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Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare patterns of recurrence in 2009 FIGO Stage IB‐IIA (T1bN0M0‐T2aN0M0) cervical cancer patients with cN0 and cN1. Methods: The epidemiological and clinical data of 1352 patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy with cervical cancer treated from January 2008 to April 2019 at a tertiary teaching hospital were retrospectively collected. The primary aim was to discover the lymph node status‐dependent patterns and time of recurrence. Results: Tumor recurrence and death were significantly less common in patients with cN0 than cN1. In addition, the length of time to recurrence (median 60 months cN0 vs. 43 months cN1, p < 0.001) and death (median 84 months cN0 vs. 68 months cN1 p < 0.001) were significantly longer in cN0 versus cN1 patients. The cumulative rate of relapse also showed a significant difference between cN0 and cN1 groups, especially the 1‐year relapse rate (2.14% vs. 10.78%). Of the patients who recurred, there was no difference in number of recurrent sites between cN0 and cN1 groups (solitary metastases:35.8% of cN0 and 35.6% of cN1; multiple metastases: 64.2% of cN0 and 64.4% of cN1). Similarly, there was no statistical difference in recurrence sites of cervical cancer between cN0 and cN1 groups based on three categories, (p = 0.646). However, in the six categories, patients' vaginal vaults with negative lymph nodes were more prone to recurrence, while the distribution of other recurrence sites showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: There is a significant improvement of relapse‐free survival in the cN0 group, and the recurrence time of cN0 patients is significantly delayed than cN1 group. However, except for the risk of metastasis of the vaginal vault, the site of relapse remains similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground-state phases of spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates with SU(3) spin–orbit (SO) coupling in a rotating annular potential are studied. Under the influence of SO coupling and spin-exchange interaction, lattice, stripe and other interesting phases are found in such a trap. When rotation is considered, we find coreless vortices and singular vortices can be generated simultaneously and isolated by a nearly horizontal vortex chain, whose number is mainly dominated by SO coupling strength and rotating frequency, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peridecalins C and D (1 and 2), one decalin and one oxygen-decalin containing polyketide-amino acid hybrids with 5/6/6 ring system, was isolated from a genetic mutant of Periconia sp. F-31. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 1 D/2D NMR and HR-MS spectra. Biosynthetically, two proposed Diels-Alder reactions are supposed to be involved in the skeleton construction of 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we search for some analytical solutions for a new (3 + 1)‐dimension Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equation. Based on the Hirota bilinear method, bilinear neural network framework expands to more than one hidden layer to construct test functions. By using the symbolic computation software Maple, periodic‐type I, II, and III solutions of the new (3 + 1)‐dimension BLMP equation are obtained. Besides, the evolution and dynamical characteristics of these solutions derived via the appropriate real values are also exhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new eremophilane sesquiterpene periconianone L (1), together with four known guaiane-type sesquiterpenes 4,10,11-trihydroxyguaiane (2), (−)-guai-1(10)-ene-4α,11-diolhydroxymecuration (3), guaidiol A (4), and epi-guaidiol A (5) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Periconia sp. F-31. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, and extensive NMR techniques. Compound 3 was isolated as natural product for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma (AC/ASC) of the cervix after radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods: Propensity score matching (1:4) was used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical cancer patients with SCC and AC/ASC in China.Results: Five thousand four hundred sixty-six patients were enrolled according to the criteria. The 5-year OS and DFS in the SCC group (n = 5251) were higher than those in the AC/ASC group (n = 215). After PSM (1:4), the 5-year OS and DFS in the SCC group were higher than those in the AC/ASC group (72.2% vs 56.9%, p < 0.001, HR = 1.895; 67.6% vs 47.8%, p < 0.001, HR = 2.056). In stage I-IIA2 patients, after PSM (1:4), there was no significant difference in 5-year OS between the SCC group (n = 143) and the AC/ASC group (n = 34) (68.5% vs 67.8%, P = 0.175). However, the 5-year DFS in the SCC group was higher than that in the AC/ASC group (71.0% vs 55.7%, P = 0.045; HR = 2.037, P = 0.033). In stage IIB-IV patients, after PSM (1:4), the 5-year OS and DFS in the SCC group (n = 690) were higher than those in the AC/ASC group (n = 173) (70.7% vs 54.3% P < 0.001 vs 1.940%, P < 0.001 vs 45.8%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: For stage I-IIA2, there was no significant difference in 5-year survival time, but patients with AC/ASC were more likely to relapse. In the more advanced IIB-IV stage, the oncological outcome of radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy of cervical AC/ASC was worse than that of SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agmatine N-acetyltransferase (AgmNAT), which catalyzes the formation of N-acetylagmatine from acetyl-CoA and agmatine, is a member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase family. So far, knowledge of the physiological roles of AgmNAT in insects is limited. Here, we identified one gene encoding protein homologous to that of Drosophila AgmNAT using sequence information from an activity-verified Drosophila AgmNAT in a BLAST search of the Bactrocera dorsalis genome. We expressed and purified B. dorsalis AgmNAT in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzyme to define the substrate specificity for acyl-CoA and amine substrates. Our application of the screening strategy to BdorAgmNAT led to the identification of agmatine as the best amine substrate for this enzyme, with the highest k cat /K m value. We successfully obtained a BdorAgmNAT knockout strain based on a wild-type strain (WT) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The ovary development of the BdorAgmNAT knockout mutants was delayed for 10 days compared with the WT specimens. Moreover, mutants had a much smaller mature ovary size and laid far fewer eggs than WT. Loss of function of BdorAgmNAT caused by RNAi with mature WT females did not affect their fecundity. These findings indicate that BdorAgmNAT is critical for oogenesis. Our data provide the first evidence for AgmNAT in regulating ovary development. [Display omitted] • Enzymatic properties of the purified recombinant BdorAgmNAT was analyzed. • We generated a BdorAgmNAT knockout mutant using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. • BdorAgmNAT gene is critical for ovary development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of microcapsules with high mechanical strength holds great significance for their application in high-pressure scenarios. In this study, polyurea (PU) was employed as the shell material to encapsulate perfume oil through interfacial polymerization. Subsequently, a systematic assessment of mechanical strength was conducted. The results indicated that the protective colloid, triethylenediamine (TEDA) concentration, core/shell ratio (perfume oil to polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (PAPI)), and reaction temperature, significantly influenced the mechanical strength of PU microcapsules. Notably, employing a concentration of 