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Wicker home products, handcrafted from sustainable materials such as willow, vine, and bamboo, embody principles of sustainable development. However, they face a lack of clear appeal among young consumers in the Chinese market. This study utilizes the AHP-CRITIC-TOPSIS method to examine user preferences for Funan Wicker home products to enhance the original products based on young users’ choices in the contemporary era. Using the AHP method, 14 evaluation indicators were selected across three key factors and determined subjective weights. Objective weights were calculated using the CRITIC method to establish a comprehensive ranking. Subsequently, the TOPSIS method was employed to evaluate and order the nine design alternatives. The findings highlight a strong emphasis on emotional criteria in the evaluation process, with variables such as Weaving Fineness, Stress Release, Pleasure, and Cultural Value significantly influencing user preference. According to the calculations, the program IX with the highest proximity emerged as the optimal choice. Based on these results, the study refines design focus and quantitative indexes for willow home product designers, proposing innovative design methods that offer theoretical support and practical guidance for the development of willow products in Funan, China.

Abstract To investigate the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture based on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) /acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling pathway to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice. 10 db/m mice with normal genotype were used as the normal control group without diabetes (Con), and 30 db/db mice were divided randomly into three groups: Pathological model mice (Mod), Acupuncture + ACC antagonist group (Acu + ACC), and Acupuncture + AMPK antagonist group (Acu + AMPK). Con and Mod did not receive any special treatment, only as a control observation. The latter two groups of mice received electroacupuncture treatment for 4 weeks. Mouse triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and cholesterin(CHO) levels were detected by colorimetric assay. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect insulin(INS) levels. Liver histopathologic changes and hepatic glycogen synthesis were observed by HE and PAS staining. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS1), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), AMPK, and ACC were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR.The results show that compared with Mod, TG, LDL, CHO, and INS levels of Acu + AMPK and Acu + ACC mice were significantly reduced (P

Abstract Newborn piglets’ health is seriously threatened by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which also has a significant effect on the pig industry. The gut microbiota produces butyrate, an abundant metabolite that modulates intestinal function through many methods to improve immunological and intestinal barrier function. The objective of this investigation was to ascertain how elevated butyrate concentrations impacted the host transcriptional profile of PEDV CV777 strain infection. Our findings showed that higher concentrations of butyrate have a stronger inhibitory effect on PEDV CV777 strain infection. According to RNA-seq data, higher concentrations of butyrate induced more significant transcriptional changes in IPEC-J2 cells, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT may play a role in the inhibition of PEDV CV777 strain by high concentrations of butyrate. Ultimately, we offer a theoretical and experimental framework for future research and development of novel approaches to harness butyrate’s antiviral infection properties.

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over time predisposes to inflammatory responses and abnormalities in functional brain networks that damage learning, memory, or executive function. The hippocampus is a key region often reporting connectivity abnormalities in memory disorders. Here, we investigated peripheral inflammatory responses and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) changes characterized of hippocampal subregions in type 2 diabetes-associated cognitive decline (T2DACD).MethodsThe study included 16 patients with T2DM, 16 patients with T2DACD and 25 healthy controls (HCs). Subjects were assessed for cognitive performance, tested for the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in peripheral serum, underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, and analyzed for RSFC using the hippocampal subregions as seeds. We also calculated the correlation between cognitive performance and RSFC of hippocampal subregion, and analyzed the significantly altered RSFC values of T2DACD for Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsT2DACD patients showed a decline in their ability to complete cognitive assessment scales and experimental paradigms, and T2DM did not show abnormal cognitive performance. IL-6 expression was increased in peripheral serum in both T2DACD and T2DM. Compared with HCs, T2DACD showed abnormalities RSFC of the left anterior hippocampus with left precentral gyrus and left angular gyrus. T2DM showed abnormalities RSFC of the left middle hippocampus with right medial frontal gyrus, right