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Abstract It is challenging to attain strong near-infrared (NIR) emissive gold nanoclusters. Here we show a rod-shaped cluster with the composition of [Au28(p-MBT)14(Hdppa)3](SO3CF3)2 (1 for short, Hdppa is N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino)amine, p-MBT is 4-methylbenzenethiolate) has been synthesized. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis reveals that it has a rod-like face-centered cubic (fcc) Au22 kernel built from two interpenetrating bicapped cuboctahedral Au15 units. 1 features NIR luminescence with an emission maximum at 920 nm, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is 12%, which is 30-fold of [Au21(m-MBT)12(Hdppa)2]SO3CF3 (2, m-MBT is 3-methylbenzenethiolate) with a similar composition and 60-fold of Au30S(S‑t‑Bu)18 with a similar structure. time-dependent DFT(TDDFT)calculations reveal that the luminescence of 1 is associated with the Au22 kernel. The small Stokes shift of 1 indicates that it has a very small excited state structural distortion, leading to high radiative decay rate (k r) probability. The emission of cluster 1 is a mixture of phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence(TADF), and the enhancement of the NIR emission is mainly due to the promotion of k r rather than the inhibition of k nr. This work demonstrates that the metal kernel and the surface structure are both very important for cluster-based NIR luminescence materials.

Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng (2n=2x=14, NsNs) is regarded as a valuable wild relative species for common wheat cultivar improvement because of its abundant beneficial agronomic traits. However, although the development of many wheat–P. huashanica-derived lines provides a germplasm base for the transfer of excellent traits, the lag in the identification of P. huashanica chromosomes in the wheat background has limited the study of these lines. In this study, three novel nondenaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH)-positive oligo probes were developed. Among them, HS-TZ3 and HS-TZ4 could specifically hybridize with P. huashanica chromosomes, mainly in the telomere area, and HS-CHTZ5 could hybridize with the chromosomal centromere area. We sequentially constructed a P. huashanica FISH karyotype and idiogram that helped identify the homologous groups of introduced P. huashanica chromosomes. In detail, 1Ns and 2Ns had opposite signals on the short and long arms, 3Ns, 4Ns, and 7Ns had superposed two-color signals, 5Ns and 6Ns had fluorescent signals only on their short arms, and 7Ns had signals on the intercalary of the long arm. In addition, we evaluated different ways to identify alien introgression lines by using low-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and recommended the SNP homozygosity rate in each chromosome as a statistical pattern. The 15K SNP array is widely applicable for addition, substitution, and translocation lines, and the 40K SNP array is the most accurate for recognizing transposed intervals between wheat and alien chromosomes. Our research provided convenient methods to distinguish the homologous group of P. huashanica chromosomes in a common wheat background based on ND-FISH and SNP arrays, which is of great significance for efficiently identifying wheat–P. huashanica-derived lines and the further application of Ns chromosomes.

Rye (Secale cereale L., 2n=2x=14, RR) is a significant genetic resource for improving common wheat because of its resistance to multiple diseases and abiotic-stress tolerant traits. The 1RS chromosome from the German cultivated rye variety Petkus is critical in wheat breeding. However, its weakened disease resistance highlights the need to identify new resources. In the present study, a novel derived line called D27 was developed from common wheat and Mexico Rye. Cytological observations characterized the karyotype of D27 as 2n=42=21 II. Genomic in situ hybridization indicated that a pair of whole-arm translocated Mexico Rye chromosomes were inherited typically in the mitotic and meiosis stages of D27. Experiments using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and gliadin electrophoresis showed that D27 lacked wheat 1DS chromosomes. They were replaced by 1RS chromosomes of Mexico Rye, supported by wheat simple-sequence repeat markers, rye sequence characterized amplified region markers, and wheat 40K SNP array analysis. The wheat 1DS chromosomes could not be detected by molecular markers and wheat SNP array, but the presence of rye 1RS chromosomes was confirmed. Agronomic trait assessments indicated that D27 had a higher tiller number and enhanced stripe rust and powdery mildew resistance. In addition, dough properties analysis showed that replacing 1DS led to higher viscosity and lower dough elasticity in D27, which was beneficial for cake making. In conclusion, the novel cytogenetically stable common wheat–Mexico Rye T1DL·1RS translocation line D27 offers excellent potential as outstanding germplasm in wheat breeding programs focusing on disease resistance and yield improvement. Additionally, it can be valuable for researching the rye 1RS chromosome’s genetic diversity.

This paper aims to study the fast finite-time (FFT) tracking control strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The design of FFT tracking controller for PMSM faces many difficulties due to the coupling between current and rotational speed, as well as the nonlinear characteristics of motor torque. To overcome the difficulty, we utilize a novel coordinate transformation to establish the mathematical models of PMSM in $\alpha -\beta $ coordinate system and $d-q $ coordinate system. Based on the obtained PMSM model, novel FFT tracking control strategy including FFT direct axis current tracking controller and FFT position tracking controller is developed. Superior to the existing control schemes of PMSM, the new FFT tracking control strategy ensures that the states error of the system can be quickly stabilized in a limited time with faster convergence speed and stronger anti-interference. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is illustrated by simulation results.

