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Metallogel-based six membered sensor arrays show applications in multi-analyte detection and fluorescence encryption.

In this study, volcanic ash was used as raw material to prepare waste forms with different silicon/aluminum (Si/Al) molar ratios to immobilize sodium-salt waste (SSW) containing simulated 137Cs. Effects of Si/Al molar ratios (3:1 and 2:1) and sodium salts on sintering behavior of waste forms and immobilization mechanism of Cs+ were investigated. Results indicated that the main mineral phase of sintered waste-form matrixes was albite, and the formation of major phases was found to depend on Si/Al molar ratios. Si/Al molar ratio of 2 was favorable for the formation of pollucite, and the formation and crystallization of mineral phases were also decided based on physicochemical characteristics of sodium salts. Furthermore, product consistency test results indicated that the immobilization of Cs+ was related to Si/Al molar ratio, types of sodium salts, and glassy phase. Waste forms with Si/Al molar ratio of 2 exhibited better ability to immobilize Cs+, whereas the influence of sodium salts and glassy phases on the immobilization of SSW showed more complicated relationship. In waste forms with Si/Al molar ratio of 2, Cs+ leaching concentrations of samples containing Na2B4O7·10H2O and NaOH were low. Na2B4O7‧10H2O easily transformed into liquid phase during sintering to consequently achieve low temperature liquid-phase sintering, which is beneficial to avoid the volatilization of Cs+ at high temperature. Results clearly reveal that waste forms with Si/Al molar ratio of 2 and containing Na2B4O7‧10H2O show excellent immobilization of Cs+.

A hydrothermal-sintering process for metakaolin-based geopolymers was exploited to immobilize simulated 137CsCl. Pollucite phase is easily formed from geopolymers containing NaOH under 200 ℃ hydrothermal conditions. An additional 1200 ℃-sintering process step not only retained the pollucite phase in the sintered geopolymers, but also increased the density of the microstructures. The leached ion fraction from the geopolymers prepared using the hybrid hydrothermal-sintering process was obviously lower than that of geopolymers prepared using only the 200 ℃ hydrothermal processing steps. Especially, the hybrid hydrothermal-sintering process lowered the Cs+ volatilization during sintering due to the presence of the pollucite phase precursor in the geopolymers.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) prepared using the atmospheric plasma spraying method fail mainly due to coating delamination caused by thermal mismatch in the absence of high temperature assessment. In this study, the thickness optimization of multiple ceramic layers in a TBCs and the influence of the interface structure on the residual stress of the coating were investigated using a finite element simulation method. The results showed that varying the thickness of each layer of a TBCs with multiple ceramic layers affects the distribution and magnitude of the residual stress of the coating. Therefore, a reasonable range of thickness for each layer can be determined. The thickness of the bonding layer should be 110 μm, the thickness of YSZ layer should be about 270 μm, the thickness of tantalate layer should be about 70 μm, and the thickness of Al2O3-YAG layer should be about 100 μm. Simultaneously, the results show that a rough interface can be more effective in reducing the relief of stress concentrations compared to a smooth interface, but the stress values increase.

Al2O3-Y2O3 composite powder with TiO2 additive was plasma sprayed to prepare Al2O3-Y2O3 composite coatings. The microstructure and properties evolution of the Al2O3-Y2O3 coatings during high temperature and thermal shock resistance were investigated. The results show that the microstructure of the Al2O3-Y2O3–TiO2 coating is more uniform than that of the Al2O3-Y2O3 coating. Meanwhile, amorphous phase is formed in the two coatings. The Al2O3-Y2O3(–TiO2) coatings were heat treated for 2 h at temperatures of 800, 1000 and 1200 °C, respectively. It is found that the microstructure and properties of the two coatings have no obvious change at 800 °C. Some of the amorphous phase is crystallized at 1000 °C, and meanwhile Y2O3 and Al2O3 react to form YAG phase and YAM phase. At 1200 °C, all of the amorphous phases are crystallized. After heat treatment, the microhardness of the two coatings is increased. The thermal shock resistance of the Al2O3-Y2O3 system coatings can be improved by using TC4 titanium alloy as substrate and with NiCrAlY bonding layer. Moreover, the Al2O3-Y2O3-TiO2 coating exhibits better thermal shock resistance due to the addition of TiO2.

Herein, a novel pillar[5]arene-based gemini-[1]rotaxane molecule DEP5 was successfully designed and synthesized. Interestingly, the gemini-[1]rotaxane DEP5 serving as a chemosensor could selectively recognize L-Arg with high sensitivity and its lowest detection limit (LOD) was 1.43 × 10−7 M. Simultaneously, the gemini-[1]rotaxane DEP5 could assemble into the microsphere structure and its microsphere morphology could transform into cross-linked supramolecular networks through host–guest interactions with L-Arg. Furthermore, its microsphere morphology could be recovered again by the addition of competitive reagent guest trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Therefore, this work provides a new and simple approach to construct gemini-[1]rotaxane-based smart materials which could assemble into the microsphere in solution and achieve reversible regulation of morphology between the microsphere and cross-linked supramolecular networks by external chemical stimuli (L-Arg/TFA). This kind of material not only has a perspective in L-Arg sensors but also has potential for application in other fields such as drug control release.

Multifunctional stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers have applications in the field of smart materials. Herein, a tri-pillar[5]arene-based multifunctional stimuli-responsive supramolecular po...

