, osteocalcin and osteopontin mRNAs were determined by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The HA phase was transformed into the β-Ca3(PO4)2(β-TCP), α-Ca3(PO4)2 and CaZrO3 phases in the composite powder after sintering at 1600°C, with a positive correlation between the contents of the HA phase and the new phases. The MTT assay showed that both pure HA powder and HA containing composite powder were able to promote cellular proliferation, but pure ZrO2 powder had no effect in stimulating cell proliferation (P<0.05). Vonkossa staining revealed that the composites and pure HA powder were capable of reducing the percentages of positively stained cells. The ALP colorimetric assay demonstrated that the ALP activities of cells maintained in culture media with HA and HA containing composite powder were significantly higher than that of cells cultured in regular media or media containing pure ZrO2 (P<0.05). RT-PCR results showed that the composite powder were able to stimulate the expression of Collagen I and osteocalcin. The HA/ZrO2 composite powder can also facilitate osteogenic differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extensive recent efforts have been put on the design of high‐performance organic near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal agents (PTAs), especially over NIR‐II bio‐window (1000–1350 nm). So far, the development is mainly limited by the rarity of molecules with good NIR‐II response. Here, we report organic nanoparticles of intermolecular charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs) with easily programmable optical absorption. By employing different common donor and acceptor molecules to form CTC nanoparticles (CT NPs), absorption peaks of CT NPs can be controllably tuned from the NIR‐I to NIR‐II region. Notably, CT NPs formed with perylene and TCNQ have a considerably red‐shifted absorption peak at 1040 nm and achieves a good photothermal conversion efficiency of 42 % under 1064 nm excitation. These nanoparticles were used for antibacterial application with effective activity towards both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. This work opens a new avenue into the development of efficient PTAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive recent efforts have been put on the design of high‐performance organic near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal agents (PTAs), especially over NIR‐II bio‐window (1000–1350 nm). So far, the development is mainly limited by the rarity of molecules with good NIR‐II response. Here, we report organic nanoparticles of intermolecular charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs) with easily programmable optical absorption. By employing different common donor and acceptor molecules to form CTC nanoparticles (CT NPs), absorption peaks of CT NPs can be controllably tuned from the NIR‐I to NIR‐II region. Notably, CT NPs formed with perylene and TCNQ have a considerably red‐shifted absorption peak at 1040 nm and achieves a good photothermal conversion efficiency of 42 % under 1064 nm excitation. These nanoparticles were used for antibacterial application with effective activity towards both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. This work opens a new avenue into the development of efficient PTAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive recent efforts have been put on the design of high‐performance organic near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal agents (PTAs), especially over NIR‐II bio‐window (1000–1350 nm). So far, the development is mainly limited by the rarity of molecules with good NIR‐II response. Here, we report organic nanoparticles of intermolecular charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs) with easily programmable optical absorption. By employing different common donor and acceptor molecules to form CTC nanoparticles (CT NPs), absorption peaks of CT NPs can be controllably tuned from the NIR‐I to NIR‐II region. Notably, CT NPs formed with perylene and TCNQ have a considerably red‐shifted absorption peak at 1040 nm and achieves a good photothermal conversion efficiency of 42 % under 1064 nm excitation. These nanoparticles were used for antibacterial application with effective activity towards both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. This work opens a new avenue into the development of efficient PTAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional photosensitizers (PSs) show reduced singlet oxygen (1O2) production and quenched fluorescence upon aggregation in aqueous media, which greatly affect their efficiency in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Meanwhile, non‐targeting PSs generally yield low efficiency in antibacterial performance due to their short lifetimes and small effective working radii. Herein, a water‐dispersible membrane anchor (TBD‐anchor) PS with aggregation‐induced emission is designed and synthesized to generate 1O2 on the bacterial membrane. TBD‐anchor showed efficient antibacterial performance towards both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Over 99.8 % killing efficiency was obtained for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) when they were exposed to 0.8 μm of TBD‐anchor at a low white light dose (25 mW cm−2) for 10 minutes. TBD‐anchor thus shows great promise as an effective antimicrobial agent to combat the menace of multidrug‐resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional photosensitizers (PSs) show reduced singlet oxygen (1O2) production and quenched fluorescence upon aggregation in aqueous media, which greatly affect their efficiency in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Meanwhile, non‐targeting PSs generally yield low efficiency in antibacterial performance due to their short lifetimes and small effective working radii. Herein, a water‐dispersible membrane anchor (TBD‐anchor) PS with aggregation‐induced emission is designed and synthesized to generate 1O2 on the bacterial membrane. TBD‐anchor showed efficient antibacterial performance towards both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Over 99.8 % killing efficiency was obtained for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) when they were exposed to 0.8 μm of TBD‐anchor at a low white light dose (25 mW cm−2) for 10 minutes. TBD‐anchor thus shows great promise as an effective