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Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a novel tumor treatment method by using hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to kill cancer cells. However, its therapeutic effects are strictly confined by the short lifespan of •OH and reduced •OH generation speed. Herein, an effective CDT is achieved by both improving •OH lifetime and long‐lasting generating •OH through intraparticle electron transfer within heterogeneous nanoparticles (NPs). These heterogeneous NPs are composed of evenly distributed Cu and Fe3O4 (CFO NPs) with large interaction interfaces, and electrons tend to transfer from Cu to Fe3O4 for the appearance of ≡Cu2+ and increase in ≡Fe2+. The generated ≡Cu2+ can interact with GSH, which prolongs the lifespan of •OH, produces ≡Cu+ for higher speed •OH generation with H2O2, and induces cell ferroptosis for tumor therapy. The improved ≡Fe2+ can also improve the •OH release under H2O2 until Cu is depleted. As a result, a sustainable •OH generation is achieved to promote cell apoptosis for effective tumor therapy. Since H2O2 and GSH are only overexpressed at tumor, and CFO NPs can degrade in the tumor microenvironment, these NPs are with high biosafety and can be metabolized by urine. This work provides a novel biomaterial for effective cancer CDT through intraparticle electron transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical value and prognostic significance of the alanine aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Clinical indices of patients with AMI were collected from the Medical Information Mark for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database and Wuhan Sixth Hospital. Cox regression analysis was used to explore whether ALRI was a risk factor for a worse prognosis in patients with AMI, and a nomogram including ALRI was created to estimate its predictive performance for 28‐day mortality. Results: Based on clinical data from the MIMIC‐III database, we found that a high ALRI was closely associated with a variety of clinical parameters. It was an important risk factor for 28‐day survival in patients with AMI (HR = 5.816). ALRI had a high predictive power for worse 28‐day survival in patients with AMI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.754). Additionally, we used clinical data from the Wuhan Sixth Hospital to verify the predictive power of ALRI in patients with AMI, and a high level of ALRI remained an independent risk factor for worse survival in patients with AMI (HR = 4.969). The AMI nomogram, including ALRI, displayed a good predictive performance for 28‐day mortality in both the MIMIC‐III (AUC = 0.826) and Wuhan Sixth Hospital cohorts (AUC = 0.795). Conclusion: The ALRI is closely related to the survival outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed AMI, indicating that it could serve as a novel biomarker for risk stratification such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐monitoring in tumor therapy is a concept that allows for real‐time monitoring of the location and state of applied nanomaterials. This monitoring relies on dynamic signals, such as wave or magnetic signals, which vary in response to changes in the location and state of nanomaterials. Dynamic changes in nanomaterials can be monitored using dynamic signals, making it possible to determine and control the treatment process. Theranostic nanomaterials, which possess unique physical and chemical properties, have recently been explored as a viable option for self‐monitoring. With the help of self‐monitoring, theranostic nanomaterials can guide themselves to achieve region‐selective treatment with higher controllability and safety. In this review, self‐monitoring theranostic nanomaterials will be introduced in three parts according to their roles during therapy: tumor accumulation, tumor therapy, and metabolism. The limitations and future challenges of current self‐monitoring theranostic nanomaterials will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of traditional in situ methods for underwater surveys to map freshwater mussel habitats is limited by challenges such as water transparency, depth and high labour demands. In this study, adaptive resolution imaging sonar (ARIS) was applied to monitor mussel distribution and abundance.In contrast to conventional quadrat surveys, this acoustic survey is non‐invasive and enables direct observation of mussels to allow their survival status to be determined in turbid water. ARIS produces high‐quality acoustic images that facilitate the creation of a distribution map for broader‐scale monitoring, especially if paired with deep learning methods such as the YOLOv4 algorithm for automatic mussel detection and classification.ARIS was successfully applied to surveying over 2000 m2 of Lake Izunuma in Miyagi, Japan. In one site, a high mussel abundance of ~0.6 individuals/m2 was detected, while other sites had low densities. The detection model achieved a mean average precision of 0.97.The survey results were used to generate a distribution map of living mussels. This study illustrates the feasibility of using an acoustic video camera with an open‐source deep learning algorithm to monitor mussels and other benthos in turbid water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram‐negative, microaerobic bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa in about half of the world's population. H. pylori infection can lead to various diseases. Chronic infection by H. pylori exposes the gastric mucosa to bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and several toxic proteins. Infected with H. pylori activates the release of pro‐inflammatory factors and triggers inflammatory responses that damage the gastric mucosa. As the only microorganism that permanently colonizes the human stomach, H. pylori can suppress host immunity to achieve long‐term colonization. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in T‐cell activation, promoting innate immune responses and immune tolerance during H. pylori infection. Among the 10 TLRs found in humans, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 have been thoroughly investigated in relation to H. pylori‐linked immune regulation. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the various mechanisms employed by different TLRs in the induction of immune tolerance upon H. pylori infection, which will contribute to the research of pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a relatively complex wound in wound reconstruction surgery. Because plastic surgeons deal with DSWI patients late. The primary healing (healing by first intention) after reconstruction of DSWI is restricted by many preoperative risk factors. The purpose of this study is to explore and analyse the risk factors of primary healing failure in patients with DSWI treated with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and negative pressure trauma therapy (NPWT). 