1.5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 0.5 wt% TEDA, a core/shell ratio of 10:1, and a reaction temperature of 70 °C resulted in PU microcapsules boasting an average rupture force of 1.92 ± 0.22 mN and a Young's modulus of 0.0195 ± 0.0013 GPa. Impressively, when contrasted with melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules, those with PU shells exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical properties. [Display omitted] • PU-Lily oil microcapsules were successfully synthesized through interfacial polymerization. • A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of PU microcapsules was conducted. • PU microcapsules exhibited higher mechanical strength compared to previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible electronic printing technology is a scientific technology that uses an "ink" material with conductive, dielectric, or semiconductor properties printed on a flexible web substrate to achieve precise preparation of flexible electronic devices, which are widely used in information, energy, medical, and military fields. In the preparation of the printing process of flexible printed electron webs under complex working conditions, the moving web will experience substantial unstable nonlinear dynamic behavior, such as divergence, flutter, bifurcation, and chaos. Accordingly, because of the coupling effects of the complex working conditions of the magnetic field, air and nonlinear electrostatic field forces, it is indispensable to explore the nonlinear dynamic equation of the flexible printed electron web in motion. The theory of multiphysics dynamics establishes a nonlinear vibration equation for the flexible printed electron web under multiphysics conditions. The discrete nonlinear vibration equation of state space equation was obtained by the Bubnov–Galerkin method. Utilizing the Runge–Kutta technique of the fourth-order, Poincaré maps, phase-plane diagrams, power spectra, bifurcation graphs, and time history diagrams of the moving flexible printed electron web were obtained. The influences of the velocity, electrostatic field, magnetic induction intensity, and follower force on the flexible printed electron web were analyzed. In addition, the Ansoft Maxwell finite element simulation software was used to simulate the magnetic field distribution of the moving web during roll-to-roll transmission. This paper determines the stable working range of the moving flexible printed electron web, which provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of flexible printed electronic webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent form of lung cancer. Patients with advanced NSCLC are currently being treated with various therapies, including traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. However, a considerable proportion of advance patients who cannot benefit from them. Consequently, it is essential to identify a novel research target that offers an encouraging perspective. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has emerged as such a target. At present, it is confirmed that activating STING in NSCLC tumor cells can impede the proliferation and metastasis of dormant tumor cells. This review focuses on the role of STING in NSCLC treatment and the factors influencing its activation. Additionally, it explores the correlation between STING activation and diverse therapy modalities for NSCLC, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Furthermore, it proposes the prospect of innovative therapy methods involving nanoparticles, with the aim of using the features of STING to develop more strategies for NSCLC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic transport behavior of a sulflower molecule sandwiched between metal leads by S atom connecting apex Au or Ag atoms was investigated using a first-principles study by current-voltage characteristics, transmission spectrum and local density of states. Negative differential resistance (NDR) effect which originates from Coulomb blockade driven by bias was obtained. We also found that the differential conductance can be modulated by the metal leads with different work functions, which promise the potential applications in molecular devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixed-valence perovskite manganites attracted much attention because of their interesting electro-magnetic properties, and strain modulation on magnetic properties of perovskite manganites is worth exploring. In this paper, [La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3/La 0. 5 Ca 0. 5 MnO3] 2 0 superlattice films with different La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3 layer thicknesses are prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The crystal structures (lattice constants) of samples are measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The strain of the films is determined according to their crystal structures. The magnetic hysteresis loops (M-H loops) and magnetization versus temperature (M-T) curves of these superlattice films are measured by the physical property measurement system (PPMS). From the M-H loops, the coercive field (H C) of the samples can be measured. From the M-T curves, the Curie temperature (T C) of the samples can be obtained. All samples show a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at TC, and the [La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3/La 0. 5 Ca 0. 5 MnO3] 2 0 sample with the La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3 layer thicknesses of 72 Å has an antiferromagnetic Néel transition at TN. According to the strain state and magnetic phases, the magnetic properties are comprehensively analyzed. It is found that with the increase of ferromagnetic La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3 layer thickness, the ferromagnetic phase is increased, and the double exchange effect can also be enhanced, resulting in the increase of TC. When the thickness of La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3 reaches 96 Å, the uneven strain distribution in the superlattice can induce the reduction of ferromagnetic phase compared with antiferromagnetic phase (even antiferromagnetic phase starts to appear), and the double exchange effect can be weakened, and finally leading to the decrease of TC. In addition, with increasing the La 0. 8 Ca 0. 2 MnO3 layer thickness, HC gradually decreases. The change of HC is related to strain states and magnetic phase interactions in the samples. The analysis of the strain and magnetism can contribute to the understanding of perovskite manganite superlattice films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain dehydrogenase/reductases (SDRs) belong to the NAD(P)(H)-dependent oxidoreductase superfamily, which have various functions of catalyzing oxidation/reduction reactions and have been generally used as powerful biocatalysts in the production of pharmaceuticals. In this study, ScSDR1 and ScSDR2, two new SDRs have been identified and characterized from Stachybotrys chartarum 3.5365. Substrate scope investigation revealed that both of the enzymes possessed the ability to oxidize β-OH to ketone specifically, and exhibited substrate promiscuity and high stereo-selectivity for efficiently catalyzing the structurally different prochiral ketones to chiral alcohols. These findings not only suggest that ScSDR1 and ScSDR2 might be potent synthetic tools in drug research and development, but also provide good examples for further engineered enzymes with higher efficiency and stereo-selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of robot-assisted radical hysterectomy (RRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) for cervical cancer. We retrospectively compared the oncological outcomes of 10,314 cervical cancer patients who received RRH (n = 1048) or ARH (n = 9266) and whose stages were IA1 with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI)-IIA2. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare the 3-year OS and DFS rates between the RRH and ARH groups. Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score matching was used to estimate the surgical approach-specific survival. RRH and ARH showed similar 3-year OS and DFS rates (93.5% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.486; 90.0% vs. 90.4%, p = 0.302). RRH was not associated with a lower 3-year OS rate by the multivariable analysis (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.89–1.70, p = 0.206), but it was associated with a lower 3-year DFS rate (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.52, p = 0.035). After propensity score matching, patients who underwent RRH had decreased 3-year OS and DFS rates compared to those who underwent ARH (94.4% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.002; 91.1% vs. 95.4%, p = 0.001), and RRH was associated with lower 3-year OS and DFS rates. Among patients with stage IB1 and tumor size <2 cm, RRH was not associated with decreased 3-year OS and DFS rates (HR1.688, 95% CI 0.423–6.734, p = 0.458; HR1.267, 95%CI 0.518–3.098, p = 0.604). Overall, RRH was associated with worse 3-year oncological outcomes than ARH in patients with FIGO stage IA1 with LVSI- IIA2 cervical cancer. However, RRH showed similar 3-year oncological outcomes with ARH among those with stage IB1 and tumor size <2 cm. • We investigated the 3-year oncological outcomes of RRH and ARH for cervical cancer. • RRH was associated with worse 3-year oncological outcomes than ARH among those with stage IA1 with LVSI- IIA2. • RRH showed similar 3-year oncological outcomes with ARH in the subgroup of stage IB1 and a tumour size <2 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are synthesized by the method of high-temperature pyrolysis from marigold granules and subsequently nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) are synthesized from ethylenediamine by hydrothermal treatment, which shows a strong blue emission with 7.84% quantum yield (QY). This will be used in detection of Fe3+ in water environments and the field of bioimaging. Unlabelled Image • In this method, N-GQDs were synthesized from marigold rich in lutein as carbon source. • The synthesized N-GQDs are only 3.2 nm in size. • The N-GQDs specifically identify Fe3+. • The N-GQDs can enter cells and have good biocompatibility and low toxicity. • This work can detect the concentration of Fe3+ in the Yellow River water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) maintains a sustained airway pressure over a large proportion of the respiratory cycle, and has a long inspiratory time at high pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the APRV with and without spontaneous breathing on albuterol aerosol delivery with a continuous vibrating-mesh nebulizer (VMN) placed at different positions on an adult lung model of invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: An adult lung model was assembled by connecting a ventilator with a dual-limb circuit to an 8-mm inner diameter endotracheal tube (ETT) and collecting filter attached to a test lung with set compliance of 0.1 L/cmH2O and resistance of 0.5 cmH2O/(L·s). Four ventilator modes were compared: pressure control ventilation (PCV) with no bias flow, PCV with bias flow of 6 L/min (PCVBF6), APRV with no spontaneous breaths (APRV), and APRV with spontaneous breath trigger (APRVs). Peak inspiratory pressure, peak end-expiratory pressure, aerosol dose, and nebulization time were similar for all modes. The VMN was placed (1) between Y-piece and inspiratory limb, (2) at the gas outlet of a heated humidifier, and (3) at the gas inlet of a heated humidifier. Albuterol sulfate (5 mg/2.5 mL) was administered with each run and collected on a filter distal to the ETT. Deposited drug was eluted from each filter (purified water) and analyzed by UV spectrophotometry at 276 nm. Analysis of variance [general linear model (GLM) multivariate] was performed using the linear model of multiple variables, significance at p < 0.05. Results: Albuterol (in micrograms, mean ± standard deviation) delivered was higher with VMN placed at the gas inlet of the humidifier with each mode of ventilation (p < 0.01). APRVs has the highest albuterol delivery followed by PCV, PCVBF6, and APRV (1706.2 ± 60.9 μg vs. 1490.6 ± 61.1 μg vs. 1182.3 ± 61.4 μg vs. 1153.1 ± 99.7 μg, respectively, p < 0.001). The minute volume was positively correlated with the inhaled albuterol dose. Conclusions: Spontaneous breathing increased the albuterol delivery during APRV, compared with APRV alone and PCV modes. Placing the nebulizer proximal to the ventilator was more efficient for all modes tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amelogenesis is a complicated process that concerns the interaction between growing hydroxyapatite crystals and extracellular proteins, which requires the tight regulation of pH. In dental fluorosis, the balance of pH regulation is broken, leading to abnormal mineralization. The current review focuses on the electrolyte transport processes associated with pH homeostasis, particularly regarding the changes in ion transporters that occur during amelogenesis, following exposure to excessive fluoride. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of fluorosis is discussed on the basis of acid hypothesis. There are two main methods by which F− accelerates crystal formation in ameloblasts. Firstly, it induces the release of protons, lowering the pH of the cell microenvironment. The decreased pH stimulates the upregulation of ion transporters, which attenuates further declines in the pH. Secondly, F− triggers an unknown signaling pathway, causing changes in the transcription of ion transporters and upregulating the expression of bicarbonate transporters. This results in the release of a large amount of bicarbonate from ameloblasts, which may neutralize the pH to form a microenvironment that favors crystal nucleation. The decreased pH stimulates the diffusion of F− into the cytoplasm of amelobalsts along the concentration gradient formed by the release of protons. The retention of F− causes a series of pathological changes, including oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. If the buffering capacity of ameloblasts facing F− toxicity holds, normal mineralization occurs; however, if F− levels are high enough to overwhelm the buffering capacity of ameloblasts, abnormal mineralization occurs, leading to dental fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Precision synthesis of optically active poly(lactic‐alt‐caprolactic acid) is realized using cross‐metathesis polymerization (CMP) and hydrogenation. Enantiopure monomers ML and MD are generated through two consecutive esterification reactions. CMP of these two monomers in different feed ratios, followed by hydrogenation, afford saturated polymers HPL, HPD, and HPDL comprising L‐lactic and/or D‐lactic acid and ε‐caprolactone‐derived motifs with alternating sequences. CMP kinetic analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is performed by employing a racemic monomer Mrac. Enantiomeric polyesters HPL and HPD display opposite rotation values and mirror‐imaged cotton effects in circular dichroism (CD) spectra, whereas HPDL derived from equimolar ML and MD shows inactive optical rotation and no CD response. Stereocomplex HPD+HPL is obtained by equimolar mixing of HPL and HPD, since this specimen is the only one to exhibit a sharp melting peak on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve at 45.7 °C. Hence, an amorphous, enantiomerically pure polyester becomes crystalline via stereocomplexation with its complementary enantiomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel postpolymerization modification methodology is demonstrated to achieve