anterior and middle hippocampus with left precuneus, left anterior hippocampus with right precuneus and right posterior middle temporal gyrus. Compared with T2DM, T2DACD showed abnormalities RSFC of the left posterior hippocampus and right middle hippocampus with left precuneus. In addition, RSFC in the left posterior hippocampus with left precuneus of T2DACD was positively correlated with Flanker conflict response time (r=0.766, P=0.001). In the ROC analysis, the significantly altered RSFC values of T2DACD achieved significant performance.ConclusionsT2DACD showed a significant decrease in attentional inhibition and working memory, peripheral pro-inflammatory response increased, and abnormalities RSFC of the hippocampal subregions with default mode network and sensory-motor network. T2DM did not show a significant cognitive decline, but peripheral pro-inflammatory response increased and abnormalities RSFC of the hippocampus subregions occurred in the brain. In addition, the left precuneus may be a key brain region in the conversion of T2DM to T2DACD. The results of this study may provide a basis for the preliminary diagnosis of T2DACD.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered black phosphorus (BP), with a direct band gap and high carrier mobility, has shown great potential for next generation electronics and optoelectronics. However, how to prepare a large-area 2D material film is still a big problem for realizing its practical applications. Herein, an improved one-step solution-processable method is put forward to solving this problem to get uniform and large-area BP film. Our results show that the designed electrodes can be fully covered by BP flakes and the corresponding FET reveals relatively high performance. Our study opens a new avenue in fabricating large-area ultra-thin BP films.

Abstract Background Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) hold great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant methodology for the isolation and culture of WJ-MSCs. Through comprehensive research, encompassing laboratory-scale experiments to pilot-scale studies, we aimed to develop standardized protocols ensuring the high yield and quality of WJ-MSCs manufacturing. Methods Firstly, optimization of parameters for the enzymatic digestion method used to isolate WJ-MSCs was conducted. These parameters included enzyme concentrations, digestion times, seeding densities, and culture media. Additionally, a comparative analysis between the explant method and the enzymatic digestion method was performed. Subsequently, the consecutive passaging of WJ-MSCs, specifically up to passage 9, was evaluated using the optimized method. Finally, manufacturing processes were developed and scaled up, starting from laboratory-scale flask-based production and progressing to pilot-scale cell factory-based production. Furthermore, a stability study was carried out to assess the storage and use of drug products (DPs). Results The optimal parameters for the enzymatic digestion method were a concentration of 0.4 PZ U/mL Collagenase NB6 and a digestion time of 3 h, resulting in a higher yield of P0 WJ-MSCs. In addition, a positive correlation between the weight of umbilical cord tissue and the quantities of P0 WJ-MSCs has been observed. Evaluation of different concentrations of human platelet lysate revealed that 2% and 5% concentrations resulted in similar levels of cell expansion. Comparative analysis revealed that the enzymatic digestion method exhibited faster outgrowth of WJ-MSCs compared to the explant method during the initial passage. Passages 2 to 5 exhibited higher viability and proliferation ability throughout consecutive passaging. Moreover, scalable manufacturing processes from the laboratory scale to the pilot scale were successfully developed, ensuring the production of high-quality WJ-MSCs. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles of the DPs led to reduced cell viability and viable cell concentration. Subsequent thawing and dilution of the DPs resulted in a significant decrease in both metrics, especially when stored at 20–27 °C. Conclusion This study offers valuable insights into optimizing the isolation and culture of WJ-MSCs. Our scalable manufacturing processes facilitate the large-scale production of high-quality WJ-MSCs. These findings contribute to the advancement of WJ-MSCs-based therapies in regenerative medicine.

As a complementary and alternative therapy, acupuncture is widely used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture effects is still limited due to the lack of systematic biological validation. Notably, proteomics technologies in the field of acupuncture are rapidly evolving, and these advances are greatly contributing to the research of acupuncture. In this study, we review the progress of proteomics research in analyzing the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for neurological disorders, pain, circulatory disorders, digestive disorders, and other diseases, with an in-depth discussion around acupoint prescription and acupuncture manipulation modalities. The study found that proteomics has great potential in understanding the mechanisms of acupuncture. This study will help explore the mechanisms of acupuncture from a proteomic perspective and provide information to support future clinical decisions.

Phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) plays a crucial role in localizing and monitoring seismic waves, underwater structures, etc. Accurate localization of external perturbations along the fiber is essential for addressing these challenges effectively. The conversion coefficient, which links the detected phase signal to the perturbation signal on the fiber, has a significant impact on localization accuracy. This makes the characteristic of parameters relative to the conversion coefficient in Φ-OTDR a subject of deep research. Based on the coherent Φ-OTDR mathematical model, parameters like the modulus, the statistical phase, the phase change, and the peak difference are analyzed with and without the static region, respectively. When perturbations are homogeneously distributed along the fiber, the absence of static region on the phase change-fiber length plane leads to a nonlinear phase change relationship. This deviation from the expected linear relationship in the presence of static region means that the static region is essential for higher localization accuracy. The absence of static region results in a standard deviation of 0.042263 m for the localization deviation value, which could be theoretically reduced by a new sensor design with a static region. These findings underscore the importance of the conversion coefficient and the relevance of the static region in Φ-OTDR to achieving accurate and effective localization.

Deqi is an important prerequisite for acupuncture to achieve optimal efficacy. Chinese medicine has long been concerned with the relationship between Deqi and the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. However, the underlying mechanisms of Deqi are complex and there is a lack of systematic summaries of objective quantitative studies of Deqi. Acupuncture Deqi can achieve the purpose of treating diseases by regulating the interaction of local and neighboring acupoints, brain centers, and target organs. At local and neighboring acupoints, Deqi can change their tissue structure, temperature, blood perfusion, energy metabolism, and electrophysiological indicators. At the central brain level, Deqi can activate the brain regions of the thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, insular, middle temporal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, etc. It also has extensive effects on the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical-network and default mode network. The brain mechanisms of Deqi vary depending on the acupuncture techniques and points chosen. In addition, Deqi 's mechanism of action involves correcting abnormalities in target organs. The mechanisms of acupuncture Deqi are multi-targeted and multi-layered. The biological mechanisms of Deqi are closely related to brain centers. This study will help to explore the mechanism of Deqi from a local-central-target-organ perspective and provide information for future clinical decision-making.

Objective: This scoping review aims to document Chinese Patent Medicines (CPMs) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, explore whether CPMs can improve patients’ health outcomes, and set priorities in addressing research gaps in this area. Methods: Following the framework of PRISMA-SCr, we proposed the research questions based on PICOS principle, and searched the CPMs for T2DM from three drug lists, followed by a systematic search of the literature in eight databases from their inception to June 22, 2023. Then, we developed the eligibility criteria and systematically reviewed the relevant studies, retained the studies about CPMs for T2DM, extracted the related data, and identified the differences across studies in structured charts. Results: A total of 25 types of CPMs were extracted from the three drug lists. Radix astragali appeared most frequently (19 times) among the herbal medicinal ingredients of CPMs. A total of 449 articles were included in the full-paper analysis ultimately, all of which were about 20 types of CPMs, and there were no related reports on the remaining five CPMs. Except about a quarter (25.39 %, 114/449) using CPMs alone, the remaining studies all involved the combination with oral hypoglycemics for T2DM. Biguanides are the most common drugs used in combination with CPMs (50.14 %, 168/335). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is the most frequently reported outcomes in efficacy evaluation (82.41 %, 370/449). Conclusion: There are a total of 25 types of CPMs currently available for T2DM patients. However, the volume of related evidence on these CPMs varies. It is necessary to standardize the combined use of CPMs and conventional medicine and select appropriate outcomes in future studies.

