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The tissue stiffness of donor kidneys in transplantation may increase due to pathological changes such as glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis, and those changes associate worse outcomes in kidney transplantation recipients. Ultrasound elastography is a noninvasive imaging examination with the ability to quantitatively reflect tissue stiffness. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of ultrasound elastography for adverse kidney outcome in kidney transplantation recipients. Shear wave elastography (SWE) examinations were performed by two independent operators in kidney transplantation recipients. The primary outcome was a composite of kidney graft deterioration, all-cause re-hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. Survival analysis was calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. A total of 161 patients (mean age 46 years, 63.4% men) were followed for a median of 20.1 months. 27 patients (16.77%) reached the primary endpoint. The mean and median tissue stiffness at the medulla (hazard ratio: 1.265 and 1.229, respectively), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum albumin level were associated with the primary outcome in univariate Cox regression. Adding mean or median medulla SWE to a baseline model containing eGFR and albumin significantly improved its discrimination (C-statistics: 0.736 for the baseline, 0.766 and 0.772 for the model added mean and median medulla SWE, respectively). The medullary tissue stiffness of kidney allograft measured by shear wave elastography may provide incremental prognostic value to adverse outcomes in kidney transplantation recipients. Including SWE parameters in kidney transplantation recipients management could be considered to improve risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the diagnostic potential of texture analysis applied to native T1 maps obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images for the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: This study, conducted from June 2018 to November 2020, included 119 patients (35 on hemodialysis, 55 on peritoneal dialysis, and 29 with kidney transplants) in Renji Hospital. Native T1 maps were assessed with texture analysis, using a freely available software package, in participants who underwent cardiac MRI at 3.0 T. Four texture features, selected by dimension reduction specific to the diagnosis of HFpEF, were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the independent association between the selected features and HFpEF in ESRD patients. Results: Seventy-six of 119 patients were diagnosed with HFpEF. Demographic, laboratory, cardiac MRI, and echocardiogram characteristics were compared between HFpEF and non-HFpEF groups. The four texture features that were analyzed showed statistically significant differences between groups. In multivariate analysis, age, left atrial volume index (LAVI), and sum average 4 (SA4) turned out to be independent predictors for HFpEF in ESRD patients. Combining the texture feature, SA4, with typical predictive factors resulted in higher C-index (0.923 vs. 0.898, p = 0.045) and a sensitivity and specificity of 79.2% and 95.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Texture analysis of T1 maps adds diagnostic value to typical clinical parameters for the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with end-stage renal disease. Key Points: • Non-invasive assessment of HFpEF can help predict prognosis in ESRD patients and help them take timely preventative measures. • Texture analysis of native T1 maps adds diagnostic value to the typical clinical parameters for the assessment of HFpEF in patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two poorly performing HCIC ligands were utilized to construct a dual-ligand system. • The dual-ligand system exhibited superior static and dynamic adsorption capabilities. • Molecular docking is used as an auxiliary tool to explain differences in selectivity. • The dual-ligand system separated antibodies from human serum with better performance. In conventional chromatographic ligand screening, underperforming ligands are often dismissed. However, this practice may inadvertently overlook potential opportunities. This study aims to investigate whether these underperforming ligands can be repurposed as valuable assets. Hydrophobic charge-induction chromatography (HCIC) is chosen as the validation target for its potential as an innovative chromatographic mode. A novel dual-ligand approach is employed, combining two suboptimal ligands (5-Aminobenzimidazole and Tryptamine) to explore enhanced performance and optimization prospects. Various dual-ligand HCIC resins with different ligand densities were synthesized by adjusting the ligand ratio and concentration. The resins were characterized to assess appearance, functional groups, and pore features using SEM, FTIR, and ISEC techniques. Performance assessments were conducted using single-ligand mode resins as controls, evaluating the selectivity against human immunoglobulin G and human serum albumin. Static adsorption experiments were performed to understand pH and salt influence on adsorption. Breakthrough experiments were conducted to assess dynamic adsorption capacity of the novel resin. Finally, chromatographic separation using human serum was performed to evaluate the purity and yield of the resin. Results indicated that the dual-ligand HCIC resin designed for human antibodies demonstrates exceptional selectivity, surpassing not only single ligand states but also outperforming certain high-performing ligand types, particularly under specific salt and pH conditions. Ultimately, a high yield of 83.9 % and purity of 96.7 % were achieved in the separation of hIgG from human serum with the dual-ligand HCIC, significantly superior to the single-ligand resins. In conclusion, through rational design and proper operational conditions, the dual-ligand mode can revitalize underutilized ligands, potentially introducing novel and promising chromatographic modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH3), an air pollutant in the living environment, has many toxic effects on various tissues and organs. However, the underlying mechanisms of NH3‐induced tracheal cell autophagy remains poorly understood. In present study, chickens and LMH cells were used as NH3 exposure models to investigate toxic effects. The change of tracheal tissues ultrastructure showed that NH3 exposure induced autolysosomes. The differential expression of 12 circularRNAs (circRNAs) was induced by NH3 exposure using circRNAs transcriptome analysis in broiler tracheas. We further found that circ‐IFNLR1 was down‐regulated, and miR‐2188‐5p was up‐regulated in tracheal tissues under NH3 exposure. