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[Display omitted] Achieving rapid capillary wetting is highly desirable in nature and industries. Previous endeavors have primarily concentrated on passive wetting strategies through surface engineering. However, these approaches are inadequate for high-viscosity fluids due to the significant viscous resistance, especially for non-Newtonian fluids. In contrast, forced wetting emerges as a promising method to address the challenges associated with achieving rapid wetting of non-Newtonian fluids in capillaries. To investigate the forced wetting behavior of viscoelastic fluids in capillaries, we employ Xanthan Gum (XG) aqueous solutions as target fluids with the storage modulus significantly exceeding the loss modulus. We utilize smooth glass capillaries connected to a syringe pump to achieve high moving speeds of up to 1 m/s. Our experiments reveal a significant distinction in the power-law exponent that governs the scaling relationship between the dynamic contact angle and velocity for viscoelastic fluids compared to Newtonian fluids. This exponent is considerably smaller and varies based on the concentration of viscoelastic fluids and the diameter of the capillaries. We suggest that the viscosity dominates the wetting dynamics of viscoelastic fluids, manifested by the contact line morphology-dependent behavior. This insight has significant implications for microfluidics and drug injectability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hypothesis Although extensive research has been conducted on the dynamic wetting of Newtonian fluids, limited insights have been gained for viscoelastic fluids, particularly on engineered surfaces. We hypothesize that differences in dynamic wetting on microstructured surfaces exist between such fluids, which may be attributed to variations in viscosity and elasticity as well as changes in the microscopic morphology of the moving contact line. Experiments To systematically investigate the wetting differences between Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids on microstructured surfaces, we conducted forced wetting experiments of glycerol-water and carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solutions on microstructured polytetrafluoroethylene surfaces through a modified Wilhelmy plate method. Findings Results demonstrated an apparent difference in the relationship between the dynamic contact angle and moving velocity with different microstructured surfaces for Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids. The power-law exponent between the capillary number and cubic of the dynamic contact angle increases with the strengthening of shear thinning and elastic effects. In contrast, this exponent is rarely influenced by the scale of microstructured surfaces, particularly in highly viscous regions where viscous force dominates. In addition, viscosity affects the viscous bending and distance that liquid molecules jump at the contact line. These findings have potential applications in coating complex fluids on engineered surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Droplet spreading governs various daily phenomena and industrial processes. Insights about microdroplet spreading are limited due to experimental difficulties arising from microdroplet manipulation and substrate wettability control. For droplet sizes approaching the capillary length scale, the gravitational force plays an important role in spreading. In contrast, capillary and viscous forces dominate as the droplet size reduces to smaller length scales. We hypothesize that the dynamic spreading behavior of microdroplets whose radius is far lower than the capillary length differs substantially from established and well understood dynamics. To systematically investigate the spreading dynamics of microdroplets, we develop contact-initiated wetting techniques combined with structuring-independent wettability control to achieve microdroplet (<500 μm) spreading on arbitrary surfaces while eliminating parasitic pinning effects (pining force ∼ 0) and initial impact momentum effects (Weber number ∼ 0). Our experiments reveal that the capillary-driven initial spreading of microdroplets is shorter, with significantly reduced oscillation dampening, when compared to millimeter-scale droplets. Furthermore, spreading along with capillary wave propagation results in coupling between the spreading velocity and dynamic contact angle at the contact line. These findings, along with our proposed microdroplet manipulation platform, may find application in microscale heat transfer, advanced manufacturing, and aerosol transmission studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of excess cholesterol in plaques. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a key role in the removal of cholesterol. In the present study, we examined the effect of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) on RCT and explored the underlying mechanism. We found that Trx-1 promoted RCT in vivo , as did T0901317, a known liver X receptor (LXR) ligand. T0901317 also inhibited the development of atherosclerotic plaques but promoted liver steatosis. Furthermore, Trx-1 promoted macrophage cholesterol efflux to apoAI in vitro. Mechanistically, Trx-1 promoted nuclear translocation of LXRα and induced the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice fed an atherogenic diet were daily injected intraperitoneally with saline or Trx-1 (0.33 mg/kg). Trx-1 treatment significantly inhibited the development of atherosclerosis and induced the expression of ABCA1 in macrophages retrieved from apoE−/− mice. Moreover, the liver steatosis was attenuated by Trx-1. Overall, we demonstrated that Trx-1 promotes RCT by upregulating ABCA1 expression through induction of nuclear translocation of LXRα, and protects liver from steatosis. • Trx-1 promotes macrophage cholesterol efflux and induces RCT. • Trx-1 induces macrophage ABCA1 expression by inducing LXRα nuclear translocation. • Trx-1 inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis. • Unlike T0901317, Trx-1 does not lead to liver steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metal-organic coordination polymer, [Co(2,3′-oba)(dpp)] n (1) constructed from 2,3′-oxybisbenzoic acid (2,3′-H 2 oba) and 1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)propane (dpp) was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The complex 1 is a 2D network structure connected by Co-2,3′-oba-Co-dpp helical chains. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements of the complex 1 were discussed. The complex 1 was shown to be a single-molecule magnet with slow magnetic relaxation behavior having an energy barrier U eff of 15 ​K and τ 0 =1.56 ​× ​10−6 ​s. As a catalyst, complex 1 exhibited excellent catalytic properties on the activation of peroxymonsulfate (PMS) for the dyes degradation. Specifically, an almost complete degradation of Rhb in aqueous solution was achieved by complex 1 /PMS system with an efficiency of 99% within 15 ​min. The feasible active components were explored by quenching experiments, and the results showed that sulfate radicals generated in the degradation system was the main active constituent in the degradation process. The complex 1 has a highly stable skeleton structure which enabled its recycling in the dye degradation system. The obtained results provide an effective method for high degradation efficiencies of dyes in water. Catalytic degradation of Rhb by activated PMS. [Display omitted] • A new cobalt complex is a single-molecule magnet. • The complete degradation of Rhb was achieved by complex 1 /PMS within 15 ​min. • The complex has a stable skeleton, easy recycling and reusable properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of the strong solution to one (spatial) dimensional stochastic wave equation ∂ 2 u (t , x) ∂ t 2 = ∂ 2 u (t , x) ∂ x 2 + σ (t , x , u (t , x)) W ˙ (t , x) assuming σ (t , x , 0) = 0 , where W ˙ is a mean zero Gaussian noise which is white in time and fractional in space with Hurst parameter H ∈ (1 / 4 , 1 / 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Despite the flourishing studies of droplet interfacial boiling, the boiling upon vibratory surfaces, which may cause vigorous liquid–vapor-solid interactions, has rarely been investigated. Enhanced boiling normally can be gained from rapid removal of vapor and disturbance of liquid–vapor interface. We hypothesize that the vibratory surfaces enhance both effects with new intriguing phenomena and thus, attain an enhanced boiling heat transfer. We experimentally investigated the impacting fluid dynamics and coupled heat transfer patterns of multiple droplets and a single droplet impinging on still and vibratory surfaces of various materials and different wettability. The boiling under vibratory surfaces with increased vibration velocity amplitude and enhanced wettability can be enhanced by 80% in heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number, which is attributed to several reasons: shortened bubble lifespan, thinner and smaller bubbles, and enhanced disturbances in liquid–vapor interfaces. The vibration also delays the Leidenfrost point when the droplet impacts a descending surface, which shows that the droplet impact moment (vibration phase angle) is particularly crucial. The descending surface releases the generated vapor actively and facilitates liquid–solid contact, thereby delaying the Leidenfrost. From fundamentals to application, this article strengthens our understanding of vibrated interfacial boiling in scenarios closer to multiple natural processes and practical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vitro model with micropipette technique was used to investigate single-cell adhesion probability between lymphocytes and endothelial cells. The basal adhesion probability between lymphocytes and endothelial cells was low and was significantly increased when either lymphocytes were activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or endothelial cells were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor. The adhesion probability of lymphocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells was similar to that of lymphocytes to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HB-MVEC). However, lymphocyte adhesion probability was higher in HB-MVEC than in mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MB-MVEC) under both resting and activated conditions. Furthermore, lymphocytes preincubated with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) or HB-MVEC preincubated with monoclonal antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) significantly down-regulated the adhesion probability between lymphocytes and endothelial cells, indicating that the adhesion probability is related to the expression of LFA-1 on lymphocytes and to the expression of ICAM-1 on endothelial cells. Lymphocytes isolated from patients with cerebral stroke exhibited increased adhesion probability to HB-MVEC as compared with lymphocytes from healthy donors. Preincubation of lymphocytes with tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), an extract from a Chinese traditional herb, effectively inhibited the adhesion probability to HB-MVEC, suggesting that TMP has a potential therapeutic value. These results indicate that the micropipette technique is a useful model for investigating single-cell adhesion probability between lymphocytes and endothelial cells in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Argon-helium cryotherapy has a good and definite effect on the treatment of high-risk liver diseases. • Except for pain, there was no statistically difference between the two groups in the incidence of other complications. • Argon-helium cryotherapy is feasible, safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular Ca2+ signals play many important cellular functions such as migration, proliferation and differentiation. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major route of Ca2+ entry in nonexcitable cells. The activation of SOCE requires engagement between stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) molecules on the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel Orais (Orai1-3) on the plasma membrane. Accumulating evidence indicates that SOCE plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Here, we used the synthetic intracellular peptides derived from the C-termini of Orai channels to treat the breast cancer cells. We have found that Orai3-CT peptide exhibits stronger binding to STIM1 than Orai1-CT, and Orai3-CT peptide acts in a dominant negative fashion, blocking the STIM1-Orai1 interaction and reducing the Ca2+ entry and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Schematic model for Orai peptide inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells. SOAR domain of STIM1 binding to CT and NT of Orai1 leads to the channel opened and calcium entry. The synthetic intracellular peptides derived from Orai channels competitive interact with STIM1, blocking the STIM1-Orai1 interaction and calcium entry, thus reducing the activation of Ca2+-dependent transcription factors and inhibiting the proliferation of breast cells. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection can cause severe diseases, and is becoming increasingly common in children. In the current study, we carried out yeast two-hybrid assays to screen human proteins that could interact with 3A protein of EV71. Human β3 subunit of Na + /K + -ATPase (ATP1B3) protein was demonstrated to interact with the 3A protein of EV71. Although 3A protein had no effect on the expression of ATP1B3, EV71 infection resulted in elevated expression of ATP1B3 in RD cell line, both on messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Interestingly, knockdown of ATP1B3 could significantly increase the replication of EV71, whereas overexpression of ATP1B3 significantly suppressed the replication of EV71 in RD cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression of ATP1B3 could induce the production of type-I interferons. Our study demonstrated that ATP1B3 inhibit EV71 replication by enhancing the production of type-I interferons, which could act as a potential therapeutic target in EV71 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration and functional reconstruction of peripheral nerve defects remained a significant clinical challenge. Nerve guide conduits, with seed cells or neurotrophic factors (NTFs), had been widely used to improve the repair and regeneration of injured peripheral nerve. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) was an antioxidant that can stimulate nerve growth factors (NGFs) synthesis and accelerate the Schwann cells (SCs) proliferation and growth. In present study, three kinds of nerve guide conduits were constructed: one from cellulose/SPI hollow tube (CSC), another from CSC combined with SCs (CSSC), and the third one from CSSC combined with PQQ (CSSPC), respectively. And then they were applied to bridge and repair the sciatic nerve defect in rats, using autograft as control. Effects of different nerve guide conduits on the nerve regeneration were comparatively evaluated by general analysis, sciatic function index (SFI) and histological analysis (HE and TEM). Newly-formed regenerative nerve fibers were observed and running through the transparent nerve guide conduits 12 weeks after surgery. SFI results indicated that the reconstruction of motor function in CSSPC group was better than that in CSSC and CSC groups. HE images from the cross-sections and longitudinal-sections of the harvested regenerative nerve indicated that regenerative nerve fibers had been formed and accompanied with new blood vessels and matrix materials in the conduits. TEM images also showed that lots of fresh myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fibers had been formed. Parts of vacuolar, swollen and abnormal axons occurred in CSC and CSSC groups, while the vacuolization and swell of axons was the least serious in CSSPC group. These results indicated that CSSPC group had the most ability to repair and reconstruct the nerve structure and functions due to the comprehensive contributions from hollow CSC tube, SCs and PQQ. As a result, the CSSPC may have the potential for the applications as nerve guide conduits in the field of nerve tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 31% of TLE patients performed depression. • Hippocampal sclerosis is related to depression. • Immunoreactive TREK-1 neurons increase in depressed TLE hippocampi. • More activated microglia are observed in the depressed hippocampi. Epilepsy with comorbid depression has recently attracted increasing attention. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may represent an increased risk of developing depression, especially if the seizures do not generalize. The two-pore domain potassium channel-TWIK-related K+ channel (TREK-1) plays important roles in both epilepsy and depression. However, the changes in its expression in patients with epilepsy with comorbid depression remain unclear. In the present study, we analyzed depressive symptoms using neuropsychiatric scales in forty-two patients with drug-resistant TLE, who also underwent EEG in waking and sleeping states, as well as 3.0 T brain MRI. We tested for TREK-1 positive neurons and microglial cells in the anterior hippocampi of patients with drug-resistant TLE with and without comorbid depression (n=5/group). Approximately 31% of patients with TLE had comorbid depression (13/42). Meanwhile, the patients who had hippocampal sclerosis had much higher scores on the depression rating scale. The results indicated the contribution of hippocampal sclerosis to the development of depression. Immunostaining of TREK-1 channels was observed in neurons and glia in the anterior hippocampus. Increased immunoreactivity of TREK-1 neurons was observed in the hippocampi of patients with TLE with comorbid depression compared with nondepressed patients with TLE. TREK-1 was expressed in almost all microglia. Curiously, more activated TREK-1-positive microglia were observed in patients with TLE with depression than in those without depression. The results suggested that a change in TREK-1 immunoreactivity was involved, at least partly, in the development of depression as a comorbidity of TLE. Imbalance of the TREK-1 channel may be a potential target for the treatment of patients with epilepsy with comorbid depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]