The booming of host-guest assembly-based supramolecular chemistry provides abundant ways to construct functional systems and materials. Attracted by the important application prospect of white light emission and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials, herein, we report an efficient way for fabricating metal-free white light-emitting AIE materials through the supramolecular assembly of simple organic compounds: methoxyl pillar[5]arene (

Al2O3-ZrO2 and Al2O3-ZrO2-TiO2 composite coatings were prepared by plasma spraying. The effects of TiO2 on the microstructure evolution and thermal shock resistance of the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating at hig...

Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of mental and intellectual disabilities worldwide. Current therapies against neuropsychiatric disorders are very limited, and very little is known about the onset and development of these diseases, and their most effective treatments. MIR137 has been previously identified as a risk gene for the etiology of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Here we generated a forebrain-specific MIR137 knockout mouse model, and provided evidence that loss of miR-137 resulted in impaired homeostasis of potassium in mouse hippocampal neurons. KCC2, a potassium-chloride co-transporter, was a direct downstream target of miR-137. The KCC2 specific antagonist VU0240551 could balance the current of potassium in miR-137 knockout neurons, and knockdown of KCC2 could ameliorate anxiety-like behavior in MIR137 cKO mice. These data suggest that KCC2 antagonists or knockdown might be beneficial to neuropsychiatric disorders due to the deficiency of miR-137.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment and contribute to tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5), a component of elastic microfibers and an oncogenic protein in several types of tumors, is secreted by CAFs. However, the role of MFAP5 in the bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that MFAP5 is upregulated in bladder cancer and is associated with poor patient survival. Downregulation of MFAP5 in CAFs led to an impairment in proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed QKI directly downregulates MFAP5 in CAFs. In addition, CAFs-derived MFAP5 led to an activation of the NOTCH2/HEY1 signaling pathway through direct interaction with the NOTCH2 receptor, thereby stimulating the N2ICD release. RNA-sequencing revealed that MFAP5-mediated PI3K-AKT signaling activated the DLL4/NOTCH2 pathway axis in bladder cancer. Moreover, downregulation of NOTCH2 by short hairpin RNA or the inactivating anti-body NRR2Mab was able to reverse the adverse effects of MFAP5 stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results demonstrate CAFs-derived MFAP5 promotes the bladder cancer proliferation and metastasis and provides new insight for targeting CAFs as novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

Stimuli-responsive optical materials attract lots of attention due to their broad applications. Herein, a novel smart stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer was successfully constructed using a simple tripodal quaternary ammonium-based gelator (TH). The TH self-assembles into a supramolecular polymer hydrogel (TH-G) and shows aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. Interestingly, the transparency and fluorescence of the TH-G xerogel film (TH-GF) could be reversibly regulated by use of triethylamine (TEA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) vapor. When alternately fumed with TEA and HCl vapor, the optical transmittance of the TH-GF was changed from 8.9% to 92.7%. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of the TH-G shows an "ON/OFF" switch. The reversible switching of the transparency and the fluorescence of the TH-GF is attributed to the assembly and disassembly of the supramolecular polymer TH-G. Based on these stimuli-response properties, the TH-GF could act as an optical material and shows potential applications as smart windows or fluorescent display material controlled by TEA and HCl vapor.

The sterile inflammation (SI) of the urinary tract is a common problem requiring serious consideration after prostatectomy. This study mainly focuses on the role of the reactive oxygen species-NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (ROS-NLRP3) signaling pathway in SI after thulium laser resection of the prostate (TmLRP). Urinary cytokines were determined in patients who received TmLRP, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was detected in the resected tissues. The involvement of ROS signaling in HSP70-induced inflammation was explored in THP-1 cells with or without N-acetyl- l-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment. The function of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 was determined by Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction. These phenomena and mechanisms were verified by the beagle models that received TmLRP. Clinical urine samples after TmLRP showed high expression of inflammatory factors and peaked 3-5 days after surgery. The high expression of HSP70 in the resected tissues was observed. After HSP70 stimulation, the expression of ROS, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) increased significantly and could be reduced by ROS inhibitor NAC. The expression of IL-1β and IL-18 could be inhibited by NLRP3 or Caspase-1 inhibitors. In beagle models that received TmLRP, HSP70, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were highly expressed in the wound tissue or urine, and could also be reduced by NAC pretreatment. Activation of the ROS-NLRP3 signaling pathway induces SI in the wound after prostatectomy. Inhibition of this pathway may be effective for clinical prevention and treatment of SI and related complications after prostatectomy.

Based on density functional theory combined with nonequilibrium Green’s function technique, we investigate the spin-polarized transport properties of the cyclooligomeric Mn-phthalocyanine dimer and Fe-phthalocyanine dimer with carbon nanotube electrodes. The results show that the spin-polarized transport properties can be effectively tuned by changing the central transition metal atoms, and the Mn-phthalocyanine dimer system can exhibit large dual spin-rectifying and high-efficiency dual spin-filtering effects simultaneously under the [1, −1] magnetic configuration. The underlying mechanism is analyzed by spin-resolved transmission spectra, molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian orbitals and their spatial distribution.