The paper investigates the problem of adaptive finite-time robust stabilization for a set of high-order uncertain nonlinear systems in the presence of asymmetric output constraint, dynamic uncertainty and complicated external disturbances. Via effectively integrating the artful Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) in conjunction with the continuous control armed with a serial of integral functions consisting of embedded sign operations, a continuous controller is generated, which promises that the closed-loop system’s states converge to a compact set within finite time whilst preserving the validity of the output constraint. Preferable to the current techniques, the suggested methodology unifies the construct and theoretical evaluation for the constrained and unconstrained output as well as being able to concurrently handle the output asymmetric constraints, zero dynamics and complex external disturbances. Finally, an instance of simulation is included to illustrate the validity of the established methodology.

This study explores the issue of adaptive stabilization for a class of high-order uncertain nonlinear systems with asymmetric output constraint and zero dynamics. By combining skillful Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) with the technique of continuous feedback domination equipped with a group of integral functions including nested sign functions, a continuous state feedback stabilizer is established, which guarantees that the closed-loop system’s states converge to zero asymptotically while keeping the asymmetric output restriction inviolate. Superior to the existing methods, the developed strategy can not only simultaneously cope with the output asymmetric constraints and dynamic uncertainties, but also unifies the construction and theory analysis for the limited and unlimited output. At last, a numerical simulation is offered to verify the efficiency of the developed method.

Glycoside compounds have attracted great interest due to their remarkable and multifarious bioactivities. In this study, four hitherto unknown 4-methoxy-β-D-glucosyl derivatives were obtained and identified from the marine-derived fungus Metarhizium sp. P2100, including three alpha-pyrone glycosides (1–3) and one phenolic glycoside (4). Their planar structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D/2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configurations of 1–3 were determined by a single-crystal X-ray crystallographic experiment, a comparison of the experimental, and a calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 are a pair of rare epimeric pyranoside glycosides at C-7 with a core of aglycone as 2H-pyrone. Compounds 1–4 exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activities. In particular, compounds 1–3 displayed inhibitory activities against α-amylase, showing a potential for the development of a new α-amylase inhibitor for controlling diabetes.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, Hcy-lowering strategies were found to have limited effects in reducing cardiovascular events. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Increasing evidence reveals a role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of HHcy. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a precursor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is formed via the transsulfuration pathway catalyzed by cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and serves as a novel modulator of inflammation. In the present study, we showed that methionine supplementation induced mild HHcy in mice, associated with the elevations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the plasma and reductions of plasma H2S level and CSE expression in the peritoneal macrophages. H2S-releasing compound GYY4137 attenuated the increases of TNF-α and IL-1β in the plasma of HHcy mice and Hcy-treated raw264.7 cells while CSE inhibitor PAG exacerbated it. Moreover, the in vitro study showed that Hcy inhibited CSE expression and H2S production in macrophages, accompanied by the increases of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression and DNA hypermethylation in cse promoter region. DNMT inhibition or knockdown reversed the decrease of CSE transcription induced by Hcy in macrophages. In sum, our findings demonstrate that Hcy may trigger inflammation through inhibiting CSE-H2S signaling, associated with increased promoter DNA methylation and transcriptional repression of cse in macrophages.

Abstract Objective To investigate the effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (FESWT) in treating postpartum sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction. Methods A total of 90 patients with SIJ dysfunction were included and randomly assigned to FESWT, manual therapy (MT), or combination therapy (CT) groups. Pain intensity and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were measured upon admission, after 1 and 2 weeks of treatments. The treatment efficacy and adverse events of each group were also assessed. Results There were no significant differences among three groups regarding clinical data, pain intensity, and ODI score on admission (all P > 0.05). After 1 week of treatment, FESWT exhibited similar pain intensity and lower ODI score (P

Abstract Flavonoids are the representative active substances of citrus with various biological activities and high nutritional value. In order to evaluate and utilize citrus flavonoids, isolation and purification are necessary steps. This manuscript reviewed the research advances in the extraction and purification of citrus flavonoids. The structure classification, the plant and nutritional functions, and the biosynthesis of citrus flavonoids were summarized. The characteristics of citrus flavonoids and the selection of separation strategies were explained. The technical system of extraction and purification of citrus flavonoids was systematically described. Finally, outlook and research directions were proposed.