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter system showed that circ‐IFNLR1 bound directly to miR‐2188‐5p and regulated each other, and miR‐2188‐5p regulated RNF182. Overexpression of miR‐2188‐5p caused autophagy and its inhibition partially reversed autophagy in LMH cells which were caused by ammonia stimulation or knockdown of circ‐IFNLR1. The expressions of three autophagy‐related genes (LC3, Beclin 1, and BNIP3) were observably up‐regulated. Our results indicated that NH3 exposure caused autophagy through circ‐IFNLR1/miR‐2188‐5p/RNF182. These results provided new insights for the study of ammonia on environmental toxicology on ceRNA and circRNAs in vivo and vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic transport properties of a 2D normal metal superconductor are studied by a nonequilibrium Green's function method. The normal metal is the non‐inverted HgTe/CdTe quantum well doped by electrons. It is found that Andreev reflection (AR) is enhanced in the weak disorder regime while weakened in the strong disorder regime. However, the AR coefficient can be perfect (TA=1) with vanished fluctuations in the moderate disorder regime, whereas other scattering processes are forbidden. The mechanism goes that Anderson disorder leads to a topological Anderson insulator with bulk states localized while edge states still extensive. Multiple ARs and spin‐momentum locking cooperate to vanish the normal reflection and leave AR only. A detailed numerical study shows that fixing the Fermi surface in conduction band, a large enough junction width, and a strong coupling between the normal and superconducting leads are necessary for perfect AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new method to construct low-dimensional quantum devices consisting of the magnetic topological insulators. Unlike previous systems based on locally depleting two-dimensional electron gas in semiconductor heterojunctions, magnetization provides a simpler and rewriteable fabrication way. The motion of electrons can be manipulated through the domain wall formed by the boundary between different magnetic domains. Here, three devices designed by local magnetization are presented. For the quantum point contact, conductance exhibits quantized plateaus with the increasing silt width between two magnetic domains. For the quantum dot, conductance shows pronounced peaks as the change of gate voltage. Finally, for the Aharonov–Bohm ring, conductance oscillates periodically with the external magnetic field. Numerical results show that the transport of these local magnetization systems is identical to that of the previous systems based on depleting two-dimensional electron gas, and the only difference is the approach of construction. These findings may pave the way for realization of low-power-consumption devices based on magnetic domain walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative structure for a self-restrained grid shear wall with diagonal CFRP-steel composite strips. Steel and CFRP strips are interwoven to enhance the structural integrity of the shear wall. Quasi-static tests are initially conducted on two shear wall specimens with and without diagonal CFRP-steel composite strips. Subsequently, a finite element model is established to represent the self-restrained grid shear wall with diagonal CFRP-steel composite strips. This model is helpful for exploring the influence of composite strips arrangement on the performance of shear walls. Furthermore, a prediction formula is developed to estimate the load-bearing capacity of the CFRP-steel composite strips grid shear wall. The test results show that the yield bearing capacity, ultimate bearing capacity, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens increase by 46.6%, 58.2%, 43.6%, and 16.3% respectively after the replacement of composite strips. In addition, the results of finite element simulation indicate that the diagonal arrangement exhibits the highest efficiency in the use of CFRP materials among three reinforced structural forms-diagonal, spaced, and fully arranged composite strips. This arrangement is also the most economical and has the least adverse influence on the internal forces of the frame columns. • Completely discrete steel slit shear wall into steel plate strips. • The steel and CFRP strips are interwoven to enhance the seismic performance of the shear wall. • The effects of different composite strip arrangements are investigated. • The prediction formula of the ultimate bearing capacity of the grid shear wall with CFRP-steel composite strips has been derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solenopsis invicta is a main issue in southern China and is causing significant damage to the local ecological environment. The extensive use of insecticides has resulted in the development of tolerance in S. invicta. In our study, ten S. invicta colonies from Sichuan Province exhibited varying degrees of tolerance against flonicamid, with LC 50 values from 0.49 mg/L to 8.54 mg/L. The sensitivity of S. invicta to flonicamid significantly increased after treatment with the P450 enzyme inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Additionally, the activity of P450 in S. invicta was significantly enhanced after being treated with flonicamid. Flonicamid induced the expression levels of CYP4aa1 , CYP9e2 , CYP4C1 , and CYP6A14. The expression levels of these P450 genes were significantly higher in the tolerant colonies compared to the sensitive colonies, and the relative copy numbers of CYP6A14 in the tolerant colonies were 2.01–2.15 fold. RNAi feeding treatment effectively inhibited the expression of P450 genes, thereby reducing the tolerance of S. invicta against flonicamid. In addition, the overexpression of CYP6A14 in D. melanogaster resulted in reduced sensitivity to flonicamid. Our investigations revealed hydrophobic interactions between flonicamid and seven amino acid residues of CYP6A14, along with the formation of a hydrogen bond between Glu306 and flonicamid. Our findings suggest that flonicamid can effectively control S. invicta and P450 plays a pivotal role in the tolerance of S. invicta against flonicamid. The overexpression of CYP6A14 also increased tolerance to flonicamid. [Display omitted] • Differences in tolerance among S.invicta colonies to flonicamid was demonstrated. • Higher expression levels of P450 genes were shown in the flonicamid tolerant colony. • RNAi treatment of P450 genes reduces the tolerance of S. invicta to flonicamid. • Overexpression of CYP6A14 in D. melanogaster boosts its tolerance to flonicamid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To measure left ventricular (LV) trabecular complexity by fractal dimension (FD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and assess whether FD was an independent risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), or a significant predictor for adverse outcome in this population. The study retrospectively enrolled 104 participants with ESRD who underwent 3.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from June 2018 to November 2020. LV trabeculation was quantified with fractal analysis of short-axis cine slices to estimate the FD. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate FD and cardiac MRI parameters and to find independent risk predictors. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to investigate the association between FD and MACE. LV FD was higher in in the HFpEF group than those in the non-HFpEF group, with the greatest difference near the base of the ventricle. Age, minimum left atrial volume index, and LV mean basal FD were independent predictors for HFpEF in patients with ESRD. Combining the mean basal FD with typical predictive factors resulted in a C-index (0.902 vs 0.921), which was not significantly higher. Same improvements were found for net reclassification improvement [0.642; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.254–1.029] and integrated discrimination index (0.026; 95% CI, 0.008–0.061). Participants with a LV global FD above the cutoff value (1.278) had higher risks of MACE in ESRD patients. LV trabecular complexity measured by FD was an independent risk factor for HFpEF, and a significant predictor for MACE among patients with ESRD. • LV FD were significantly higher in patients with HFpEFcompared to those without HFpEF. • Mean basal FD was an independent predictor for HFpEF in ESRD patients. • Adding mean basal FD to the baseline model resulted in a better discriminatory ability. • ESRD patients with a global FD above cutoff value had higher risks for MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Three novel series of dihydrotriazine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Abstract Three novel series of dihydrotriazine derivatives bearing 1,3-diaryl pyrazole moieties were designed, synthesized and evaluated in terms of their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Most of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition of several Gram-positive bacterial strains (including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates) and Gram-negative bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 1–64 µg/mL. Compounds 4b and 4c presented the most potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus 4220, MRSA 3167, QRSA 3519) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli 1924), with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1 or 2 µg/mL. Compared with previous studies, these compounds exhibited a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds 4a , 4b , 4c and 11n were assessed in L02 cells. In vitro enzyme study implied that compound 4c exerted its antibacterial activity through DHFR inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blends and PLA/PCL/silicon carbide (SiC) composites were prepared using a solution blending method. The surface of the SiC whiskers was modified using a silane coupling agent. The effects of the PCL and SiC contents on the flexural properties, fracture toughness, morphology of PLA/PCL blends, and PLA/PCL/SiC composites were investigated using several techniques. Both the fracture toughness and flexural strength of PLA increased by the introduction of PCL and were further improved by the formation of SiC whiskers. Fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that the use of PCL as a reinforcing agent induces plastic deformation in the PLA/PCL blends. The SiC whiskers absorbed external energy because of their good interfacial adhesion with the PLA matrix and through SiC-PLA debonding in the PLA/PCL/SiC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five series of dihydrotriazine derivatives containing chalcone ( 13a–i ), phenoxy acetophenone ( 14a–b ), benzyl benzene ( 15a–c ), naphthoxyl acetophenone ( 16a–b ) and benzyl naphthalene ( 17a–h ) moieties were designed and synthesized. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds were evaluated against several strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as a single fungus. Compound 17h was found to be the most potent of all of the compounds tested, with an MIC value of 0.5 μg/mL against several Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus 4220 and QRSA CCARM 3505) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli 1924) strains of bacteria. However, this compound was inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2742 and Salmonella typhimurium 2421, indicating that its antibacterial spectrum is similar to those of the positive controls gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin. The cytotoxic activity of the compound 13i , 16b and 17h was assessed in Human normal liver cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of randomized evidence makes it difficult to establish reliable treatment recommendations for patients with M2 occlusion. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) with best medical management (BMM) in patients with M2 occlusion, and to investigate whether the optimal treatment varies according to stroke severity. Methods: Comprehensive literature retrieval was conducted to identify studies that directly compared the outcomes of EVT and BMM. According to stroke severity, the study population were classified into those with moderate-severe stroke and those with mild stroke. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ≥ 6 was defined as moderate-severe stroke, and NIHSS scores 0–5 as mild stroke. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to measure the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 72 h, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores 0–2 and the mortality at 90 days. Results: Totally, 20 studies were identified, including 4358 patients. In the moderate-severe stroke population, the EVT had 82% higher odds for mRS scores 0–2 (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.34–2.49) and a 43% lower odds for mortality (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.82) compared with the BMM. However, no difference was found in the sICH rate (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44–1.77). In the mild stroke population, no differences were observed in the mRS scores 0–2 (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.10) or mortality (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.72–2.10) between EVT and BMM, whereas EVT was associated with higher sICH rate (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.86–9.49). Conclusion: EVT may be only beneficial for patients with M2 occlusion and high stroke severity, but not for those with NIHSS scores 0–5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of dihydrotriazine derivatives bearing 5-aryloxypyrazole moieties were identified as novel anticancer agents. [Display omitted] • Compound 10e displayed better activity than commercial drugs (5-Fu), with an IC 50 value of 2.12 µM for HepG-2 cells. • Compound 10e could enhance the expression of Cl-PARP, Cl-caspase-3 and Cl-caspase-9. • 10e triggered the formation of autophagosomes by promoting the expression of LC3-II and Beclin-1. A series of dihydrotriazine derivatives bearing 5-aryloxypyrazole moieties were designed, and their anticancer activities against three human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, HepG-2 and MCF-7) and one non-cancer cell line (LO2) were explored using the MTT assay in vitro. Most of the compounds exhibited potent antiproliferative activities against the three cancer cell lines, with compound 10e (IC 50 = 2.12 µM) exhibiting the most potent antiproliferative activity against HepG-2 cells. Interestingly, autophagy was observed in the 10e -treated HepG-2 cells. Compound 10e also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and resulted in marked HepG-2 cells apoptosis. Further studies revealed that compound 10e could enhance the expression of Cl-PARP, Cl-caspase-3, and Cl-caspase-9. In addition, 10e triggered the formation of autophagosomes by promoting LC3-II and Beclin-1 expression. These results might be useful for exploring and developing dihydrotriazine derivatives as novel anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), it is possible to determine the three-dimensional structures of noncrystalline objects with coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. In this diffract-and-destroy mode, many snapshot diffraction patterns are obtained from the identical objects which are presented one by one in random orientations to the XFEL beam. Determination of the orientation of an individual object is essential for reconstruction of a three-dimensional structure. Here a new method, called the multiple-common-lines