A bi-component supramolecular gel (RQ) was successfully constructed by the assembly of the gelators 4-aminophenyl functionalized naphthalimide derivative (R) and tri-(pyridine-4-yl)-functionalized trimesic amide (Q) in DMSO–H2O (6.1 : 3.9, v/v) binary solution. The gel RQ exhibits excellent self-healing capacity. Interestingly, the RQ could fluorescently detect and reversibly remove Hg2+ from water through cation–π interactions with high selectivity, efficient adsorption and quick response. The limit of lowest detection (LOD) of the RQ for Hg2+ is 4.52 × 10−8 M and the separation ratio is 91.14%. Moreover, the RQ could be efficiently recycled and regenerated with little loss via a simple treatment by I−. Notably, thin films based on RQ and RQ + Hg2+ were prepared, which could serve as convenient and efficient test tools for the detection of Hg2+ and I−, respectively. This work provided an efficient method and novel supramolecular gel material for the separation and detection of Hg2+.

Neurotrauma has been recognized as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, and sex difference of the incidence and outcome of neurodegenerative diseases has long been recognized. Past studies suggest that microglia could play a versatile role in both health and disease. So far, the microglial mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and potentially lead to sex-specific therapies are still very open. Here we applied whole transcriptome analysis of microglia acutely isolated at different timepoints after a cortical stab wound injury to gain insight into genes that might be dysregulated and transcriptionally different between males and females after cortical injury. We found that microglia displayed distinct temporal and sexual molecular signatures of transcriptome after cortical injury. Hypotheses and gene candidates that we presented in the present study could be worthy to be examined to explore the roles of microglia in neurotrauma and in sex-biased neurodegenerative diseases.

Primordial follicle pool provides all available oocytes throughout the whole reproductive life span. Abnormal regulation in primordial follicle assembly leads to abnormal size of primordial follicle pool, even causes infertility. Here, miR-378-3p was proved to regulate mouse primordial follicle assembly both in vivo and in vitro. The expression of miR-378-3p significantly increased in mice ovaries from 17.5 dpc (days post coitum) up to 3 dpp (day post partum) compared with the expression of 16.5 dpc ovaries, which suggested that miR-378-3p was involved in primordial follicle assembly. To uncover the underlying mechanism, newborn mice ovaries were cultured in vitro in the presence of rapamycin and 3-methyladenine, which showed that the expression of miR-378-3p changed together with the percentage of primordial follicle. Moreover, during the normal process of primordial follicle assembly between 17.6 dpc and 3 dpp, autophagy is activated, while, apoptosis is inhibited. The in vivo results showed that newborn mice starved for 1.5 days showing the increased miR-378-3p, activated autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in the ovaries, had more percentage of primordial follicles. Over-expression of miR-378-3p using miR-378-3p agomir caused increased percentage of primordial follicle, increased level of autophagy, and decreased level of apoptosis. Knockdown of miR-378-3p by miR-378-3p antiagomir had the opposite results. Using pmirGLO Dual-Luciferase miRNA Target Expression system, we confirmed both PDK1 and Caspase9 were targets of miR-378-3p, which suggested that miR-378-3p activated autophagy by targeting PDK1 and inhibited apoptosis by targeting Caspase9. MiR-378-3p could be used as a biomarker of diseases caused by abnormal size of primordial follicle pool for diagnosis, prevention, or therapy.

Al2O3-ZrO2 composite coatings were fabricated by plasma spraying Al2O3-ZrO2 composite powders with and without Y2O3 addition to learn the influence of Y2O3 on high temperature stability of the coating. The two coatings both underwent phase transformation in the process of heat treatment. Specifically, XRD results showed that in the Al2O3-ZrO2-Y2O3 coating, Y3Al5O12 (YAG) phase existed after heating at 800 °C, and γ-Al2O3 all transformed to α-Al2O3 after heating at 1200 °C, so the composition of the coating was t-ZrO2, α-Al2O3 and YAG after heating at 1200 °C, while in the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating, the final coating consisted of t-ZrO2 and α-Al2O3 beacuse γ-Al2O3 all transformed to α-Al2O3 after heating at 1200 °C. The amorphous phase in the two as-sprayed coatings had been crystallized completely after heat treatment at 1200 °C. Heat treatment can reduce the porosity and improve the hardness of the two coatings, and YAG phase can also improve the hardness. The coating with TC4 substrate had better thermal shock resistance than it with Q235 steel substrate. The thermal shock resistance of the Al2O3-ZrO2-Y2O3 coating was better than that of the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating at same condition. NiCrAlY bonding layer can improve thermal shock resistance of the coating.

Structural alterations in fibroelastic components of the penile corpus cavernousum (CC) may impair its compliance, resulting in venous leakage and erectile dysfunction (ED). Our study evaluated the effectiveness of noninvasive two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2-D SWE) in quantifying penile CC lesions in rabbits with hyperlipidemia-induced ED. A total of 12 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Six were fed a high-cholesterol diet containing 2% cholesterol and 8.5% lard for 10 weeks and the other six were fed normal diet as controls. We measured the shear-wave elastic quantitative (SWQ) value of penile CC by 2-D SWE. Erectile function was investigated by intracavernous injection of papaverine, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and the western blot analysis to determine the penile CC lesions. After 10 weeks, the SWQ values obtained from penile CC were remarkably higher in the high-cholesterol-fed compared with the control group, and the ΔICP (ICP plateau minus ICP baseline)/MAP (ICP: intracavernous pressure, MAP: mean arterial pressure) was markedly decreased. The IHC staining and western blot revealed extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in penile cavernous tissues, and the smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic transition was affected, as indicated by reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin and calponin-1 expression and increased phospho-myosin light chain20 (p-MLC20)/MLC20 and osteopontin expression. Hyperlipidemia resulted in ECM accumulation accompanied with SMC phenotypic transition in penile CC and impaired the erectile function eventually. These might, in turn, lead to variations in the SWQ values. It suggests that 2-D SWE may be a novel, noninvasive and effective approach that distinguishes penile CC lesions secondary to hyperlipidemia from normal.