antimicrobial agent to combat the menace of multidrug‐resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant biothiol in cells and plays key roles in biological processes. Therefore, it is vitally important to detect GSH in biological samples. In this work, by using a novel quantum dots-based “off-on” fluorescent lateral flow test strip (LFTS), the authors describe a rapid and sensitive biosensor for point-of-care testing of GSH. In this design, bovine serum albumin (BSA) functionalized quantum dots (QDs) are chosen as signal reporter and modified on the test line of the LFTS. When Ag + binds to the surface of QDs, the fluorescence of QDs can be quenched efficiently owing to the electron transfer from QDs to Ag + . In the presence of GSH, due to the much stronger affinity between Ag + and GSH, Ag + prefers to react with GSH to form Ag + -S bond. Consequently, the fluorescence of QDs is restored and GSH quantification is realized successfully. Under the optimal conditions, a good linear relationship from 0.1 μM to 15 μM with a detection limit of 25 nM was obtained, and the whole process can be accomplished quickly within 10 min. In addition, this proposed biosensor showed acceptable recovery (98.4%–102.2%) for the detection of GSH in Hela cells extract samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, cobalt oxyhydroxide nanoflakes (CoOOH nanoflakes) were reported to possess a high oxidizability toward TMB for the first time and based on which we have developed a new strategy for qualitative and quantitative detection of ascorbic acid (AA). In our design, CoOOH nanoflakes can directly oxidize 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to oxTMB with an obvious blue color emerging, and AA can selectively inhibit the oxidation of TMB to oxTMB by resolving CoOOH nanoflakes to Co 2+ , resulting in a decrease in the absorbance of oxTMB and bleaching of blue color. As such, the concentration of AA could be identified very easily by UV–vis spectroscopy and bare eyes. Under optimal conditions, this sensing platform showed a highly sensitive response to AA with a detection limit of 142 nM and a short assay time of 5 min. This assay was also successfully used to quantify AA in human serum samples and practical food samples. Importantly, using this fabricated sensing strategy, we have further developed a paper-based strip sensor for AA detection with satisfactory results, showing its great potential for point of care applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseases are often accompanied by abnormal expression of gaseous signaling molecules including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). Sensing these gaseous markers is thus important for identification and investigation of pathological processes. In contrast to conventional approaches, such as electrochemical, chromatographical methods, etc., optical imaging shows merits including high sensitivity, good spatiotemporal resolution, and ideal selectivity. Especially, optical molecular probes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties have good potential for bio-detection since they show maintained optical signals in the aggregated state. Recently, many AIE molecular probes have been developed for imaging disease-related gaseous signaling molecules. Generally, these probes recognize the analytes through turn-on or ratiometric approaches. This review summarizes the recent progress in organic probes with AIE properties for sensing gaseous markers and relative disease diagnosis applications. Based on the types of analytes, the probes are divided into three groups: NO, CO and H 2 S sensors. Molecular designs and sensing mechanisms of these AIE probes are highlighted. Their gaseous signaling molecules detection applications at cellular and animal levels are presented. Finally, some existing problems and future promising development directions are discussed with the hope to inspire further developments of AIE probes for precise disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adefovir is usually applied for therapy of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its effectiveness after cessation is still unknown. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adefovir treatment with strict cessation criteria in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients and to identify potentially important factors. One hundred forty-five HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had received adefovir treatment for at least 24 months and for whom serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA had remained undetectable for at least 18 months before cessation were included. They were followed up monthly during the first four months and at 3-month or 6-month intervals thereafter. Patients with ≥10 copies of HBV DNA per mL were defined as relapsed. In total, 95 patients relapsed within the follow-up time, and more than 93% relapsed within 12 months after adefovir cessation. Cumulative relapse rates at months 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 were 53.8%, 61.4%, 65.5%, 65.5%, 65.5% and 65.5%, respectively. Age was the only factor associated with relapse, with lower relapse rates in younger patients shown by Cox regression analysis. HBsAg seroconversion occurred in 12 patients, and none of them relapsed during follow-up. The effectiveness of adefovir therapy does not persist in HBeAg-negative CHB patients, even when strict cessation criteria are applied, except for patients aged ≤ 25 years. HBsAg seroconversion is the ideal endpoint of adefovir treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effects of different styles of gastric bypass surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) GK rats. Methods: Twenty 6-8-week-old male GK rats were randomly divided into four groups: group A was operated by Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy with duodenum exclusion and stomach capacity maintenance, group B was operated by loop-type gastrojejunostomy with duodenum exclusion and stomach capacity maintenance, group C was operated by Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy with partial gastrectomy, and group D was operated by loop-type gastrojejunostomy with partial gastrectomy. Changes of fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) in different operations were detected. Results: The operations exerted good