115 DSWI patients treated with the PRP and NPWT (PRP + NPWT) modality were retrospectively (2013‐2021) analysed. They were divided into two groups according to primary healing results after the first PRP + NPWT treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the data of the two groups to find out the risk factors and their optimal cut‐off values were identified by ROC analysis. The primary healing results, debridement history, wound size, sinus, osteomyelitis, renal function, bacterial culture, albumin (ALB), platelet (PLT) between the two groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that osteomyelitis, sinus, ALB and PLT were the risk factors affecting primary healing outcomes (P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that AUC for ALB in the non‐primary healing group was 0.743 (95% CI: 0.650‐0.836, P < 0.05) and its optimal cutoff value of 31 g/L was associated with primary healing failure with a sensitivity of 96.9% and specificity of 45.1%. AUC for PLT in the non‐primary healing group was 0.670 (95% CI: 0.571 ~ 0.770, P < 0.05) its optimal cutoff value of 293 × 109/L was associated with primary healing failure with a sensitivity of 72.5% and specificity of 56.3%. In the cases included in this study, the success rate of primary healing of DSWI treated with PRP + NPWT was not affected by the most common preoperative risk factors for wound non‐union. It is indirectly confirmed that PRP + NPWT is an ideal treatment. However, it should be noted that it will still be adversely affected by sinus osteomyelitis, ALB and PLT. The patients need to be carefully evaluated and corrected before reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration and proliferation are conducive to wound healing; however, regulating cell proliferation remains challenging, and excessive proliferation is an important cause of scar hyperplasia. Here, we aimed to explore how a subvacuum environment promotes wound epithelisation without affecting scar hyperplasia. Human immortalized keratinocyte cells and human skin fibroblasts were cultured under subvacuum conditions (1/10 atmospheric pressure), and changes in cell proliferation and migration, target protein content, calcium influx, and cytoskeleton and membrane fluidity were observed. Mechanical calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers were used to prevent Ca2+ influx for reverse validation. A rat wound model was used to elucidate the mechanism of the subvacuum dressing in promoting healing. The subvacuum environment was observed to promote cell migration without affecting cell proliferation; intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and PI3K, p‐PI3K, AKT1, p‐AKT 1 levels increased significantly. The cytoskeleton was depolymerized, pseudopodia were reduced or absent, and membrane fluidity increased. The use of Ca2+ channel blockers weakened or eliminated these changes. Animal experiments confirmed these phenomena and demonstrated that subvacuum dressings can effectively promote wound epithelisation. Our study demonstrates that the use of subvacuum dressings can enhance cell migration without affecting cell proliferation, promote wound healing, and decrease the probability of scar hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bedrock weathered crust in front of the Altun Mountains in the Qaidam Basin, western China, is different from others because this is a salt‐lake basin, where saline water fluid infiltrates and is deposited in the overlying strata. A large amount of gypsum infills the bedrock weathered crust, and this has changed the pore structure. Using core observation, polarized light microscopy, electron probe, physical property analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy experiments, the characteristics of the weathered bedrock have been studied. There are cracks and a small number of dissolved pores in the interior of the weathered crust. Matrix micropores are widely developed, especially the various matrix cracks formed by tectonics and weathering, as well as the stress characteristics of small dissolved pores, and physical properties such as porosity and permeability. This 'dual structure' developed in the bedrock is important for guiding the exploration of the lake basin bedrock for natural gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including ischemic stroke (IS), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary heart disease (CHD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear from observational studies. Objectives: We explored the potential bidirectional association between CVD and ED by Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Data from genome‐wide association studies for CVD in individuals with European ancestry were obtained from several databases, with 1,711,875–977,323 participants, while that for ED included 223,805 participants. We conducted univariate MR (UVMR), inverse variance‐weighting (IVW), weighted median, MR‐Egger, and multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses to explore the bidirectional causal effects between CVD and ED. Results: UVMR indicated that IS (odds ratios [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.21, P = 0.007), HF (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–1.74, P = 0.013), and CHD (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.18, P = 0.022) were associated with ED. By MVMR, IS estimates remained significant after accounting for combining single nucleotide polymorphisms from CVDs (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.13–1.79, P = 0.002). Moreover, the effect of a genetic susceptibility to IS on ED was not mediated by type 2 diabetes or triglycerides; that of HF was not mediated by type 2 diabetes, and that of CHD was not mediated by body mass index. Bidirectional analyses showed that genetic susceptibility to ED did not confer any increased CVD risk. Conclusions: Our results, based on MR, indicated that genetic susceptibility to IS, HF, and CHD was causally associated with ED. These findings can inform prevention and intervention strategies for ED in IS, HF, and CHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper overload is a novel way to achieve copper‐ion‐interference therapy by disrupting copper homeostasis and treating diseases through multiple cell death pathways. However, it is difficult to reach copper overload since excess intracellular copper ions will be pumped out. Herein, copper overload