Background: To estimate the effectiveness of commonly used depression scales and develop an improved strategy for depression screening among Chinese elderly patients for non-psychiatric geriatricians. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 458 elderly inpatients aged over 65 years was conducted in a Beijing geriatric ward. Whooley questions, Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) were performed by trained geriatricians. Diagnosis of depressive disorders was made following Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) criteria. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of three depression scales when implemented alone, and in combination. Results: The GDS-15 common cutoff point was 5, with an AUC of 0.645, sensitivity of 77.5%, specificity of 64.4%, and PPV of 83.2%. Zung SDS yielded an AUC of 0.660, with a sensitivity of 63.7%, specificity of 68.9%, and PPV of 82.3% at the standard cutoff index of 50. At least one positive answer to Whooley questions achieved an AUC of 0.611, a sensitivity of 57.8%, specificity of 64.4%, and PPV of 78.7%. The two-step approach of Whooley questions and GDS-15 showed better performance than another approach of Whooley questions and Zung SDS, by comparing the AUC (0.672 vs. 0.642). Conclusions: GDS-15 is a routine tool for screening depression among Chinese elderly inpatients. A two-step approach using Whooley questions and GDS-15 can improve the recognition of depressed patients for non-psychiatric geriatricians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection can lead to cognitive dysfunction represented by changes in the default mode network. Most recent studies have been cross-sectional and thus have not revealed dynamic changes in the default mode network following acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection and antiretroviral therapy. Specifically, when brain imaging data at only one time point are analyzed, determining the duration at which the default mode network is the most effective following antiretroviral therapy after the occurrence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. However, because infection times and other factors are often uncertain, longitudinal studies cannot be conducted directly in the clinic. Therefore, in this study, we performed a longitudinal study on the dynamic changes in the default mode network over time in a rhesus monkey model of simian immunodeficiency virus infection. We found marked changes in default mode network connectivity in 11 pairs of regions of interest at baseline and 10 days and 4 weeks after virus inoculation. Significant interactions between treatment and time were observed in the default mode network connectivity of regions of interest pairs area 31/V6.R and area 8/frontal eye field (FEF). L, area 8/FEF.L and caudal temporal parietal occipital area (TPOC).R, and area 31/V6.R and TPOC.L. ART administered 4 weeks after infection not only interrupted the progress of simian immunodeficiency virus infection but also preserved brain function to a large extent. These findings suggest that the default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection and that it may serve as a potential biomarker for early changes in brain function and an objective indicator for making early clinical intervention decisions.

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the prevalence of elder neglect (EN) and its associated factors among community-based Chinese older adults.MethodsWe used data from the 2018 phase of a nationwide cross-sectional study, the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), which recruited 15,854 older adults to complete the study interviews that incorporated six dimensions of EN, namely, life neglect, social isolation, medical neglect, poor living situation, family neglect, and social neglect. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with EN.ResultsWe included demographic factors, chronic diseases, cognitive function, and daily activity function in our comprehensive analysis and showed that they had different effects on the six EN dimensions. Different demographic factors such as gender, age, marriage, education, occupation, residence, and household income were included in the comprehensive analysis, and the results showed that these factors had different effects on the six dimensions of EN. Next, we found that older adults with chronic diseases are prone to life neglect, medical neglect, and residential environment neglect. Older adults with better cognitive abilities were less likely to be neglected, and a decline in daily activity capacity has been linked to EN in older adults.ConclusionFuture studies are needed to identify the health effects of these associated factors, develop prevention strategies for EN, and improve the quality of life of older adults living in communities.

ObjectiveThe objective is to identify the risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates by a meta-analysis, and to provide a reference for the prevention of NEC.MethodsThe databases, including Chinese Biomedical Literature Datebase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and Weipu Periodical database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, were searched for studies on the risk factors for NEC in neonates. The meta-analysis was carried out with the aid of Stata software.ResultsA total of 52 studies were included, with 48 case-control studies and 4 cohort studies. There were 166,580 neonates in total, with 33,522 neonates in the case group and 133,058 neonates in the control group. The meta-analysis showed that gestational diabetes (OR = 3.62, 95% CI:1.77–7.41), premature rupture of membranes (OR = 3.81, 95% CI:1.16–12.52), low birth weight (OR = 3.00, 95% CI:2.26–3.97), small for gestational age (OR = 1.85, 95% CI:1.15–2.97), septicemia (OR = 4.34, 95% CI:3.06–6.15), blood transfusion (OR = 3.08, 95% CI:2.16–4.38), congenital heart disease (OR = 2.73, 95% CI:1.10–6.78), respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 2.12, 95% CI:1.24–3.63), premature birth (OR = 5.63, 95% CI:2.91–10.92), pneumonia (OR = 4.07, 95% CI:2.84–5.82) were risk factors for NEC in neonates. Breastfeeding (OR = 0.37, 95% CI:0.23–0.59), take probiotics (OR = 0.30, 95% CI:0.22–0.40), prenatal use of glucocorticoids (OR = 0.39, 95% CI:0.30–0.50), Hyperbilirubinemia (OR = 0.28, 95% CI:0.09–0.86) were protective factors for NEC in neonates.ConclusionsGestational diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, small for gestational age, septicemia, blood transfusion, congenital heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, premature birth, and pneumonia may increase the risk of NEC in neonates. Breastfeeding, taking probiotics, prenatal use of glucocorticoids, and Hyperbilirubinemia may reduce the risk of NEC in neonates.

