Search

Background: The effect of imaging selection paradigms on endovascular thrombectomy outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion remains uncertain. The study aimed to assess the effect of basic imaging (noncontrast computed tomography with or without computed tomographic angiography) versus advanced imaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography perfusion) on clinical outcomes following thrombectomy in patients with stroke with large vessel occlusion in the early and extended windows using a pooled analysis of patient-level data from 2 pivotal randomized clinical trials done in China. Methods: This post hoc analysis used data from 1182 patients included in 2 multicenter, randomized controlled trials in China that evaluated adjunct therapies to endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (Direct Endovascular Treatment for Large Artery Anterior Circulation Stroke performed from May 20, 2018, through May 2, 2020, and Intravenous Tirofiban Before Endovascular Treatment in Stroke from October 10, 2018, through October 31, 2021). Patients with occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segments) were categorized according to baseline imaging modality (basic versus advanced) as well as treatment time window (early, 0–6 hours versus extended, 6–24 hours from last known well to puncture). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 90 days. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine the association between imaging selection modality and outcomes after endovascular treatment at each time windows. Results: A total of 1182 patients were included in this cohort analysis, with 648 in the early (471 with basic imaging versus 177 advanced imaging) and 534 in the extended (222 basic imaging versus 312 advanced imaging) time window. There were no differences in 90-day functional independence between the advanced and basic imaging groups in either time windows (early window: adjusted relative risk, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.84–1.16]; P =0.91; extended window: adjusted relative risk, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.84–1.20]; P =0.97). Conclusions: In this post hoc analysis of 2 randomized clinical trial pooled data involving patients with large vessel occlusion stroke, an association between imaging selection modality and clinical or safety outcomes for patients undergoing thrombectomy in either the early or extended windows was not detected. Our study adds to the growing body of literature on simpler imaging paradigms to assess thrombectomy eligibility across both the early and extended time windows. Registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn ; Unique identifiers: ChiCTR-IOR-17013568 and ChiCTR-INR-17014167.

Injectable hydrogels derived from natural extracellular matrices exhibit excellent adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro and are ideal for many biomedical applications. However, their applicability in vivo is limited by the risk of infection or immunogenicity, and the current injectables also suffer from degradation, viscosity, and drug release. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel scaffold (COB hydrogels) was constructed by incorporating bioactive glass nanoparticles with a Schiff base crosslinking-based hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized cellulose. The incorporation of nanoparticles not only shortened the gelation time of the COB hydrogels, but also enhanced the performance of the hydrogel in terms of function, such as drug loading capacity. The prepared hydrogels also have self-healing ability, injectability, drug loading and sustained release, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. In addition, given their no cytotoxicity and mild inflammation in vivo, the hydrogel scaffolds will be important for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

Background. Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA), the root of the plant Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has been suggested to play an important role for the treatment of asthma. A biochemical understanding of the clinical effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba is needed. Here, we explore the phytochemicals and therapeutic mechanisms via a systematic and comprehensive network pharmacology analysis. Methods. Through TCMSP, PubChem, GeneCards database, and SwissTargetPrediction online tools, potential targets of active ingredients from PRA for the treatment of asthma were obtained. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to determine the target of active ingredients of PRA. Target protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed through the STRING database. The Gene Ontology (GO) biological process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed through the biological information annotation database (DAVID). Results. Our results indicate that PRA contains 21 candidate active ingredients with the potential to treat asthma. The enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways found that the treatment of asthma by PRA may be related to the process of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) release, which can regulate and inhibit multiple signaling pathways such as ceramide signaling. Conclusions. Our work provides a phytochemical basis and therapeutic mechanisms of PRA for the treatment of asthma, which provides new insights on further research on PRA.