Achieving the sustainability of coupled human-nature systems requires matching the ecosystem services (ES) provided by nature to the needs of society. However, most of the current studies on ES supply–demand relationships focus on spatial mismatches and rarely consider their temporal dynamics. In this study, the year-by-year dynamics (2001–2020) of 12 ESs at multiple spatial scales were investigated by using space–time interaction (STI) analysis, fuzzy C-mean clustering, and emerging hotspot analysis. We found that (1) three forms of temporal dynamics of ES indicators can be identified, including linear dynamics, fluctuating dynamics, and regime shift dynamics. (2) Temporal dynamic patterns of the same ES were not consistent across all counties, showing great spatial heterogeneity. The temporal dynamics of each ES type at each county were spatially explicitly clustered into linear dynamics, fluctuating dynamics, and regime shift dynamics with different means. (3) The ES supply–demand relationships can shift between supply–demand balance, excess supply, and excess demand when the temporal dynamics of ES supply do not match with that of ES demand. Our results suggest that temporal dynamic analysis in ecological restoration effectiveness assessment can help to avoid erroneous results compared to considering only pre- and post-policy ES changes. The identified emerging hotspots of excess supply and excess demand can help decision-makers more accurately identify priority locations for management.

Investment in preschool education is increasingly seen as a policy priority in middle and high-income countries due to the early benefits it provides children in their educational journeys. This article discusses the impact of recent increased investment in preschool education in China which has served as a correction to relative historical neglect. In this study a parental satisfaction survey evaluated the cost-sharing, equity of enrollment and quality of preschool education in a local urban governmental-led and multi-participant public service system of preschool education. In the context of the continued challenges of bridging gaps between policy and practice, results show that Government investment is beginning to have positive effects in terms of cost-sharing of preschool education with benefits to family incomes and significantly increasing the quality of preschool education. Parents of children in public provincial kindergartens provided higher satisfaction ratings for students' development than parents of those in private provincial kindergartens. The article concludes by discussing the differing, but related roles of the Government and private providers in Chinese preschool education including the development of what is termed a "High-Quality Collaborative Education Ecosystem."

The synthesis of a novel large type double-layered cyclophanes has been successfully accomplished by free radical coupling reaction with the bis(N-alkylene benzothiazolium) dibromide salts as their important synthetic intermediates. The structures of the two-layered cyclophanes and the synthetic intermediates have been elucidated based on the NMR data and X-ray structural analysis, respectively. The two-layered cyclophanes consist of two different geometries, anti-two cyclic lactam amide rings inside and two bridges of disulfide bonds outside, which are unique and novel structures. Their physical properties were investigated by UV–Vis and redox potential, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report five coordination polymers (CPs) and two supramolecular cages based on [MS4Cux]x−2 (M = W, Mo, x = 1, 2, ... 6) units and N-containing ligands, 9,10-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)anthracene (dia), 1,6-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyrene (dip), and 1,1′,1′′-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(methylene))tris(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium) bromide (bmd), and 1,1′,1′′-((2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene))tris(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium) (mbmd). Compounds 1 and 2 both contain the penta-nuclear [(WS4)Cu4]2+ cluster unit. The four Cu+ atoms were arranged in a distorted tetrahedron and rectangle around the (WS4)2− core in 1 and 2, respectively, affording a 3-connected unit in 1 and a 2-connected unit in 2. Compounds 3, 4 and 5 were built with the tri-topic organic ligand bmd; 3 and 4 contain penta-nuclear [WS4Cu4]2+ units, and 5 contains the hexa-nuclear [MoS4Cu5]3+ unit. However the connectives of the cluster units in 3, 4 and 5 and the final helical chain structures were similar. Compound 6 contains a tetra-nuclear [WS4Cu3I3]2− unit and positively charged mbmd ligand. The mbmd ligand was in a cis-conformation leading to a supramolecular cage, which accommodated an I− anion as guest. Compound 7 is isostructural to 6 but contains a [WS4Cu3Cl3]2− cluster unit, mbmd ligand and a Br− free anion. This