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Plants are highly susceptible to abiotic stresses, particularly heat stress during the reproductive stage. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this sensitivity remain largely unknown. In the current study, we demonstrate that the Nuclear Transcription Factor, X‐box Binding Protein 1‐Like 1 (NFXL1), directly regulates the expression of DEHYDRATION‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT‐BINDING PROTEIN 2A (DREB2A), which is crucial for reproductive thermotolerance in Arabidopsis. NFXL1 is upregulated by heat stress, and its mutation leads to a reduction in silique length (seed number) under heat stress conditions. RNA‐Seq analysis reveals that NFXL1 has a global impact on the expression of heat stress responsive genes, including DREB2A, Heat Shock Factor A3 (HSFA3) and Heat Shock Protein 17.6 (HSP17.6) in flower buds. Interestingly, NFXL1 is enriched in the promoter region of DREB2A, but not of either HSFA3 or HSP17.6. Further experiments using electrophoretic mobility shift assay have confirmed that NFXL1 directly binds to the DNA fragment derived from the DREB2A promoter. Moreover, effector–reporter assays have shown that NFXL1 activates the DREB2A promoter. The DREB2A mutants are also heat stress sensitive at the reproductive stage, and DEREB2A is epistatic to NFXL1 in regulating thermotolerance in flower buds. It is known that HSFA3, a direct target of DREB2A, regulates the expression of heat shock proteins genes under heat stress conditions. Thus, our findings establish NFXL1 as a critical upstream regulator of DREB2A in the transcriptional cassette responsible for heat stress responses required for reproductive thermotolerance in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial elasticity is a potential new marker for assessing endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes based on endometrial thickness and type. Currently, little research has been conducted on the elasticity of the endometrium using shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI). This study aimed to explore whether endometrial elasticity is an ultrasound marker for predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer. A total of 245 infertile women underwent ultrasonography before embryo transfer at the Peking University Third Hospital. We compared the endometrial elasticity and sub-endometrial blood flow rate using SWEI in the groups with different pregnancy outcomes. Trends in clinical pregnancy outcomes across the quartiles of endometrial elasticity in the fundus of the uterus (E1) were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain odds ratios for clinical pregnancy outcomes based on the quartiles of E1, with or without adjusting for potential confounding variables. Women in the clinical pregnancy group had higher E1 values and sub-endometrial blood flow rates in the uterine fundus than those in the non-pregnancy group. Women in the highest quartile of E1 had the most favorable clinical pregnancy rates. Endometrial elasticity measured using SWEI is a promising ultrasound marker for predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report two supramolecular isomorphic dodecanuclear cobalt complexes, [Co12(mtz)3(L)6(NO3)2(OH)(N3)3]·(OH)3 (1) and [Co12(mtz)3(L)6(NO3)2(OH)(N3)(OAc)]·(OH)4 (2), (Hmtz = 5-methyl-1H-tetrazole, H2L = 7,7′-(ethane-1,1-diyl) diquinolin-8-ol) crystallizing in the P¯ space group with the same unit cell parameters. In 1 and 2, two pirate hat-like hexanuclear Co6(NO3)(L)3 units form the same dodecanuclear metal shell, but the ligands between the hexanuclear units as the core are distinct. The introduction of acetate anions leads to a blue shift of the absorption band in the visible region. Magnetism studies indicate an antiferromagnetic interaction between the CoII ions in the clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma treatment (40 kV, 1–4 min) on the structure, antigenicity and emulsibility of ovalbumin (OVA) were investigated. Plasma-induced structural changes of OVA were determined by SDS-PAGE, multi-spectroscopic, and LC-MS/MS analysis. Meanwhile, the reduction in antigenicity of OVA was evaluated by western blotting (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. The results indicated effective elimination of the antigenicity of OVA was achieved after 4 min of plasma treatment. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding capacity of OVA was notably reduced by 90.80%, as evidenced by WB and ELISA analysis. Plasma-mediated oxidation led to the unfolding of OVA's structure, resulting in alterations to its conformational epitope, and the partial destruction of linear epitopes through polypeptide chain cleavage, thus contributing to the reduction in antigenicity. These findings were supported by the results of SDS-PAGE, multi-spectroscopic, and LC-MS/MS analysis. Furthermore, a significant increase (53%) in emulsifying ability and a one-fold improvement in emulsifying stability of OVA were achieved after 4 min of plasma treatment. The current study confirms that DBD plasma treatment not only reduces the allergenicity of OVA but also enhance its emulsibility through structural modification. • IgE binding capacity of OVA was reduced by 90.80% after 4 min plasma treatment. • Cleavage of the polypeptide chain was attributed to the reduction in antigenicity. • 53% increase in emulsifying ability of OVA was achieved. • One-fold increase in emulsifying stability of OVA was also obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) are a kind of emerging crystalline porous materials with high fluorescence and easy-to-tunable properties, making them ideal for sensing applications. However, current Ln-MOFs based fluorescent probes are primarily single-emissive or fluorescence-quenched, which greatly limited the detection performances such as sensitivity, accuracy and repeatability, thereby hindering their applications in efficient target monitoring and related disease diagnosis. To address these issues, the reasonable design of Ln-MOFs equipped with dual fluorescence emissions and light-up mode is urgently needed for a high-performance biosensor. A dual-emissive europium doped UiO-66 (Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA)-based ratiometric fluorescent biosensing platform was constructed for highly sensitive and selective detection of the histidinemia biomarker-histidine (His). Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA (pyromellitic acid abbreviated as PMA) was synthesized utilizing a post-synthetic modification method via coordination interactions between the free –COOH of UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA and Eu3+, which exhibited characteristic peaks of broad ligand emission and sharp Eu3+ emissions simultaneously. Considering that Cu2+ had the excellent fluorescence quenching ability toward Eu3+ and superior affinity with His, it was deliberately introduced into the Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA, acting as active sites for target His responsiveness. The Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA/Cu2+/His ternary competition system demonstrated a low detection limit of 74 nM, excellent selectivity and good anti-interference capability that allowed for sensitive analysis of His levels in milk and human serum samples. Attributing to the superior luminescent properties, good stability and self-calibration capability of Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA, the developed ratiometric light-up sensing platform enabled sensitive, selective and credible analysis of His in complex practical samples, which might provide an available tool for food nutrition guideline and diagnostic applications of His related diseases. A novel ratiometric light-up biosensor based on dual fluorescence emissive Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA/Cu2+ has been triumphantly fabricated for accurate, highly sensitive and selective detection of His. [Display omitted] • Dual-emissive europium doped UiO-66 (Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA) was constructed. • Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA/Cu2+ ratiometric sensing platform enabled