effects on controlling blood glucose in groups A, B, C, and D. There was no significant difference between groups A and C ( P > 0.05) or between groups B and D ( P > 0.05), while operations in groups A and C were more effective than groups B and D ( P < 0.05). On the 21st day after surgery, OGTT in animals of groups A and C was significantly improved, as indicated by a 34% reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) for blood glucose ( P < 0.05 versus groups B and D); pregavage insulin levels (ng/ml) were significantly decreased in groups A and C ( P < 0.05 versus groups B and D). The insulin tolerance test (ITT) confirmed impaired insulin sensitivity in groups B and D, compared with groups A and C. Conclusions: Gastric bypass surgery might be effective to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy might be more effective than other operative styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate prostate cancer spatial distribution patterns with transperineal ultrasound navigated 11-region prostate biopsy template in a Chinese screening population. Methods: From May 2004 to December 2007, 215 patients with a median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 21.0 ng/ml were diagnosed with prostate cancer through transperineal ultrasound guided 11-region template prostate biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The characteristics of our sample cancer spatial distribution were assessed in relation with different PSA levels. Results: The mean positives for the cancer of regions 1–10 and region 11 (the apical region) were 61.2% vs. 66.4% in patients whose PSA > 20 ng/ml (P = 0.29), and 35.7% vs. 47.6% in patients with PSA ≤ 20 ng/ml (P = 0.001). The positives for cancer contained within the anterior and posterior parts were 96.5% vs. 90.9% (P = 0.10) in patients with PSA > 20 ng/ml and 75.2% vs. 75.2% in patients with PSA ≤ 20 ng/ml (P = 1.00). Conclusions: The current study suggests that prostate carcinoma foci are more frequently localized in the apical region in patients with normal to moderately increased PSA. Special attention should be paid to the apical region during the selection process of biopsy regions for this group of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Measurement of short-term and long-term deflections is a necessary step towards understanding and evaluating the status of a bridge. In this paper, a novel non-contact weighted-stretched-wire (NCWSW) system is developed for measuring the deflection of a bridge. Also some factors related to the system are addressed. The proposed system is promising due to some attractive features such as high precision, low implementation cost and suitability for continuous monitoring. The efficiency and reliability of NCWSW system are investigated both analytically and experimentally. A realistic NCWSW system has been used in the monitoring of a real-world bridge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Keywords: AIMD simulations; Na metal-Te cell; redox reaction kinetics; sodium dendrites; Te/carbon nanorods cathode The assembled Na metal-Te full batteries show a highly reversible three-step redox kinetics process, suppressed polytellurides shuttling and stable sodium plating/stripping. AIMD simulations, Na metal-Te cell, redox reaction kinetics, sodium dendrites, Te/carbon nanorods cathode. [Extracted from the article]

Electrochemical metal cells utilizing tellurium and sodium chemistry are being extensively explored for developing advanced high‐performance batteries. The daunting challenges, however, still remain with low rate capability/volumetric capacity, unclear redox reaction processes, and the notorious sodium dendrites. Here, a cell design that features a novel Te/carbon nanorods cathode and a tailored ether‐based electrolyte is reported. It is the first report of Na metal‐Te full batteries with performance comparable to those of reported Na‐S and Na‐Se batteries at low ratings. By using the semimetal Te instead of the insulating S or Se, the Na‐Te batteries actually outperform reported Na‐S and Na‐Se batteries at high ratings. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, UV–vis spectrum, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy results clearly reveal a three‐step redox process and stability of the Na metal‐Te cells. These comprehensive results demonstrate the feasibility of practical Na metal‐Te batteries with high volumetric energy density and a viable cell fabrication cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free Radicals: A Biocompatible Free Radical Nanogenerator with Real-Time Monitoring Capability for High Performance Sequential Hypoxic Tumor Therapy (Adv. Funct. In article number 1903436, Jinfeng Zhang, Chun-Sing Lee, and co-workers develop a biocompatible free radicals nanogenerator for efficient hypoxic tumor therapy. Biocompatibility, oxygen-independent free radicals, photothermal therapy, real-time monitoring, tumor hypoxia. [Extracted from the article]

Hypoxic microenvironment severely reduces therapeutic efficacy of oxygen‐dependent photodynamic therapy in solid tumor due to the hampered cytotoxic oxygen radicals generation. Herein, a biocompatible nanoparticle (NP) is developed by combining bovine serum albumin, indocyanine green (ICG), and an oxygen‐independent radicals generator (AIPH) for efficient sequential cancer therapy, denoted as BIA NPs. Upon near‐infrared irradiation, the photothermal effect generated by ICG will induce rapid decomposition of AIPH to release cytotoxic alkyl radicals, leading to cancer cell death in both normoxic and hypoxic environments. Moreover, such nanosystem provides the highest AIPH loading capacity (14.9%) among all previously reported radical nanogenerators (generally from 5–8%). Additionally, the aggregation‐quenched fluorescence of ICG molecules in the NPs can be gradually released and recovered upon irradiation enabling real‐time drug release monitoring. More attractively, these BIA NPs exhibit remarkable anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo, achieving 100% tumor elimination and 100% survival rate among 50 days treatment. These results highlight that this albumin‐based nanoplatform is promising for high‐performance cancer therapy circumventing hypoxic tumor environment and possessing great potential for future clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]