work demonstrates that the number and arrangement of Cu+ around the (MS4)2− core can be varied with the synthesis conditions, affording heterothiometallic [(MS4)Cux]x−2 cluster units of versatile geometries and connectivities for building CPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlphaFold model has reshaped biological research. However, vast unstructured data in the entire AlphaFold field requires further analysis to fully understand the current research landscape and guide future exploration. Thus, this scientometric analysis aimed to identify critical research clusters, track emerging trends, and highlight underexplored areas in this field by utilizing machine-learning-driven informatics methods. Quantitative statistical analysis reveals that the AlphaFold field is enjoying an astonishing development trend (Annual Growth Rate = 180.13%) and global collaboration (International Co-authorship = 33.33%). Unsupervised clustering algorithm, time series tracking, and global impact assessment point out that Cluster 3 (Artificial Intelligence-Powered Advancements in AlphaFold for Structural Biology) has the greatest influence (Average Citation = 48.36 ± 184.98). Additionally, regression curve and hotspot burst analysis highlight "structure prediction" (s = 12.40, R2 = 0.9480, p = 0.0051), "artificial intelligence" (s = 5.00, R2 = 0.8096, p = 0.0375), "drug discovery" (s = 1.90, R2 = 0.7987, p = 0.0409), and "molecular dynamics" (s = 2.40, R2 = 0.8000, p = 0.0405) as core hotspots driving the research frontier. More importantly, the Walktrap algorithm further reveals that "structure prediction, artificial intelligence, molecular dynamics" (Relevance Percentage[RP] = 100%, Development Percentage[DP] = 25.0%), "sars-cov-2, covid-19, vaccine design" (RP = 97.8%, DP = 37.5%), and "homology modeling, virtual screening, membrane protein" (RP = 89.9%, DP = 26.1%) are closely intertwined with the AlphaFold model but remain underexplored, which implies a broad exploration space. In conclusion, through the machine-learning-driven informatics methods, this scientometric analysis offers an objective and comprehensive overview of global AlphaFold research, identifying critical research clusters and hotspots while prospectively pointing out underexplored critical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One undescribed benzofuran derivative (illiciumphenolicacid A, 1) and one new phenolic glycoside (illiciumphenolicacid B, 2), together with six known compounds (3–8) were isolated from the leaves of Illicium dunnianum Tutcher. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). In addition, we determined the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the isolates in vitro using spectrophotometric methods. Compared with the positive control acarbose (IC50 306.2 ± 4.1 μM), compounds 1–8 were shown to be moderate potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range 380–655 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapies for cancer have evolved through a series of remarkable and critical research advances; however, addressing their similarities and differences is imperative in clinical practice. Therefore, this study aimed to examine their similarities and differences from the perspective of informatics analysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed extensive relevant studies published between 2014 and 2023 using stringent search criteria, excluding nonpeer-reviewed and non-English documents. The main outcome variables are publication volume, citation volume, connection strength, occurrence frequency, relevance percentage, and development percentage. Furthermore, an integrated comparative analysis was conducted using unsupervised hierarchical clustering, spatiotemporal analysis, regression statistics, and Walktrap algorithm analysis. Results: This analysis included 1373 relevant studies. Advancements in neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapies have been promising over the last decade, with an annual growth rate of 25.18 vs. 6.52% and global collaboration (International Co-authorships) of 19.93 vs. 19.84%. Respectively, five dominant research clusters were identified through unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on machine learning, among which Cluster 4 (Balance of neoadjuvant immunotherapy efficacy and safety) and Cluster 2 (Adjuvant immunotherapy clinical trials) [Average Publication Year (APY): 2021.70 ± 0.70 vs. 2017.54 ± 4.59] are emerging research populations. Burst and regression curve analyses uncovered domain pivotal research signatures, including microsatellite instability (R2=0.7500, P=0.0025) and biomarkers (R2=0.6505, P=0.0086) in neoadjuvant scenarios, and the tumor microenvironment (R2=0.5571, P=0.0209) in adjuvant scenarios. The Walktrap algorithm further revealed that 'neoadjuvant immunotherapy, nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immune checkpoint inhibitors, melanoma' and 'adjuvant