Hybrid halide perovskites have progressed as eminent semiconducting materials pioneering in the domain of low-cost thin film photovoltaics. Nevertheless, the intrinsic instability of the dominant three-dimensional (3D) perovskites impedes their potential applications in industrial-scale production and commercialization. Two-dimensional (2D) perovskite structures have surfaced as an achievable resolution to this contention. In 2D perovskites, large organic cations have been introduced as spacing cations to isolate the inorganic metal halide octahedra layers and correspondingly promote the formation of quantum well superlattices. The photophysical properties of 2D perovskites can be widely tailored through the manipulation of composition, structure, and dimensionality, which provides a compelling field for researchers working in the fields of both chemistry and physics to unveil 2D perovskite materials for high-performance devices. The advancement of low-dimensional Dion–Jacobson (DJ) phase perovskites has lately attracted considerable attention in view of their appealing stability against harsh environmental conditions as well as their competitive performance in optoelectronic applications. Although the initial reports on photovoltaic solar cells (PSCs) based on DJ perovskites have exhibited comparatively poor performance, recent investigations have revealed that they have the capability to realize a high power conversion efficiency above 20%. In this review, we discuss the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of DJ perovskites, followed by a comprehensive investigation on the recent development in DJ PSCs and photodetectors. The conceivable approaches that can be deployed to expedite the advancement of DJ-based optoelectronic applications are also discussed.

Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) is a traditional Chinese medicine. Its alkaloids are both cardiotonic and cardiotoxic; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Compatibility testing and processing are the primary approaches used to reduce the toxicity of aconite preparations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of crude Fuzi (CFZ), CFZ combined with Glycyrrhiza (Gancao) (CFZ+GC), and prepared materials of CFZ (PFZ) on heart failure (HF) in C57BL/6J mice and explore the potential mechanisms of action of CFZ. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was used to generate the HF state, and CFZ (1.5 g·mL−1), PFZ (1.5 g·mL−1), or CFZ+GC (1.8 g·mL−1) was orally administered to the HF-induced mice daily. For the subsequent 8 weeks, hemodynamic indicators, ventricular pressure indices, and mass indices were evaluated, and histopathological imaging was performed. CFZ, CFZ+GC, and PFZ significantly improved left ventricular function and structure and reduced myocardial damage. CFZ+GC was more effective than CFZ and PFZ, whereas CFZ had higher toxicity than CFZ+GC and PFZ. CFZ and CFZ+GC attenuated ischemia-induced inflammatory responses and also inhibited Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) action in the heart. Moreover, mass spectrometry analysis revealed a decrease in the levels of toxic components of CFZ+GC, whereas those of the protective components were increased. This study suggested that GC reduces the toxicity and increases the efficacy of CFZ on HF induced by TAC. Furthermore, GC+CFZ reduces the risk of HF by ameliorating the inflammation response, which might be partially related to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Objective: This present study aimed to establish collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) osteoporosis mice model and dynamically observe the pathological and immune characteristics of CIA osteoporosis mice. Methods: Bovine collagen type was chosen to build the CIA model. The corresponding indexes were observed at 6w, 10w, 14w and 18w after successful modelling: Arthritis Index were used to evaluate RA. The structure and pathological changes of bone and joint were observed by pathological section. X ray film was used to observe morphology of bone and joint; And the serum IL-17 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were detected by Elisa. Rt-PCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of IL-17, NFAT, ROR-γt and Foxp3 in spleen, the mRNA levels of OPG and RANK in bone tissue. Results: In the model group at 6w after modelling, AI and pedal swelling volume began to be increased gradually. Compared with the normal group, the serum IL-17 level in the model group increased gradually with time, the serum OPG level was considerably decreased, the mRNA levels of IL-17, NFAT, ROR- γt, etc. in spleen tissue increased. However, the level of Foxp3 mRNA in the spleen of model group reduced. The expression of OPG mRNA in bone tissues was dropped. RANK mRNA expression was increased. Bone density of both femur and tibia were decreased gradually with time, leading to osteoporosis. X-ray transmittance of the spine increased with time, and the spine presented water-wavy changes at 14w. Conclusion: RA mice model successfully induced by bovine collagen type Ⅱ, and the extension of lesions aggravated over time; Th17 cells results RANKL / OPG and Treg / TH17 imbalance by excessive secreting IL-17, leading to activation of osteoclasts and inhibit the expression of OPG. Therefore, it was involved in the occurrence of osteoporosis in RA in mice.

