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Objective To investigate the hepatoprotective effect and anti-hepatocyte pyroptosis effect of Yinchenhao decoction synergized with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UcMSCs) in vitro and vivo models of acute liver failure (ALF), as compared to single-drug treatment. Methods UcMSCs were extracted from umbilical cords and identified using electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Then the exosomes released from ucMSCs (UcMSCs-exo) were isolated through ultracentrifugation, and ucMSCs-exo were identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot for CD63 and CD9. Human hepatocyte cell line LO2 cells were stimulated by 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 5 mmol/L adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to construct a vitro model of ALF. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: a normal control group, a model group, a Yinchenhao decoction treatment group, a ucMSCs-exo treatment group, and a combination treatment group. The morphological changes of LO2 were observed under the electron microscope, the mortality of LO2 cells was detected by flow analysis, the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins Caspase-1 and Cleaved-Caspase-1 was detected by Western blot, and the expression of pyroptosis-related cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 was detected by ELISA. Then, fifty 6-8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following groups: normal control group, model group, Yinchenhao decoction treatment group, ucMSCs-exo treatment group, and combined treat- ment group. Each group consisted of 10 mice. The ALF mouse model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg/kg LPS and 800 mg/kg D-galactosamine (D-GalN). After successful modeling, each group was given the appropriate drug interventions, and the ucMSCs-exo and combined treatment groups were injected with ucMSCs-exo interventions in the tail vein, and the drugs were administered continuously for 3 days. After 12 hours of intervention, serum specimens and liver tissues were collected from each group. The expression levels of ALT and AST were detected, and the liver tissues were stained with HE to observe the pathological changes. Results In the ALF cell model, hepatic cell death was inhibited in the Yinchenhao decoction treatment group, the ucMSCs-exo treatment group, and the combination group (P < 0.05). The rate of hepatic cell death in the combination treatment group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Initially, the study aimed to explore the effect on hepatic cell pyroptosis, and it was found that the combination treatment group could effectively suppress hepatocellular cell death more effectively compared to the single treatment groups. The combined treatment group significantly reduced the expression of the pyroptosis-related protein Cleaved-Caspase-1, as well as the cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of Caspase-1 (P > 0.05). In the vivo model, the single Yinchenhao decoction treatment group, the ucMSCs-exo treatment group, and the combined treatment group were able to effectively reduce the serum ALT and AST levels compared to the model group(P < 0.05). Additionally, these treatments were found to attenuate hepatocellular necrosis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Compared to the group treated with only Yinchenhao decoction or only ucMSCs-Exo, the group that received combined treat- ment showed a greater decrease in serum ALT and AST levels. Additionally, there was a reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the extent of cell death in the liver tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusions The combination of Yinchenhao decoction and ucMSCs-exo demonstrated a significantly better hepatoprotective effect in the ALF vivo model compared to the individual treatments of Yinchenhao decoction or ucMSCs-exo alone. Furthermore, this combination treatment was able to effectively inhibit hepatocyte pyroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of HBeAg-positive mothers with chronic hepatitis B have high levels of viremia and inactive disease with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during pregnancy. In addition, postpartum disease activation and ALT flare have been reported in the range of 15 − 35%. However, the current International Association Guidelines have not provided clear recommendations and a risk-stratified monitoring schedule. Furthermore, data are lacking on the definition of normal ALT in the postpartum period in mothers with chronic hepatitis B. The clinical features and ALT flare patterns in HBeAg-positive mothers versus HBeAg-negative mothers are not fully explored. Thus, we design a cohort study to investigate the aforementioned area and generate data to assist healthcare providers in better managing mothers with hepatitis B. We aim to assess the frequency of postpartum ALT flares and predictors for such events. Method: This study is a single-center and prospective cohort study (n = 360) that consists of two groups of patients including HBsAg-positive mothers (n = 120) and healthy mothers without HBV infection (n = 240). In HBeAg-positive mothers, antiviral therapy during late pregnancy is permitted to prevent Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) but discontinued at delivery if there is no further indication for the treatment. Mothers are enrolled at the gestational weeks of 12–24. After delivery, both mothers and their infants will be followed up until postpartum week 24. Clinical and laboratory data are collected every 4 weeks during the study except there are no follow-up visits at the postpartum weeks 16 and 20. The primary objective is the proportion of patients with postpartum ALT flares. The secondary objectives are independent risk factors during pregnancy for predicting postpartum ALT flares and the normal range of postpartum ALT levels in healthy mothers. Discussion: The current study focuses on the incidence of postpartum ALT flares in mothers with chronic hepatitis B including subgroup analysis based on HBeAg status. The data will have several clinical implications, such as providing evidence for an appropriate monitoring schedule in CHB mothers after delivery. Further analyses on predictors of such events may assist clinicians in identifying mothers who might develop severe postpartum ALT flares. The data generated from healthy mothers have the potential to identify the patterns of ALT changes during pregnancy and postpartum, so we can gain a better understanding of the normal range of ALT in this subpopulation. Trial Registration Number at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200061130. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeoprotein Bapx1 is an important regulator of gastroduodenal tract morphogenesis. Here, we investigated how Bapx1 influences gastric cancer (GC) prognosis and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Bapx1 expression was greater in GC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues and expression was positively correlated with mortality, lymph node and distance metastasis. Silencing Bapx1 diminished cell invasion/migration and decreased mesenchymal phenotypes. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induced Bapx1 expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC cells. However, down-regulated Bapx1 reversed TGF-β induced invasion, migration, morphological changes, and EMT. In summary, Bapx1 indicates poor prognosis for GC by promoting tumor migration and invasion via TGF-β-induced EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn coatings on Mg alloy substrate were prepared by in-situ micro-forging-assisted cold spraying with different stainless steel shot additions. Phase, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Zn coatings were investigated. The results show that the shot addition enhanced the ZnO formation and increased the full width at half maximum of the Zn phase in the Zn coatings. Plastic deformation of Zn particles was enhanced with the coating densities. Microhardness of Zn coatings was increased due to work hardening, grain refinement and densification by the hammering effect of shots. Bond strength was increased and fracture surfaces showed both metallurgical bonding and mechanical interparticle interlocking in Zn coatings. Zn coatings effectively improved the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy substrate, and the shot addition made a small contribution to the corrosion resistance. The corrosion behavior of Zn coatings was discussed in terms of corrosion products and microstructures after immersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient interface modification is introduced to improve the performance of polymeric thin film transistors. This efficient interface modification is first achieved by 4-fluorothiophenol (4-FTP) self-assembled monolayers (SAM) to chemically treat the silver source–drain (S/D) contacts while the silicon oxide (SiO2) dielectric interface is further primed by either hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) or octyltrichlorosilane (OTS-C8). Results show that contact resistance is the dominant factor that limits the field effect mobility of the PTDPPTFT4 transistors. With proper surface modification applied to both the dielectric surface and the bottom contacts, the field effect mobilities of the bottom-gate bottom-contact PTDPPTFT4 transistors were significantly improved from 0.15 cm2·V−1·s−1 to 0.91 cm2·V−1·s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was to investigate clinical significance, biological functions and underlying mechanisms of BTB Domain and CNC Homolog 1(BACH1) deregulation in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The result showed that BACH1 upregulation was significantly associated with enhanced tumor invasion ( P  = 0.014) and gender ( P  = 0.028) of CRC patients. Kaplan-Meier method results showed that the overall survival of CRC patients with high BACH1 mRNA expression was markedly shorter than those with low expression ( P  = 0.015), and multivariate analyzes results showed that BACH1 was an independent prognostic predictor for CRC patients ( P  = 0.049). In vitro studies revealed that BACH1 efficiently promoted invasion and migration of CRC cell line. In vitro studies proved that the HCT116 cell stably expressing BACH1 formed significantly larger tumor nodules and remarkably accelerated tumor xenografts growth. In addition, Immunohistochemical scores of CD31 and Vimentin were significantly higher than those of the control group. Finally, correlation analysis indicated that BACH1 expression was positively correlated with C -X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4(CXCR4) in tumor tissues and cell lines. Together, BACH1 serves as an oncogene to promote CRC progression and an independent prognostic factor for survival and metastasis. BACH1 may inhibit the progression of CRC through BACH1/CXCR4 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread to many countries around the world. In addition to lung disease, severe cases also displayed varying degrees of liver injury. This article will describe the latest developments regarding coronavirus and the pathogenesis of liver injury, the prone population and clinical characteristics of these patients, as well as providing some suggestions for clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel antibacterial agents are urgently needed to address the infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Urinary tract infections are common infectious diseases in clinical. Most of these infections are caused by drug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli. PPK1 is an essential kinase for bacterial motility, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and virulence factors in the expression of uropathogenic E. coli. In the present study, two small