Experimental evidence has shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alternatives and mixtures may exert hepatotoxic effects in animals. However, epidemiological evidence is limited. This research aimed to explore associations of PFAS and the alternatives with liver function in a general adult population. The study participants consisted of 1,303 adults from a community-based cross-sectional investigation in Guangzhou, China, from November 2018 to August 2019. We selected 13 PFAS with detection rates > 85% in serum samples and focused on perfluorooctane-sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and their alternatives [6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), 8:2 Cl-PFESA, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)] as predictors of outcome. Six liver function biomarkers (ALB, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and DBIL) were chosen as outcomes. We applied regression models with restricted cubic spline function to explore correlations between single PFAS and liver function and inspected the combined effect of PFAS mixtures on liver by applying Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). We discovered positive associations among PFAS and liver function biomarkers except for ALP. For example, compared with the 25th percentile of PFAS concentration, the level of ALT increased by 12.36% (95% CI: 7.91%, 16.98%) for ln-6:2 Cl-PFESA, 5.59% (95% CI: 2.35%, 8.92%) for ln-8:2 Cl-PFESA, 3.56% (95% CI: −0.39%, 7.68%) for ln-PFHxA, 13.91% (95% CI: 8.93%, 19.13%) for ln-PFOA, and 14.25% (95% CI: 9.91%, 18.77%) for ln-PFOS at their 75th percentile. In addition, higher exposed serum PFAS was found to be correlated with greater odds of abnormal liver function. Analysis from BKMR models also showed an adverse association between PFAS mixtures and liver function. The combined effect of the PFAS mixture appeared to be non-interactive, in which PFOS was the main contributor to the overall effect. Our findings provide evidence of associations between PFAS alternatives, PFAS mixtures, and liver function in the general adult population.

Abstract Background To explore the correlation between the volume of putamen and brain cognitive impairment in patients with HIV and to predict the feasibility of early-stage HIV brain cognitive impairment through radiomics. Method Retrospective selection of 90 patients with HIV infection, including 36 asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) patients and 54 pre-clinical ANI patients in Beijing YouAn Hospital. All patients received comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and MRI scanning. 3D Slicer software was used to acquire volume of interest (VOI) and radiomics features. Clinical variables and volume of putamen were compared between patients with ANI and pre-clinical ANI. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to analysis multiple comparisons between groups. The relationship between cognitive scores and VOI was compared using linear regression. For radiomics, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce model overfitting and calculations and then a support vector machine (SVM) was used to build a binary classification model. For model performance evaluation, we used an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Result There were no significant differences in clinical variables between ANI group and pre-clinical-ANI group (P>0.05). The volume of bilateral putamen was significantly different between AHI group and pre-clinical group (P

The good effect of refractive cataract surgery depends on a variety of factors, mainly including accuratebiometrics before surgery and accurate calculation of intraocular lens(IOL)power. The accuracy of intraocular biometrics with abnormal eyes axis before surgery is lower. Moreover, compared with the normal eyes axis, the error of postoperative refractive state prediction is larger, which brings great challenges to obtaining the best postoperative visual quality. Recently, new optical biometrics have been used clinically, and individualized IOL power calculation formulas have been developed and applied, which makes the choice of intraocular lens power more accurate. This article reviews the latest research progress on the measurement of eye parameters and the selection of IOL power calculation formula in patients with abnormal axial cataract in the past 3a, in order to provide reference for clinical application.