selective functionalization of hyperbranched polymer (HBP). Terminal and internal acrylates of HBP derived from cross‐metathesis polymerization (CMP) are functionalized in a chemoselective fashion using the thiol‐Michael chemistries. Model reactions between different thiols (benzyl mercaptan and methyl thioglycolate) and acrylates (n‐hexyl acrylate and ethyl trans‐2‐decenoate) by using dimethylphenylphosphine or amylamine as the catalyst are investigated to optimize the modification protocol for HBP. High‐molecular‐weight HBP P0 is generated through CMP of AB2 monomer 2, a compound containing one α‐olefin and two acrylate metathetically polymerizable groups. CMP kinetics is monitored by NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Accordingly, microstructural analysis is conducted in detail, and CMP procedure is optimized. Postpolymerization modification of HBP P0 is performed via two distinguished strategies, namely one‐step complete modification and sequential modification, to generate terminally and/or internally functionalized HBPs P1–P3 in a chemoselective fashion by using phosphine‐initiated and/or base‐catalyzed thiol‐Michael chemistries. Finally, thermal stability and glass transition behaviors of HBPs P0–P3 are studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts(HPLFs). Design HPLFs were cultured and identified. Then, different concentrations of CTGF (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 ng/ml) were added to the HPLF culture. Next, CCK-8 assays, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, hydroxyproline determination, alizarin red staining methods, Transwell chambers and real-time PCR methods were applied to observe the effects of CTGF on the proliferation, ALP activity, synthesis of collagen, formation of mineralized nodules and migration. We also studied expression of ALP, fiber link protein (FN), integrin-binding sialoprotein (IBSP), osteocalcin (OC), and integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) mRNA by HPLFs. Statistical significance was assumed if P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. Results The addition of CTGF (1, 5, 10 ng/ml) remarkably promoted the proliferation and collagen synthesis of HPLFs compared with controls. CTGF (1, 5, 10, 50 ng/ml) improved ALP activity of HPLFs, and at all concentrations, CTGF (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 ng/ml) improved the expression of ALP, FN, IBSP and ITGB1 mRNA. In addition, CTGF (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 ng/ml) promoted the migration of HPLFs, which was dose-dependent, with maximal promotion in the 10 ng/ml group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusions Thus, in a certain range of concentrations, CTGF can promote the biological effects, including proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis of HPLFs, to promote the differentiation of HPLFs in the process of osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil microcapsules with viscous cores were formulated by encapsulating oil droplets with intermediate non-crosslinked polymer shells and crosslinked polymer outer shells, followed by dissolution of the intermediate shells with essential oil to form viscous cores. The study found that when the core/shell ratios of the intermediate shell = 3:2, the rotational speed = 500 rpm, the concentration of the protective colloid = 1.0 wt%, the concentration of the crosslinking agent = 20 wt% and the core/shell ratio of the outer shell = 10:1 by using three times' addition method, caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) microcapsules with viscous cores were obtained. The release profile, mechanical strength and adsorption performance of GTCC microcapsules were evaluated in comparison with melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules. It was found that the viscous cores microcapsules had better heat resistance, extreme long-lasting release property, viscoelasticity and been more adhesive to cotton fabrics, which were more consumer-friendly compared with that of melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules. [Display omitted] • Construction of essential oil (GTCC) microcapsule with the viscous core structure. • Polystyrene (PS) was used as wall material, which is safe and consumer-friendly. • MF (Melamine-formaldehyde)-GTCC and PS-GTCC microcapsules were compared. • The release, viscoelasticity and adsorption property of microcapsule was enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective identification and development of new molecular methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains an urgent clinical need. DNA methylation patterns at cytosine bases in the genome are closely related to gene expression, and abnormal DNA methylation is frequently observed in various cancers. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and promote locus-specific DNA methylation reversal. This study aimed to explore the role of the TET2 protein and its downstream effector, 5-hmC/5-mC DNA modification, in LUAD progression. Methods: The expression of TET2 was analysed by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The 5-hmC DNA content was determined by a colorimetric kit. Activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway was evaluated by Western blotting. CCK-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effect of TET2 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. A xenograft model was used to analyse the effect of TET2 on the tumorigenic ability of A549 cells. Results: TET2 overexpression decreased proliferation and metastasis of A549 and H1975 cells in vitro and in vivo. However, TET2 knockdown dramatically enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1975 cells. Mechanistically, activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway is critical for the TET2-mediated suppression of LUAD cell tumorigenesis and metastasis. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate a tumour suppressor role of TET2 in LUAD, providing new potential molecular therapeutic targets and clinical therapies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five monoterpenoids were isolated from the endophytic fungusPericoniasp. F-31, including three new carene-type monoterpenoids, 2-carene-5,8-diol (1), 2-carene-8,10-diol (2), 2-carene-8-acetamide (3), one new menthene-type monoterpenoid 8-hydroxy-1,7-expoxy-2-menthene (4), and one known monoterpenoid anethofuran (5). The structures of all compounds were elucidated based on a comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and calculated ECD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mutations in mitochondrial (mt)transfer (t)RNA (mt-tRNA) have been reported to serve important roles in hypertension. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms of mt-tRNA mutations in hypertension, the present study screened for mt-tRNA mutations in a Chinese family with a high incidence of essential hypertension. Sequence analysis of the mt-tRNA genes in this family revealed the presence of an A4401G mutation in the glycine-and methionine-tRNA genes, and a G5821A mutation in the cysteine-tRNA (tRNACys) gene. The G5821A mutation was located at a position conserved in various species, and disrupted G6-C67 base-pairing. It was hypothesized that the G5821A mutation may decrease the baseline expression levels of tRNACys, and consequently result in failure of tRNA metabolism. The A4401G mutation was reported to cause the mitochondrial dysfunction responsible for hypertension. Thus, the combination of G5821A and A4401G mutations may contribute to the high incidence of hypertension in this family. Mt-tRNA mutations may serve as potential biomarkers for hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry fruits (cv. Benihoppe, Tochiotome, Sachinoka, and Guimeiren) were harvested and evaluated the flavor and nutritional parameters. By principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, differences were observed based on the volatile compounds composition, sugar and acid concentration, sweetness, and total soluble sugars/total organic acids of the four varieties. A total of 37, 48, 65, and 74 volatile compounds were identified and determined in cv. Benihoppe, Tochiotome, Sachinoka, and Guimeiren strawberry fruits extracted by head-space solid-phase microextraction ( HS- SPME), respectively. Esters significantly dominated the chemical composition of the four varieties. Furaneol was detected in cultivars of Sachinoka and Guimeiren, but mesifuran was only found in cv. Tochiotome. Tochiotome and Sachinoka showed higher content of linalool and (E)-nerolidol. Sachinoka showed the highest content of total sugars and total acids. Guimeiren showed higher sweetness index than the other three cultivars. Firmness of Tochiotome was highest among all the varieties. The highest total soluble solids TSS value was found in cv. Sachinoka, followed by the Guimeiren and Tochiotome varieties. Sachinoka had the highest titratable acidity TA value. The content of ascorbic acid (AsA) of cv. Tochiotome was higher than the others, but there was no significant difference in cultivars of Benihoppe, Tochiotome, and Sachinoka. Fructose and glucose were the major sugars in all cultivars. Citric acid was the major organic acid in cv. Tochiotome, cv. Sachinoka, and cv. Guimeiren. Tochiotome had higher ratios of TSS/ TA and total sugars/total organic acids than others, arising from its lower acid content. The order of the comprehensive evaluation score was Sachinoka>Guimeiren>Tochiotome>Benihoppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent calculations (Mahmoud and Lugli, 2013, [21] ) of gold leads sandwiching carbon chains which are separated by diphenyl–dimethyl demonstrated that the negative differential resistance (NDR) effect appears only for “odd” numbers of carbon atoms. In this paper, according to a first-principles study based on non-equilibrium Green's function combining density functional theory, we find that the NDR effect appears both for “odd” and for “even” numbers of carbon atoms when the chains are doped by nitrogen atom. Our calculations remove the restriction of “odd/even” chains for the NDR effect, which may promise the potential applications of carbon chains in the nano-scale or molecular devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought slows net photosynthetic rate ( A N ) but increases water use efficiency (WUE). Farmers give an artificial drought pretreatment to some crops in the early growth stage and find that yield increases accompanying with the improvement of WUE. We conducted well-watered, non-drought, mild drought and moderate drought pretreatments of potted cotton cultivars. The aims of the present study were to analyse the importance of mesophyll conductance ( g m ) as a factor that may simultaneously improve A N and WUE under drought pretreatment conditions, and to analyse the role of anatomical structure and biochemical mechanism in the variability of g m . Our results showed that significant variability of g m estimated by gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence was observed between non-drought pretreatment and drought pretreatment associated with change in A N and WUE. There was great difference in anatomical structure and expression of aquaporins ( GhAQP1 ) among all the treatments. In addition, expression of carbonic anhydrase ( CA ) may not be important in the regulation of g m under drought pretreatment conditions. We concluded that the variability of g m offers a potential target for improving leaf A N and WUE simultaneously by the regulation of anatomical structure and GhAQP1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the first-principles method which combines the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) with density functional theory (DFT), the role of defect, dopant, barrier length and geometric deformation for low-bias negative differential resistance (NDR) in two capped armchair carbon nanotubes (CNTs) sandwiching barrier are systematically analyzed. We found that this method can regulate the negative differential resistance (NDR) effects such as current peak and peak position. The adjusting mechanism may originate from orbital interaction and orbital reconstruction. Our calculations try to manipulate the transport characteristics in energy space by simply manipulating the structure in real space, which may promise the potential applications in nanomolecular-electronics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and efficient method was established for the simultaneous determination of structures and configurations for 45 phenolics isolated from crude red grape skin extracts without extensive sample preparation. Separation and compound assignments were achieved using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS 2 ). A Poroshell 120 EC-C 18 (100 mm × 3.0 mm, 2.7 μm) column was employed to separate the phenolics, which were eluted using a gradient of acetonitrile and water acidified with 0.2% formic acid. Phenolics were identified by comparison of their UV–vis spectra, mass spectra and MS 2 data with those in the literature. Using this procedure, five compounds were detected for the first time in Vitis amurensis . Good separation of most phenolics was achieved in 26 min. The methods described here can be used for the characterization of phenolics in a variety of grapes and grape products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Sciatica is one of the most frequently reported complaints; it affects quality of life and reduces social and economic efficacy. Clinical studies on the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in sciatica are increasing, while systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of acupuncture therapy are still lacking. Objective. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for sciatica. Methods. Comprehensive searches of 8 databases were conducted up until April 2015. Outcomes included effectiveness (proportion of patients who improved totally or partly in clinical symptoms), pain intensity, and pain threshold. Effect sizes were presented as risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD). Pooled effect sizes were calculated by fixed effects or random effects model. Results. A total of 12 studies (involving 1842 participants) were included. Results showed that acupuncture was more effective than conventional Western medicine (CWM) in outcomes effectiveness (RR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16–1.25), pain intensity (MD −1.25, 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.86), and pain threshold (MD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.98–1.17). Subgroup and sensitivity analysis found that the results did not change in different treatment method and drug categories substantially. The reported adverse effects were acceptable. Conclusions. Acupuncture may be effective in treating the pain associated with sciatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to employ a nonlinear dynamic evaluation method to assess the tourism sustainability of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China, a new emerging tourism destination. The methodology draws on system dynamics and Back Propagation (BP) neural network. According to 7 setting principles, this study identifies 13 tourism sustainability indicators including conventional tourism income, tourism resources stock, pollution stock, etc., as well as specific residents’ tourism cognition, seasonal difference, accessibility, etc. Then a system dynamics model including the 13 indicators (variables) and other relevant auxiliary variables is established. Based on the numerical simulation, using a three layers BP neural network optimized