The high density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and inflammatory factors are crucial elements leading to tumor immune tolerance. Previously, we found that total glucosides of paeony (TGP) have strong inhibitory effects on the release of various inflammatory factors; however, it is unclear whether the inhibitory effects can improve the inflammatory microenvironment of tumors. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the mechanism via which TGP depresses tumor growth and metastasis via modulation of TAM infiltration in breast cancer.We assessed the effects of TGP on various mouse models of tumor. Lung metastasis was detected using hematoxylin and eosin staining. T cell (CD3TGP suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis, decreased CD45TGP reduced TAM recruitment mainly through the NF-κB/CCL2 signaling pathway, thereby promoting T cell infiltration in the TME. TGP has a unique advantage in balancing the inflammatory response. Furthermore, our results present novel insights on the mechanisms underlying TAM infiltration that were inhibited by TGP, with potential application in development of novel therapies targeting CCL2 pathways.

With the advent of the information age and the development of network technology, the digital economy with digital knowledge and information as crucial production factors has become the core driving force for high-quality green economic and social development. This paper took the exploration of the role of the digital economy as an engine for regional green and high-quality development as the purpose of the study, incorporates the core industry agglomeration of the digital economy into the analysis framework of green total factor productivity (GTFP), depicted the characteristics of GTFP change from the dual dimensions of direct and indirect effects, and analyzed the spatial effects of specialized and diversified digital economy’s core industry agglomeration on the impact of GTFP using data and spatial measurement models of 25 provincial-level regions in China from 2003 to 2019. Results show that both the specialized digital economy’s core industry agglomeration and the diversified digital economy’s core industry agglomeration can significantly improve GTFP, and both have significant spatial spillover effects. At the same time, the impact of the digital economy’s core industry agglomeration on GTFP is spatial heterogeneity. GTFP in the eastern region can be significantly enhanced by the digital economy’s core industry agglomeration, and the specialized digital economy’s core industry agglomeration has a significant negative spillover effect on GTFP in the eastern region. In the contrast, GTFP in the mid-western region can be significantly enhanced only by the specialized digital economy’s core industry agglomeration, and the digital economy’s core industry agglomeration has no significant spatial spillover effect on GTFP in the mid-western region. The obtained conclusions reveal that each region should reasonably establish a cluster model of core industries in the digital economy to facilitate the green development of the regional economy.

Blood stasis syndromes (BSSs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, although the mechanism is still unclear. This study was aimed at exploring the effect and mechanism underlying different BSSs on tumor growth and metastasis. We established four BSS mouse models bred with breast cancer: qi deficiency and blood stasis (QDBS), cold coagulation blood stasis (CCBS), heat toxin and blood stasis (HTBS), and qi stagnation and blood stasis (QSBS). The results showed that microcirculation in the lower limb, abdominal wall, and tumor in situ decreased by varying degrees in the BSS groups. In addition, BSS promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis. The ratio of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment was downregulated. Moreover, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α, Wnt1, β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Cyclin D1 levels increased in the tumors of BSS mice. In conclusion, BSS not only promoted the formation of a hypoxic and immunosuppressive microenvironment but also promoted the neovascularization.

Cordyceps sinensis, including Hirsutella sinensis, is a highly valuable traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat patients with pulmonary heart disease in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms of its effects remain unclear. In this study, a mouse model of heart failure established by non-thoracic, transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was developed to determine the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic effects of Hirsutella sinensis fungus (HSF) powder. The results showed that HSF treatment remarkably ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy, collagen fiber hyperplasia, and cardiac function in mice with heart failure. Using transcriptional and epigenetic analyses, we found that the mechanism of HSF mainly involved a variety of signaling pathways related to myocardial fibrosis and determined that HSF could reduce the levels of TGF-β1 proteins in heart tissue, as well as type I and III collagen levels. These data suggest that HSF alleviates heart failure, inhibits irreversible ventricular remodeling, and improves cardiac function through the regulation of myocardial fibrosis-related signaling pathways, which can provide novel opportunities to improve heart failure therapy.