Case: A 25-year-old woman underwent osseointegration surgery as treatment for an amputation that had been performed because of congenital femoral deficiency. The undersized custom-designed implant for the congenitally hypoplastic femur subsequently loosened, causing substantial pain and loss of function. The patient underwent revision surgery with a larger standard-sized osseointegration implant, and experienced no additional complications. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the possibility of stimulating a hypertrophic response in underdeveloped bone, which allows the subsequent insertion of a larger implant with greater stability. Similar procedures can be considered for the treatment of patients who had amputations because of congenital deficiencies, in order to produce improved outcomes and reduce the risk of additional complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osseointegration is an alternative treatment for amputees who are unable to wear or have difficulty wearing a socket prosthesis. Although the majority of limb amputations are due to vascular disease, such amputations have been perceived as a contraindication to osseointegration surgery. We report the outcomes of osseointegrated reconstruction in a series of 5 patients with limb amputation due to peripheral vascular disease.Methods: Five patients with transtibial amputation and a history of peripheral vascular disease who received an osseointegration implant from 2014 to 2015 were followed for 12 months. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed, including pain, the amount of time the patient wore the prosthesis, mobility, walking ability, and quality of life. Adverse events, including infection, fracture, implant failure, revision surgery, additional amputation, and death, were monitored and recorded.Results: Five transtibial amputees (56 to 84 years of age) followed for 1 year after osseointegration surgery were included in this case series. The mobility of all patients was improved at the time of follow-up. Three patients were wheelchair-bound prior to the surgery but all 5 were able to walk and perform daily activities at the time of follow-up. Four of the 5 patients were pain-free at 12 months postoperatively, and all 5 were using the osseointegrated prosthesis. Two patients had a single episode of superficial soft-tissue infection.Conclusions: An osseointegrated implant may be considered a feasible alternative to the conventional socket prosthesis for patients with peripheral vascular disease.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular dementia (VD) models were made first by repeating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and followed by treating with estrogen. Learning-memory ability was measured by Morris water maze. Concentration of Ca2+ in hippocampus was determined by Fura-2/AM fluorescence probe and the expression of Calbindin-D28K (CB) in hippocampal CA1 was tested by immunohistochemistry. Learning-memory ability was improved in E group rats; Concentration of Ca2+ in hippocampus was decreased in E group rats. The expression of CB was less in E group rats. It implies that estrogen could improve learning-memory ability in VD rats, which may be associated with suppressing intracellular Ca2+ overload and increasing the expression of CB in hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lower limb amputations have detrimental influences on the quality of life, function and body image of the affected patients. Following amputation, prolonged rehabilitation is required for patients to be fitted with traditional socket prostheses, and many patients experience symptomatic socket- residuum interface problems which lead to reduced prosthetic use and quality of life. Osseointegration has recently emerged as a novel approach for the reconstruction of amputated limbs, which overcomes many of the socket-related problems by directly attaching the prosthesis to the skeletal residuum. To date, the vast majority of osseointegration procedures worldwide have been performed in 2 stages, which require at least 4 months and up to 18 months for the completion of reconstruction and rehabilitation from the time of the initial surgery. The current prospective cohort study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a single-stage osseointegration procedure performed under the Osseointegration Group of Australia Accelerated Protocol-2 (OGAAP-2), which dramatically reduces the time of recovery to ~3-6 weeks. Methods and analysis: The inclusion criteria for osseointegrated reconstruction under the OGAAP-2 procedure are age over 18 years, unilateral transfemoral amputation and experiencing problems or difficulties in using socket prostheses. All patients receive osseointegrated implants which are press-fitted into the residual bone. Functional and quality-of-life outcome measures are recorded preoperatively and at defined postoperative follow-up intervals up to 2 years. Postoperative adverse events are also recorded. The preoperative and postoperative values are compared for each outcome measure, and the benefits and harms of the single-stage OGAAP-2 procedure will be compared with the results obtained using a previously employed 2-stage procedure. Ethics and dissemination: This study has received ethics approval from the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia (014153S). The study outcomes will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at relevant clinical and orthopaedic conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doped calcium silicate ceramics (DCSCs) have recently gained immense interest as a new class of candidates for the treatment of bone defects. Although calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses have remained the mainstream of ceramic bone substitutes, their clinical use is limited by suboptimal mechanical properties. DCSCs are a class of calcium silicate ceramics which are developed through the ionic substitution of calcium ions, the incorporation of metal oxides into the base binary xCaO-ySiO2 system, or a combination of both. Due to their unique compositions and ability to release bioactive ions, DCSCs exhibit enhanced mechanical and biological properties. Such characteristics offer significant advantages over existing ceramic bone substitutes, and underline the future potential of adopting DCSCs for clinical use in bone reconstruction to produce improved outcomes. This review will discuss the effects of different dopant elements and oxides on the characteristics of DCSCs for applications in bone repair, including mechanical properties, degradation and ion release characteristics, radiopacity, and biological activity (in vitro and in vivo). Recent advances in the development of DCSCs for broader clinical applications will also be discussed, including DCSC composites, coated DCSC scaffolds and DCSC-coated metal implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-loaded hydrophilic polymeric composite (HPC) is one of the most promising biomaterials for resolving the long-standing challenge of the development of oral solid formulations for insoluble drugs. With polyvinylpyrrolidone K10 (PVP) as polymeric carrier and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) as a surface active agent, a new type of HPC was fabricated for enhancing the dissolution of quercetin using an electrospraying process. A solvent mixture consisting of acetic acid, acetone and ethanol were exploited to prepare the codissolving solution of quercetin, PVP, and SDS for creating HPC. Both the sprayed nanoparticles and casting film fabricated using a thermal solvent evaporation process were amorphous composites, as demonstrated by the XRD results. ATR-FTIR spectra verified that the drug and the pharmaceutical carriers had good compatibility. In vitro dissolution experiments showed that the sprayed HPC could provide an over ten-fold faster dissolution rate than the casting film. Electrospraying is a facile method for developing new kinds of HPCs for insoluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitogenome sequence of the large mole (Mogera robusta) was determined using long PCR. The genome was 16,890 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, one origin of L strand replication, and one control region. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is A (35.2%), C (22.8%), T (29.1%), and G (12.9%). The base compositions present clearly the A–T skew, which is most obviously in the control region and protein-coding genes. Mitochondrial genome analyses based on MP, ML, NJ, and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees. The two Mogera species formed a monophyletic group with the high bootstrap value (100%) in all examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitogenome sequence of the Eurasian least shrew (Sorex minutissimus) was determined using long PCR. The genome was 17,061 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 1 origin of L strand replication and 1 control region. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is A (32.6%), C (24.7%), T (29.1%) and G (13.6%). The base compositions present clearly the A–T skew, which is most obviously in the control region and protein-coding genes. The extended termination-associated sequence domain, the central conserved domain and the conserved sequence block domain are defined in the mitochondrial genome control region of the Eurasian least shrew. Mitochondrial genome analyses based on MP, ML, NJ and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees. The ten Sorex species formed a monophyletic group with the high bootstrap value (100%) in all examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the liver, and its morbidity and mortality have been increasing in recent years. The early diagnosis and prompt treatment of small HCC are crucial to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients. In China, hepatitis B virus infection is the main cause. HCC with a single tumor nodule of ≤ 3 cm in diameter, or HCC with a number of nodules, in which each nodule is ≤ 2 cm in diameter, with a total diameter of ≤ 3 cm, is considered as small HCC. The MRI liver-specific contrast agent can detect small HCC at the early stage. This has important clinical implications for improving the survival rate of patients. Main body Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of HBV-related small hepatocellular carcinoma, providing an important basis for the clinical selection of appropriate personalized treatment. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can reflect the degree of HCC differentiation, and the evaluation of HCC on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI would be helpful for the selection of the treatment and prognosis of HCC patients. The present study reviews the progress of the application of Gd-EOB-DTPA in the early diagnosis of small HCC, its clinical treatment, the prediction of the degree of differentiation, and the assessment of recurrence and prognosis of HCC, including the pharmacoeconomics and application limitations of Gd-EOB-DTPA. The value of the application of HCC with the Gd-EOB-DTPA was summarized to provide information for improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival of patients. Conclusion Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI has the diagnostic capability for small HCC with a diameter of ≤ 2 cm. This will have a broader application prospect in the early diagnosis of small liver cancer with a diameter of ≤ 1 cm in the future. The relationship between GD-EOB-DTPA-MRI and the degree of HCC differentiation has a large research space, and Gd-EOB-DTPA is expected to become a potential tool for the preoperative prediction and postoperative evaluation of HCC, which would be beneficial for more appropriate treatments for HCC patients.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of syphilis infection on the microstructure of white matter (WM) in HIV-infected male patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Methods: Twenty-seven HIV-infected male patients with current syphilis or a history of syphilis (HIV +/syphilis +), twenty-nine HIV-infected male patients without syphilis co-infection (HIV +/syphilis–), and twenty-nine healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All participants received DTI, and all patients received comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was adopted to analyze the DTI measures: fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between DTI measures and cognitive performance.Results: There were no significant differences in DTI measures between HIV+/syphilis– and HC. Compared with HC, lower FA was found in body of corpus callosum (BCC), splenium of corpus callosum (SCC), genu of corpus callosum (GCC), the bilateral anterior corona radiata (ACR), superior corona radiata (SCR), posterior corona radiata (PCR), and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) in HIV+/syphilis+ (p < 0.05). Higher RD was found in BCC and SCC (p < 0.05). Compared with HIV+/syphilis–, lower scores were found in complex motor skills (CMS) in HIV+/syphilis+, lower FA was found in BCC, SCC, GCC, the bilateral ACR, SCR, PCR, PTR, cingulate gyrus (CGC), the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO), the retrolenticular part of internal capsule (RLIC), sagittal stratum (SS), external capsule (EC) in HIV+/syphilis+ (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis uncorrected for multiple comparisons showed there was a positive correlation between FA in GCC and CMS, FA in BCC, and CMS in HIV+/syphilis+.Conclusions: Syphilis co-infection can have an additive or synergistic effect on the brain WM in HIV-infected subjects. HIV-infected patients without syphilis should be actively treated to avoid syphilis infection.