method, has been proposed to determine the orientations of high- and low-signal snapshot diffraction patterns. The mean errors of recovered orientations (α, β, γ) of high- and low-signal patterns are about 0.14, 0.06, 0.12 and 0.77, 0.31, 0.60°, respectively; both sets of errors can meet the requirements of the reconstruction of a three-dimensional structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complicated electronic configuration of atoms and ions of the transition metal elements, the studies for properties such as transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for these atoms and ions are not systematic. Because of the existence in a variety of stellar objects and wide use in the field of astrophysics, titanium has long been of interest for many researchers. In this article within the Weakest Bound Electron Potential Model (WBEPM) theory, comprehensive set of calculations for transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for Ti III and Ti IV are performed. Many of our results had no previous experimental or theoretical values, so these predictive results could be of some value to the workers in this field. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) or the acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) is a 9–10 kDa highly conserved multifunctional protein that plays important roles in GABAA receptor activity regulation, lipid absorption and steroidogenesis in various organisms. To study the functions of DBI/ACBP in insect development or diapause, we cloned the cDNA from Helicoverpa armigera (Har) utilizing rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). By homology search, Har-DBI/ACBP is conserved with the DBI/ACBPs known from other insects. Northern blot analysis showed that DBI/ACBP gene expressed in nonneural and neural tissues. RT-PCR combined Southern blot analysis revealed that DBI/ACBP mRNA in the brain of nondiapause individual was much higher than that in the brain of diapausing insects. At early and middle stages of 6th instar larvae, the level of DBI/ACBP mRNA was higher in the midgut of diapause type than that in nondiapause type and low at late 6th instar larval stage and early pupal stage in both types. In the prothoracic gland (PG), DBI/ACBP expression appeared at a high level at middle and late stages of 6th larval instar in both nondiapause and diapause types, and declined after pupation. In vitro experiments revealed that DBI/ACBP mRNA in PG could be stimulated by synthetic H. armigera diapause hormone (Har-DH), suggesting that Har-DH may stimulate the PG to produce ecdysteroids by the DBI/ACBP signal pathway. By in vitro assay, we also found that FGIN-1-27, which has similar functions to DBI/ACBP in ecdysteroidogenesis, could induce PG ecdysteroidogenesis effectively, suggesting that DBI/ACBP regulates biosynthesis of ecdysteroids in PG. Thus, DBI/ACBP indeed plays a key role in metabolism and development in H. armigera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have cloned the gene encoding the diapause hormone and the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide in Helicoverpa armigera (Har-DH-PBAN). The Har-DH-PBAN gene contains six exons and five introns that fall in the same positions as in the Bombyx mori DH-PBAN gene (Bom-DH-PBAN). The transcription initiation site lays 29 bp upstream of the translation initiation site. Southern blot analysis suggests that a single copy of this gene is present per haploid genome. A structural comparison of DH-PBAN promoters between H. armigera and B. mori show similarities in the TATA box and in a potential binding site for a POU family transcription factor, POU-M2. However, testing of these DNA regions for factor binding in vitro and transcription assays in cell culture highlight significant differences in their regulation particularly in reference to the POU-M2 sites. Our results uncover common and different regulatory mechanisms at work in the control of DH-PBAN gene expression in H. armigera and B. mori. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We obtained a full-length cDNA encoding diapause hormone (DH) and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in Samia cynthia ricini based on both reverse transciptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) strategies. The open reading frame (ORF) of this cDNA encodes a 198-amino acid precursor protein that contains a 33-aa PBAN, a 24-aa DH-like peptide, and three other neuropeptides, all of which share a common C-terminal pentapeptide motif FXPR/KL (X=G, T, S). Samia DH-like and PBAN show high homology to their counterpart in other Lepidoptera. Northern blots demonstrate the presence of a 0.8-kb transcript in the suboesophageal ganglion (SG). The DH-PBAN mRNA was detectable at much lower levels in other neural tissues, such as brain and thoracic ganglia (TG), but not in non-neural tissue, such as the midgut, silk gland, fat body or epidermis. The DH-PBAN mRNA content in the SG was measured using the combined method of quantitative RT-PCR and Southern blotting and was shown to vary with developmental stage. Using an antiserum against Helicoverpa armigera PBAN, PBAN-like immunoreactivity was detected in the SG, TG and terminal abdomen ganglion of S. cynthia ricini by whole-mount immunocytochemistry. The changes of PBAN-like immunoreactivity in the hemolymph are consistent with PBAN transcripts in the SG during pupal development. PBAN increases quickly at adult eclosion, an observation that is consistent with PBAN''s key role in pheromone biosynthesis, and synthetic PBAN or brain-SG extracts successfully stimulates pheromone biosynthesis in decapitated moths. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

FXPRLamide peptides encoded by the DH-PBAN (diapause hormone-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide) gene induce embryonic diapause in Bombyx mori, but terminate pupal diapause in Helicoverpa armigera (Har). Here, we explore the mechanisms of terminating pupal diapause by the FXPRLamide peptides. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we observed that expression of Har-DH-PBAN mRNA in the SG of nondiapause-type pupae was significantly higher than in diapause-type pupae. Immunocytochemical results indicated that the level of FXPRLamide peptides and axonal release are related to the diapause decision. Ecdysteroidogenesis in prothoracic glands (PGs) was stimulated by synthetic Har-DH in vivo and in vitro, and labeled Har-DH bound to the membrane of the PG, thus suggesting that DH breaks diapause by activating the PG to synthesize ecdysone. Furthermore, the response of DH in terminating diapause was temperature dependent. Decerebration experiments showed that the brain can control pupal development through the regulation of DH, and DH can terminate diapause and promote development without the brain. This result suggests a possible mechanism of response for the signals of DH and other FXPRLamide peptides in H. armigera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diapause hormone (DH) and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) are encoded by a single mRNA in the suboesophegeal ganglion (SG) and are responsible for induction of embryonic diapause in Bombyx mori and sex pheromone biosynthesis in lepidopteran insects. PBAN cDNA analyses revealed that the DH-like peptide is present in several species that have a pupal diapause. However, the function of the DH-like peptide remains unknown. In the present study, we cloned