is achieved by both raising cellular uptake and reducing the efflux of copper ions using hydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐responsive copper hydroxyphosphate nanoparticles (Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs). After immersion in an H2S‐enriched colon cancer microenvironment, Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs can transform into copper sulfide NPs with reduced size for higher cell entering, resulting in improved Fenton activity as well as copper ion dissociation. Reactive oxygen species generated by the Fenton reaction not only activate inflammasomes and Caspase‐1 proteins, cause the cleavage of gasdermin D to induce pyroptosis, but also affect mitochondrial function and down‐regulate copper exporter ATP7A to further reduce the copper excretion. The combination of higher endocytosis and lower exportation leads to maximized copper overload. Together with the efficient copper ions release, mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle can be disrupted and iron‐sulfur cluster proteins are downregulated, ultimately triggering cuproptosis. As both pyroptosis and cuproptosis are efficient ways to induce cell death, this study provides a novel way to realize effective tumor‐targeted therapy based on H2S‐activated copper overload with simple Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green credit policy is designed to address the global climate risk. However, few studies have investigated empirically whether green credit policy indeed reduces corporate carbon emission intensity. Based on firm‐level data in China and a difference‐in‐differences model, this study explores how corporate carbon emission intensity evolves following the green credit policy. We find that, on the whole, the green credit can effectively reduce corporate carbon emission intensity, while the dynamic negative effect tends to alleviate after 2017. Specifically, green credit reduces corporate carbon emission intensity mainly through lowering investment carbon intensity and enhancing environmental supervision. However, the signaling mechanism of green credit does not significantly alleviate corporate carbon emission intensity. The green credit has a stronger reduction effect on corporate carbon emission intensity with third‐party certification, non‐state‐owned ownership, and high financing constraint. We thereby suggest that innovations should be made to the standards and processes of green credit to ensure sustainability and stability. Quantitative and standardized corporate environmental information disclosure is essential for the low‐carbon effect on green finance innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Fluorescent silk has potential application in many fields such as bioimaging, tissue engineering scaffolds, luminescent marks, and dazzling fabrics. Among the methods to endow natural silk with fluorescent properties, feeding silkworms with fluorescent additives is facile, low‐cost and environment friendly, which has the prospect of large‐scale production. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress for this aim in the past ten years, and summarized the unified characteristics for the substances that can enter the silk gland by digestive tract of silkworms. The advantages and disadvantages of various fluorescent materials for this application are compared in detail. And the future research directions are suggested to overcome the shortcomings of the present research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Fluorescent silk has potential application in many fields such as bioimaging, tissue engineering scaffolds, luminescent marks, and dazzling fabrics. Among the methods to endow natural silk with fluorescent properties, feeding silkworms with fluorescent additives is facile, low‐cost and environment friendly, which has the prospect of large‐scale production. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress for this aim in the past ten years, and summarized the unified characteristics for the substances that can enter the silk gland by digestive tract of silkworms. The advantages and disadvantages of various fluorescent materials for this application are compared in detail. And the future research directions are suggested to overcome the shortcomings of the present research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is mainly responsible for acute kidney injury for which there is no effective therapy. Accumulating evidence has indicated the important role of mitophagy in mitochondrial homeostasis under stress. OGG1 (8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) is known for functions in excision repair of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. However, the role of OGG1 in renal IRI remains unclear. Herein, we identified OGG1, induced during IRI, as a key factor mediating hypoxia‐reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis in vitro and renal tissue damage in a renal IRI model. We demonstrated that OGG1 expression during IRI negatively regulates mitophagy by suppressing the PINK1/Parkin pathway, thereby aggravating renal ischemic injury. OGG1 knockout and pharmacological inhibition attenuated renal IRI, in part by activating mitophagy. Our results elucidated the damaging role of OGG1 activation in renal IRI, which is associated with the regulatory role of the PINK1/Parkin pathway in mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Because growing interest has been focusing on cerebral blood flow (CBF) to predict, prevent, and treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important to clarify the role of CBF in AD pathology and cognitive decline. METHODS: In a moyamoya disease (MMD) cohort, we examined CBF, specific cognitive domains, and plasma AD biomarkers, as well as correlations among these variables. RESULTS: CBF was significantly reduced in newly diagnosed MMD patients, while plasma phosphorylated tau181 was elevated and positively correlated with hypoperfusion accumulation. MMD patients scored significantly lower than controls in multiple cognitive tests. Revascularization increased CBF to the recipient brain territories as well as cognitive performance but produced no significant change in AD biomarker levels. DISCUSSION: These data suggest a link between accumulated reductions in CBF and cognitive decline, as well as a possible role of AD‐like pathological burden. Further studies in MMD will provide opportunities to explore new treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot rolling is one of the key processes in the new casting–rolling forming process of high‐silicon electrical steel. The hot deformation characteristics, microstructure, and defects after