In the past decade, ecological surveys emphasized rats and dogs as the most significant animal reservoirs for Schistosoma japonicum (S.j) in the Philippines. However, recent studies demonstrated 51-91% prevalence of schistosomiasis among water buffalo using qPCR in the Sj endemic regions in the Philippines. In order to resolve the inconsistency of reported surveys regarding Sj endemicity among carabao, a domestic water buffalo that is the most important draught animal, we introduced 42 schistosome negative water buffalo to Macanip, Jaro municipality, Leyte, the Philippines, a subsistence rice-farming village that has been the focus of schistosomiasis japonica studies of our group for the past 20 years. We conducted perfusion to the remaining 34 buffalo that survived 10 months of nature exposure and Typhoon Haiyan. Thirty-three water buffalo were found to be positive with at least 1 pair of worms from the mesenteric vein. The infection rate is 97%, with the worm burden of 94 (95% confidence interval, 49-138 worms) worms. To our knowledge, this is the first report about S. japonicum worm burden in naturally infected water buffalo in the Philippines. The fact that with less than one-year of exposure, in this human schistosomiasis endemic area, only 1 out of 34 water buffalo was uninfected is striking. Urgent attention is needed for a cost-effective technique for monitoring Sj infection in animals and humans. Meanwhile, intervention implementation, including water buffalo treatment and vaccination, should be taken into consideration.