immunotherapy, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, dendritic cells' (Relevance Percentage: 100 vs. 100%, Development Percentage: 37.5 vs. 17.1%) are extremely relevant to this field but remain underdeveloped, highlighting the need for further investigation. Conclusion: This study identified pivotal research signatures and provided substantial predictions for neoadjuvant and adjuvant cancer immunotherapies. In addition, comprehensive quantitative comparisons revealed a notable shift in focus within this field, with neoadjuvant immunotherapy taking precedence over adjuvant immunotherapy after 2020; such a qualitative finding facilitate proper decision-making for subsequent research and mitigate the wastage of healthcare resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress may contribute to cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is a major pharmacologically active component of ginseng to treat cardiovascular diseases. Whether Rb1 treat diabetes injured heart remains unknown. This study was to investigate the effect of Rb1 on diabetes injured cardiac muscle tissue and to further investigate its possible molecular pharmacology mechanisms. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected streptozotocin solution for 2 weeks, followed 6 weeks Rb1 or insulin treatment. The activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx, and the levels of MDA was measured; histological and ultrastructure analyses, RyR2 activity and phosphorylated RyR2(Ser2808) protein expression analyses; and Tunel assay were performed. Results: There was decreased activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx and increased levels of MDA in the diabetic group from control. Rb1 treatment increased activity of SOD, CAT, Gpx and decreased the levels of MDA as compared with diabetic rats. Neutralizing the RyR2 activity significantly decreased in diabetes from control, and increased in Rb1 treatment group from diabetic group. The expression of phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser2808 was increased in diabetic rats from control, and were attenuated with insulin and Rb1 treatment. Diabetes increased the apoptosis rate, and Rb1 treatment decreased the apoptosis rate. Rb1 and insulin ameliorated myocardial injury in diabetic rats. Conclusions: These data indicate that Rb1 could be useful for mitigating oxidative damage, reduced phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser2808 and decreased the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in diabetic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermosensation is vital for the survival, propagation, and adaption of all organisms, but its mechanism is not fully understood yet. Here, we find that TMC6, a membrane protein of unknown function, is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and functions as a Gαq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-like receptor to sense noxious heat. TMC6-deficient mice display a substantial impairment in noxious heat sensation while maintaining normal perception of cold, warmth, touch, and mechanical pain. Further studies show that TMC6 interacts with Gαq via its intracellular C-terminal region spanning Ser780 to Pro810. Specifically disrupting such interaction using polypeptide in DRG neurons, genetically ablating Gαq, or pharmacologically blocking Gαq-coupled GPCR signaling can replicate the phenotype of TMC6 deficient mice regarding noxious heat sensation. Noxious heat stimulation triggers intracellular calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of TMC6- but not control vector-transfected HEK293T cell, which can be significantly inhibited by blocking PLC or IP3R. Consistently, noxious heat-induced intracellular Ca2+ release from ER and action potentials of DRG neurons largely reduced when ablating TMC6 or blocking Gαq/PLC/IP3R signaling pathway as well. In summary, our findings indicate that TMC6 can directly function as a Gαq-coupled GPCR-like receptor sensing noxious heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three coordination polymers (CPs) were synthesized from Zn2+/Cd2+, fluorescent di-9,10-(imidazolyl)-anthracene (dia), and cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2cda). The coordination polymer 1, [Zn(dia)(cda2−)0.5(Hcda−)·0.5H2O]n, contained a layered structure. The coordination polymer 2, [Zn(dia)(cda2−)]n, contained a rare 3D network with a self-catenation pattern. The coordination polymer 3, [Cd2(dia)1.5(cda2−)2]n, contained a 3D network of ose topology. Coordination polymers 1, 2 and 3 were all highly fluorescent. Mixed matrix membranes, prepared by dispersing particles of 1, 2 or 3 within a matrix of polymethyl methacrylate, showed high sensitivity, selectivity and recyclability for detecting Cr2O72− in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) hold great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant methodology for the isolation and culture of WJ-MSCs. Through