deformation strongly influence the formability in subsequent warm‐ and cold‐rolling processes. This study investigates the hot compression behavior of Fe–6.5 wt% Si–0.15wt%Nb and Fe–6.5 wt% Si samples at 800–1100 °C as well as the effect of Nb on the flow stress, dynamic recrystallization, and ordered structure of high‐silicon electrical steel. The results show that the grain size of the Nb‐containing as‐cast samples is small. The Nb‐rich second‐phase particles can inhibit the growth of dynamic recrystallization grains during hot compression and refine the dynamic recrystallization microstructure; consequently, the hot activation energy of Nb‐containing samples is 11.8% higher than that of Nb‐free samples. Microcracks appear in the Nb‐free samples at temperatures of 800 and 1100 °C and strain rates of 1 and 10 s−1; the addition of Nb can effectively inhibit the generation of microcracks during hot deformation. The addition of Nb reduces the ordered degree of high‐silicon electrical steel after hot compression, which is beneficial to the subsequent warm‐ and cold‐rolling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavernous nerve injury is the main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP). In our previous study, injection of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the cavernosum can repair damaged cavernosum nerves and ED can be restored to a certain extent. In order to improve these therapeutic effects, we evaluated the efficacy of ADSCs co‐modified with VEGF and Smad7 in a rat model. SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: a sham surgery group, and the five bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) groups were injected with ADSC or ADSCs genetically modified by VEGF (ADSC‐V), Smad7 (ADSC‐S), or VEGF&Smad7 (ADSC‐V&S) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). The results indicated that the erectile function of the ADSC‐V, ADSC‐S, and ADSC‐V&S groups was significantly recovered, and the erectile function of the ADSC‐V&S group was more distinctly recovered as compared to the other groups. The same results are shown in the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and the smooth muscle/collagen ratio of penile tissue comparing the ADSC‐V&S group to the ADSC‐V and ADSC‐S group. These experimental data suggest that ADSCs co‐overexpressed with VEGF and Smad7 can significantly improve erectile function after BCNI. This study provides new therapeutic thoughts for ED following RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine whether silencing or overexpression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) regulates cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, autophagy and signalling pathways in bovine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. In this study, bovine ovarian granulosa cells (BGCs) were cultured and transfected with ERβ siRNA (si‐ERβ) or a plasmid overexpressing ERβ (oe‐ERβ), and CCK‐8 kit was used to assess cell proliferation. Real‐time PCR was used to measure gene transcription. Western blotting was used to measure protein expression, and a specific kit was used to measure the production of steroid hormones. The results showed the expression level of ERβ affects BGC proliferation according to the gene transcription levels of FSHR, CYP19A1, HSD3β1 and STAR and the production of E2 and P4. ERβ was identified as an important nuclear receptor that induced BGC autophagy based on the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy‐related genes. Furthermore, the role of ERβ in BGC autophagy was confirmed through treatment with rapamycin (RAPA) or 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) in BGCs by cotransfection with si‐ERβ or oe‐ERβ in BGCs. The results related to AKT/mTOR signalling and phosphorylation suggested that ERβ induces BGC autophagy through attenuating AKT/mTOR signalling. In summary, this study demonstrates that silencing or overexpression of ERβ regulates BGC proliferation and function and induces BGC autophagy by targeting AKT/mTOR signalling. These data reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of autophagy via ERβ and provide insights into the role of autophagy in BGCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case illustrates the untypical presentation of primary bladder malacoplakia. The patient was in her mid-50s have impaired immunity by the long-term hyperglycemic condition. She presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection and dysuria, and had multiple nodulars in bladder and significantly mass in urethra. Although the diagnosis of bladder malacoplakia was established on bladder biopsy, transperineal ultrasound examination can find its distinct clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A) is a tumor‐exclusive gene that has a vital role in numerous tumors. However, its role in tumorigenesis remains controversial. This work is dedicated to the study of the role of FAM83A in ovarian cancer. We observed elevated levels of FAM83A in ovarian cancer specimens and cells. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed that elevated FAM83A levels predicted a worse overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. The inhibition of FAM83A caused remarkable suppressive effects on the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and enhanced their chemosensitivity. On the contrary, the upregulation of FAM83A had opposite effects. Mechanistically, FAM83A had an effect on the Akt and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways in ovarian cancer cells. The repression of Akt could cancel the regulatory effect of FAM83A overexpression on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, reactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway abolished FAM83A‐inhibition‐evoked antitumor effects. Additionally, FAM83A inhibition weakened the tumorigenic potential of ovarian cancer in vivo. Taken together, this work shows that FAM83A exerts a pro‐tumor function in ovarian cancer by affecting the Akt/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and proposes FAM83A as an effective and possible treatment target for ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient copper‐catalyzed thiolation of terminal alkynes with N‐thiosuccinimides was developed. The reaction demonstrated an expanded substrate scope and produced various alkynyl sulfides in moderate to good yields. Gram‐scale synthesis and further transformations confirmed the synthetic utility of this methodology. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that a Cu(I)/Cu(III) catalytic cycle was probably involved in the process of alkynylthiolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Intracavernosal pressure measurement is the gold standard for evaluating erectile function in experimental animals, but it has the shortcoming of being invasive. This study aimed to explore the application of laser speckle perfusion imaging in evaluating erectile function in rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation and model groups (n = 30 each). A rat model of neuroinjury erectile dysfunction was established by surgically damaging the bilateral cavernous nerves in the model group. Simulated surgery was performed in the sham operation group; the nerves were not damaged. Erectile function was evaluated by comparing the changes in intracavernosal pressure and blood flow fluctuations when the cavernous nerve was stimulated using the same voltage parameters. Intracavernosal pressure in the model group was significantly lower than that in the other group when using 2.5 V. No significant difference was found in cavernous blood flow fluctuation between the two groups when using 0.5 V. Cavernous blood flow fluctuation in the model group after 2.5 V, 5 V and 7.5 V stimulations was significantly lower than that in the sham operation group. Evaluating erectile function in rats is feasible by measuring the cavernous blood flow using laser speckle perfusion imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the efficacy and mechanisms of salidroside treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Forty male rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only) (S); BCNI (M); BCNI + rapamycin (M + rapamycin); and BCNI + salidroside (M + salidroside). Erectile function in the rats was measured by intracavernosal pressure. Penile tissue was harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, haematoxylin–eosin staining, TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and western blotting. The M group exhibited a decrease in erectile responses and increased apoptosis and fibrosis compared to these in the S group. Meanwhile, nerve content and the penile atrophy index were also decreased in the M group. Treatment with salidroside and rapamycin for 3 weeks partially restored erectile function and significantly attenuated corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, nerve content and penile atrophy in the M group. Moreover, the autophagy level was further enhanced in the M + salidroside group, which was the same as that in the positive observation group (M + rapamycin). Salidroside treatment not only improved erectile function in rats with BCNI, but also inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis and ameliorated the loss of nerve content and endothelial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by promoting protective autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding physiological and pathological processes in the brain requires tracking the reversible changes in chemical signals with long‐term stability. We developed a new anti‐biofouling microfiber array to real‐time quantify extracellular Ca2+ concentrations together with neuron activity across many regions in the mammalian brain for 60 days, in which the signal degradation was < ca. 8 %. The microarray with high tempo‐spatial resolution (ca. 10 μm, ca. 1.3 s) was implanted into 7 brain regions of free‐moving mice to monitor reversible changes of extracellular Ca2+ upon ischemia‐reperfusion processes. The changing sequence and rate of Ca2+ in 7 brain regions were different during the stroke. ROS scavenger could protect Ca2+ influx and neuronal activity after stroke, suggesting the significant influence of ROS on Ca2+ overload and neuron death. We demonstrated this microarray is a versatile tool for investigating brain dynamic during pathological processes and drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water‐resistant adhesive for plywood panels for engineered wood floors was developed using thermal–chemically treated wheat flour (WF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (p‐MDI) as the cross‐linker. The thermal–chemical treatment was performed at 100°C in the presence of sulfuric acid or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the chemical structure, crystalline degree, and morphology change, respectively, of the thermal–chemically treated WF. The boiling water‐insoluble content and acetaldehyde values of the thermal–chemically treated WF were also evaluated and compared with those of the controls—native WF and thermally treated WF alone. The bond property evaluation showed that the water resistance of the thermal‐SDS‐treated WF (T‐SDS‐WF)‐based adhesive was significantly improved, which is mainly attributed to the formation of a three‐dimensional crosslinking network resulting from self‐crosslinking of the wheat protein, the Maillard reaction between the wheat starch and wheat protein, and the increased crosslinking between T‐SDS‐WF and p‐MDI. Overall, the developed WF‐based adhesive is a promising bio‐based candidate in the production of plywood for engineered wood floors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a devastating complication after cardiac surgery. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may have a positive impact on sternal wound healing. A systematic review with meta‐analyses was performed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of topical application of autologous PRP for preventing SWI and promoting sternal wound healing compared to placebo or standard treatment without PRP. Relevant studies published in English or Chinese were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library), PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer Link, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) using the search terms "platelet‐rich plasma" and "sternal wound" or "thoracic incision." References identified through the electronic search were screened, the data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The meta‐analysis was performed for the following outcomes: incidence of SWI, incidence of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), postoperative blood loss (PBL), and other risk factors. In the systematic review, totally 10 comparable studies were identified, involving 7879 patients. The meta‐analysis for the subgroup of retrospective cohort studies (RSCs) showed that the incidence of SWI and DSWI in patients treated with PRP was significantly lower than that in patients without PRP treatment. However, for the subgroup of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was no significant difference in the incidence of SWI or DSWI after intervention between the PRP and control groups. There was no significant difference in PBL in both RCTs and RSCs subgroups. Neither adverse reactions