Two new bis-Schiff bases containing a piperazine ring, N,N'-bis(4-chlorobenzylidene)- and N,N'-bis(4-cyanobenzylidene)-1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, were prepared by the reaction of N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine with 4-chloro- and 4-cyanobenzaldehyde, respectively. The dichloro compound was fully identified by X-ray crystallography and it exhibited good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, Hcy-lowering strategies were found to have limited effects in reducing cardiovascular events. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Increasing evidence reveals a role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of HHcy. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a precursor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is formed via the transsulfuration pathway catalyzed by cystathionine ß-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and serves as a novel modulator of inflammation. In the present study, we showed that methionine supplementation induced mild HHcy in mice, associated with the elevations of TNF-α and IL-1ß in the plasma and reductions of plasma H2S level and CSE expression in the peritoneal macrophages. H2S-releasing compound GYY4137 attenuated the increases of TNF-α and IL-1ß in the plasma of HHcy mice and Hcy-treated raw264.7 cells while CSE inhibitor PAG exacerbated it. Moreover, the in vitro study showed that Hcy inhibited CSE expression and H2S production in macrophages, accompanied by the increases of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression and DNA hypermethylation in cse promoter region. DNMT inhibition or knockdown reversed the decrease of CSE transcription induced by Hcy in macrophages. In sum, our findings demonstrate that Hcy may trigger inflammation through inhibiting CSE-H2S signaling, associated with increased promoter DNA methylation and transcriptional repression of cse in macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) fingerprint spectra provide a wealth of information for the quantitative analysis of multiple target compounds in mixtures. In this paper, a Tchebichef moment method based on the 3D fingerprint spectra obtained from high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector was proposed and used to determine notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 in samples of a traditional Chinese Medicine (Sanqi Panax Notoginseng). The correlation coefficients of the established models were more than 0.9955 within the test ranges, the recovery ranged from 98.41% to 108.00%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 3.83% and 5.04%, respectively. The obtained results indicated that the Tchebichef moment method had effective feature representation capability and provided satisfactory quantification accuracy. Furthermore, several moment methods applied in analytical chemistry were compared, which provided a valuable insight into the application of moment methods in the analytical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management and reconstruction of damaged or diseased skeletal tissues have remained a significant global healthcare challenge. The limited efficacy of conventional treatment strategies for large bone, cartilage and osteochondral defects has inspired the development of scaffold-based tissue engineering solutions, with the aim of achieving complete biological and functional restoration of the affected tissue in the presence of a supporting matrix. Nevertheless, significant regulatory hurdles have rendered the clinical translation of novel scaffold designs to be an inefficient process, mainly due to the difficulties of arriving at a simple, reproducible and effective solution that does not rely on the incorporation of cells and/or bioactive molecules. In the context of the current clinical situation and recent research advances, this review will discuss scaffold-based strategies for the regeneration of skeletal tissues, with focus on the contribution of bioactive ceramic scaffolds and silk fibroin, and combinations thereof, towards the development of clinically viable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report, for the first time, the synthesis of a novel triphasic and crystalline bioactive ceramic (MSM-10) with the ability to simultaneously release three types of bioactive ions (strontium (Sr), silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg)) to the surrounding microenvironment. An MSM-10 powder with a nominal composition (wt%) of 54 Mg2SiO4, 36 Si3Sr5 and 10 MgO was prepared by the sol-gel method and fabricated as porous scaffolds using the foam replication method. The effects of the different amounts of the phases in the ceramics on the mechanical and physical properties of the scaffolds as well as their in vitro and in vivo behaviors were comprehensively investigated. Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP, (3-tricalcium phosphate (60 wt%)/hydroxyapatite (40 wt%)) scaffolds were used as the control material. The attachment, morphology, proliferation and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts (HOBs) were investigated after cell culturing on the various scaffolds. In vitro cytotoxicity (ISO/EN 10993-5) results not only indicated the biocompatibility of MSM-10, but also its positive effects on inducing the proliferation of HOBs. Our results showed significant enhancement in osteogenic gene expression levels (Runx2, osteocalcin, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein), when HOBs were cultured on MSM-10, compared to those for BCP and other generated ceramic scaffolds. For the in vivo studies, the different types of the materials were seeded with cultured human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and then subcutaneously transplanted into the dorsal surface of eight-week-old immunocompromised (NOD/ SCID) mice. MSM-10 demonstrated a significant amount of new bone formation compared to the other groups tested with no macroscopic signs of inflammation or toxicity in the tissue surrounding the implants. The novel MSM-10 ceramic presents promising potential for bone regeneration in orthopaedic and maxillofacial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wall-associated kinase (WAK) gene family is a unique subfamily of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) in plants. WAK-RLKs play roles in cell expansion, pathogen resistance, and metal tolerance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Rice (Oryza sativa) has far more WAK-RLK genes than Arabidopsis, but the functions of rice WAK-RLKs are poorly understood. In this study, we found that one rice WAK-RLK gene, DEFECT IN EARLY EMBRYO SAC1 (OsDEES1), is involved in the regulation of early embryo sac development. OsDEES1 silencing by RNA interference caused a high rate of female sterility. Crossing experiments showed that female reproductive organs lacking OsDEES1 carried a functional defect. A detailed investigation of the ovaries from OsDEES1 RNA interference plants indicated that the knockdown of OsDEES1 expression did not affect megasporogenesis but that it disturbed female gametophyte formation, resulting in a degenerated embryo sac and defective seed formation. OsDEES1 exhibited a tissue-specific expression pattern in flowers and seedlings. In the ovary, OsDEES1 was expressed in the megagametophyte region and surrounding nucellus cells in the ovule near the micropylar region. OsDEES1 was found to be a membrane-localized protein with a unique sequence compared with other WAK-RLKs. These data indicate that OsDEES1 plays a role in rice sexual reproduction by regulating female gametophyte development. This study offers new insight into the functions of the WAK-RLK family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis japonica is a common zoonosis. Domestic animals are the primary source of infection and play an important role in disease transmission. The prevalence and infectivity of this disease in domestic animals in China have significantly decreased and, for this reason, diagnostics with a higher sensitivity have become increasingly necessary. It was reported that polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods could be used to detect schistosome infection in humans and animals and presented a high sensitivity and specificity. The present study aimed to develop a PCR-based method for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection in domestic animals. Methods A specific nested-PCR assay was developed to detect S. japonicum infection in domestic animals via amplification of a 231-bp DNA fragment of retrotransposon SjR2. The developed assay was first used in sera and dry blood filter paper (DBFP) from goats and buffaloes at different time points of infection. Then, 78 DBFPs from 39 artificially-infected bovines at 14 and 28 days post-infection and 42 DBFPs from schistosome-negative bovines from the city of Huangshan in the Anhui province were used to evaluate the diagnostic validity. Furthermore, this assay was used to detect S. japonicum infection in domestic animals in Dongzhi and Wangjiang counties. Results The expected PCR product was detected in eggs and adult worms of S. japonicum and blood samples from S. japonicum-infected goats and water buffaloes, but not from Fasciola and Haemonchus contortus worms. The nested-PCR assay could detect the target S. japonicum DNA in DBFPs from goats and buffaloes after day 3 post-infection. The sensitivity in buffaloes at 14 and 28 days post-infection was 92.30% (36/39) and 100% (39/39), respectively. The specificity was 97.60% (41/42). The positivity rates in Dongzhi and Wangjiang counties were 6.00% and 8.00% in bovines and 22.00% and 16.67% in goats, respectively. The positivity rates in goats in both counties were higher than those in bovines with a significant difference in Dongzhi County but not in Wangjiang County (P