Volcanic ash-based sodium salts-containing geopolymer with target composition close to that of Pollucite Cs(AlSi2O6) was formulated at 200 °C by mild hydrothermal method to immobilize Cs as waste material. The impact of three salts, namely, Na2SO4, NaCl, and NaNO2 on mineral phases of geopolymer waste forms and immobilization of Cs+ was investigated, specifically, regarding salts/NaOH molar ratio. Results indicate that when salts/NaOH molar ratio was 1:9, major mineral phase of geopolymer waste was analcime, whereas major mineral phase of matrix samples with salts/NaOH molar ratio as 1:1 was sodalite, which is beneficial to accommodate amounts of anions. Pollucite was formed in all samples with the introduction of CsOH·H2O to matrix samples. Product Consistency Test (PCT) leaching results indicate that NaOH plays key role in immobilization of Cs+. Moreover, C–S–H gel exhibits functional adsorption on Cs+; therefore, it has positive effect on the immobilization of Cs+. In Cs-containing samples with high salts/NaOH molar ratio, PCT leaching results show that high salts/NaOH molar ratio leads to low leaching concentrations of salts. However, only partial amounts of NO2− can be immobilized by sodalite due to oxidation of NO2− to NO3−. Furthermore, the attachment of SO42− to the surface of C–S–H gel can prevent the destruction of structure of C–S–H gel by ion exchange of Al3+ and Si4+. As a result, SO42−-containing samples have the lowest Cs+ leaching concentration among all Cs-containing samples with high salts/NaOH molar ratios. The immobilization of Cs+ can be further improved by the adsorption of C–S–H gel on Cs+. Results suggest that besides the formation of Pollucite, the immobilization of Cs+ also depends on various salts in sodium salts wastes containing Cs.

The sedimentary environments of the Upper Ordovician (lower Sandbian) shale-dominated Miaopo Formation and the contemporaneous limestone-dominated Datianba Formation in the northwestern Yangtze Platform, China, are reconstructed using facies analysis incorporating microfacies and faunal indicators. These two lithological units are generally only a few meters thick but each spans an interval of the Nemagraptus gracilis Biozone (ca. 3–4 My). Accordingly, they are condensed sequences. The Datianba Formation, which consists of thin-bedded limestones containing a shelly fauna, was formed in a shallow, oxic setting on the outer-shelf. The Miaopo Formation shales are limited to depressions surrounded by the Datianba Formation, indicating the sporadic occurrence of anoxic marine environments on the sea floor. The Miaopo Formation contains a high-diversity, abundant benthic fauna in addition to planktonic graptolites. The presence of tube-shaped burrows within the Miaopo Formation further indicates an oxic sea floor favorable for survival of benthic fauna. These results indicate that during deposition of the two formations the sea floor was mainly oxic. During deposition of the Datianba and Miaopo formations, the sea floor was a relatively gentle ramp without steep slopes. The distinct facies of the Miaopo and Datianba formations are interfingered.

Background Increased prostatic smooth muscle tone and hyperplastic growth contribute to urethral obstruction and voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It has been suggested that different proliferative potential of stromal cells between transition zone (TZ) and adjoining regions of the prostate plays a significant role in the development of BPH. However, the molecular mechanisms of this hyperplastic process remain unclear. We found tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) highly expressed in TZ stromal cells compared to peripheral zone (PZ) stromal cells by gene array analyzes. Therefore, we aim to study the potential mechanisms of stromal TRAF6 in promoting BPH progression. Methods Stromal cells obtained from BPH-derived primary cultures. The TRAF6-siRNA vector were constructed and transfected into cultured human BPH primary TZ stromal cells, and TRAF6-overexpressing vector were constructed and transfected into cultured human BPH primary PZ stromal cells. Stromal cells were recombined with BPH-1 cells then subcutaneously inoculated into the kidney capsule of male nude mice. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Multiple proteins in the Akt/mTOR pathway were assessed using western blot. Results TRAF6 levels were increased in TZ stroma compared with PZ stroma of BPH. The in vitro cell culture and in vivo cell recombination revealed that selective downregulation of TRAF6 in TZ stromal cells led to suppression of the proliferation, while upregulation of TRAF6 in PZ stromal cells enhanced the proliferation. We found that the Phosphorylation and Ubiquitination of Akt as well as the Phosphorylation of mTOR, P70S6K were decreased when TRAF6 was downregulated in primary cultured TZ stromal cells of BPH. Conclusions TRAF6 can promote the proliferation of stromal cells of BPH via Akt/mTOR signaling. Our results may make stromal TRAF6 responsible for zonal characteristic of BPH and as a promising therapeutic strategy for BPH treatment.

