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Among numerous semiconductors, BiVO4 has a suitable bandgap width, excellent valence band energy level and high activity for visible light water oxidation. It is an important oxygen evolution photocatalyst, but its carrier migration rate is still lower than other semiconductor materials. Therefore, in this paper, transition metal cations such as Fe3+ were selectively exchanged with V5+ in BiVO4 in a high-temperature Ar atmosphere by vapor phase cation exchange method, cationic bonds with strong binding force were formed at the interface between metal elements and catalysts, effectively accelerating bulk to surface charge separation. The adsorption energy and surface oxidation kinetics of the intermediate in the process of water oxidation were enhanced, and the photoelectrochemical properties of the intermediate were effectively improved. The vapor phase cation exchange between Fe3+ and V5+ of BiVO4 photoanode makes the metal element and the catalyst form a strong cationic bond at the interface, which greatly reduces the charge transport resistance to a certain extent, accelerates the water reaction kinetics, which can not only significantly improve the stability, but also increase the photocurrent density and significantly reduce the starting potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) increases postoperative dementia and mortality in patients and has no effective treatment. Although the detailed pathogenesis of PND is still elusive, a large amount of evidence suggests that damaged mitochondria may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PND. A healthy mitochondrial pool not only provides energy for neuronal metabolism but also maintains neuronal activity through other mitochondrial functions. Therefore, exploring the abnormal mitochondrial function in PND is beneficial for finding promising therapeutic targets for this disease. This article summarizes the research advances of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder, inflammatory response and oxidative stress, mitochondrial quality control, mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and cell death in the pathogenesis of PND, and briefly describes the application of mitochondria-targeted therapies in PND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients have a good prognosis after surgery, but radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) patients have a significantly reduced 5-year survival rate (<60%) and a significantly increased recurrence rate (>30%). This study aimed to clarify the tescalcin (TESC) role in promoting the malignant PTC progression and providing a potential target for RAIR-DTC treatment. Methods: We analyzed TESC expression and clinicopathological characteristics using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and performed qRT-PCR on tissue samples. TPC-1 and IHH-4 proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected after transfection with TESC-RNAi. Using Western blot (WB), several EMT-related indicators were detected. Moreover, iodine uptake of TPC-1 and IHH-4 after transfection with TESC-RNAi was detected. Finally, NIS, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 levels were determined by WB. Results: TESC was significantly upregulated in DTC tissues and positively correlated with BRAF V600E mutation based on data analysis from TCGA and our center. Reduced expression of TESC in both IHH-4 (BRAF V600E mutation) and TPC-1 (BRAF V600E wild type) cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It downregulated the EMT pathway markers Vimentin and N-cadherin, and increased E- cadherin. Moreover, TESC knockdown significantly inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased NIS expression in DTC cells, with a remarkably increased iodine uptake rate. Conclusions: TESC was highly expressed in DTC tissues and may have promoted metastasis through EMT and induced iodine resistance by downregulating NIS in DTC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons are highly dependent on mitochondrial ATP production and Ca2+ buffering. Neurons have unique compartmentalized anatomy and energy requirements, and each compartment requires continuously renewed mitochondria to maintain neuronal survival and activity. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a key factor in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. It is widely accepted that mitochondria are synthesized in the cell body and transported via axons to the distal end. However, axonal mitochondrial biogenesis is necessary to maintain axonal bioenergy supply and mitochondrial density due to limitations in mitochondrial axonal transport rate and mitochondrial protein lifespan. In addition, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis leading to inadequate energy supply and neuronal damage has been observed in neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on the sites where mitochondrial biogenesis occurs in neurons and the mechanisms by which it maintains axonal mitochondrial density. Finally, we summarize several neurological disorders in which mitochondrial biogenesis is affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke induced by basal ganglia infarction often impair cognitive function. The exploration of topological patterns in structural and functional networks associated cognitive impairment after stroke may contribute to understand the pathological mechanism of cognitive impairment caused by stroke. In this paper, graph theory analysis was applied to diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) data from 23 post-stroke patients with cognitive impairment (PSCI), 17 post-stroke patients without cognitive impairment (NPSCI), and 29 healthy controls (HC). Structural and functional connectivity between 90 cortical and subcortical brain regions was estimated and set threshold to construct a set of undirected graphs. Network-based statistics (NBS) was used to characterize altered connectivity patterns among the three groups. Compared to HC, the PSCI group demonstrated substantial reductions in all three types of connections—rich club, feeder, and local—in structural and functional networks. Specifically, in structural network analysis, reduced connections were observed within basal ganglia and basal ganglia-frontal networks, whereas in the functional network analysis, reduced connections were observed in