molecules potentially targeting PPK1 were discovered through virtual screening and biological assays. The in vitro and in vivo results suggested that the interaction of these compounds with PPK1 can disrupt biofilm formation of uropathogenic E. coli and reduce invasive ability and resistance to oxidative stress of this strain. Moreover, the compounds exhibit good antibacterial bacterial activity in the mice with urinary tract infection. Taken together, our findings could provide a new chemotype for the development of antibacterials targeting PPK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are widely spread across the world. Asymptomatic or inconspicuous CT/NG infections are difficult to diagnose and treat. Traditional methods have the disadvantages of low detection rate, inaccurate results, and long detection time. However, Xpert CT/NG makes up for the aforementioned shortcomings and has research value and popularization significance. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched, and studies were screened using Xpert CT/NG for diagnosing CT/NG. QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the eligible studies. Then, two groups of researchers independently extracted data from these studies. Meta-analyses of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were conducted using Meta-DiSc 1.4. Finally, Deek's funnel plots were made using Stata 12.0 to evaluate publication bias. Results. 14 studies were identified, and 46 fourfold tables were extracted in this meta-analysis. The pooled SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC in diagnosing CT were 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–0.95), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99–1.00), 97.17 (95% CI: 56.76–166.32), 0.07 (95% CI: 0.04–0.12), 1857.25 (95% CI: 943.78–3654.86), and 0.9960, respectively. The pooled SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC in diagnosing NG were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.96), 1.00 (95% CI: 1.00–1.00), 278.15 (95% CI: 152.41–507.63), 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06–0.12), 4290.70 (95% CI: 2161.78–8516.16), and 0.9980, respectively. Conclusions. Xpert CT/NG had high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for CT and NG. However, more evidence is required to confirm that Xpert CT/NG might serve as the primary method for detecting CT and NG and even the gold standard for diagnosis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis, and these infections are associated with a high mortality rate. Rapid and reliable diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is critical in clinical practice. However, this disease often occurs in economically depressed areas, so an inexpensive, easy to use, and accurate technology is needed. We performed a pooled-analysis to assess the potential of the recently developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of meningococcus.Methods: Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify original studies that used the LAMP assay to detect meningococcus. After pooling of data, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated, a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was determined, and the area under the SROC curve was computed to determine diagnostic accuracy. Publication bias was assessed using Deek's funnel plot.Results: We examined 14 studies within 6 publications. The LAMP assay had high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%) in the detection of meningococcus in all studies. The area under the SROC curve (0.980) indicated high overall accuracy of the LAMP assay. There was no evidence of publication bias.Discussion: The LAMP assay has accuracy comparable to bacterial culture and PCR for detection of meningococcus, but is less expensive and easier to use. We suggest the adoption of the LAMP assay to detect meningococcus, especially in economically depressed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the causative pathogen of puerperal sepsis in pregnant women and pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis in infants. Infection of GBS is responsible for the increased morbidity in pregnant women and the elderly, and bring challenges to clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, culture-based approaches to detect S.agalactiae is time-consuming with limited sensitivity. Besides, real-time quantitative PCR demands expensive instruments with tedious steps. Thus, we aim to establish a new detection method for more accurate and rapid detection of S.agalactiae. Results: The ddPCR primer targeted the CpsE gene showed better amplified efficiency in the reaction. The limit of detection for GBS DNA with ddPCR was able to reach 5 pg/μL. Moreover, no positive amplified signals could be detected in the reactions which served 11 non-GBS strains DNA as templates. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation of this method was 4.5%, indicating excellent repeatability of ddPCR assay. Conclusions: In our study, ddPCR was performed as a rapid detection of S.agalactiae with high sensitivity and specificity. This technique can promote the accuracy of the diagnosis of GBS infection and provide a scientific basis for clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered to be a potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, insufficient RFA (IRFA) can promote rapid progression of the residual tumor. The mechanisms underlying IRFA-induced tumor promotion remain poorly understood. In the present study, we have established a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model and monitored the location and extent of IRFA by dual monitoring with ultrasonography and a thermal imager. For the first time, we provide evidence of the activation of autophagic pathways in mice exposed to IRFA. We show that autophagy plays an important role in relapse and proliferation after IRFA and that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can suppress these effects. Our