Tendinopathy leads to low-grade tissue inflammation and chronic damage, which progresses due to pathological imbalance in angiogenesis. Reducing early pathological vascularization may be a new approach in helping to regenerate tendon tissue. Conventional stem cell therapy and tissue engineering scaffolds have not been highly effective at treating tendinopathy. In this study, tissue engineered stem cells (TSCs) generated using human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were combined with microcarrier scaffolds to limit excessive vascularization in tendinopathy. By preventing VEGF receptor activation through their paracrine function, TSCs reduced in vitro angiogenesis and the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. TSCs also decreased the inflammatory expression of tenocytes while promoting their anabolic and tenogenic characteristics. Furthermore, local injection of TSCs into rats with collagenase-induced tendinopathy substantially reduced early inflammation and vascularization. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing revealed that TSCs could reduce the progression of pathological angiogenesis in tendon tissue, attributed to Rap1-mediated vascular inhibition. TSCs may serve as a novel and practical approach for suppressing tendon vascularization, and provide a promising therapeutic agent for early-stage clinical tendinopathy.

Abstract Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent metabolic disease characterized by low systemic bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, resulting in reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. Current treatment options for osteoporosis are limited by factors such as efficacy, cost, availability, side effects, and acceptability to patients. Gold nanoparticles show promise as an emerging osteoporosis therapy due to their osteogenic effects and ability to allow therapeutic delivery but have inherent constraints, such as low specificity and the potential for heavy metal accumulation in the body. This study reports the synthesis of ultrasmall gold particles almost reaching the Ångstrom (Ång) dimension. The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is used as a dispersant and stabilizer to coat Ångstrom-scale gold particles (AuÅPs). Alendronate (AL), an amino-bisphosphonate commonly used in drug therapy for osteoporosis, is conjugated through LA to the surface of AuÅPs, allowing targeted delivery to bone and enhancing antiresorptive therapeutic effects. In this study, alendronate-loaded Ångstrom-scale gold particles (AuÅPs-AL) were used for the first time to promote osteogenesis and alleviate bone loss through regulation of the WNT signaling pathway, as shown through in vitro tests. The in vivo therapeutic effects of AuÅPs-AL were demonstrated in an established osteoporosis mouse model. The results of Micro-computed Tomography, histology, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining indicated that AuÅPs-AL significantly improved bone density and prevented bone loss, with no evidence of nanoparticle-associated toxicity. These findings suggest the possible future application of AuÅPs-AL in osteoporosis therapy and point to the potential of developing new approaches for treating metabolic bone diseases using Ångstrom-scale gold particles.

Abstract Background Hip fractures are a major public health concern among middle-aged and older adults. It is important to understand the associated risk factors to inform health policies and develop better prevention strategies. Musculoskeletal pain is a possible implicating factor, being associated with physical inactivity and risk of falls. However, the association between musculoskeletal pain and hip fractures has not been clearly investigated. Methods A nationally representative sample of the Chinese population was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The study collected patient information on their demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, other health-related behavior, and history of musculoskeletal pain and hip fractures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate the factors influencing the risk of hip fracture, including factors related to the individual and to musculoskeletal pain. P for trend test was performed to assess the trend of each continuous variable. The robustness and bias were assessed using the bootstrap method. Restricted cubic spline regression was utilized to identify linear or non-linear relationships. Results Among the 18,813 respondents, a total of 215 individuals reported that they have experienced a hip fracture. An increased risk of hip fracture was associated with the presence of waist pain and leg pain (P