Safflower yellow (SY) is the main active ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Carthamus tinctorius, which is a valuable natural edible pigment that is widely used to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of SY on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we showed that SY decreased the degree of injury and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors in the liver of a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting showed that SY increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and Gr-1+ macrophages to improve the immune microenvironment by affecting the expression of collagen fibers. Further cellular experiments showed that SY degraded the collagens in the liver cells through the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway. SY also regulated the gut microbiota which may contribute to the immune microenvironment. In conclusion, SY exhibited a potent effect on the development of HCC by enhancing liver immune infiltration by promoting collagen degradation and modulating the gut microbiota. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism of SY as a candidate for the treatment of HCC in the future.

Metal halide perovskite materials have revolutionized the solution-processed solar cells and become the vanguard of research focus with an unprecedented improvement of power conversion efficiencies up to 23.3%, which pose a remarkable challenge to thin film and multicrystalline silicon photovoltaics. Nevertheless, for conventional perovskite solar cells based on lead, it is ineluctable to take the toxicity of lead and the long-term stability of the devices into consideration when the deployment of this technology in mass production is put on the agenda. To tackle the toxicity concern, extensive research effort has been devoted to the development of environmentally friendly lead-free halide perovskites for photovoltaic applications. Herein, we review the advancements in this emerging research area and discuss potential alternative elements to replace lead within the halide perovskite lattice. Particular attention will be focused on the properties of the corresponding perovskites and the relevant production of high efficiency photovoltaic devices, with the aim of identifying the materials to be competitive with lead-based perovskites. For the moment, tin-based perovskites appear likely to be the most preeminent from the point view of power conversion efficiency, despite the stabilities of the materials and the related devices are far from satisfaction. The introductions of germanium, bismuth, antimony, and certain transitional metals into perovskites brought about promising optoelectronic properties as well. This booming class of compounds constitutes unexplored territory and emerges as an affordable and robust candidate for green solar technology.

Metal halide perovskites have received considerable attention in recent years in view of their successful utilization in the research field of photovoltaics. While nanostructured semiconducting materials have been widely investigated in a variety of applications, colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals are distinguished as a family of versatile and attractive building blocks in optoelectronic applications owing to their high photoluminescence quantum yields, wieldy tunability of optical properties, and sterling size-dispersion and shape-uniformity. In this review, recent developments in the direct synthesis and reactions based on the ion-exchange of colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals are discussed first. Subsequently, particular emphases are placed on the morphology-controlled synthesis and self-assembly performance of colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals. In addition, the optoelectronic properties of colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals such as the tunable band gaps, the innate tolerance towards high density of defects, and the multiple exciton generation are explored in detail. Finally, the progresses in the applications of colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals in photovoltaic devices are presented. With a focus of preparing high-quality colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals to stimulate the development of highly efficient photovoltaic devices, the intention of this review is to introduce the current status of this type of novel optoelectronic candidate to researchers from various areas and to motivate them to devote more efforts to boost the performance of related photovoltaic devices to a competitive stage.

It has been reported that diet and nutrition play important roles in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the potential tumor-promoting mechanisms of a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice with dietondiethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. HFD significantly decreased the survival rate and induced severe liver dysfunction in DEN-induced mice, as indicated by increased serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and increased liver index, liver nodule count, and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) activity. Moreover, an increased number of fat droplets and HCCs were found in the livers of the HFD mice, who displayed little collagen in and around the liver cancer groove and the infiltration of large number of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, compared with the control mice. HFD also significantly increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclin D1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) expression levels in the liver. In vitro, we found that the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) percentage increased in macrophages after palmitic acid treatment, as well as the secretion of inflammatory factors and cytokines such as interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10), CCL2, Interferon γ (IFN-γ), and TNF. Thus, our results demonstrate that an HFD may promote DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice by destroying liver function and enhancing the inflammatory response by recruiting and polarizing macrophages in the liver. This study could therefore provide new insights into the tumor promoting effects of an HFD in HCC.

Fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is a serious air pollutant associated with health problems. Macrophages play an important role in the process of PM2.5-induced inflammation in respiratory diseases. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to examine the mechanism of PM2.5-induced inflammation and find possible anti-inflammatory inhibitors. PM2.5 was collected in Hangzhou, China, and the composition of adsorbed materials on PM2.5 was characterized. RAW 254.7 cells were then treated with PM2.5. Phagocytosis was observed, and inflammatory response was triggered as demonstrated by the release of high levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-α. Treatment with classic inhibitors suppressed the released pro-inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent manner. Using Immunology Inflammation Compound Library, we screened 70 inhibitors and clustered them based on similarities in their inhibitory effects, which we detected using cytometric bead array (CBA) assay. Molecular analysis revealed that the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was increased in PM2.5-stimulated RAW 254.7 cells. Corresponding inhibitors were selected, and the CBA assay verified their anti-inflammatory effects. These inhibitors reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and this reduction was correlated with the downregulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, PM2.5 induces an inflammatory response in macrophages via activation of TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling, and the inhibitors of this pathway are potential therapeutic candidates to treat inflammatory disorders.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The dried and nearly ripe fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum (A. Juss.) T.G. Hartley (TR) have long been used in treating headache and gastrointestinal disorders in oriental medicine. TR is usually processed by stir-frying with licorice extract before use. Although processing procedure is considered as the way to relieve pungent smell, reduce toxicity, and improve efficacy, its effects on TR's toxicity and efficacy and bioactive compound profiles are largely unknown. Aim of the study The purposes of the study are to evaluate the acute toxicity, efficacy and variation of toxic and effective components of TR before and after processing, and to explore the possible mechanism of how the processing procedure affect the quality of TR as a herbal medicine. Materials and methods Volatile oil, aqueous extract and ethanol extract of raw and processed TR were tested for their acute toxicity, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models, respectively. To identify potential toxic and effective components, the extracts were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-performance liquid chromatography - quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by fold-change-filtering analysis. Results LD50 and LD5 tests indicated that although the aqueous extract has higher toxicity than volatile oil and ethanol extract, the use of TR is safe under the recommended does. The processing procedure could effectively decrease the toxicity of all three extracts with the largest decrease in volatile oil, which is likely due to the loss of volatile compounds during processing. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies suggested that volatile oil and ethanol extract of TR have better efficacy than the aqueous extract and the processing procedure significantly enhanced the efficacy of these two former extracts, whereas processing showed no substantially effects on the bioactivities of aqueous extract. Integrated analysis of animal trial and chromatographic analyses indicated that indole and quinolone type alkaloids, limonoids, amides and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were identified as the potential main contributors of TR's efficacy, whereas hydroxy or acetoxy limonoid derivates and coumarins could be the major causes of toxicity. Moreover, the reduced toxicity and improved efficacy of the processed TR are liked due to the licorice ingredients and altered alkaloids with better solubility. Conclusions In summary, the integrated toxicity and efficacy analyses of volatile, aqueous and ethanol extracts of TR indicated that the processing procedure could effectively reduce its acute toxicity in all three extracts and enhance its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in volatile and ethanol extracts. The promising candidate compounds related to the toxicity and efficacy of TR were also identified. The results could expand our understanding of the value of the standard processing procedure of TR, be valuable to the quality control of TR manufacturing and administration, as well as support clinical rational and safety applications of this medicinal plant.

Kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) is a classic syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, which is mainly caused by damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hirsutella sinensis fungus (HSF), an artificial substitute of Cordyceps sinensis, has been widely used in TCM. However, the effects and the possible mechanism of HSF on the HPA axis and corresponding KYDS have not yet been investigated. In this study, Lewis rats were used as a spontaneous KYDS model. HSF was intragastrically administered to the Lewis rats at two doses: low dose (1 g/kg) and high dose (2 g/kg). Body weight, temperature, and behavioral tests including grip strength, open field, and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to evaluate the KYDS symptoms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of circulating adrenocortisol (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In addition, mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 10 (IL-10), CRH, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). The Lewis rats were indicated to have KYDS symptoms and HSF treatment ameliorated these symptoms via enhancement of the HPA axis function, which was evidenced by the increased levels of CRH, ACTH, and CORT in serum and 17-OHCS in urine. HSF also significantly improved the expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2, secreted by Th1 cells, which might accelerate the activation of the immune system related to the HPA axis function. Thus, we conclude that HSF can alleviate KYDS symptoms in Lewis rats by regulating the HPA axis through accelerated immune system activation.