the cDNA encoding DH-PBAN in Helicoverpa armigera utilizing the rapid amplification of the cDNA ends method. The nucleotide se quence analysis revealed that the longest open reading frame of this cDNA encodes a 194-amino acid precursor protein that con tains a 33-aa PBAN, a 24-aa DH-like peptide, and three other neuropeptides, all of which have a common C-terminal pentapeptide motif FXPR/KL (X=G, T, S). A homology search showed that H. armigera DH-like and PBAN are highly homologous to those from other insects. Northern blot analysis demonstrated a single message RNA corresponding to the size of Har-DH-PBAN cDNA from pupal SG with significantly higher expression in the SG of nondiapause pupae than diapausing pupae. Western blot analysis showed DH-like peptide expression from SG of both males and females. When DH-like peptide was injected into nondiapause larvae and pupae, it did not induce diapause, but rather efficiently broke pupal diapause in H. armigera. The ED50 of DH to terminate pupal diapause is 20 pmol/pupae. The other four FXPRLamide neuropeptides from the DH-PBAN polyprotein precursor have cross activity for diapause termination. These observations therefore suggest a potential role for these FXPRL family peptides in promoting continuous development in several noctuid species. The high expression of this gene in pharate adults and adults indicates that the FXPRL family peptides may have multiple physiological functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent studies in Helicoverpa armigera report a novel role for diapause hormone (DH), pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and three other FXPRLamide neuropeptides secreted from suboesophageal ganglion (SG) in terminating pupal diapause. In the present paper, we investigated the role of these five FXPRLamide family neuropeptides on pupal development. Although removal of SG could not make nondiapause-destined pupae enter diapause-like status, it did make them eclose approximately 0.6–1.2 days later when compared with the controls. The results of competitive ELISAs showed a high level of FXPRLamide titer in the hemolymph of the SG-removed pupae and this may be due to the expression of the DH-PBAN gene in tissues other than SG. DH-PBAN mRNA and peptides were also detected in the thoracic ganglia (TGs) by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The expression of DH-PBAN gene in the TGs of the SG-removed pupae is significantly higher than that in normal pupae by quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry. Decerebration experiments proved that the decerebrated pupae could enter diapause-like status through down-regulation of FXPRLamide titer in hemolymph. Our studies confirm that the brain plays an important role in the determination of pupal development by regulating the synthesis and release of FXPRLamide neuropeptides in H. armigera. Thus, the function of FXPRLamide peptides in H. armigera is closely correlated with pupal development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical derivatization-based liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) technique is an effective analytical tool for trace small-molecular weight compounds analysis present in complex samples. Chemical derivatization technique can improve the detection sensitivity, selectivity, chromatographic separation and identification capability of LC-ESI-MS analysis. In this review, we summarized the progress of chemical derivatization-assisted LC-MS methods in the period of 2014–2018, according to the functional groups of analytes, such as carboxyls, amines, carbonyls, thiols, hydroxyls, phosphates, modified nucleic acids, conjugated dienes and carbon-carbon double bonds. We mainly focused on the reaction principles of representative derivatization reagents with some application cases highlighting the impact of chemical derivatization-assisted LC-MS technique, which would be helpful for the designing and synthesis of new derivatization reagents for the analysis of small-molecular weight compounds in complex samples. • We provide a comprehensive review of derivatization-based LC-MS in the period from 2014 to 2018. • We summarize the principles and properties of representative derivatization reagents. • We discuss the typical application cases of derivatization to highlight their impact. • We describe the advantages and prospects of derivatization based LC-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Build an experimental platform of intermediate cycle aeroengine thermal management system. • Explore the influences of working condition on the systematic heat transportation. • Apply heat current method and artificial neural network builds simulation model. With the increment of Mach number, the heat dissipation load of aeroengine increases significantly. Systematic thermal management has become an urgent problem to be solved. The intermediate cycle system is one of the widely used thermal management solutions. This paper builds an experiment platform of thermal management system of aeroengine including intermediate cycle to explore the influence of working condition on the systematic heat transportation. Water is selected as the working medium in the experiment. The experiment results show all the temperatures of working medium decrease with the flow rate increment of working medium in fuel oil circuit. The temperature of working medium flowing to the afterburner increases with the temperature increment of lube oil circuit1 and 2. But only the temperature of working medium flowing to the main combustor increases while the temperatures of lube oil circuit1 increase. At last, using heat current method and flow resistance model builds the systematic simulation model. The relative errors between the simulation and experimental values are all less than 5%. The simulation results show all the temperatures of working medium increase with the increment of fuel oil circuit temperature. The working medium temperature flowing to the afterburner and lube oil circuit2 increases with the flow rate increment of lube oil circuit3. It reveals the heat transfer principle of the intermediate circulation thermal system under different working states and provides a powerful guidance for the systematic analysis and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel aluminum honeycomb sandwich panel buckling-restrained steel plate shear wall (HCSP-SPSW) that used honeycomb core sandwich panels (HCSP) as restraining members. Compared with the traditional concrete restraining panel, HCSP is lighter, more rigid, and offers additional functions such as energy and sound absorption, increasing functionality while effectively restraining out-of-plane buckling deformation of the wall panel. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests were initially conducted on two 1/3 scaled specimens to study their shear performance. Second, a finite element (FE) model is established and validated, and parameters such as chunking and honeycomb core dimensions are analyzed. Furthermore, an equation for calculating the bearing capacity of HCSP is derived and confirmed through the finite element analysis. The results reveal that, when the out-of-face equivalent modulus of HCSP is 5945.51 MPa, HCSP-SPSW improves the load carrying capacity by 16.42% and increases energy consumption by 80.54% compared to the thin steel plate shear wall (SPSW), and achieves the requirement of complete buckling restrained behavior. The effect of partitioning on shear bearing capacity and energy dissipation is minimal when the number of bolts and edge spacing remains constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The diapause hormone (DH)-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) gene encodes five neuropeptides, DH, PBAN, α-SGNP, β-SGNP, and γ-SGNP (subesophageal ganglion neuropeptide). All share the C-terminal pentapeptide FXPRLamide sequence and are produced in the subesophageal ganglion (SG). Expression of the DH–PBAN gene in the central nervous system of embryonic, larval, pupal, and adult Helicoverpa armigera (Har) was studied using in situ hybridization, whole-mount immunocytochemistry, and competitive ELISA. Both Har-DH–PBAN mRNA and protein are localized in the mandibular, maxillary, and labial cell clusters of the SG and a pair of ventral midline neurons of each thoracic ganglion. The FXPRLamide titers in hemolymph are significantly higher in diapause-destined larvae during the fifth and sixth instar than in similar nondiapause-destined individuals. In contrast, the FXPRLamide titers in diapause-destined pupae are significantly lower than in nondiapause-destined pupae. The results from immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization are consistent with changes of FXPRLamide titers as measured by ELISA. These data suggest that the expression of DH–PBAN might be correlated with diapause induction at the larval stage of diapause-destined individuals and continuous development at pupal stage of nondiapause-destined individuals. Thus, the DH–PBAN gene may play an important regulatory role in aspects of insect development besides diapause termination and pheromone biosynthesis. The transport pathways of FXPRLamide neuropeptides suggest that humoral route is involved in their regulation of development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fibrotic tissue remodelling in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will probably emerge as the leading cause of end-stage liver disease in the coming decades, but the ability to diagnose liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients noninvasively is limited. The abnormal expression of tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) in plasma provides a novel idea for noninvasive diagnosis of various diseases, however, the relationship between tsRNAs and NAFLD is still unknown. Here, we took advantage of small RNA-Seq technology to profile tsRNAs in NAFLD patients and found the ubiquitous presence of hepatic tsRNAs secreted into circulating blood. Verification in a cohort of 114 patients with NAFLD and 42 patients without NAFLD revealed that three tsRNAs (tRF-Val-CAC-005, tiRNA-His-GTG-001, and tRF-Ala-CGC-006) were significantly elevated in the plasma of NAFLD patients, and the expression level are associated with NAFLD activity score (calculated from 0 to 8) and fibrosis stage (scored from 0 to 4). In mouse models, we further found that increased plasma levels of these three tsRNAs were positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Our study potentially identifies a new class of NAFLD biomarkers and reveal the possible existence of tsRNAs in the blood that can be used to predict fibrogenesis risk in patients diagnosed with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer-related anemia is present in more than 60% of newly diagnosed cancer patients and is associated with substantial morbidity and high medical costs. Drugs that enhance erythropoiesis are urgently required to decrease transfusion rates and improve quality of life. Clinical studies have observed an unexpected improvement in hemoglobin and RBC transfusion-independence in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with the isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutant-specific inhibitor enasidenib, leading to improved quality of life without a reduction in AML disease burden. Here, we demonstrate that enasidenib enhanced human erythroid differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors. The phenomenon was not observed with other IDH1/2 inhibitors and occurred in IDH2-deficient CRISPR-engineered progenitors independently of D-2-hydroxyglutarate. The effect of enasidenib on hematopoietic progenitors was mediated by protoporphyrin accumulation, driving heme production and erythroid differentiation in committed CD71+ progenitors rather than hematopoietic stem cells. Our results position enasidenib as a promising therapeutic agent for improvement of anemia and provide the basis for a clinical trial using enasidenib to decrease transfusion dependence in a wide array of clinical contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant tumor caused by the abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. Among a new series of acridone derivatives previously synthesized, it was found that the methoxybenzyl 5-nitroacridone derivative 8q has nanomolar cytotoxicity in vitro against human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. In order to further explore the possible anti-leukemia mechanism of action of 8q on K562 cells, a metabolomics and molecular biology study was introduced. It was thus found that most of the metabolic pathways of the G1 phase of K562 cells were affected after 8q treatment. In addition, a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the G1 phase was observed by cell cycle analysis. Western blot analysis showed that 8q significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation level of retinoblastoma-associated protein (Rb) in a concentration-dependent manner, upon 48 h treatment. In addition, 8q induced K562 cells apoptosis, through both mitochondria-mediated and exogenous apoptotic pathways. Taken together, these results indicate that 8q effectively triggers G1 cell cycle arrest and induces cell apoptosis in K562 cells, by inhibiting the CDK4/6-mediated phosphorylation of Rb. Furthermore, the possible binding interactions between 8q and CDK4/6 protein were clarified by homology modeling and molecular docking. In order to verify the inhibitory activity of 8q against other chronic myeloid leukemia cells, KCL-22 cells and K562 adriamycin-resistant cells (K562/ADR) were selected for the MTT assay. It is worth noting that 8q showed significant anti-proliferative activity against these cell lines after 48 h/72 h treatment. Therefore, this study provides new mechanistic information and guidance for the development of new acridones for application in the treatment of CML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derivatization is frequently used in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to improve the ionization characteristics of analytes, and facilitate their structural elucidation and quantification. However, the off-line derivatization process usually requires more analysis time. Therefore, the present work develops a novel LC/post-column derivatization (PCD)/MS (LC-PCD-MS) method for rapid detection of aldehydes in complex samples. The PCD method is based on a bisulfite addition reaction with aldehydes that can be easily conducted by mixing the LC elute with an (NH 4) 2 SO 3 solution via a tee. The resulting derivatives readily produce diagnostic HSO 3 − ions under collision induced dissociation (CID) in the negative ion mode of MS, even at an extremely low CID energy such as 1 eV, which can significantly improve the detection selectivity of aldehydes and reduce the occurrence of false positives. The limits of detection (LODs) of hexanal