comprehensive research, encompassing laboratory-scale experiments to pilot-scale studies, we aimed to develop standardized protocols ensuring the high yield and quality of WJ-MSCs manufacturing. Methods: Firstly, optimization of parameters for the enzymatic digestion method used to isolate WJ-MSCs was conducted. These parameters included enzyme concentrations, digestion times, seeding densities, and culture media. Additionally, a comparative analysis between the explant method and the enzymatic digestion method was performed. Subsequently, the consecutive passaging of WJ-MSCs, specifically up to passage 9, was evaluated using the optimized method. Finally, manufacturing processes were developed and scaled up, starting from laboratory-scale flask-based production and progressing to pilot-scale cell factory-based production. Furthermore, a stability study was carried out to assess the storage and use of drug products (DPs). Results: The optimal parameters for the enzymatic digestion method were a concentration of 0.4 PZ U/mL Collagenase NB6 and a digestion time of 3 h, resulting in a higher yield of P0 WJ-MSCs. In addition, a positive correlation between the weight of umbilical cord tissue and the quantities of P0 WJ-MSCs has been observed. Evaluation of different concentrations of human platelet lysate revealed that 2% and 5% concentrations resulted in similar levels of cell expansion. Comparative analysis revealed that the enzymatic digestion method exhibited faster outgrowth of WJ-MSCs compared to the explant method during the initial passage. Passages 2 to 5 exhibited higher viability and proliferation ability throughout consecutive passaging. Moreover, scalable manufacturing processes from the laboratory scale to the pilot scale were successfully developed, ensuring the production of high-quality WJ-MSCs. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles of the DPs led to reduced cell viability and viable cell concentration. Subsequent thawing and dilution of the DPs resulted in a significant decrease in both metrics, especially when stored at 20–27 °C. Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into optimizing the isolation and culture of WJ-MSCs. Our scalable manufacturing processes facilitate the large-scale production of high-quality WJ-MSCs. These findings contribute to the advancement of WJ-MSCs-based therapies in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to improve the braking performance of friction materials for high-speed trains. Copper-based friction materials reinforced with AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) contents of 0–40 wt% were prepared by powder metallurgy, and the braking performance of these materials at braking speeds of 40, 80, 120, and 160 km/h was investigated. The composition of AlCoCrFeNi HEA particles changes due to the elemental diffusion and alloying between AlCoCrFeNi HEA particles and the copper matrix during sintering. With the AlCoCrFeNi content increasing, the amount of interfaces between AlCoCrFeNi particles and Cu matrix increases and the bending strength of the materials decreases, owing to the formation of oxides. The friction coefficient, braking time, and absorbing power of copper-based friction materials can be significantly improved by adding AlCoCrFeNi particles. However, the improvement in their wear resistance is not significant. The spalling pits and oxides are detected on the worn surfaces. The dominant wear mechanisms of copper-based friction materials are spalling and oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukaemia-related protein 16 (LRP16) has been found to be highly expressed in various tumours and to be related to poor prognosis. However, the role of LRP16 in endometrial carcinoma remains to be explored. We aimed to investigate the prognosis and role of LRP16 in endometrial carcinoma. Overall, 160 endometrial carcinoma (EC) tissues and 60 benign samples were collected. The expression of LRP16 protein in EC tissues was significantly increased compared with that in normal endometrial tissues, and high LRP16 expression was related to poor patient prognosis. Reduced LRP16 expression markedly inhibited cancer cell growth. The proliferation rates in the prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy (PBS) group and the shNon group were 0.727 ±0.015 and 0.743 ±0.009, respectively, while the proliferation rate in the shLRP16 group was only 0.373 ±0.012. The migration experiment showed that the number of cells passing through the basement membrane in the shLRP16 group was 34.2 ±5.1, which was significantly different to the shNon (161.6 ±7.8) and PBS groups (138.0 ±7.2). The results of the invasion experiment showed that the number of cells was 39.2 ±6.2 in the shLRP16 group, 146.7 ±8.2 in the shNon group, and 141.2 ±8.1 in the PBS group (p < 0.05). Leukaemia-related protein 16 is highly expressed in oestrogen-dependent EC and may promote cancer cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]