PURPOSE This article investigates the relationship between cancer cells and stromal cells in carcinoma cell living microenvironment and elucidates the mechanism that interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) blocks metastatic potential in colon cancer. METHODS Western blot and RT-PCR assay were used to determine the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and IL-1α in colon carcinoma cells and stromal cells. Effect of IL-1RA and HGF on metastatic potential of colon cancer cells were examined by proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis assays. The interactional role of IL-1RA and HGF were detected by ELISA assay, invasion, and angiogenesis assay making up a co-culture system consisting of stromal and colon cancer cells in cells living microenvironment. RESULTS IL-1α was expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HT-29 and WiDr (colon cancer cell lines with higher liver metastatic potential). HGF was expressed only in fibroblast. HGF secretion from fibroblasts was significantly inhibited by IL-1RA (P

AIM To investigate the underlying mechanism by which CXCL12 and CXCL6 influences the metastatic potential of colon cancer and internal relation of colon cancer and stromal cells. METHODS Western blotting was used to detect the expression of CXCL12 and CXCL6 in colon cancer cells and stromal cells. The co-operative effects of CXCL12 and CXCL6 on proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and proliferation and invasion assays. The angiogenesis of HUVECs through interaction with cancer cells and stromal cells was examined by angiogenesis assay. We eventually investigated activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling by CXCL12 involved in the metastatic process of colon cancer. RESULTS CXCL12 was expressed in DLD-1 cancer cells and fibroblasts. The secretion level of CXCL6 by colon cancer cells and HUVECs were significantly promoted by fibroblasts derived from CXCL12. CXCL6 and CXCL2 could significantly enhance HUVEC proliferation and migration (P < 0.01). CXCL6 and CXCL2 enhanced angiogenesis by HUVECs when cultured with fibroblast cells and colon cancer cells (P < 0.01). CXCL12 also enhanced the invasion of colon cancer cells. Stromal cell-derived CXCL12 promoted the secretion level of CXCL6 and co-operatively promoted metastasis of colon carcinoma through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION Fibroblast-derived CXCL12 enhanced the CXCL6 secretion of colon cancer cells, and both CXCL12 and CXCL6 co-operatively regulated the metastasis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Blocking this pathway may be a potential anti-metastatic therapeutic target for patients with colon cancer.

Diatom silica, a 3-dimensional (3D) natural biomaterial generated from single cell algae with unique nano- and micro-morphologies and patterns is shown to have several exceptional structural, mechanical, optical, photonics, transport, and chemical properties optimized through millions of years of evolution. Diatom nanotechnology, a new research field, emerged recently to explore and apply this material and its properties across numerous fields including biology, biophotonics, nanofluidics, molecular separation, sensors, biosensors, adsorption, drug delivery, nanofabrications, and energy. Due to its unique 3D porous hierarchical architecture, high surface area and ability to be combined or converted to other conductive and semiconductive nanomaterials, diatom silica received significant research attraction as a low cost natural electrode material for energy storage and production. Herein, we present the recent development in this field, showing new concepts using diatom-based composites for energy applications in supercapacitors, batteries, solar cells and other energy based devices.

A bi-component supramolecular gel (RQ) was successfully constructed by the assembly of the gelators 4-aminophenyl functionalized naphthalimide derivative (R) and tri-(pyridine-4-yl)-functionalized trimesic amide (Q) in DMSO-H2O (6.1 : 3.9, v/v) binary solution. The gel RQ exhibits excellent self-healing capacity. Interestingly, the RQ could fluorescently detect and reversibly remove Hg2+ from water through cation-π interactions with high selectivity, efficient adsorption and quick response. The limit of lowest detection (LOD) of the RQ for Hg2+ is 4.52 × 10-8 M and the separation ratio is 91.14%. Moreover, the RQ could be efficiently recycled and regenerated with little loss via a simple treatment by I-. Notably, thin films based on RQ and RQ + Hg2+ were prepared, which could serve as convenient and efficient test tools for the detection of Hg2+ and I-, respectively. This work provided an efficient method and novel supramolecular gel material for the separation and detection of Hg2+.

Primordial follicle assembly in mammals occurs at perinatal ages and largely determines the ovarian reserve available to support the reproductive lifespan. The primordial follicle structure is generated by a complex network of interactions between oocytes and ovarian somatic cells that remain poorly understood. In the present research, using single-cell RNA sequencing performed over a time-series on mouse ovaries coupled with several bioinformatics analyses, the complete dynamic genetic programs of germ and granulosa cells from E16.5 to PD3 are reported for the first time. The time frame of analysis comprises the breakdown of germ cell cysts and the assembly of primordial follicles. Confirming the previously reported expression of genes by germ cells and granulosa cells, our analyses identified ten distinct gene clusters associated to germ cells and eight to granulosa cells. Consequently, several new genes expressed at significant levels at each investigated stage were assigned. Building single-cell pseudo temporal trajectories five states and two branch points of fate transition for the germ cells, and three states and one branch point for the granulosa cells were revealed. Moreover, GO and ClueGO term enrichment enabled identifying biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components more represented in germ cells and granulosa cells or common to both cell types at each specific stage. Finally, by SCENIC algorithm, we were able to establish a network of regulons that can be postulated as likely candidates for sustaining germ cell specific transcription programs throughout the investigated period.

Paraquat, one of non-selective herbicides, is widely used in agricultural production. However, it can cause death of people or animals quickly owing to its fatal toxicity. In the present work, for efficient separation and removal of the paraquat, a concept “employ collaboration effect to enhance the Host-Guest interactions” was rationally introduced into the design of paraquat adsorbent material. According to this concept, a novel linear tri-pillar[5]arene-based acceptor molecule was synthesized. Interestingly, the acceptor shows outstanding adsorption properties for paraquat through the collaboration effect of the adjacent pillar[5]arene moieties in the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor. Compared with other adsorbents such as activated carbon and single-pillar[5]arene-based adsorbent materials, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor shows higher adsorption rate for paraquat. Additionally, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor was applied to adsorb the commercial pesticide paraquat sample in water with adsorption rate of 98%. Therefore, the linear tri-pillar[5]arene acceptor could serve as a paraquat adsorbent material and convey greatly potential application in the field of removal of paraquat. The concept “employ collaboration effect to enhance the Host-Guest interactions” is a useful way for the development of adsorption materials.