by genetic algorithm and particle swarm algorithm, this study evaluates the future sustainability dynamically and compares the sustainability evolution from 2014 to 2050 under different development strategies. The research results not only provide information useful for the dynamic control and scientific management of the future sustainable tourism development, but also provide a systems approach to evaluate regional tourism sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active control of transverse vibration of axially moving rectangular membranes with bending stiffness was investigated during the printing process. A computing model for the moving printing membrane with bending stiffness was established. The discretized dynamic equations for the moving membrane were obtained with the finite difference method, and the state equations of the transverse vibration control system for the moving membrane were derived. The suboptimal control method was applied to conduct the active control of transverse vibration of the moving membrane under various boundary conditions of actual printing processes. The calculated results show that the vibration of the moving rectangular membrane can be controlled effectively within a short time with the suboptimal vibration control method. The control effect will be better when the actuators act on some fixed nodes with 4 edges simply supported; when the actuators act on variable nodes, the control effect will be the best in the case of central point actuation under the 2 types of boundary conditions, where the dimension--less time of velocity attenuation to zero is shorter than those in the other cases of actuation at the rest nodes. It is indicated that the transverse vibration of axially moving rectangular membranes can be controlled effectively with the suboptimal control method, thus the printing precision can be promoted and the printing quality ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension and compare it to laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy for apical support in sexually active patients of pelvic organ prolapse. Study design Twenty-there women with symptomatic prolapse of apical prolapse underwent laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension and forty-five underwent laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy at the first affiliated of Zhengzhou University between January 2010 and June 2013. They all presented with at least a stage 2 apical prolapse. Pre- and post-operative data referring to pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system were compared. At the same time, validated questionnaire of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and the Pelvic organ prolapse urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were included. Results From 2010 to 2013, 68 patients were included. Only 3 cases lost the follow-up in the Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy. In the laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension, there was no recurrence versus in five the laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy. When considered the operating time and blood loss, the laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension was more favorable. Erosion was higher in the laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy compared to the other group (0% vs 21.4%). There was no difference in the postoperative PFDI-20 score ( P = 0.3079), and PFIQ-7 score ( P = 0.8889) between the two groups, while the PISQ-12 score was much higher in the laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension than the other group ( P = 0.0076). Conclusion Laparoscopic colpo-uterine butterfly suspension is a more effective option for sexually active women with pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Resveratrol contents were detected via HPLC–DAD–MS/MS. [•] The method was applied and validated for resveratrol from Vitis amurensis. [•] LOD for resveratrol was 0.009μg/ml and LOQ was 0.027μg/ml, respectively. [•] The resveratrol distribution trend in the entire V. amurensis plant is firstly reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Puerarin suppresses proliferation of E2-stimulated ESCs by increasing G1 phase of the cell cycle. [•] Puerarin downregulates cyclin D1 and cdc25A expression in E2-stimulated ESCs. [•] Puerarin changes recruitment pattern of nuclear receptor coregulators to estrogen receptor-α in E2-stimulated ESCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with unoperated functional single ventricle (FSV) rarely survive into adulthood with good functional status and there are few reports about surgical results of adult patients with FSV. This study retrospectively reviews our experience with surgery in adult patients with FSV.Methods: From January 2008 to September 2017, 65 adult patients with FSV underwent surgery in our hospital. Twenty underwent Blalock-Taussig shunt or bidirectional Glenn procedures in other hospitals prior, and four were lost to follow-up. Finally, 41 patients were included in this study.Results: The early postoperative mortality was 7.3% (3/41). Postoperative systemic arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2 , 83.7% ± 4.8%) was significantly higher than preoperative SpO2 (77.9% ± 10.1%, P < .01). The mean follow-up time was 3.9 ± 3.1 years (range 1-11 years). There was only one case of late mortality and massive hemoptysis was the cause of death. Right ventricular morphology and severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) were the risk factors of postoperative death for patients with pulmonary stenosis(PS). There was no death case in patients who received Fontan procedure. In a follow-up, we found the grade of AVVR was reduced and the grade of heart function (New York Heart Association) was improved.Conclusions: Adult patients with FSV can also undergo surgery. The mortality was acceptable and late results were satisfactory. After surgery, oxygen saturations increased, grades of AVVR decreased and the heart functions improved. Right ventricular morphology and severe AVVR were risk factors for patients with PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Accompanied by flares and coronal mass ejections, the symbiotic coronal and interplanetary fast shock waves have become a hot topic in particle acceleration. Under the condition of quasi-parallel propagation, we construct a numerical method of solving one-dimensional transport equation, and thereby exploring the physical relationships between the distribution of the accelerated ions and the parameters of the shock waves and background plasmas. Considering the diffusive coefficient as a constant and a function of energy, respectively, the results of calculations of finite free escape boundaries show that (1) the energetic particles approximately exhibit a double power-law distribution and the spectral index decreases gradually from 10.2 to 2.4 in the low energy region of 3-10MeV with the increase of the acceleration time; (2) with the increase of the compression ratio of the shock from 2 to 4, the spectral index decreases from 3.2 to 2.2 at a given time and in the same energy range; (3) when the finite upstream and downstream escape boundaries decrease from 5 to 2, the spectral index of the particle energy spectrum increases from 2.4 to 3.3, and the acceleration efficiency of particles decreases; (4) the spectral index decreases from 2.4 to 0.9 with the increase of the initial inject energy of the particles; (5) when the diffusive coefficient is directly proportional to the energy of the particles, the spectral index increases from 2.2 to 4.3 as compared with the case of constant diffusive coefficient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two non-isospectral generalized nonlinear Schrodinger (GNLS) equations, which are two important models of nonlinear