nor in‐situ recurrences were reported. According to the results, PRP could be considered as a candidate treatment to prevent SWI and DSWI. However, the quality of the evidence is too weak, and high‐quality RCTs are needed to assess its efficacy on preventing SWI and DSWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current wound scaffold dressing constructs can facilitate wound healing but do not exhibit antibacterial activity, resulting in high infection rates. We aimed to endow wound scaffold dressing with anti‐infective ability by polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB). We prepared PHMB hydrogel at varying concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) and assessed release and cytotoxicity. PHMB hydrogel was added to the wound scaffold dressing to generate a PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing. Wound healing and infection prevention were evaluated using a full‐thickness skin defect model in rats. In vitro, the hydrogel PHMB release time positively correlated with PHMB concentration, with 1% allowing sufficiently long release time to encompass the high‐incidence period (3‐5 days) of infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation. Implantation of 1% PHMB hydrogel into the skin did not cause adverse responses. in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing did not significantly affect proliferation of fibroblasts or vascular endothelial cells, 99.90% vs 99.84% for fibroblasts and 100.21% vs 99.28% for vascular endothelial cells at 21 days. Transplantation of PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing/unmodified wound scaffold dressing on the non‐infected wounds of rats yielded no significant difference in relative vascularization rate, 47.40 vs 50.87 per view at 21 days, whereas bacterial content of the wound tissue in the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing group was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, (1.80 ± 0.35) × 103 vs (9.34 ± 0.45) × 103 at 14 days. Prevalence of persistent wound infection in the rats receiving PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing transplantation onto infected wounds was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, 30% vs 100%. PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing exhibited suitable antibacterial ability, and its biological activity did not significantly differ from that of the unmodified wound scaffold dressing, thereby allowing it to effectively prevent infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present an electrochemophysiological microarray (ECPM) for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of chemical signals for multiple ions in the deep brain of a freely moving rat, in which microelectrode arrays were developed for direct determination of multiple ions using open‐circuit potentiometry. Specific recognition ionophores were synthesized and optimized for determination of K+, Ca2+, Na+ and pH. A reference electrode was also developed to avoid interferences in the brain. The microarrays were successfully applied in real‐time monitoring and quantification of ions in a live brain. The extra current‐free potentiometry allowed mapping and biosensing of chemical signals, together with recording of electrical signals in the whole brain without cross‐talk, for the first time. Furthermore, the ECPM provided a platform for real‐time monitoring of the dynamic changes of multiple ions in the deep brain of freely moving rat during a seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of hot deformation parameters on microstructure coarsening of the medium‐carbon microalloyed steel is studied by means of hot compression experiments. The effective strain of finish forging in a crankshaft is simulated by means of finite element numerical simulations. The microstructure and properties of the crankshaft are also analyzed. The hot compression experiments result shows that with the deformation increasing from 2% to 18%, the austenite grain size first increases and then decreases, and it reaches the maximum when the deformation is 6%. The microstructure coarsening is mainly caused by critical deformation. With the increase in deformation temperature and the decrease in strain rate, the austenite grains can also be coarsened. When the effective strain of finish forging exceeds 0.2 in the main journal section of the crankshaft, the microstructure is refined significantly, and mechanical properties are improved. To avoid coarse microstructure, the reduction of finish forging should reach 15–20 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtubule actin cross‐linking factor 1 (Macf1) is a spectraplakin family member known to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics, cell migration, neuronal growth and cell signal transduction. We previously demonstrated that knockdown of Macf1 inhibited the differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cell line. However, whether Macf1 could regulate bone formation in vivo is unclear. To study the function and mechanism of Macf1 in bone formation and osteogenic differentiation, we established osteoblast‐specific Osterix (Osx) promoter‐driven Macf1 conditional knockout mice (Macf1f/fOsx‐Cre). The Macf1f/fOsx‐Cre mice displayed delayed ossification and decreased bone mass. Morphological and mechanical studies showed deteriorated trabecular microarchitecture and impaired biomechanical strength of femur in Macf1f/fOsx‐Cre mice. In addition, the differentiation of primary osteoblasts isolated from calvaria was inhibited in Macf1f/fOsx‐Cre mice. Deficiency of Macf1 in primary osteoblasts inhibited the expression of osteogenic marker genes (Col1, Runx2 and Alp) and the number of mineralized nodules. Furthermore, deficiency of Macf1 attenuated Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 signalling in primary osteoblasts of Macf1f/fOsx‐Cre mice. Together, these results indicated that Macf1 plays a significant role in bone formation and osteoblast differentiation by regulating Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway, suggesting that Macf1 might be a therapeutic target for bone disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity history on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has remained unclear for a long time. Recent paleobotanical investigations provide opportunities for revealing the phytogeographic history on the QTP in deep time and for testing phylogeographic hypotheses. Lagokarpos is an extinct genus with unknown modern affinities. It is easily distinguished by its fruits, which have two long wings and an elliptical fruit body. Previously, Lagokarpos fossils have only been found from North America