and heptanal were 3 nM and 2 nM, respectively. Moreover, good linearity in the concentration range of 0.01–1 μM for hexanal and heptanal was obtained with the determination coefficient (R2) being greater than 0.996 and the intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 13.5% and 17.9%, respectively, indicating the acceptable reproducibility of the method. The LC-PCD-MS method was successfully applied for the rapid quantification of aldehydes in human urine and solvent extracts of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Furthermore, a precursor ion scan strategy based on the diagnostic HSO 3 − ion was also developed and applied for the preliminary screening of aldehydes in complex samples of cinnamon and lemongrass. Image 1 • The PCD can be realized by mixing the LC elute and (NH 4) 2 SO 3 solution. • The PCD process enables the on-line derivatization and rapid detection of aldehydes by LC-MS. • Both PCD and ionization efficiency are almost unaffected by interferences. • The diagnostic HSO 3 − ion enabled preliminary screening of aldehydes in complex samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To explore the association of baseline characteristics and the outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) after stent retriever–based thrombectomy (SRT). Methods Clinical and imaging information of consecutive SRT-treated patients with BAO from a comprehensive stroke center and up-to-date literature were reviewed respectively. The impact of baseline variables toward favorable outcome was evaluated using subgroup analysis and odds ratio (OR) extracted from published data together with single-center records using pooled analysis. Results Nineteen cases from our center and 15 published studies involving 487 cases were included. Estimated pooled favorable outcome rate was 0.3746 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3165–0.4327), mortality was 0.2950 (95% CI, 0.2390–0.3510). Pooled estimates showed that successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia scale 2b or 3) gained by SRT alone was 0.7317 (95% CI, 0.6532–0.8102) and final successful reperfusion rate with or without additional reperfusion procedures was 0.8834 (95% CI, 0.8279–0.9390). Univariate analysis indicated that patients with successful reperfusion (OR, 2.05; P = 0.05), distal segment occlusion (OR, 2.03; P = 0.03), and cardioembolus origin (OR, 2.13; P = 0.01) were more likely to have favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at 3 months). Study series that applied intra-arterial thrombolysis, angioplasty, or stenting as rescuing therapy had higher successful reperfusion rate but they did not show a higher rate of favorable outcome. Conclusions SRT with or without additional treatment appeared to be effective for the treatment of BAO. Successful reperfusion, distal segment occlusion, and cardiac embolism were associated with favorable outcome. The overall benefit of lesions requiring additional reperfusion therapy was unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fully automated in-tube solid phase microextraction/liquid chromatography-post column derivatization-mass spectrometry (in-tube SPME/LC-PCD-MS) method was developed for the analysis of urinary hexanal and heptanal. Online in-tube SPME enabled effective enrichment of the low level aldehydes and elimination of matrix interferences. PCD could be simply realized by mixing the LC elute and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (HAHC) solution with just a tee. The peak broadening and loss in separation efficiency associated with post column dead-volume could be ignored and even completely eliminated by employing suitable PCD configuration. What’s more, HAHC is commercially available and quite cheap, and shows no contaminations to MS. The entire procedure, including the extraction of aldehydes by in-tube SPME, LC separation, post column derivatization and MS detection were integrated together and completely automated, offering competitive advantages in terms of rapidity, economy, reproducibility and simplicity. The developed protocol was then successfully performed to determine lung cancer biomarkers (hexanal, heptanal) levels in urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Whether perioperative blood transfusions (PBTs) negatively impact oncologic outcomes after curative resection for HCC remains controversial. We aimed to identify the independent predictive factors of PBT for curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to investigate the impact of PBT on long-term recurrence and survivals after resection. Methods Of 1103 patients who underwent curative liver resection for HCC between 1999 and 2010, 285 (25.8%) patients received PBT. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive factors of PBT. Propensity scores and Cox regression analyses were used to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between patients who did and did not receive PBT. Results Multivariable regression analysis revealed that performance status, preoperative hemoglobin, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, tumor rupture, tumor size, macroscopic vascular invasion, and intraoperative blood loss were independent predictive factors of PBT for HCC resection. Propensity score matching analysis created 234 pairs of patients. Before propensity matching, PBT was significantly associated with increased risks of OS (HR: 2.455, 95% CI: 2.077–2.901, p <0.001) and RFS (HR: 2.018, 95% CI: 1.718–2.370, p <0.001) in the entire cohort. After propensity matching, PBT was not significantly associated with increased risks of OS (HR: 1.229, 95% CI: 0.988–1.527, p = 0.063) and RFS (HR: 1.188, 95% CI: 0.960–1.469, p = 0.113). After adjustment for other prognostic variables in the propensity matched cohort, PBT was still found not to be associated with OS and RFS after HCC resection. Conclusions The present study identified that PBT did not influence RFS and OS after curative resection of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three series of 1,3-diaryl pyrazole derivatives bearing aminoguanidine or furan-2-carbohydrazide moieties have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Most of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition of several Gram-positive bacterial strains (including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates) and Gram-negative bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 1–64 μg/mL. Compounds 6g , 6l and 7l presented the most potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus 4220), Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli 1924) and the fungus, Candida albicans 7535, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1 or 2 μg/mL. Compared with previous studies, these compounds exhibited a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity. Furthermore, compound 7l showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity (93.59% inhibition, 30 min after intraperitoneal administration), which was more potent than the reference drugs ibuprofen and indomethacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dual anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies have been shown to improve outcomes of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. We undertook a systematic review to compare treatment outcomes for patients who received single or combined anti-HER2 therapies.Methods: We identified randomized control trials that compared dual anti-HER2 therapy