A low profile and wideband circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna (MSA) with multiple L-shaped coupled feed is presented in this paper. The antennas fed by 2 feeds, 3 feeds and 4 feeds have been discussed in this paper, and the 4 feeds example has the best bandwidth with VSWR less than 2 and AR less than 3dB. In this paper, a quad-feed network is designed for the 4 feeds feeding CPMSA for engineering realization.

Aim: To investigate the clinical significance of detecting several biomarkers collectively in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 128 RA patients, 174 non-RA patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled. HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR53 were detected by the PCR-SSP method, 14-3-3η protein, anti-CCP and anti-Sa were detected by ELISA and DD was detected by latex immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: The positive rates of HLA-DR4, HLA-DR53, 14-3-3η protein, anti-CCP and anti-Sa were obviously higher in the RA group (43.8, 38.3, 51.6, 80 and 40.6%, respectively); anti-CCP was of highest sensitivity (79.68%), highest specificity (97.5%) and Youden index (0.77). The AUC of 14-3-3η protein, DD, anti-CCP, anti-Sa were 0.813, 0.859, 0.930, 0.861, respectively. Conclusion: All biomarkers were strongly correlated risk factors for RA; the combination of multiple biomarkers might be of help for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in RA of recent onset.

Abstact In this work, In2O3/In2S3/CdS ternary stereoscopic porous heterostructure films were successfully fabricated via consecutive in situ ionic exchange reactions to degrade persistent 4-Fluoro-3-methylphenol through photoelectrocatalytic process. The optimized In2O3/In2S3/CdS ternary stereoscopic porous heterostructure film electrode showed much higher photoelectrocatalytic efficiency than the In2O3 and In2O3/In2S3 films. The resulting degradation reaction constant is about 3 and 2 times higher than that on In2O3 and binary In2O3/In2S3 films, respectively. The extraordinary higher degradation and mineralization efficiencies of the In2O3/In2S3/CdS composite film electrode come from the synergy of ternary components in the stereoscopic porous heterostructure. The existence of double type-II band alignment with nanosized interfaces in the ternary heterostructure can significantly improve charge transport and electron-hole separation. The stereoscopic porous architechture can greatly enhance visible light utilization and superhydrophilicity, and meanwhile facilitate the mass transport and accessibility of active sites. Ion chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, total organic carbon analysis, active species trapping experiment as well as electron spin resonance techniques were employed to probe the degradation and the mineralization processes of 4-Fluoro-3-methylphenol. A unifying photoeletrocatalytic degradation route and mechanism is provided to explain the degradation and the mineralization processes. The generated more superoxide ions and holes promoted the defluorination process and favored the subsequent benzene ring cleavage and mineralization of low molecular weight fragments (e.g. carboxylic acids). This work provides a route to degrade persistent organic pollutants and realize efficient water contamination purification via efficient visible light photoelectrocatalytic process.

The CoP/WS2 nanoflake composites were synthesized via the sulfuration and subsequent phosphidation using the pre-prepared WO2.72 nanowires as precursors. Originally, WO2.72 nanowires were prepared and followed by sulfuration to obtain WS2 nanoflakes. The as-prepared WS2 nanoflakes were used as substrates, on which the Co3O4 nanoparticles were uniformly anchored to construct the Co3O4/WS2 nanoflakes. Finally, the Co3O4/WS2 composites were subjected to phosphidation and in-situ converted into CoP/WS2 nanoflakes. Because of the dual functionalities of both CoP and WS2, the abundant interfaces as well as their synergy, the CoP/WS2 nanoflakes exhibited much higher electrocatalytic activity, smaller overpotential (−81 mV), lower Tafel slope (62 mV decade−1), and higher stability toward hydrogen-evolution reaction than those for the single CoP and WS2.