A novel graphene oxide (GO)-based nanostructure is synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal reaction. The nano-hybrid composite materials are based on 2-dimensional (2D) GO sheets and 3-dimensional (3D) VO 2 flowers, which are composed of ultrathin 2-dimensional (2D) nanobelts. Interestingly, the 3D VO 2 flowers can be well controlled by fine-tuning the preparative parameters (e.g., temperature, reaction time). Such self-assembled 3D flower morphology possesses a higher surface area and a better contact with the graphene matrix, which could be an effective route to extend to other metal oxides.

Primary omental infarction (POI) is a rare cause of acute abdomen. Most patients have aggravating abdominal pain without gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we report a case of omental infarction in a 50-year-old woman, who had left abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed a left ovarian cyst measuring 6.0 cm × 4.5 cm but otherwise seemed normal initially. The white blood cell count was 9.71 × 109/L, and D-dimer was 1.58 mg/L. Laparoscopic exploration was performed 1 day after admission because of peritonitis and intestinal obstruction. During the exploration, a segment of congested necrotic omentum was found adhering to the abdominal wall with a segment of small intestine. Bloody ascites was also observed in the abdominal cavity. We resected the nonviable segmental omentum, and the ovarian cyst was removed by the gynecologist using laparoscopic procedures. Final pathological findings confirmed POI. While reanalyzing the preoperative CT, a segmental fat mass with an increased density was noted in the left lower quadrant, which was consistent with the intraoperative view 6 days after surgery. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged.

Primordial follicle assembly in the mouse occurs during perinatal ages and largely determines the ovarian reserve that will be available to support the reproductive life span. The development of primordial follicles is controlled by a complex network of interactions between oocytes and ovarian somatic cells that remain poorly understood. In the present research, using single-cell RNA sequencing performed over a time series on murine ovaries, coupled with several bioinformatics analyses, the complete dynamic genetic programs of germ and granulosa cells from E16.5 to postnatal day (PD) 3 were reported. Along with confirming the previously reported expression of genes by germ cells and granulosa cells, our analyses identified 5 distinct cell clusters associated with germ cells and 6 with granulosa cells. Consequently, several new genes expressed at significant levels at each investigated stage were assigned. By building single-cell pseudotemporal trajectories, 3 states and 1 branch point of fate transition for the germ cells were revealed, as well as for the granulosa cells. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment enabled identification of the biological process most represented in germ cells and granulosa cells or common to both cell types at each specific stage, and the interactions of germ cells and granulosa cells basing on known and novel pathway were presented. Finally, by using single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) algorithm, we were able to establish a network of regulons that can be postulated as likely candidates for sustaining germ cell-specific transcription programs throughout the period of investigation. Above all, this study provides the whole transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells and unearths new insights during primordial follicle assembly in mice.

Metakaolin-based Na-Pollucite ceramics (high-temperature sintered Na-pollucite ceramics: HTNP), with a target composition close to Pollucite (CsAlSi2O6), were fabricated at sintering temperatures above 1000 °C to immobilize Cs as waste form material. The sintering behaviors of Metakaolin-based Na-Pollucite ceramics were investigated, in particular with respect to sintering temperature, grain size, and microstructure. The results indicate that major phases of the pollucite ceramics consist of pollucite phase and a small fraction of other mineral phases like Albite, SiO2, and Al2O3, and the microstructures greatly depends on the molar Cs/Na ratio. Furthermore, with increasing Cs content in the pollucite ceramics, the sintering temperature increases gradually, and the pollucite grain size decreases accordingly. On the other hand, to avoid the high-temperature volatilization of Cs-ions during sintering, low-temperature sintered Na-pollucite (LTNP) ceramics were prepared below 950 °C by introducing H3BO3 into the metakaolin-based Na-Pollucite ceramics. After the LTNP ceramics were sintered using a low-temperature liquid-phase process, even when the sintering temperature was decreased to 650 °C, they remained structurally as pollucite phase. In addition, the sintering-temperature and grain-size dependency on the molar Cs/Na ratio in LTNP ceramics is consistent with that in HTNP ceramics. Leaching in the PCT (Product Consistency Test) indicates that the leaching concentrations of HTNP ceramics are, in total, lower than in LTNP ceramics. However, the LTNP and HTNP ceramics samples, with the molar Cs/Na ratios 1:1.5, 1:0.67, and 1:0.25 show better immobilization abilities for the Cs ion. This indicates that, besides the pollucite phase formation, the immobilization of the Cs ion correlates also with dense microstructures, grain size, and good crystallization. More importantly, low sintering temperatures and the fabrication of Cs crystalline ceramics are the important factors to improve the Cs ion immobilization.

Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 composite coatings were prepared by plasma spraying Al2O3-ZrO2 composite powders with and without CeO2 addition. The microstructure and properties of the Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 coatings at high temperature and thermal shock resistance were investigated. The results show that an amorphous phase was formed in the plasma sprayed Al2O3-ZrO2 and Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 coatings. The Al2O3-ZrO2 coating consisted mainly of t-ZrO2, α-Al2O3, and γ-Al2O3. The Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 coating consisted mainly of t-ZrO2, α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3, and CeO2. The Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 coating was more uniform and denser than the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating. The results after heat treatment showed that the two coatings were stable at 800 °C. With the increase of temperature, the coatings underwent phase transformation at high temperature (1000 and 1200 °C). At 1000 °C, the amorphous phase was obviously reduced, and the amorphous phase was crystallized to form nanocrystals. When the heat treatment temperature was raised to 1200 °C, the intensity of the diffraction peaks of t-ZrO2 and α-Al2O3 increased, the amorphous phase was completely crystallized, and γ-Al2O3 was transformed into α-Al2O3. The porosity of the two coatings decreased and the hardness increased after heat treatment. The thermal shock resistance of the coatings on the TC4 titanium alloy substrate was better than that on the Q235 steel substrate. The thermal shock resistance of the Al2O3-ZrO2-CeO2 coating was better than that of the Al2O3-ZrO2 coating.

To observe the effect of Huangjing Zanyu Capsule (HZC) on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in asthenozoospermia patients.We assigned 70 asthenozoospermia patients to a treatment group (n = 39) and a control group (n = 31), the former treated with oral HZC at the dose of 4 capsules tid for 3 months while the latter left untreated. We obtained semen parameters from the patients and detected their sperm mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP) by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry before and after medication, followed by comparison between the two groups.The total effectiveness rate was 71.05% in the treatment group and natural pregnancy was achieved in 3 cases during the medication. A total of 35 patients in the treatment group and 30 controls completed all the laboratory examinations after a 3-month observation. Compared with the controls, the patients treated with HZC exhibited significant improvement after medication in MMP (variation value: ［1.19 ± 10.36］% vs ［20.28 ± 14.21］%, P0.01), total sperm motility (variation value: ［3.46 ± 8.67］% vs ［20.68 ± 14.12］%, P0.01), the percentage of progressively motile sperm (variation value: ［2.26 ± 8.29］% vs ［17.58 ± 12.73］%, P0.01), and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (variation value: ［0.23 ± 3.48］% vs ［3.37 ± 3.99］%, P0.01). MMP was significantly correlated with total sperm motility (r = 0.69, P0.01), progressive sperm motility (r = 0.75, P0.01) and normal sperm morphology (r = 0.26, P0.01).Huangjing Zanyu Capsule can enhance sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm mitochondrial function, thus improving total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology. It is safe and effective for the treatment of asthenospermia.目的： 观察黄精赞育胶囊对弱精子症患者精子线粒体膜电位的影响及临床疗效。 方法： 弱精子症患者70例分药物治疗组（n=39）和空白对照组(n=31)做队列观察研究。药物治疗组予黄精赞育胶囊口服3个月，1次4粒，每日3次。服用时可备孕，期间若配偶怀孕则停止用药。空白对照组不予药物干预。观察初次就诊和3个月后精液参数变化，及JC-1染色后流式细胞仪检测精子线粒体膜电位（MMP）值的变化。 结果： 两组各失随访1例。药物治疗组总有效率为71.05%，服药过程中3例患者女方自然妊娠。药物治疗组35例患者完成观察期结束后检查，MMP%、精子总活力、前向运动精子百分率（PR%）、精子形态均有改善，其变化值较空白对照组30例患者的测定值有显著差异（P0.01），分别为△MMP%: (20.28±14.21)% vs (1.19±10.36)%； △PR%: (17.58±12.73)% vs (2.26±8.29)%；△总活力: (20.68±14.12)% vs (3.46±8.67)%；△正常形态精子百分率: (3.37±3.99)% vs (0.23±3.48)%。MMP%与精子总活力（r=0.69）、PR%（r=0.75）、正常形态精子百分率（r=0.26）具有显著相关性(P0.01)。结论： 黄精赞育胶囊能提高精子MMP值，改善线粒体功能，从而有效增加精子活力及PR%并改善精子形态，对治疗弱精子症安全有效。.

Diatom nanotechnology involves the promising application of native diatoms, diatomite (diatom frustules), diatom replicas, and their composites in microfluidics, biosensors, molecular separation, photoluminescence, biophotonics, gas detection, physical adsorption, diatom composites, nanostructured battery electrodes, controlled drug delivery and energy storage (e.g. supercapacitors) because of their numerous fine microscopic pores, large specific surface area, and high absorption capacity. Herein, we primarily address the recent applications of diatom-based nanostructures in energy-related fields to spur the development of diatom nanotechnology.