excitations of matter waves in Bose-Einstein condensates, are studied. Two novel transformations are constructed such that these two GNLS equations are transformed to the well-known nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation, which is an isospectral equation. Therefore, once one solution of the NLS equation is provided, we can immediately obtain one solution for two GNLS equations by these transformations. Thus it is unnecessary to solve these two non-isospectral GNLS equations directly. Soliton solutions and periodic solutions are obtained for them by two transformations from the corresponding solutions of the NLS equation, which are generated by Darboux transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the KEYNOTE-040 study,[1] published in The Lancet, Ezra Cohen and colleagues reported that pembrolizumab provides a survival benefit compared with standard-of-care treatment (methotrexate, docetaxel, or cetuximab) in patients with recurrent or metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas have stronger T-cell infiltration and increased concentrations of immunoregulatory proteins, including programmed cell death 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4, compared with HPV-negative metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas,[3] suggesting that patients with HPV-positive disease could be good candidates for immunotherapy. This suggestion was confirmed by KEYNOTE-012,[4] in which pembrolizumab-treated patients with HPV-positive disease tended to have longer overall survival than that of patients with HPV-negative disease. [Extracted from the article]

Garlic organosulfur components exhibit antitumor activity, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not been well characterized. We showed that Z-ajoene, a sulfur-rich compound purified from garlic, induced time- and dose-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 cells. This process implied the activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. The caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-[OMe]-fluoromethylketone inhibited Bcl-2 cleavage and apoptosis induced by Z-ajoene. This effect was partially prevented by treatment of HL-60 cells with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Hence, the transmission of apoptotic signal induced by Z-ajoene involved a reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway leading to caspase-dependent Bcl-2 cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two fused-ring structures, 6-decyloxy-2-naphthoic acid C[sub 10]ONA (3) and 6-dodecyloxyisoquinoline IS (8), were synthesized and utilized as proton donor and acceptor moieties to construct a series of simple mesogenic supramolecules. The other complementary hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) moieties are benzoic acids, thiophenecarboxylic acid and pyridines containing different alkyl chain lengths connected by ether and ester linkages, i.e. 4-alkoxybenzoic acid C[sub n]OBA (1), terephthalic acid monoalkyl ester C[sub n]COOBA (2), 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid monodecyl ester C[sub 10]COOTHA (4), 4-alkoxypyridine C[sub n]OP (6) and isonicotinic acid alkyl ester C[sub n]COOP (7). Several series of simple mesogenic supramolecular dimers were constructed from 1:1 molar ratios of proton donors (C[sub n]OBA, C[sub n]COOBA, C[sub 10]ONA and C[sub 10]COOTHA) and proton acceptors (IS, C[sub n]OP and C[sub n]COOP), though the proton acceptor C[sub n]COOP induced phase separation in all complexes. In order to investigate their fused-ring and linking group effects on the mesogenic properties of the H-bonded complexes, analogous simple supramolecular structures are compared. Supramolecular architecture and the distinct mesomorphism of these simple H-bonded liquid crystalline materials were confirmed by polarizing optical microscopy, DSC and powder X-ray diffraction experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental fluorosis is a global issue. Although there are multiple causes of dental fluorosis, the precise mechanism remains controversial. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular fluoride may promote an accumulation of fluoride ions in ameloblasts, which may induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, leading to dental fluorosis. However, the exact process by which fluoride ions enter cells has not been determined. In the present study, intracellular fluoride concentration was determined using a newly developed specific fluorescent probe called probe 1. Under high extracellular fluoride concentrations, the fluorescence intensity of the ameloblasts increased, however, exogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was able to inhibit the increase. Furthermore, changes in the expression of the voltage-gated chloride channels 5 and 7 (ClC5 and ClC-7), which are responsible for the transport of fluoride were investigated. The results indicated that fluoride reduced the expression of endogenous TGF-β1 and increased the expression of ClC-5 and ClC-7. Additionally, exogenous TGF-β1 reduced the expression of ClC-5 and ClC-7. The results of the present study indicate that exogenous TGF-β1 may prevent accumulation of fluoride in ameloblasts through the regulation of ClC-5 and ClC-7 under high extracellular fluoride concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different operation modes led to different bacterial community composition and dynamics. • Bacteria in the early stage of fermentation decided the bacterial community. • Bacteria competed with yeasts for glucose, thereby regulating the microbial succession and metabolism. The succession of microbial community significantly affect the flavor formation of traditional fermented foods and beverages. Chinese liquor (Baijiu) fermentation is a typical spontaneous solid-state fermentation process driven by natural microbiota. The type of process used to make liquor-craft or industrial-alters the operational environment and the aromatic qualities of the product contributed by various microbial consortia. But differences in microbial community assembly and temporal succession are often overlooked. In this study, we investigated bacterial community dynamics, substrate consumption, and metabolite production during both craft and industrial liquor-making processes (CLP and ILP, respectively). We found that the compositions of bacterial communities were different, even though no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in bacterial species between CLP and ILP at the beginning of fermentation. During ILP, glucose was used more rapidly by microflora, leading in turn to a higher ethanol production rate during the early stage of fermentation. The higher rate of ethanol production in ILP shortened the lifetime of bacteria such as Weissella , Pediococcus , Leuconostoc , and Bacillus during the early stage of fermentation. Lactobacillus sp. became dominant earlier in ILP than in CLP. Finally, the change in bacterial community dynamics led to changes in aroma compounds. Using CLP and ILP as a model system, our results illustrate the dynamic nature of Baijiu fermentations and microbial succession patterns therein. This can be applied to optimize the fermentation processes and flavors attributes of this and other fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel mesogenic supramolecules have been constructed from the 2 :1 molar ratio of trans 4-alkoxy-4-stilbazoles CnPS (1) complexed with 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid THDA (4) to form the kinked hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) complexes (CnPS)-THDA. The analogous H-bonded complexes (CnPP)2-THDA consisting of the 2:1 molar ratio of 4-alkoxypyridines CnPP (2) and THDA (4) are also compared. In contrast to linear complexes (CnPS)2-TA prepared from the 2 :1 molar ratio of CnPS (1) and terephthalic