fronto-parietal network (FPN) and cingulo-opercular networks (CON). Meanwhile, compared to HC, the NPSCI group demonstrated reductions in both feeder and local connections only within occipital area and occipital-temporal structural networks. The findings of reduced structural connectivity in regions stemming from a basal ganglia core and reduced functional connectivity in FPN and CON may indicate a bottom-up cognitive impairment induced by stroke. Graph analysis and connectomics may aid clinical diagnosis and serve as potential imaging biomarkers for post-stroke patients with cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of the AgnCun (n = 7–14) clusters with the equal number of the Ag and Cu atoms are systematically investigated by using the density functional theory method. The results indicate that as n is 9, the structures of the AgnCun clusters begin to form the icosahedral core, and most Ag–Cu clusters with icosahedral cores have high stability. The Ag8Cu8 cluster has the highest mixing degree. The Ag10Cu10 cluster has relatively high energetic and electronic stability. For the density of states at the Fermi level, the Ag7Cu7, Ag8Cu8, Ag9Cu9, Ag10Cu10, and Ag14Cu14 clusters are mainly contributed by Cu atoms, while the Ag11Cu11, Ag12Cu12, and Ag13Cu13 clusters are mainly contributed by Ag atoms. Interestingly, the Cu16-II cluster is magnetic. The absorption spectra of the AgnCun clusters are red-shift comparing with the pure Ag2n clusters, but they are blue-shift comparing with the pure Cu2n clusters. The absorption properties of the AgnCun clusters in the visible region are better than the pure clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of the AgnCun (n = 7–14) clusters with the equal number of the Ag and Cu atoms are systematically investigated by using the density functional theory method. The results indicate that as n is 9, the structures of the AgnCun clusters begin to form the icosahedral core, and most Ag–Cu clusters with icosahedral cores have high stability. The Ag8Cu8 cluster has the highest mixing degree. The Ag10Cu10 cluster has relatively high energetic and electronic stability. For the density of states at the Fermi level, the Ag7Cu7, Ag8Cu8, Ag9Cu9, Ag10Cu10, and Ag14Cu14 clusters are mainly contributed by Cu atoms, while the Ag11Cu11, Ag12Cu12, and Ag13Cu13 clusters are mainly contributed by Ag atoms. Interestingly, the Cu16-II cluster is magnetic. The absorption spectra of the AgnCun clusters are red-shift comparing with the pure Ag2n clusters, but they are blue-shift comparing with the pure Cu2n clusters. The absorption properties of the AgnCun clusters in the visible region are better than the pure clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate whether miR-148a-3p overexpression is associated with disrupted decidualization of recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: Endometrial miRNA and mRNA expression profiles during the implantation window derived from women with and without RIF were identified using microarray and RT-qPCR. Immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were cultured for proliferation and in vitro decidualization assays after enhancing miR-148a-3p expression or inhibiting putative target gene homeobox C8 (HOXC8) expression. RT-qPCR, western blot, and luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the relationship between miR-148a-3p and HOXC8 gene. Results: MiR-148a-3p was significantly upregulated in RIF endometrial tissues. Forced expression of miR-148a-3p notably attenuated HESC in vitro decidualization. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-148a-3p directly bounds to the HOXC8 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) and suppressed HOXC8 expressions in both mRNA and protein levels. Further investigations demonstrated that inhibition of HOXC8 in HESCs induced similar effects on decidual process as those induced by miR-148a-3p overexpression. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggested that elevated miR-148a-3p might account for flawed decidualization in RIF by negatively regulating HOXC8, raising the possibility that miR-148a-3p might be a novel therapeutic target in RIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and liver plays a major role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. The hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp is considered the gold standard for assessing peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, yet it is a costly and labour-intensive procedure. Therefore, easy-to-measure, cost-effective approaches to determine insulin sensitivity are needed to enable organ-specific interventions. Recently, evidence emerged that plasma cathepsin D (CTSD) is associated with insulin sensitivity and hepatic inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate whether plasma CTSD is associated with hepatic and/or peripheral insulin sensitivity in humans. Methods: As part of two large clinical trials (one designed to investigate the effects of antibiotics, and the other to investigate polyphenol supplementation, on insulin sensitivity), 94 overweight and obese adults (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) previously underwent a two-step hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp (using [6,6-2H2]glucose) to assess hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity (per cent suppression of endogenous glucose output during the low-insulin-infusion step, and the rate of glucose disappearance during high-insulin infusion [40 mU/(m2 × min)], respectively). In this secondary analysis, plasma CTSD levels, CTSD activity and plasma inflammatory cytokines were measured. Results: Plasma CTSD levels were positively associated with the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-α (IL-8: standardised β = 0.495, p < 0.001; TNF-α: standardised β = 0.264, p = 0.012). Plasma CTSD activity was negatively associated with hepatic insulin sensitivity (standardised β = −0.206, p = 0.043), independent of age, sex, BMI and waist circumference, but it was not associated with peripheral insulin sensitivity. However, plasma IL-8 and TNF-α were not significantly correlated with hepatic insulin sensitivity. Conclusions/interpretation: We demonstrate that plasma CTSD activity, but not systemic inflammation, is inversely related to hepatic insulin sensitivity, suggesting that plasma CTSD activity may be used as a non-invasive marker