To promote the improvement of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, it is critical to expose as many active sites of Ni0.85Se as possible. In this study, we prepared well-dispersed Ni0.85Se nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) assisted by the ethylenediamine treatment of NGO before selenylation reaction during hydrothermal process. The NGO nanosheets decorated by uniformly distributed Ni0.85Se nanoparticles was confirmed to be the optimal morphology with maximum catalytic active sites. Moreover, optimized structure control resulted in strong interaction between Ni0.85Se and NGO, which contributes to effective electron delivery, thus leading to excellent HER activity evidenced from the small overpotential of 104 mV at 10 mA cm−2, the low Tafel slope of 50.7 mV dec−1. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits outstanding stability which accelerates the electrochemical measurement. This work provides a general approach to the synthesis of highly dispersed nanoparticles grown on the two-dimensional carbon substrate materials for catalytic reactions.

Colloidal semiconducting nanocrystals have been identified as a set of promising and versatile nanostructured building blocks for numerous applications owing to their many attractive merits. While colloidal cadmium and lead chalcogenide nanocrystals have been widely explored for use in a variety of photonic and optoelectronic applications, consideration of the environmental compatibility and earth abundance of the materials has motivated the expansion of the research into environmentally friendly and earth-abundant colloidal semiconducting nanocrystals. The most common non-toxic semiconducting materials that have been extensively studied for photovoltaic applications include iron disulfide (FeS2), copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S), tin sulfide (SnS), tin selenide (SnSe), bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3), as well as ternary and quaternary copper chalcogenides such as copper zinc tin sulfide (Cu2ZnSnS4, CZTS). This feature study highlights the recent advances in colloidal synthetic procedures for FeS2, Cu2S, SnS, SnSe, Bi2S3, and CZTS nanocrystals, followed by examples from the literature of how these materials have been utilized in photovoltaic devices. The scientific challenges associated with the syntheses of these environmentally friendly and earth-abundant colloidal chalcogenide nanocrystals and the prospects for their deployment in photovoltaic applications have also been discussed.

The fabrication of heterophase junctions is an efficient approach to improve photocatalytic performance, as heterophase junctions have the potential to inhibit the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Herein, cubic quantum dot/hexagonal microsphere ZnIn2S4 heterophase junctions were constructed by a two-step process. First, hexagonal ZnIn2S4 microspheres with abundant sulfur vacancies were prepared to act as ideal matrixes via a solvothermal process. Then cubic ZnIn2S4 quantum dots were decorated on the surface of the hexagonal ZnIn2S4 microspheres to form heterophase junctions using a hydrothermal growth method. The characterization of valence band X-ray photoelectron spectra and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra proves that the cubic quantum dot/hexagonal microsphere ZnIn2S4 phase junction establishes a type-II band alignment with nanosized interfaces, which accounts for the efficient transfer and separation of photogenerated carriers. Meanwhile, the existing sulfur vacancies in the heterophase junctions can provide more electron trapping sites for proton reduction. Thus the optimal cubic quantum dot/hexagonal microsphere ZnIn2S4 heterophase junction exhibits exceptional visible light photocatalytic performance for H2 production (114.2 μmol h−1) without any cocatalyst, which is 7.3 and 3.2 times higher than that of cubic and hexagonal ZnIn2S4, respectively. This study provides a simple route for the synthesis of heterophase junction catalysts for photocatalytic applications.

The activation and recruitment of NK cells to the site of viral infection are crucial for virus control. However, it remains largely unknown what controls the recruitment of the activated NK cells to the infection site. In a model of intraperitoneal infection with vaccinia virus (VV), we showed that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a sensor of DNA damage, is critical for NK cell recruitment to the site of infection and viral control in vivo. We further demonstrated that PARP-1 promotes the production of CCL2 and that the CCL2-CCR2 axis is essential for NK cell recruitment to the infection site. In addition, we demonstrated that peritoneal macrophages are the main producer of PARP-1–dependent CCL2 secretion. Mechanistically, PARP-1 functions as a regulator of NF-κB by promoting its nuclear translocation and binding to its response sequences in macrophages upon VV infection. Taken together, our results reveal a potentially previously unknown role for PARP-1–dependent CCL2 production in NK cell migration and viral control and may provide important insights into the design of effective NK cell–based therapies for viral infections and cancer.