findings indicate that autophagy is involved in experimental IRFA and that inhibition of autophagy may be a novel approach in the treatment of local recurrences of HCC after IRFA in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the photon Green-function method to study the quantum resonant dipole–dipole interaction (RDDI) induced by an Ag nanosphere (ANP). As the distance between the two dipoles increases, the RDDI becomes weaker, which is accompanied by the influence of the higher-order mode of the ANP on RDDI declining more quickly than that of the dipole mode. Across a broad frequency range (above 0.05 eV), the transfer rate of the RDDI is nearly constant since the two dipoles are fixed at the proper position. In addition, this phenomenon still exists for slightly different radius of the ANPs. We find that the frequency corresponding to the maximum transfer rate of RDDI exhibits a monotonic decrease by moving away one dipole as the other dipole and the ANP are kept fixed. In addition, the radius of ANP has little effect on this. When the two dipoles are far from the ANP, the maximum transfer rate of the RDDI takes place at the frequency of the dipole mode. In contrast, when the two dipoles are close to the ANP, the higher-order modes come into effect and they will play a leading role in the RDDI if they match the transition frequency of the dipole. Our results may be used in a biological detector and have a certain guiding significance for further application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Aurivillius-type Bi2VO5.5-δ series doped by magnetic cations may have a significant electronic contribution to their total conductivity and special magnetoelectric properties which extend potential applications to magnetoelectronic and spintronic fields. Bi2(V1-xMnx)O5.5-δ and (Bi2-xMnx)VO5.5-δ (x=0.10–0.30) compounds with nominal composition doped by manganese cation on the Bi- or V-site were prepared via a solid-state reaction. Results show that partial substitution of Mn on the V-site stabilizes Bi2(V1-xMnx)O5.5-δ in the high-temperature tetragonal structure of Bi2VO5.5-δ for compositions in the range 0.10≤x<0.25. The geometric magnetic frustration was observed through magnetic susceptibility analysis. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method based on a four-oxygen-site model. The resulting solid-solution limit confirms the equatorial vacancy model which assumes that all vacancies are located on the equatorial oxygen sites. The possible substitution mechanism is determined which supports V↔Mn, rather than Bi↔Mn in the MnO-doped Bi2VO5.5-δ series. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The structure of niobium-doped SrBiTiO was calculated by using density function and discrete variation method (DFT-DVM). By comparing the total energy of different doping sites, the total energy is found to be lower when Nb ion was substituted into the Ti site in the upper perovskite layer, which is far from the two bismuth (Bi) ions in the perovskite layer. The bonding strength of Nb (3)-O increases and the electronic conductivity of the SBT decreases after Nb doping. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the microwave-assisted molten salt method (MAMSS) and molten salt method (MSS) were used to synthesize SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBT). The phase constitution was determined by powder X-ray diffraction and the microstructure of powder was examined by scanning electron microscopy. In contrast to the conventional MSS method, MAMSS produces more distinct plate-like grains and synthesizes both SBT and Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO) at 600°C with a 30-min soaking time. The increase of temperature and soaking time can make the plate-like grains of BTO more distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that polydatin, a crystal component extracted from the root stem of the perennial herbage Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb.et Zucc, exerts a neuroprotective effect on cerebral injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion. To investigate the possible mechanism of this action, we determined the effects of polydatin on the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) after ischemia-induced cerebral injury. Rats were treated with polydatin (i.v.) immediately after the operation of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h. It was found that polydatin improved neurological deficits and reduced the volume of brain infarction. In addition, polydatin decreased the levels of CAMs relative to the control (MCAO alone); these included intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, L-selectin and Integrins. These results suggest that polydatin exerts protective effects likely via inhibition of the expression of various CAMs; polydatin may be a potential agent for treatment of brain injury associated with stroke. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of BaWO4 addition on the microstructures, the phase formation, 1:2 ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 was investigated. Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4 secondary phases were found in all specimens containing BaWO4. The B-site ordering parameter (S) and the lattice constant (c/a) values increased with BaWO4 increased. Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics with BaWO4 addition can be sintered to 95% theoretical density at 1500 °C due to the liquid phase effect of BaWO4. At 0.03 mol BaWO4, the specimen shows the maximum Qf value of 82 300 GHz attributed to high density and ordering degree. The decrease of Qf value with further addition of BaWO4 is due to the increase of secondary phases BaWO4 and Ba5Nb4O15, which have lower Qf values than Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 phase. The variation of #x03B5;r and τf was also explained based on the logarithmic mixture rule and the volume mixture ruler, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]