and Germany, ranging from the latest Paleogene to early middle Eocene. Recently, we found fossil fruits of this genus from the Niubao Formation, near Bangoin County in the central QTP. A new species, namely Lagokarpos tibetensis H. Tang, T. Su & Z. K. Zhou sp. nov., is described. This is the first fossil record of the genus in Asia. The occurrence of L. tibetensis indicates a close floristic linkage between the QTP and other floras in the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene. According to the floristic assemblages, we suggest the central QTP experienced a tropical or subtropical humid climate during that period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of depression on the healing of acute wounds in rats. We hypothesized that depression would have negative effects on inflammation and wound healing and that antidepressant therapy would reverse these effects. This study included 100 rats randomly allocated into five groups: control group (CG), depression group (DG), pre‐depression group (PDG), antidepressant group (AG), and pre‐antidepressant group (PAG). Acute wounds were created on the rats' backs. The groups were subjected to no interventions (CG), aversive stimuli before (PDG) and after (DG) wound creation, and antidepressant treatment before (PAG) and after (AG) wound creation. On the day of wound creation and on days 3, 6, 9, and 12 after wound creation, observations of the wound area and degree of depression (evaluated using the sucrose preference test, open‐field test, and weight change) were recorded. On days 6 and 12 after wound creation, venous serum and wound tissues were collected. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed an initial increase followed by a decrease in the degree of depression in all groups except DG (continuous decline). The wound‐healing rate was significantly lower in PDG and DG than in CG; it was higher in AG and PAG than in CG. DG and PDG had higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than CG, and AG and PAG had lower concentrations than CG. This indicates that the onset of depression delays the healing of acute wounds and aggravates the inflammatory response in rats. Antidepressant treatment counteracts both of these negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To have a profound understanding of the physiological and pathological processes in a brain, both chemical and electrical signals need to be recorded, but this is still very challenging. Herein, micrometer‐ to nanometer‐sized SERS optophysiological probes were created to determine both the CO32− concentration and the pH in live brains and neurons because both species play important roles in regulating the acid–base balance in the brain. A ratiometric SERS microarray of eight microprobes with tip sizes of 5 μm was established and used for the first time for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of CO32− and pH in a live brain. We found that both the CO32− concentration and the pH value dramatically decreased under ischemic conditions. The present SERS technique can be combined with electrophysiology without cross‐talk to record both electrical and chemical signals in brains. To deepen our understanding of the mechanism of ischemia on the single‐cell level, a SERS nanoprobe with a tip size of 200 nm was developed for use in a single neuron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effect of H2O and SO2 on the reaction kinetics and pore structure of limestone during simultaneous calcination/sulfation reactions under circulating fluidized bed (CFB) conditions was first studied in a constant‐temperature reactor. H2O can accelerate the sulfation reaction rate in the slow‐sulfation stage significantly but has a smaller effect in the fast‐sulfation stage. H2O can also accelerate the calcination of CaCO3, and should be considered as a catalyst, as the activation energy for the calcination reaction was lower in the presence of H2O. When the limestone particles are calcining, SO2 in the flue gas can react with CaO on the outer particle layer and the resulting CaSO4 blocks the CaO pores, increases the diffusion resistance of CO2, and, in consequence, decreases the calcination rate of CaCO3. Here, gases containing 15% H2O and 0.3% SO2 are shown to increase the calcination rate. This means that the accelerating effect of 15% H2O on CaCO3 decomposition is stronger than the impeding effect caused by 0.3% SO2. The calcination rate of limestone particles was controlled by both the intrinsic reaction and the CO2 diffusion rate in the pores, but the intrinsic reaction rate played a major role as indicated by the effectiveness factors determined in this work. This may explain the synergic effect of H2O and SO2 on CaCO3 decomposition observed here. Finally, the effect of H2O and SO2 on sulfur capture in a 600 MWe CFB boiler burning petroleum coke is also analyzed. The sulfation performance of limestone evaluated by simultaneous calcination/sulfation is shown to be much higher than that by sulfation of CaO. Based on our calculations, a novel use of the wet flue gas recycle method was put forward to improve the sulfur capture performance for high‐sulfur low‐moisture fuels such as petroleum coke. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 1256–1268, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T‐2 toxin is one of the trichothecene mycotoxins commonly found in animal feed and agricultural products. Ingestion of T‐2 toxin by animals results in acute and chronic diseases, as well as reproductive failure. This study aimed at investigating the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis in goat endometrium epithelial cells. Flow cytometry and cell viability assay showed that T‐2 toxin significantly induced cell apoptosis, which was accompanied with increased expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3. The altered expression of two ER stress markers CHOP and GRP78 proved that ER stress is involved in the T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis. 4‐phenylbutyrate pretreatment was applied to relieve the ER stress, pretreated endometrium epithelial cells showed a decreased apoptosis level and the expression pattern of CHOP and GRP78 was reversed. The key genes involved in signaling pathways of ER stress‐associated apoptosis were examined, which showed that the IRE1‐JNK and PERK‐ATF4‐CHOP signal transduction pathways are both activated. Moreover, the level of cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and tumor necrosis factor‐α decreased in the T‐2 toxin‐treated cells. While the 4‐phenylbutyrate pretreatment elevates the cytokine levels after T‐2 treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that ER