acid TA (5), supramolecular liquid crystals with kinked molecular structures (CnPS)2-THDA are generated by introducing the thiophene unit into the H-bonded complexes. In addition, the chiral complex (C5*PS)2-THDA composed of an optically active proton acceptor (S)-(-)-4-(2-methylbutoxy)-4-stilbazole C5*PS ( 3 ) and THDA ( 4 ) (2 :1 molar ratio) is reported. Significantly, the first thiophene based supramolecular liquid crystals have been constructed in this study, and the mesogenic properties of the supramolecules can be easily adjusted not only by the nonlinear shape of the thiophene unit but also by the dipole moment derived from the lone-pair electrons of the sulphur hetero-atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advancements in cancer treatment, this disease still poses a serious threat to public health. Vaccines play an important role in preventing illness by preparing the body's adaptive and innate immune responses to combat diseases. As our understanding of malignancies and their connection to the immune system improves, there has been a growing interest in priming the immune system to fight malignancies more effectively and comprehensively. One promising approach involves utilizing nanoparticle systems for antigen delivery, which has been shown to potentiate immune responses as vaccines and/or adjuvants. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the immunological mechanisms of cancer vaccines while focusing specifically on the recent applications of various types of nanoparticles in the field of cancer immunotherapy. By exploring these recent breakthroughs, we hope to identify significant challenges and obstacles in making nanoparticle-based vaccines and adjuvants feasible for clinical application. This review serves to assess recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle-based cancer vaccinations and shed light on their prospects and potential barriers. By doing so, we aim to inspire future immunotherapies for cancer that harness the potential of nanotechnology to deliver more effective and targeted treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor cells primarily employ the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to thwart the anti-tumor capabilities of T lymphocytes, inducing immunosuppression. This occurs through the direct interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 on T lymphocyte surfaces. Recent research focusing on the tumor microenvironment has illuminated the pivotal role of immune cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), in facilitating PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to receiving signals from tumor-derived exosomes that promote PD-L1 expression, TAMs also exert control over PD-L1 expression in tumor cells through the release of exosomes. This paper aims to summarize the mechanisms by which exosomes participate in this process, identify crucial factors that influence these mechanisms, and explore innovative strategies for inhibiting or reversing the tumor-promoting effects of TAMs by targeting exosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare entity with an incidence of approximately 1–3 in 200 000 people. It is typically characterized by complete or partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the right lung into the systemic venous circulation, most commonly the inferior vena cava (IVC). For the first time, we report the diagnosis of SS in a fetus in utero using four‐dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation combined with high‐definition live flow rendering mode (STIC‐HD live flow). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To identify the biological function and metabolic pathway of differential metabolites in follicular fluid of senile patients with kidney qi deficiency undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and observe the effect of kidney-invigorating herbs on IVF outcomes in senile patients. Methods. A total of 95 women undergoing IVF treatment were recruited and divided into three groups, including 34 cases in the treatment group (the senile patients with kidney qi deficiency after the intervention of Chinese medicine), 31 cases in the experiment group (the senile patients with kidney qi deficiency of no intervention of Chinese medicine), and 30 cases in the control group (young women with infertility due to male factor). The three groups of women were treated with long protocol ovarian hyperstimulation; the treatment group was given Qi-Zi-Yu-Si decoction on the day of HCG downregulation. Their IVF clinical outcomes were observed. The metabolites changes of kidney qi deficiency syndrome were analyzed in follicular fluid metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results. The syndrome score of kidney qi deficiency syndrome in the treatment group was significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.01). Compared with the experiment group, the available embryo rate and implantation rate were increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Progesterone, indoleacrylic acid, 2-propenyl 1-(1-propenylsulfinyl) propyl disulfide, N-acetyltryptophan, decanoylcarnitine, 20a-dihydroprogesterone, testosterone acetate, eicosatrienoic acid, 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde, choline, phosphorylcholine, and tryptophan were downregulated in the treatment group. Through pathway analysis, glycerophospholipid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis were regulated in senile patients with kidney qi deficiency after Qi-Zi-Yu-Si decoction intervention. Conclusion. Qi-Zi-Yu-Si decoction can effectively improve the IVF outcome and clinical symptoms of senile patients. Follicular fluid metabolites were significantly changed in senile infertile women with kidney qi deficiency, and the mechanism by which kidney-invigorating herbs improve IVF treatment outcomes may be related to glycerophospholipid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ChiCTR1800014422). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CCM/CS was developed for the first time for co-delivery of siRNA and DOX. • The Ca regulation was extended to combat MDR of cancer therapy. • The P-gp independent MDR reverse phenomenon was observed. Off-target drug delivery, together with multidrug resistance (MDR), are two keys obstacles that account for the disappointing outcome in clinical chemotherapy of cancer. To solve these dilemmas, Herein, we constructed cancer cell membrane (CCM) modified silica (CS) nanoparticles (CCM/CS) to co-deliver Ca2+ channel siRNA with doxorubicin (DOX) to construct a platform (CCM/CS/R-D) for the efficient therapy of cervical cancer. It was demonstrated that the optimal CCM/CS/R-D was spherical nanoparticles with size at 122.39 ± 4.69 nm and the surface charge of -27.76 ± 3.12 mV. In addition, the CCM/CS/R-D showed acid responsive drug release while high stability under physiological conditions with negligible hemolysis. The CCM/CS/R-D showed CCM mediated cellular uptake and efficient endosomal escape as well as siRNA transfection potential (comparable to that of PEI 25 K) on MDR cervical cancer cells (HeLa/DOX). Most importantly, the MDR of cancer cells was conquered through modulation of T-type Ca2+ (Cav) channels. It was observed that the Cav channel siRNA could negatively regulate the level of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration which triggered G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and elevated intracellular drug retention in HeLa/DOX cells without significantly affect the expression of P-glycolprotein (P-gp). The in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that CCM/CS/R-D exerted greatly enhanced tumor targetability and therapeutic effect on HeLa/DOX, which was superior than CS/R-D or mono delivery system (CCM/CS/R or CCM/CS/D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]