HongJing I (HJI), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been confirmed to be effective for the clinical treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanism of action of HJI remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of HJI against ED in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), BCNI-induced ED model (M), M + low-dose HJI (HL), M + medium-dose HJI (HM), and M + high-dose HJI (HH). All groups were treated with normal saline or the relevant drug for 28 consecutive days after inducing BCNI-ED. At the end of the treatment period, the intracavernous pressure (ICP) was recorded, and histological examination was conducted using Masson’s trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were applied to detect the changes in fibrosis protein and Ras homolog A (RhoA), Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), and ROCK2 expression. We found that HJI effectively improved the ICP in the treatment groups. In addition, RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 expression levels were increased upon BCNI-ED induction, and HJI successfully inhibited cavernosum fibrosis and the activation of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of HJI in attenuating ED may be caused, at least in part, by the suppression of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling and alleviation of fibrosis. However, the precise mechanism surrounding this requires further investigation in future studies.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a common consequence of liver cirrhosis, but diagnosis can be difficult as it is based on clinical criteria alone. We hypothesised that serum prealbumin, cholinesterase and retinol binding protein (RBP) can help support the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.We enrolled 306 cirrhotic patients (110 with encephalopathy), 100 chronic hepatitis B patients and 50 healthy controls, measuring routine liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin), albumin, prothrombin time, prealbumin, cholinesterase and RBP by routine methods. Logistic regression analysis and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to find predictive factors for hepatic encephalopathy.There were differences in all laboratory indices between the three groups (all p 0.001). In univariate analysis, albumin, prothrombin time, prealbumin, cholinesterase and RBP were significantly altered in those with encephalopathy (p 0.01), but only prealbumin, cholinesterase and RBP levels were significant predictors in multivariate analysis, and each was linked to the severity of liver fibrosis defined by the Child-Pugh score (all p 0.001). The AUCs (95% CI) of prealbumin, cholinesterase and RBP for diagnosing liver cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy were comparable at 0.85 (81-90), 0.81 (0.76-0.85) and 0.81 (0.76-0.86), respectively (all p 0.01).Serum prealbumin, cholinesterase and RBP levels are of potential clinical value in diagnosis of liver cirrhosis complicated by encephalopathy.

Objectives: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease, which is characterized by airway remodeling, hyperreactivity and shortness of breath. Paeoniflorin is one of the major active ingredients in Chinese peony, which exerts anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects in multiple diseases. However, it remains unclear whether paeoniflorin treatment can suppress allergic asthma. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of paeoniflorin on lung function and airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. These asthmatic Balb/c mice were first sensitized and constructed through ovalbumin (OVA) motivation. Subsequently, we determined the mechanism of action of paeoniflorin in treating allergic asthma through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data sets. Results: Our results demonstrated that many genes and metabolites were regulated in the paeoniflorin-treated mice. Moreover, the potential target proteins of paeoniflorin played important roles in fatty acid metabolism, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and local adhesion. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin has a beneficial effect on asthma, which may be achieved through regulating fatty acid metabolism, inflammatory response and the adhesion pathway at system level.

Hirsutella sinensis fungus (HSF) is an artificial substitute of the well-known medicine Cordyceps sinensis with similar beneficial effects in humans. We previously found that HSF can regulate immune function and inhibit tumor growth; however, the mechanisms involved in these effects were still unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the effects of HSF on immune cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment in mice. The results showed that HSF inhibited Lewis lung cancer growth, alleviated abnormalities in routine blood tests, and enhanced tumor-infiltrating T cells, particularly the proportion of effector CD8[Formula: see text] T cells. In addition, HSF also ameliorated the immune-suppressive microenvironment and decreased the proportions of regulatory T cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations. To confirm the effects of HSF on promotion of effector CD8[Formula: see text] T-cell production, we further evaluated changes in postoperative metastasis following treatment with HSF. Indeed, orthotopic lung metastasis was significantly suppressed, and survival times were increased in HSF-treated mice. Taken together, our findings suggested that HSF inhibited Lewis lung cancer by enhancing the population of effective CD8[Formula: see text] T cells.

Fabricating cost-effective, bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic media is critical for renewable energy generation. Here, NiSe/CP, Ni