and anti-HER2 monotherapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Outcomes included pathologic complete response (pCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events. Included in the analysis were seven trials that recruited 2,609 patients.Results: In the neoadjuvant setting, the pooled pCR rate in the dual anti-HER2 therapy and monotherapy groups in combination with chemotherapy was 54.8% and 36%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (relative risk, 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23-1.97; p < 0.001). In the metastatic setting, dual anti-HER2 therapy demonstrated significant benefits in both PFS (hazard ratio (HR), 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62-0.81; p < 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.57-0.82; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the addition of chemotherapy to dual anti-HER2 therapy could greatly improve pCR in the neoadjuvant settings. However, in the metastatic setting, similar PFS and OS were found in patients receiving dual anti-HER2 therapy with or without chemotherapy. Dual anti-HER2 therapy was associated with more frequent adverse events than monotherapy, but no statistical differences were observed in cardiac toxicity.Conclusions: This systematic review provides a summary of all the data currently available, and confirms the benefits and risks of dual anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic rice is a new production system in which specially-developed varieties are grown under non-flooded, non-puddled, and non-saturated soil conditions. In 2003–2004, irrigation x Nitrogen experiments were carried out near Beijing using variety HD297. Water treatments included four irrigation levels, and Nitrogen treatments included different fertilizer N application rates and different numbers of N splits. The highest yields were 4 460 kg/ha with 688 mm of total (rain plus irrigation) water input in 2003 and 6 026 kg/ha with 705 mm of water input in 2004. Because of the quite even distribution of rainfall in both years, the four irrigation treatments did not result in large differences of soil water conditions. There were few significant effects of irrigation on biomass accumulation, but yield increased with the total amount of water applied. High yields coincided with high harvest index and high percentages of grain filling. The application of fertilizer N either reduced biomass and yield or kept it at the same level as 0 N and consistently reduced the percentage grain filling and 1000-grain weight. With the highest water application, five splits of N gave higher yield than three splits, whereas three splits gave higher yield than five splits with lower water applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal distribution in clinical onset of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in a multi-center cohort in China. This retrospective study consecutively recruited patients with new-onset definite neuronal surface antibody-associated AE between January 2015 and December 2020 from 3 tertiary hospitals. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were comprehensively collected. Statistical analyses were performed using R. Of the 184 patients of AE in our database, 149 (81.0%) were included in the final analysis. The median age of onset was 40.0 years, and 66 (44.3%) patients were female. AE predominantly started in autumn (47, 31.5%) and summer (43, 28.9%) months. Summer-autumn predominance of the clinical onsets was also present in the anti- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis group (54, 60.0%) and anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis group (20, 76.9%). No obvious seasonal variations were observed among gender, onset age, disease duration, prodromal symptoms, clinical type of initial symptoms, and disease severity by the time of admission. This study suggested summer-autumn predominance of the clinical onsets in patients with AE, especially anti-NMDAR and anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Therefore, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for AE in encephalopathy patients in summer and autumn period. [Display omitted] • We aimed to clarify the seasonal distribution in clinical onset of AE in a multi-center cohort. • Seasonal predominance of the clinical onset in patients with AE was summer and autumn periods. • Summer and autumn predominance of clinical onset was present in anti-NMDAR and anti-LGI1 encephalitis. • No obvious seasonal variations were observed among demographic and clinical features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diapause hormone (DH) and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) are two crucial neuropeptides which regulate insect development and sex pheromone biosynthesis respectively. These peptides are encoded by a single gene, termed DH-PBAN gene. In this study, we characterized the promoter of the DH-PBAN gene in Helicoverpa armigera (Har). Transient transfection assays using a series of stepwise deletion fragments linked to the luciferase reporter gene indicate that the promoter contains multiple regulator domains that can activate and repress reporter gene expression. The fragment spanning −467 to −371 bp of the DH-PBAN promoter is an activator domain of transcription, whereas the region from −965 to −534 bp represses the promoter activity in the insect cell line BmN. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate that at least two nuclear protein factors from the nuclear protein extracts of H. armigera suboesophageal ganglion, Har-DHMBP-1 and-2 (DH-modulator-binding protein) can specifically bind to the activating region. Furthermore, we characterized in detail that the nuclear protein factor Har-DHMBP-3 can specifically bind to a classical E-box, CAGCTG localized at positions −360 to −355 bp, a potential site for interaction with basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors. Mutation of this E-box results in a significant reduction of the promoter activity, suggesting it can modulate the previously identified activator domain. Taken together, multipartite cis-elements and transcription factors in the DH-PBAN promoter are involved in regulation of the gene expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twenty target compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated in terms of their biological activity. Twenty benzothiazole derivatives bearing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Among these compounds, 8h and 8l were appeared to have high radical scavenging efficacies as 0.05 ± 0.02 and 0.07 ± 0.03 mmol/L of IC 50 values in ABTS+ bioassay, respectively. In anti-inflammatory tests, compound 8h displayed good activity with 57.35% inhibition after intraperitoneal administration, which was more potent than the reference drug (indomethacin). Molecular modeling studies were performed to investigate the binding mode of the representative compound 8h into COX-2 enzyme. In vitro enzyme study implied that compound 8h exerted its anti-inflammatory activity through COX-2 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the translational study analyzed serum osteopontin levels of the 107 patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and 10 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis has revealed that initial serum osteopontin concentration is independently associated with the long-term survival in the patients with CCA post curative resection.