stress contributes to the T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis and decreased cytokine levels in goat endometrium epithelial cells. This study offers new insight into the molecular mechanisms of T‐2 toxicity on reproductive cells. T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis in goat endometrium epithelial cells is accompanied with increased expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3, and altered expression of CHOP and Grp78. The ER stress inhibitor, 4‐phenylbutyrate, decreased the apoptosis level and reversed the expression pattern of CHOP and GRP78 caused by T‐2 toxins. The IRE1‐JNK and PERK‐ATF4‐CHOP signal transduction pathways are both activated during T‐2 toxin exposure. These results indicated that ER stress is involved in T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis, which offers new insight into the molecular mechanisms of T‐2 toxicity on endometrium epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effects of pentaerythritol (PER) with aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) in halogen‐free flame retardant EVA/AHP/PER composites have been studied by cone calorimeter test (CCT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained from CCT show that the suitable amount of PER could considerably decrease the HRR and SPR values and prolong the combustion time of the EVA/AHP/PER composites. The results from LOI and UL‐94 show that a suitable amount of PER played synergistic effects on EVA/AHP/PER composites which increased the LOI value. The TGA data reveal that PER increased the char residues of the EVA/AHP/PER composites which made the EVA/AHP/PER composites have better thermal stability. SEM measurement results give positive evidence that the compact charred layers formed when 8 wt% AHP is substituted with PER and rich compact char layers could explain the excellent flame retardance. The mechanical properties results indicate that when AHP is substituted with a suitable amount PER, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EVA/AHP/PER composites can be maintained. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2299–2306, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical unloading was considered a major threat to bone homeostasis, and has been shown to decrease osteoblast proliferation although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cellular processes and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, an essential signaling pathway for osteoblasts. However, the relationship between MACF1 expression and mechanical unloading, and the function and the associated mechanisms of MACF1 in regulating osteoblast proliferation are unclear. This study investigated effects of mechanical unloading on MACF1 expression levels in cultured MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells and in femurs of mice with hind limb unloading; and it also examined the role and potential action mechanisms of MACF1 in osteoblast proliferation in MACF1‐knockdown, overexpressed or control MC3T3‐E1 cells treated with or without the mechanical unloading condition. Results showed that the mechanical unloading condition inhibited osteoblast proliferation and MACF1 expression in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells and mouse femurs. MACF1 knockdown decreased osteoblast proliferation, while MACF1 overexpression increased it. The inhibitory effect of mechanical unloading on osteoblast proliferation also changed with MACF1 expression levels. Furthermore, MACF1 was found to enhance β‐catenin expression and activity, and mechanical unloading decreased β‐catenin expression through MACF1. Moreover, β‐catenin was found an important regulator of osteoblast proliferation, as its preservation by treatment with its agonist lithium attenuated the inhibitory effects of MACF1‐knockdown or mechanical unloading on osteoblast proliferation. Taken together, mechanical unloading decreases MACF1 expression, and MACF1 up‐regulates osteoblast proliferation through enhancing β‐catenin signaling. This study has thus provided a mechanism for mechanical unloading‐induced inhibited osteoblast proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and thermal stability of Manganese Sulfide (MnS) inclusions in two low cost hot forged steels with no microalloying elements are carefully investigated. Based on the results, the austenite grain growth behavior of the two steels are studied and the effect of MnS inclusions on the austenite grain growth are discussed using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscopy, and a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Results show that the MnS inclusions hold a favorable thermal stability and do not dissolve in the steel heated at 1250 °C for 30 min. Austenite grains of the steel with larger quantities of smaller size of MnS inclusions are significantly finer than that of the steel with less and larger size of MnS inclusions heated at a temperature above 1000 °C. The differences in grain size become greater, as the heating temperature increases. The pinning effect of MnS inclusions plays an important role during austenite grain growth, when the austenite grain size exceeds the average spacing of MnS inclusions. The results indicate that large quantities of small MnS inclusions can be used to inhibit austenite grain growth during heating process in a low cost hot forged steel, where expensive microalloying elements are removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the formation of intragranular ferrite in a V-Ti-N medium-carbon steel containing MnS inclusions. The (Ti, V)(C, N) particles precipitating on MnS inclusions are confirmed to be the main nucleation sites of intragranular ferrite. Because of the small lattice mismatch and low-energy ferrite/V(C, N) interphase boundary, the vanadium-rich edge of (Ti, V)(C, N) particles increases the nucleation potency of intragranular ferrite. The interphase of MnS inclusions and austenite provides suitable sites for (Ti, V)(C, N) particles to grow big enough to reach the critical size for intragranular ferrite nucleation. Furthermore, the efficiency of the formation of intragranular ferrite starts to increase rapidly when the length of MnS inclusions decreases to less than 10 µm. The shape of intragranular ferrite is also significantly influenced by the length of MnS inclusions. In addition, the intragranular ferrite is confirmed to have a new type of orientation relationship with the particles precipitating in liquid phase, which indicates that the orientation relationship between the intragranular ferrite and (Ti, V)(C, N) particles is not sole, but diversified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]