accurate His detection. • Cu2+ served as both the quencher of Eu@UiO-66-NH 2 -PMA and responsive sites for His. • The light-up signal detection mode ensured desirable sensitivity and reliability. • The sensor was successfully used for monitoring His in human serum and milk sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants coordinate their growth and developmental programs with changes in temperature. This process is termed thermomorphogenesis. The underlying molecular mechanisms have begun to emerge in these nonstressful responses to adjustments in prevailing temperature. The circadian clock is an internal timekeeper that ensures growth, development, and fitness across a wide range of environmental conditions and it responds to thermal changes. Here, we highlight how the circadian clock gates thermoresponsive hypocotyl growth in plants, with an emphasis on different action mode of evening complex (EC) in thermomorphogenesis. We also discuss the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of EC in transducing temperature signals to the key integrator PIF4. This provides future perspectives on unanswered questions on EC-associated thermomorphogenesis. Several thermosensors have been uncovered in plant thermomorphogenesis. The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor PIF4 is a central hub for controlling thermoresponsive growth. Ambient temperature entrains circadian clock, and in turn, the circadian system regulates plant thermomorphogenesis at warm ambient temperature. Evening complex (EC) components play critical roles in sensing and transducing ambient temperature signals to regulate PIF4-mediated hypocotyl growth. Besides acting collectively as a component of the EC, ELF3 also functions individually to regulate PIF4 activity during thermomorphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants are capable of coordination of their growth and development with ambient temperatures. EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), an essential component of the plant circadian clock, is also involved in ambient temperature sensing, as well as in inhibiting the expression and protein activity of the thermoresponsive regulator phytochrome interacting factor 4 (PIF4). The ELF3 activity is subjected to attenuation in response to warm temperature; however, how the protein level of ELF3 is regulated at warm temperature remains less understood. Here, we report that the E3 ligase XB3 ORTHOLOG 5 IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA, XBAT35, mediates ELF3 degradation. XBAT35 interacts with ELF3 and ubiquitinates ELF3. Loss‐of‐function mutation of XBAT35 increases the protein level of ELF3 and confers a short‐hypocotyl phenotype under warm temperature conditions. Thus, our findings establish that XBAT35 mediates ELF3 degradation to lift the inhibition of ELF3 on PIF4 for promoting thermoresponsive hypocotyl growth in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple pathogen infection. Previous studies have reported that human cytomegalovirus (CMV) activates autophagy in the early stage of infection and then inhibits autophagy. Little is known about the role of autophagy in murine CMV (MCMV) infection, especially in MCMV-induced hepatitis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of autophagy in MCMV hepatitis. BALB/c mice were infected with MCMV and a series of experiments involving western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed in this study. The expression of SQSTM1/p62, PI3K, the ratio of phosphorylated Akt to total Akt, and the ratio of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to total mTOR were increased, and the expression of light-chain 3 (LC3)-II were decreased in the livers of infected mice on days 3 and 7 postinfection (p.i.). Compared with the untreated infected group, increased transcription level of MCMV glycoprotein B (gB), increased expression levels of interleukin1-β (IL-1β), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), decreased expression level of type I interferon α (IFN-α), as well as aggravated liver pathological injury were detected in starvation-treated infected group on days 3 and 7 p.i.; whereas decreased transcription level of MCMV gB, decreased expression levels of IL-1β, AST and ALT, increased expression level of type I IFN-α, as well as alleviated liver pathological injury were detected in chloroquine (CQ)-treated infected group on day 3 p.i. In conclusion, autophagy is inhibited through activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the liver of BALB/c mice during MCMV infection, and autophagy may promote MCMV replication and aggravate liver pathological damage and inflammation. Further understanding of the interactions between autophagy and MCMV infection and its potential mechanism may bring new important cues to the control of MCMV infection and antiviral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plants have short‐term stress memory that enables them to maintain the expression state of a substantial subset of heat‐inducible genes during stress recovery after heat stress. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling stress‐responsive gene expression at the recovery stage in plants, however. In this article, we demonstrate that histone H3K4 methyltransferases SDG25 and ATX1 are required for heat‐stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. SDG25 and ATX1 are not only important for stress‐responsive gene expression during heat stress, but also for maintaining stress‐responsive gene expression during stress recovery. A combination of whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA‐sequencing and ChIP‐qPCR demonstrated that mutations of SDG25 and ATX1 decrease histone H3K4me3 levels, increase DNA cytosine methylation and inhibit the expression of a subset of heat stress‐responsive genes during stress recovery in Arabidopsis. ChIP‐qPCR results confirm that ATX1 binds to chromatins associated with these target genes. Our results reveal that histone H3K4me3 affects DNA methylation at regions in the loci associated with heat stress‐responsive gene expression during stress recovery, providing insights into heat‐stress transcriptional memory in plants. Significance Statement: This article reveals that histone H3K4 methyltransferases, SDG25 and ATX1, prevent DNA methylation at loci associated with heat‐stress gene expression during stress recovery in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sequential multistep reaction toward 5-trifluoromethyl-thio-1,2,3-triazoles has been established, starting from alkynes, organo-azides, S8 , and (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TMSCF3). This reaction features mild conditions, easy operation, and readily available substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sequential multistep reaction toward 5-thio- or 5-selenotriazoles has been established by generation of both copper(I) triazolides and sulfenylating or selenylating agents in situ, starting from elemental sulfur or selenium. This reaction features mild conditions, readily available and broad-scope substrates, good functional group compatibility, high efficiency and regioselectivity, easy operation, and ligand-free CuI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft shadow is harder to detect than hard shadow as its complex characteristics (i.e., low-contrast, irregular shape, and ambiguous shadow boundaries). To improve the detecting capacity of these images, in this paper, we create a new benchmark for soft shadow detection and then design a reasonable supervision strategy to alleviate the effect of annotation noises. Next, we present a general shadow detection framework based on transformer to deal with complex scenes. Concretely, we combine the traditional channel attention and recent popular self-attention into our network. Moreover, we introduce a deep supervision mechanism that performs deep layer supervision to "guide" early classification results at each layer, which can further improve our detection performance. Finally, experimental results on three datasets show that our shadow transformer can be favorable against current state-of-the-art detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quinones, precursors of aromatic structures, were firstly employed as the electrophiles for the organocatalytic Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction with versatile 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles. Chiral bifunctional organocatalyst was appropriate for this enantioselective transformation to afford a variety of novel spirooxindoles, possessing a spirocyclic stereocenter adjacent to the aromatic ring, via asymmetric double arylation. These synthesized spirooxindoles are very difficult to access by the reported methods and were obtained in excellent chemical yields with excellent enantioselectivities. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well‐designed three‐component reaction was developed to construct a class of optically active carbazolespirooxindole‐urazoles in good yields with excellent stereoselectivities via tandem Diels‐Alder reaction and ene‐reaction. The driving force originating from aromatization with in situ generated carbazolespirooxindole and the high reactivity of 4‐phenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐dione facilitate the ene‐reaction in mild conditions. Control experiments indicated that the excellent stereoselectivities of ene‐reaction most likely came from the spatial configuration of the carbazolespirooxindole. The obtained products could be converted to other synthetic useful structures via diverse functionalization. A well‐designed three‐component reaction was developed to construct a class of optically active carbazolespirooxindole‐urazoles in good yields with excellent stereoselectivities via tandem Diels‐Alder reaction and ene‐reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate how well different magnitudes of compression‐induced degenerative changes using a bent rat tail model simulated human lumbar lordosis. It has been shown that compression plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 25) were instrumented with a special compressive apparatus that was used to bend the intervertebral disc between the 8th and the 10th caudal vertebral bodies using two Kirschner wires inserted percutaneously into the middle of two tail vertebrae. Then, rats were divided into five different static compression loads (control, sham, 1.8 N, 4.5 N, and 7.2 N). The degeneration of the discs was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histology, gene expression of anabolism and catabolism after 2 weeks. We used the signal characteristics of the disc in T2‐weighted MRI to reflect the changes caused by degeneration as this is the most relevant and clinically recognized way to assess IDD. Pfirrmann classification was used to classify disc images. The tail discs from C8–9 and C9–10 with their two adjacent half vertebrae were carefully cut out and decalcified. Then the sections were paraffin‐embedded and cut into 5‐μm sections by histotome. Finally, they were stained with Safranin O‐Fast Green and hematoxylin, and hematoxylin and eosin, respectively. Images were taken using a microscope and staining and compression‐induced changes were assessed by a Masuda's grading scale. The relative expression levels of mRNA encoding rat anabolic genes and catabolic genes were evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA expression fold change of the target gene was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method in the loaded and unloaded disc. Results: As the loading magnitude increased, static compression produced a significantly progressive decrease in nucleus intensity on T2‐weighted MRI, a decrease of aggrecan and Type II collagen, an increase in Matrix metallopeptidase‐3 (MMP‐3) and MMP‐13 expressions, and a histomorphological degeneration. The sham group had a score of 1.4 ± 0.3, the 1.8 N group had a score of 2.4 ± 0.3, the 4.5 N group had a score of 3.2 ± 0.3, and the 7.2 N group had a score of 4.4 ± 0.3, which was based on the Pfirrmann classification score, in which the control group had a score of 1. These results demonstrated that the sham group was not significantly different from the control group. Histological analysis showed that in the loaded disc, the size of the nucleus was reduced and that the annular layer was disorganized. Based on the Masuda grading scale, scores were as follows: for the control group, 3.8 ± 0.35; sham, 4.2 ± 0.35; 1.8 N, 5.4 ± 0.35; 4.5 N, 7.6 ± 0.35; and 7.2 N, 10 ± 0.35. The gene expression was divided into the following: anabolic genes (aggrecan, collagen type1‐α1, and collagen type2‐α1) and catabolic genes (MMP‐3 and MMP‐13). Aggrecan and collagen type 2 were, respectively, downregulated from 0.42 ± 0.04 to 0.21 ± 0.04 and from 0.93 ± 0.06 to 0.17 ± 0.06 as the magnitude of compression increased, whereas collagen type 1 was significantly upregulated, from 2.49 ± 0.19 to 4.40 ± 0.19, when compared with the control group (from 1.8 to 7.2 N, P < 0.05). Catabolic genes MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 were significantly upregulated in all experimental groups (P < 0.05, MMP‐3: from 1.46 ± 0.18 to 3.44 ± 0.18; MMP‐13: from 1.19 ± 0.12 to 2.82 ± 0.13); however, MMP‐13 exhibited no significant changes but tended to be upregulated when compared with the 1.8 N group with the 4.5 N group. Conclusions: Different stresses led to different processes of degenerative changes, the concave disc degenerating more severely as stress gradually increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the ruthenium porphyrin-catalyzed oxidation of styrene to generate an aldehyde. The results indicate that two reactive oxidants, dioxoruthenium and monooxoruthenium-superoxo porphyrins, participate in the catalytic oxidation. In the mechanism, the resultant monooxoruthenium porphyrin acts in the tandem epoxide isomerization (E-I) to selectively yield an aldehyde and generate a dioxoruthenium porphyrin, thereby triggering new oxidation reaction cycles. In this calculation, several key elements responsible for the observed oxidative ability have been established by using Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, etc., which include the reaction energy, the spin exchange effect, the spin-state conversion process, and the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of the reactive oxidants. The comparative oxidative abilities of the ruthenium-oxo/superoxo compounds with different axial ligands are also investigated. The results suggest that the ruthenium-oxo/superoxo species featuring a chlorine axial ligand is more reactive than that substituted with oxygen. This tuneable reactivity can be understood when considering the different electronic characters of the two ligands and the effective atomic number rule (EAN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present work is to elucidate the ability of protocatechuic acid (PCA) in downregulating the dissolubility property and gain an innovative insights into conquering adverse reactions of the antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine (FYT) by a salification strategy. The strategy highlights the feature of adjacent 3,4-substituted phenolic groups on PCA molecule that establishes the helical morphology to attain the hydrophobic molecular salt by facilitating proton exchange reaction between PCA and FTY, thus decreasing FYT's dissolution capacity; moreover, it can also play to PCA's strengths with hepatoprotective effect and antifungal potential as a phenolic acid nutrient, all of which benefit in overcoming the adverse drug reactions caused by the fast and inappropriate absorption of FYT. Taking the strategy as a guideline, the first FTY's molecular salt, FTY–PCA, with hydrophobic characteristics has been successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized by multiple analytical approaches. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction technology verifies that the newly obtained FTY–PCA consists of an unusual hydrophobic triple helix structure (THS) that is dexterously wound by three strands single helix structure (SHS) via robust hydrogen-bonding interplays and electrostatic forces, which endows the ability of concurrent downregulation of the solubility and dissolution rate, with the maximum reduction being, respectively, 31.23% and 60.49% relative to the parent drug FYT. The experimental outcomes are strongly confirmed by relevant theoretical studies. The molecular electrostatic potential confirms that the THS motif constructed by the SHS forms serves a crucial role in reducing the polarity of the molecular salt and complies with the abatement in polarity, attributable to the reinforced hydrogen-bonding energy as per the electron density difference as well as topology analysis of atoms in molecules, thereby clarifying the hydrophobic property of the molecular salt at theoretical levels. Thereby, the current contribution not only exemplifies the first hydrophobic molecular salt of FYT with a rare triple-helical structure, filling the gaps in the application of hydrophobic molecular salt in antifungal drugs, but also supplies some novel insights into the salinization strategy aiming at overcoming the adverse effects caused by the fast and almost entire absorption of some drugs by ameliorating the dissolubility behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole nanospheres were embedded in graphene layers (rGCP) to successfully form three-dimensional hierarchical cross-linking structure through simple hydrothermal method. The structure of rGCP composite mainly resulted from the synergistic effect of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and crumpled graphene layers, which was beneficial for achieving large surface area, short ion diffusion pathway, excellent rate performance and cycling stability. As a result, the hybrid rGCP composite exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of almost 400 F g −1 at the scan rate of 1 mV s −1 . Furthermore, even at the high current density of 10 A g −1 , it still retained the capacitance of 243.2 F g −1 , and excellent cycling stability (91.8% capacitance retention even after 5000 cycles). The as-prepared hierarchical hybrid composite has promising potential in electrochemical energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective portfolio selection model is constructed on the premise of measuring accurately the risk and return on assets. According to the reality that asset returns obey the asymmetric power-law distribution, this paper first builds two fractal statistical measures, fractal expectation and fractal variance to measure the asset returns and risks, inspired by the method of measuring the curve length in the fractal theory. Then, by incorporating the fractal statistical measure into the return–risk criterion, a portfolio selection model based on the fractal statistical measure is established, namely, the fractal portfolio selection model, and the closed-form solution of the model is given. Finally, through empirical analysis, it is found that under the constraints of typical factual characteristics that the asset returns obey the asymmetric power-law distribution, the fractal portfolio is better than the traditional portfolio as a whole, which not only can improve the investment performance but also has better robustness. The validity of the fractal investment portfolio is experimentally tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Compound 14 displayed high potency in both biochemical and cellular assays. • Compound 14 showed a moderate oral plasma exposure and a low clearance in vivo. • Compound 14 was well tolerated and significantly inhibited the tumor growth in MV-4-11 subcutaneous xenograft model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A two-step method reduces the electrochemical instrument differences for single entity electroanalysis. • The coefficients C1 and C2 calibrate the current amplitude and stochastical current distribution from nanopore-based single-molecule detection. • This method is generally applicable to all nanoelectrochemical measurements for achieving practical applications. Single-entity electrochemistry allows the ultrasensitive detection of individual entities by incorporating high bandwidth electrochemical instruments. However, differences among instruments and shielding setups cause large deviations in the recorded signals, which leads to remarkable measurement errors in practical applications. Here, we developed a two-step method to calibrate instruments differences for achieving an accurate single-entity analysis. Two coefficients C1 and C 2 were calculated with standard measurements through the model resistors of 1.00 GΩ. C1 obtained from the slope value of the current–voltage (I-V) curve is used to calibrate the shifting of the current statistic distribution. Then, C 2, assessed from the standard deviation (STD) noises, is employed to calibrate the full-width at half maximum of current statistic distributions. After applying the model single-molecule experiments of Poly(dA) 4 detection with aerolysin nanopores, we showed the effective calibration of measurement differences among four kind of high bandwidth electrochemical instruments. Therefore, this method is generally applicable to nearly all kinds of single-entity electrochemical measurements to reduce measurement errors from instrument differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The research took IL-4/STAT6 pathway as the entry point to observe the effects of moxibustion on the expression of macrophages and related inflammatory factors in RA rats. • The study starts with the polarization of macrophages to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion. To observe the effects of moxibustion on "Shenshu" and "Zusanli" on macrophage polarization and IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further explore the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA. The rats' right hind paws were injected with freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) to establish the model of RA. Seven days after the injection of FCA, moxibustion therapy was performed on the acupoints of Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36) once a day for three weeks. The researchers measured the thickness of the foot pad. ELISA and Histological Analysis were performed to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion. Then researchers detected the expression of macrophage phenotype and the expression of IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway related molecules. It was observed that after the injection of FCA, the rats' feet showed obvious symptoms of redness and swelling. But the symptoms were significantly improved when moxibustion was employed. The study found lower IL-23 and higher IL-4 level in the serum of FCA-injected rats after moxibustion treatment. HE staining showed that the synovium of the RA group was hyperemia and edema, with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration and vascular dilatation. In the moxibustion group, the degree of synovial hyperemia and edema was improved, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and vascular dilation were reduced. The study also found that there wer differences among the expressions of macrophage phenotypes in RA, and this was shown by the high expression of CD86 and low expression of CD206. However, the polarization of macrophages in the moxibustion group changed, and that was manifested by enhanced M2-polarized Mφs and inhibited M1-polarized Mφs. Meanwhile, moxibustion suppressed the activation of JAK1, JAK3 and STAT6 in the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway, which contributed to the polarization of M2. The results demonstrate that moxibustion not only suppresses the polarization of M1, but also promotes the polarization of M1. The anti-inflammatory effect of moxibustion may be related to the regulation of macrophage polarization through IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new tetracopper(II) complex, [Cu(papo)(dabt)](NO)·2HO, where Hpapo and dabt stand for N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)- N′-(3-aminopropyl)oxamide and 2,2′-diamino-4,4′-bithiazole, respectively, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, infrared and electronic spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals that the presence of a circular tetracopper(II) cation [Cu(papo)(dabt)] with an embedded center of inversion is assembled by a pair of cis-oxamido-bridged dicopper(II) units through μ-phenolato bridges, in which the Cu(II) atoms at the inner sites of papo have square-planar environments and those at the outer sites are in square-pyramidal geometries. The separations of the Cu(II) ions bridged by oxamide and phenolate groups are 5.2039(14) and 3.7159(12) Å, respectively. In the crystal, two-dimensional supramolecular structures are formed by hydrogen bonds and π- π stacking interactions. An in vitro cytotoxicity experiment indicates that the tetracopper(II) complex exhibits cytotoxic effects against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC-7721 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549. The reactivity toward HS-DNA and protein BSA suggested that the tetracopper(II) complex can interact with HS-DNA in the mode of intercalation, and the complex binds to BSA responsible for quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by a static quenching mechanism. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]The present tetracopper(II) complex constructed from N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)- N′-(3-aminopropyl)oxamide has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The cytotoxicities and reactivities toward DNA and protein of the complex have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of dichloroplatinum(II) complexes of podophyllotoxin (PPT) were prepared, and their cytotoxicity against sensitive (A-549, HeLa, HCT-8, Hep-G2, K562) and resistant (ADM/K562) cell lines were evaluated. Complex cis-[4α-O-(2″,3″-diaminopropanoyl)-podophyllotoxin] dichloride platinum(II) (12) displayed most potent cytotoxicity with IC50 value in the range 0.071–2.98μM. Complex 12 induces cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and inhibits the formation of microtubules in HeLa cells. Furthermore, this complex exhibits potent DNA cleavage capabilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymers with different dissymmetrical N,N′- bis(substituted)oxamide ligands were synthesized, namely {[Cu(dmaepox)(dabt)]pic·HO} (1) and {[Cu(dmapob)(dabt)]NO·0.6HO} (2), where Hdmaepox and Hdmapob stand for N-(2-carboxylatophenyl)- N′-[3-(methylamino)propyl]oxamidate and N-(2-carboxylatophenyl)- N′-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamidate, respectively, and dabt is 2'2′-diamino-4'4′-bithiazole. Polymer 1 was characterized by elemental analyses, IR and electronic spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals that polymer 1 consists of many binuclear copper(II) units bridged by cis-oxamide and carboxylate groups. The two copper(II) ions are located in square-planar and square-pyramidal coordination environments, respectively. The separations of the Cu(II) atoms bridged by oxamide and carboxylate groups are 5.2035(7) and 5.1196(7) Å, respectively. The crystal structure of polymer 2 has been reported in our previous paper. However, its relative properties were not studied. In order to compare the influence of different bridging ligands on the cytotoxicities and DNA-binding properties, the cytotoxicities and reactivities towards DNA of polymers 1 and 2 were investigated. The results suggest that the two polymers can interact with herring sperm DNA in the mode of intercalation with binding affinities following the order of 1 > 2, and this is consistent with their in vitro cytotoxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of oxacyclic diene compounds, especially eight-membered products bearing a single oxygen atom which have not been reported previously, were successfully synthesized via ring-closing enyne metathesis using the second-generation Grubbs catalyst. In contrast to the construction of the five-membered rings, completely opposite substrate selectivity that methyl substituted internal alkyne showed much higher reactivity than terminal alkyne was observed in building eight-membered ring derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Model tests and finite element analyses were conducted to study the performance of cable net facades with glass panels under dynamic loadings. The effects of the glass panels on the free vibration frequencies, damping and dynamic responses of the cable net facade were investigated using dynamic characteristics and shaking table tests. Based on the test results, a mechanism to describe the glass panels working in coordination with the cable net was proposed. Under the proposed mechanism, a numerical model of the glass panels working in coordination with the cable net was established, and the corresponding analyses of the dynamic characteristics and seismic responses of the cable net facade were performed. The present study shows that the bending stiffness of the glass panels has little effect on the first mode of the cable net facade, but its effect is substantial on the high modes. For the damping of the cable net facade, the glass panels play a dominant role. The seismic response of the cable net facade on most occasions is mainly reflected by the symmetric modes; the first vibration mode is dominant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bacillus cereus can produce α-amylase, which has important industrial production value and can endure high temperatures. The enzymatic characteristics of two α-amylases from B. cereus (B905 and B904) were studied. The results showed that both preserved their activity at 90-100 °C. Their thermal stability and enzymatic activity did not depend on Ca2+. However, their protein molecular weights were obviously different. The structural genes of amy905 and amy904 were cloned successfully using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and expressed in Escherichia coli. The amy904 and amy905 genes were 1362 bp and 1761 bp long and their protein molecular weights were about 55 kDa and 68 kDa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper explores the wind stochastic field from a new viewpoint of stochastic Fourier spectrum (SFS). The basic random parameters of the wind stochastic field, the roughness length z 0 and the mean wind velocity at 10m height U 10, as well as their probability density functions (PDF), are obtained. It provides opportunities to use probability density evolution method (PDEM), which had been proved to be of high accuracy and efficiency, in computing the dynamic response and reliability of tall buildings subject to the wind loading. Principals and corresponding numerical solving algorithm of the PDEM are first presented. Then, the adopted model of the wind stochastic field is described briefly. The simulation method of the fluctuating wind velocity based on the SFS is introduced. Finally, as an example of the application of the PDEM, a 20-storey frame subject to wind loading is investigated in detail. The responses, including the mean value and the standard deviation, and the reliabilities of the frame are evaluated by the PDEM. The results demonstrate that the PDEM is applicable and efficient in the dynamic response and reliability analysis of wind-excited tall building. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program helps patients recover faster and better, postoperatively. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of the ERAS program after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. We enrolled patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture who had undergone PKP between January 2019 and June 2021 and divided them into the control group (CG; n = 296), without the ERAS program, and the intervention group (IG; n = 306), with the ERAS program. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Barthel Index scores of the 2 groups were compared on admission and 2 days and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Perioperative evaluation parameters included the mean surgery time, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization expenses. In addition, postoperative complications were compared. Regarding perioperative parameters, LOS and hospitalization expenses were significantly better in IG than in CG (P < 0.001), but the mean surgery time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The VAS, Barthel Index, and ODI scores were significantly better in IG than in CG at 2 days and 1 month postoperatively (P < 0.001). None of the clinical effectiveness parameters (VAS, Barthel Index, and ODI scores) differed between IG and CG at 6 or 12 months postoperatively. In addition, 141 patients in CG and 56 patients in IG experienced postoperative complications, including pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, nausea and vomiting, and refracture (P = 0.970, P = 0.036, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 respectively). For patients undergoing PKP, the ERAS program is a reliable and effective perioperative management method that can effectively reduce LOS, postoperative pain, and economic burden and promote recovery of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autistic traits (ATs) are frequently reported in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine ATs in children with ADHD from both behavioral and neuroimaging perspectives. Methods: We used the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) to assess and define subjects with and without ATs. For behavioral analyses, 67 children with ADHD and ATs (ADHD + ATs), 105 children with ADHD but without ATs (ADHD − ATs), and 44 typically developing healthy controls without ATs (HC − ATs) were recruited. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and analyzed the mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF) values (an approach used to depict different spontaneous brain activities) in a sub-sample. The imaging features that were shared between ATs and ADHD symptoms or that were unique to one or the other set of symptoms were illustrated as a way to explore the "brain–behavior" relationship. Results: Compared to ADHD-ATs, the ADHD + ATs group showed more global impairment in all aspects of autistic symptoms and higher hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI). Partial-correlation analysis indicated that HI was significantly positively correlated with all aspects of ATs in ADHD. Imaging analyses indicated that mALFF values in the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG), left parietal lobe (PL)/precuneus, and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) might be specifically related to ADHD, while those in the right MTG might be more closely associated with ATs. Furthermore, altered mALFF in the right PL/precuneus correlated with both ADHD and ATs, albeit in diverse directions. Conclusions: The co-occurrence of ATs in children with ADHD manifested as different behavioral characteristics and specific brain functional alterations. Assessing ATs in children with ADHD could help us understand the heterogeneity of ADHD, further explore its pathogenesis, and promote clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 49-year-old female who was diagnosed with desmoplastic fibroma of bone. The patient's radiographic findings showed a mass in her right ileum. Macroscopic examination of the surgically removed mass revealed its yellowish-white color and rubbery consistency. Clinical information on desmoplastic fibroma of bone is also given.

Tannins biodegradation by a microorganism is one of the most efficient ways to produce bioproducts of high value. However, the mechanism of tannins biodegradation by yeast has been little explored. In this study, Aureobasidium melanogenum T9 isolated from red wine starter showed the ability for tannins degradation and had its highest biomass when the initial tannic acid concentration was 20 g/L. Furthermore, the genes involved in the tannin degradation process were analyzed. Genes tan A, tan B and tan C encoding three different tannases respectively were identified in the A. melanogenum T9. Among these genes, tan A and tan B can be induced by tannin acid simultaneously at both gene transcription and protein expression levels. Our assay result showed that the deletion of tanA and tanB resulted in tannase activity decline with 51.3 ± 4.1 and 64.1 ± 1.9 U/mL, respectively, which is much lower than that of A. melanogenum T9 with 91.3 ± 5.8 U/mL. In addition, another gene coding gallic acid decarboxylase (gad) was knocked out to better clarify its function. Mutant Δgad completely lost gallic acid decarboxylase activity and no pyrogallic acid was seen during the entire cultivation process, confirming that there was a sole gene encoding decarboxylase in the A. melanogenum T9. These results demonstrated that tanA, tanB and gad were crucial for tannin degradation and provided new insights for the mechanism of tannins biodegradation by yeast. This finding showed that A. melanogenum has potential in the production of tannase and metabolites, such as gall acid and pyrogallol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isomaltulose is mainly produced from sucrose by microbial fermentation, when the utilization of sucrose contributes a high production cost. To achieve a low-cost isomaltulose production, soy molasses was introduced as an alternative substrate. Firstly, α-galactosidase gene from Rhizomucor miehei was expressed in Yarrowia lipolytica, which then showed a galactosidase activity of 121.6 U/mL. Under the effects of the recombinant α-galactosidase, most of the raffinose-family oligosaccharides in soy molasses were hydrolyzed into sucrose. Then the soy molasses hydrolysate with high sucrose content (22.04%, w/w) was supplemented into the medium, with an isomaltulose production of 209.4 g/L, and the yield of 0.95 g/g. Finally, by virtue of the bioremoval process using Pichia stipitis, sugar byproducts in broth were transformed into ethanol at the end of fermentation, thus resulting in high isomaltulose purity (97.8%). The bioprocess employed in this study provides a novel strategy for low-cost and efficient isomaltulose production from soybean molasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-PD-1 monotherapy had limited clinical efficacy in relapsed/refractory (r/r) AML patients with higher PD-1 and PD-L1 expression. Hence, we investigated the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor with DNA hypomethylating agent (HMA) + CAG regimen in patients who had failed prior AML therapy. In this phase 2, single-arm study, r/r AML patients received azacitidine or decitabine plus CAG regimen with tislelizumab. Primary endpoints were efficacy (objective response rate [ORR]) and safety. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and duration of response (DOR). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14.0 and SPSS 20.0 software where P < 0.05 denoted significance. Twenty-seven patients were enrolled patients and completed 1 cycle, and 14 (51.9%) and 4 (14.8%) patients completed 2 and 3 cycles, respectively. ORR was 63% (14: complete remission [CR]/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery [CRi], 3: partial remission (PR), 10: no response [NR]). Median OS (mOS) and EFS were 9.7 and 9.2 months, respectively. With a median follow-up of 8.2 months (1.1–26.9), the mOS was not reached in responders (CR/CRi/PR) while it was 2.4 months (0.0–5.4) in nonresponders (P = 0.002). Grade 2–3 immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were observed in 4 (14.8%) patients and 3 nonresponders died of lung infection after treatment. Tislelizumab + HMA + CAG regimen showed improved outcomes in r/r AML patients with lower pretherapy leukemia burden. irAEs were mild and low-grade and higher pretherapy bone marrow CD4+ CD127+ PD-1+ T cells might serve as a predictor of treatment response. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04541277. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of moxibustion on the level of inflammatory cytokines in animal models with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to provide evidence for the clinical application of moxibustion to the treatment of RA and related basic researches. Methods. The databases employed in this study include PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), SinoMed, and Wanfang Data Information Site. The retrieval time was from the establishment of these databases to March 2020. The reviewers made use of the CAMARADES 10-item checklist to evaluate the quality of each included study. The inflammatory cytokines were considered as the outcome measure. The Revman 5.3 software was used to conduct meta-analysis on the outcome indicators of the studies included. Results. A total of 648 articles were retrieved and 18 animal experiments were included in this study. The quality scores of the studies ranged from two to eight with a mean of 5.8. Compared with the effect of the control group, moxibustion reduced the expression of TNF-α (SMD 2.95, 95% CI: 1.99–3.92, P < 0.00001), IL-1β (SMD 4.10, 95% CI: 2.37–5.84, P < 0.00001), IFN-γ (MD 25, 95% CI: 16.17–33.82, P < 0.00001), IL-6 (MD 11.83, 95% CI: 6.22–17.44, P < 0.0001), and IL-17 (MD 99.3, 95% CI: 86.83–111.76, P < 0.00001). At the same time, the level of IL-2 (SMD 8.89, 95% CI: 0.93–16.86, P = 0.03), IL-4 (MD 1.79, 95% CI: 0.26–3.32, P = 0.02), and IL-10 (MD 5.93, 95% CI: 1.37–10.49, P = 0.01) increased after moxibustion treatment. Asymmetric funnel plots indicated that there was publication bias. Conclusion. The findings of the present review indicate that moxibustion can protect the synovium of joint in animal models with RA by upregulation of the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines and downregulation of the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Moxibustion has the potential to relieve inflammation of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the alteration of DNA methylation due to abiotic stresses, such as exposure to the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), has been often observed in plants, little is known about whether such epigenetic changes are linked to the ability of plants to adapt to stress. Herein, we report a close linkage between DNA methylation and the adaptational responses in Arabidopsis plants under Cd stress. Exposure to Cd significantly inhibited the expression of three DNA demethylase genes ROS1/DML2/DML3 (RDD) and elevated DNA methylation at the genome‐wide level in Col‐0 roots. Furthermore, the profile of DNA methylation in Cd‐exposed Col‐0 roots was similar to that in the roots of rdd triple mutants, which lack RDD, indicating that Cd‐induced DNA methylation is associated with the inhibition of RDD. Interestingly, the elevation in DNA methylation in rdd conferred a higher tolerance against Cd stress and improved cellular Fe nutrition in the root tissues. In addition, lowering the Fe supply abolished improved Cd tolerance due to the lack of RDD in rdd. Together, these data suggest that the inhibition of RDD‐mediated DNA demethylation in the roots by Cd would in turn enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress by improving Fe nutrition through a feedback mechanism. Cadmium stress resulted in an increase in global genome‐wide DNA methylation by inhibiting the DNA demethylases ROS1/DML2/DML3 in roots of Arabidopsis plants, which improved the iron nutrition in roots, thus, resulting in an improvement of Cd tolerance in the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Global warming has profound impact on growth and development, and plants constantly adjust their internal circadian clock to cope with external environment. However, how clock‐associated genes fine‐tune thermoresponsive growth in plants is little understood.We found that loss‐of‐function mutation of REVEILLE5 (RVE5) reduces the expression of circadian gene EARLY FLOWERING 4 (ELF4) in Arabidopsis, and confers accelerated hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions.Both RVE5 and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) accumulate at warm temperatures and bind to the same EE cis‐element presented on ELF4 promoter, but the transcriptional repression activity of RVE5 is weaker than that of CCA1. The binding of CCA1 to ELF4 promoter is enhanced in the rve5‐2 mutant at warm temperatures, and overexpression of ELF4 in the rve5‐2 mutant background suppresses the rve5‐2 mutant phenotype at warm temperatures.Therefore, the transcriptional repressor RVE5 finetunes ELF4 expression via competing at a cis‐element with the stronger transcriptional repressor CCA1 at warm temperatures. Such a competition–attenuation mechanism provides a balancing system for modulating the level of ELF4 and thermoresponsive hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions. See also the Commentary on this article by Balcerowicz, 237: 9–11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source and ambient samples were collected in a city in China that uses considerable biofuel, to assess influence of biofuel combustion and other sources on particulate matter (PM). Profiles and size distribution of biofuel combustion were investigated. Higher levels in source profiles, a significant increase in heavy-biomass ambient and stronger correlations of K + , Cl − , OC and EC suggest that they can be tracers of biofuel combustion. And char-EC/soot-EC (8.5 for PM 2.5 and 15.8 for PM 10 of source samples) can also be used to distinguish it. In source samples, water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) were approximately 28.0%–68.8% (PM 2.5 ) and 27.2%–43.8% (PM 10 ) of OC. For size distribution, biofuel combustion mainly produces smaller particles. OC1, OC2, EC1 and EC2 abundances showed two peaks with one below 1 μm and one above 2 μm. An advanced three-way factory analysis model was applied to quantify source contributions to ambient PM 2.5 and PM 10 . Higher contributions of coal combustion, vehicular emission, nitrate and biofuel combustion occurred during the heavy-biomass period, and higher contributions of sulfate and crustal dust were observed during the light-biomass period. Mass and percentage contributions of biofuel combustion were significantly higher in heavy-biomass period. The biofuel combustion attributed above 45% of K + and Cl − , above 30% of EC and about 20% of OC. In addition, through analysis of source profiles and contributions, they were consistently evident that biofuel combustion and crustal dust contributed more to cation than to anion, while sulfate & SOC and nitrate showed stronger influence on anion than on cation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is an intermediate metabolic state between normal and diabetes and shows insulin resistant (IR) which to be linked with mitochondria dysfunction. This study is aimed at investigating whether aerobic exercise increases Mfn2 to promote mitochondrial function and improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with high-fat diet. Methods. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six different experimental groups (8 animals/group): (1) normal group (NOR), (2) normal control group (NC), (3) normal + exercise group (NE), (4) IGT group (IGT), (5) IGT control group (IC), and (6) IGT+ exercise group (IE).The exercise group received aerobic exercise for 8 weeks. After the intervention, a blood glucose meter was used to detect the level of glucose tolerance in the mouse's abdominal cavity; a biochemical kit was used to detect serum lipid metabolism indicators, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels; the ELISA method was used to detect serum insulin and mouse gastrocnemius homogenate LDH, PDH, SDH, and CCO levels. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of NOX4, PGC-1α, and Mfn2 in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice. Results. (1) Mice with high-fat diet for 30 weeks showed impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders. The level of LDH, PDH, SDH, and CCO in the gastrocnemius homogenate of mice was reduced. The expressions of NOX4 protein were significantly upregulated, while the expressions of PGC-1α and Mfn2 proteins were significantly downregulated. (2) 8-week aerobic exercise improved the disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism in IGT mice and increased homogenized LDH, PDH, SDH, and CCO levels, and the expressions of NOX4, PGC-1α, and Mfn2 proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice were reversed. It is speculated that aerobic exercise can accelerate energy metabolism. Conclusion. (1) C57BL/6 mice were fed high fat for 30 weeks and successfully constructed a mouse model of reduced diabetes; the mice with reduced diabetes have impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism disorders; (2) 8 weeks of aerobic exercise improve glucose tolerance, reduce glucose tolerance in mice, reduce insulin resistance, improve lipid metabolism disorders, and reduce oxidative stress; (3) 8-week aerobic exercise reduces skeletal muscle NOX4 expression and increases glucose tolerance; reduces the expression of LDH, PDH, SDH, and CCO in mouse skeletal muscle; increases the expression level of mitochondrial fusion protein 2 and PGC-1α; improves glucose tolerance; reduces energy metabolism of mouse skeletal muscle; reduces oxidative stress; and reduces insulin resistance. It is speculated that aerobic exercise can accelerate energy metabolism. This process may involve two aspects: firstly, increase the expression level of oxidative metabolism enzymes and promote the tricarboxylic acid cycle; secondly, increase the expression of Mfn2 and accelerate mitochondria fission or fusion to regulate energy metabolism, thereby reducing oxidative stress and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether singleton pregnancy achieved after preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) singleton pregnancy.Design: A retrospective cohort study.Setting: A university-affiliated fertility center.Patient(s): This cohort study included singleton live births resulting from PGT (n = 232) and IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies (n = 2,829) with single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Multiple baseline covariates were used for propensity score matching, yielding 214 PGT singleton pregnancies matched to 617 IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies.Intervention(s): Trophectoderm biopsy.Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome was gestational hypertension, and various clinical perinatal secondary outcomes related to maternal and neonatal health were measured.Result(s): Compared with IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancy, PGT singleton pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.32, 5.05). In the matched sample, the risk of gestational hypertension remained higher with PGT singleton pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.04, 5.22) than with IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancy. No statistical differences were noted in any other measured outcomes between the groups.Conclusion(s): The perinatal outcomes of PGT and IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies were similar except for the observed potentially higher risk of gestational hypertension with PGT singleton pregnancy. However, because the data on PGT singleton pregnancies are limited, this conclusion warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process can be applied to the construction of oxacyclic dienes with different ring size and extended to the preparation of eight-membered N-heterocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases that interact with components of the mitotic apparatus and serve as potential therapeutic targets in oncology. Here we synthesized 15 2,4-diaminopyrimidines and evaluated their biological activities, including antiproliferation, inhibition against Aurora kinases and cell cycle effects. These compounds generally exhibited more potent cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines compared with the VX-680 control, especially compound 11c , which showed the highest cytotoxicities, with IC 50 values of 0.5–4.0 μM. Compound 11c had more than 35-fold more selectivity for Aurora A over Aurora B, and molecular docking analysis indicated that compound 11c form better interaction with Aurora A both from the perspective of structure and energy. Furthermore, compound 11c induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells. This series of compounds has the potential for further development as selective Aurora A inhibitors for anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new concept on a non-solvent polymer network system which was called thermal-grinding supramolecular network (TGSN) was proposed, in which the monomer, crosslinker and drug were grinded together followed by subsequent heat induced polymerization as well as crosslinking. This polymer network system was appropriate for loading liposoluble drugs or water-insoluble drugs. • Other than heavy metal ions or alkene compounds, poly(thioctic) acid could be crosslinked by natural derived proteins. • Without solvent phase, poly(thioctic acid)-based polymeric network and high concentration paeonol aggregates constituted the main structure of TGSNs. • TGSN could be used as a transdermal patch for sustained release of paeonol. Lipophilic drugs loaded into hydrogel vehicles for controlled release often encounters drawbacks such as low loading capacity, tedious inclusion methods and invalidity caused by syneresis. Facing this issue, we proposed a non-solvent drug loading system, thermal-grinding supramolecular network (TGSN), in which the monomer, crosslinker and drug molecules in solid state were grinded and then subjected to melting gelation. Paeonol, with a poor water solubility of 0.54 mg/mL, was chosen as a model drug. Both organosulfur-based polymeric network and paeonol aggregates constituted the main structure of TGSNs. Thus, the network had special properties such as stretchability, anti-swelling, elasticity, antibacterial activity, surface hydrophilicity, self-healing and adhesion. In vitro cellular toxicity assay demonstrated that TGSN improved L929 cell proliferation with minimal cytotoxicity. Viewed by transdermal release assay, TGSN could achieve sustained release of paeonol. Proved by skin eczema model in Kunming mice, TGSN possessed an excellent therapeutic effect and a low recurrence probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, by applying a direct symmetry method, we obtain the symmetry reduction, group invariant solution and many new exact solutions of SK–KP equation, which include Jacobi elliptic function solutions, hyperbolic function solutions, trigonometric function solutions and so on. At last, we also give the conservation laws of SK–KP equation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By means of the generalized direct method, a relationship is constructed between the new solutions and the old ones of the Bogoyavlensky–Konoplechenko equation. Based on the relationship, a new solution is obtained by using a given solution of the equation. The symmetry is also obtained for the BK equation. Then we get the reductions using the symmetry and give some exact solutions of the BK equation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Urchin-like DNA nanostructure nucleated spherical nucleic acid was easily-prepared. • All-in-one DSNA owned self-delivery ability for cell internalization. • DSNA with excellent biostability ensured accurate target imaging in living cells. • The hairpin probes sticked on UDNs improved reaction rates and efficiency. • Target miRNA executed the hairpin cascade circuits (HAC) for amplified imaging. DNA molecular probes have been increasingly used for biological imaging and tumor theranostics. In particular, live-cell imaging of low abundance microRNA (miRNA) with high accuracy and efficiency was extremely important for understanding functions and dynamics of miRNA. Herein, an easy-to-obtain DNA-nucleated spherical nucleic acid (DSNA) was constructed by one pair of hairpin probes "sticked" on self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) urchin-like DNA nanostructures (UDNs) to realize sensitive imaging of tumor-related miRNA in living cells. UDNs were prepared through four short single-stranded DNA by a simple "one-pot" annealing process that took only a few minutes. Moreover, sticking the reactants of hairpin probes on the UDNs not only sped up the reaction kinetic rate, but also improved the sensitivity and efficiency of miRNA-triggered hairpin cascade circuits. Compared with traditional AuNP-based spherical nucleic acid, the DSNA possessed superb biocompatibility and stability, excellent cell internalization capability and accessibility, which endowed them tremendous advantages for the monitoring of miRNA in living cells. Therefore, our developed strategy exhibited great potential in sensitive imaging of intracellular miRNA, offering a new avenue for early tumor diagnosis and related biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]