// Dian-Jun Yu 1, 4, * , Xing-Jie Wang 2, * , Yun-Feng Shi 1, 5, * , Chen-Yi Jiang 2 , Rui-Zhe Zhao 2 , Yi-Ping Zhu 2 , Li Chen 4 , Yuan-Qing Yang 4 , Xiao-Wen Sun 1, 2, 3 and Shu-Jie Xia 1, 2, 3 1 Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China 2 Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China 3 Institute of Urology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China 4 Department of Urology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital, Ningbo 315048, China 5 Department of Urology, Wujin Hospital Affiliated Jiang Su University, Changzhou 213302, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Shu-Jie Xia, email: xsjurologist@163.com Xiao-Wen Sun, email: sunxiaow1973@163.com Yuan-Qing Yang, email: easternurology@163.com Keywords: benign prostatic hyperplasia, wound healing, retinoic acid, RARβ, macrophage Received: March 13, 2017 Accepted: May 10, 2017 Published: May 26, 2017 ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The wound-healing process is very important for reducing complications after thulium laser resection of the prostate (TmLRP). The retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway has been well studied in the wound-healing process of the skin and other organs. The goals of this study were to identify the role of RA signaling in the repair of the prostate after TmLRP and to investigate the molecular mechanism of this process. RESULTS: Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) were present in the prostate, and their expression was increased after TmLRP. RARβ was expressed in the macrophages and may be related to the role of stromal cells in the wound-healing process. In vitro, RA enhanced the function of anti-inflammatory macrophages and promoted stromal cell activation and angiogenesis. Arg1 was also increased via RARβ after treatment with RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of RARs was analyzed in vivo by immunohistochemistry (IHC), real time qPCR, and western blot analysis. THP-1 cells were co-treated with or without RA and stimulating factor and then assessed by ELISA and qPCR. The supernatants from these cells were cultured with stromal cells and vascular endothelial cells, and the effects on these cells were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: We found that RA signaling was involved in the wound-healing process of the prostate after TmLRP. RA treated macrophages activated stromal cells and promoted angiogenesis. RARβ was the key isoform in this process.

Wide-area protection is extensively used in power system. The fundamental of this protection scheme is the communication system and its routing selection. The wide-area communication network requires not only high reliability, but also rigid latency limit. To solve this problem, a routing selection method is proposed, considering availability and latency. A backup path is also taken into account to rebuild connection in case of communication path failure. With the case study, the method is proved to be simple and accurate. It can provide the join with the most reliability, on the premise of proper latency.

Body height (BH), head length (HL), snout length (SL), and tail length (TL) are important traits related with swimming ability of fish. Therefore, improving these traits will increase the production which is the basic goal of aquaculture breeding. To understand the genetic basis of swimming ability related traits in Cyprinus carpio L., a high-density linkage map spanning 3,301 cM in 50 linkage groups was utilized for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Mapping family comprised 190 offspring and 627 molecular markers were genotyped with average distance of 5.6 cM. A total of 15 QTLs including four (qBH13, qBH30, qBH33, qBH48) for BH, four (qHL10, qHL18, qHL29, qHL48) for HL, three (qSL24, qSL27, qSL45) for SL, and four (qTL15, qTL17, qTL18, qTL44) for TL were detected on 13 linkage groups LG10, LG13, LG15, LG17, LG18, LG24, LG27, LG29, LG30, LG33, LG44, LG45, and LG48. Each LG consisted on single QTL except LG18 and LG48. LG18 was found with two QTLs associated with HL and TL. While LG48 was comprised, the QTLs related with BH and HL. The phenotype variance was recorded from 12.6 to 40.6 %. Five QTLs, qHL48, qSL45, qTL15, qTL18, and qTL44, explained phenotype variance of >20 % with a significant levels of 0.047, 0.049, 0.037, 0.025, and 0.023, respectively. The neighbored loci of these QTLs were considered as main region of chromosomes controlling the traits. These identified genetic regions will be the main source of discovering gene(s) associated with swimming ability related traits in C. carpio L.

To compare the safety and efficiency of thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) and plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) for aged symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with large volume prostates (>80 ml) in a prospective randomized trial with an 18-month follow-up. From January 2010 to November 2011, 90 BPH patients with large volume prostates were randomized for surgical treatment with TmLRP-TT (n = 45, group 1) or PKRP (n = 45, group 2). The preoperative and postoperative parameters were recorded and compared. All patients were evaluated at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum flow rate (Q max), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) and the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score. All perioperative complications were also documented and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. Compared with the PKRP group, the TmLRP-TT group had a statistically lower hemoglobin drop (0.86 ± 0.42 vs. 1.34 ± 1.04 g/dl, P

Thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) dissects whole prostatic lobes off the surgical capsule, similar to peeling a tangerine. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TmLRP-TT for older symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with large prostates during 18 months of follow-up. A prospective analysis of 95 consecutive patients with large prostates (>80 ml) who underwent surgical treatment using TmLRP-TT was carried out. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Q max), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5), urine analysis, and urine culture. Perioperative complications were recorded and graded by the modified Clavien classification system (CCS). Mean preoperative prostate volume was 106.81 ± 24.79 ml. TmLRP-TT was successfully completed in all patients. The mean operative duration, catheterization time, and hospital stay were 95.36 ± 27.06 min, 2.25 ± 0.9 days, and 5.39 ± 1.18 days, respectively. The decrease in mean hemoglobin level was 1.23 ± 0.72 g/dl, and that in mean serum sodium level was 0.71 ± 2.56 mmol/l. Within the observation period of 18 months, the patients showed an improvement in IPSS (20.01 ± 7.08 vs. 4.96 ± 3.68), QoL (4.10 ± 1.16 vs. 1.23 ± 1.30), Q max (8.14 ± 3.81 ml/s vs. 18.33 ± 2.56 ml/s) and PVR (102.70 ± 70.64 ml vs. 20.28 ± 30.02 ml), compared with baseline values (P < 0.001). IIEF-5 remained stable. Minor complications occurred in 10 (10.52 %) of 95 patients (Clavien grade 1, 9.47 % and grade 2, 1.05 %). There were no severe complications requiring reintervention (Clavien grade 3, 0 % and grade 4, 0 %). TmLRP-TT is a safe and effective surgical endoscopic technique associated with a low complication rate in large prostates as assessed during an 18-month follow-up period. It is a promising technology, which may be considered as one of the alternatives to open simple prostatectomy (OP) for large prostates in the future.