for hepatic insulin sensitivity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a selective and sensitive method for the colorimetric determination of Cd(II) by using silver nanoparticles capped with chalcone carboxylic acid (CCA) as an optical indicator probe. The addition of Cd(II) ions causes particle aggregation and this is accompanied by a color change from yellow to orange, with absorption peaks shifting from 396 to 522 nm. This assay enables selective detection of Cd(II), while other metal ions such as Al(III), Ca(II), Co(II), bichromate, Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Ni(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), Mg(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II) do not significantly interfere at moderate levels. The visually detectable limit of detection is 0.23 μM, and the instrumental detection limit is 0.13 μM. A linear relationship, between the absorbances ratio at 522 and 396 nm and Cd(II) concentration, was obtained in the 0.227 to 3.18 μM Cd(II) concentration range. The colorimetric method was successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) in spiked drinking water and lake water. The results were in good agreement with results by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Three-River Headwater Region (TRHR), known as the 'Water Tower of China', is an important ecological shelter for national security interests and regional sustainable development activities for many downstream regions in China and a number of Southeast Asian countries. The TRHR is a high-elevation, cold environment with a unique, but typical alpine vegetation system. Net primary productivity (NPP) is a key vegetation parameter and ecological indicator that can reflect both natural environmental changes and carbon budget levels. Given the unique geographical environment and strategic location of the TRHR, many scholars have estimated NPP of the TRHR by using different methods; however, these estimates vary greatly for a number of reasons. To date, there is no paper that has reviewed and assessed NPP estimation studies conducted in the TRHR. Therefore, in this paper, we (1) summarized the related methods and results of NPP estimation in the TRHR in a systematic review of previous research; (2) discussed the suitability of existing methods for estimating NPP in the TRHR and highlighted the most significant challenges; and (3) assessed the estimated NPP results. Finally, developmental directions of NPP estimation in the TRHR were prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The starting dates of the pre-summer rainy season during historical times (1736-1911) in Fuzhou and Guangzhou of South China, were determined and reconstructed on the basis of historical documents in the Yu-Xue-Fen-Cun archive, together with observed features of precipitation during the pre-summer rainy season. In addition, starting dates of the pre-summer rainy season from 1953 in Fuzhou and from 1952 in Guangzhou were reconstructed for the instrumental period. These data allowed for analyses of inter-annual and inter-decadal changes in the starting dates of the pre-summer rainy season in South China over the past 300 years. Results show that the mean starting date of the pre-summer rainy season in South China was the first pentad of May; in addition, periodicities in the starting dates of 2-3 years, 10 years, and 40 years were detected during the period 1736-1911, and of 2-3 years, 10 years, and 22 years during the instrumental period. From 1736 to 1911, the earliest starting dates at Fuzhou and Guangzhou both occurred at the fourth pentad of April, while the latest starting dates were at the sixth pentad of May in Fuzhou and the first pentad of June in Guangzhou. During the instrumental period, the earliest and latest starting dates were at the fourth pentad of April and the first pentad of June, respectively, in both Fuzhou during 1953-2010 and Guangzhou during 1952-2010. The maximum difference between neighboring decades during 1736-1911 was 2.2 and 1.6 pentads in Fuzhou and Guangzhou, respectively, and during the instrumental period it was 2.5 and 2.4 pentads in Fuzhou and Guangzhou, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies showed that serum calcium level may have influence in the blood pressure to older male subjects, but the relationship between serum calcium level and blood lipids is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between total serum calcium level and blood lipids. In our study, total serum calcium level and blood lipids were measured among 1,075 subjects, with age range of 30-60 years, who were recruited for the routine health screening in 2006. The results showed that serum calcium level was positively correlated with triglyceride and total cholesterol weight, but not HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in female subjects ( P < 0.05). No correlation was found between total serum calcium level and blood lipids in male subjects ( P > 0.05). These findings suggest that a higher total serum calcium level may have a adverse effects on serum cholesterol and triglycerides among female subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies revealed that low calcium intake is related to high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. However, the relationship between serum calcium and blood pressure was unclear. The prevalence of hypertension is high in China. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the serum calcium level between hypertensive and normotensive groups and to investigate the correlation between serum calcium, blood pressure, and blood lipid parameters. A total of 1,135 adult subjects participated in this study and were divide into two study groups: a hypertensive group ( n = 316) who had 140 mmHg or higher in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or 90 mmHg or higher in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and an age- and sex-matched normotensive group ( n = 819, 120 mmHg or less SBP and 80 mmHg or less DBP). Our results indicate a significant trend for men (60 years old or older) in the direction of decreasing blood pressure with increasing serum calcium level, but no trend for women was indicated. In the normotensive group, a significant positive correlation was found between DBP and total cholesterol ( P < 0.01) and triglyceride ( P < 0.01), Likewise, triglyceride was positively correlated with SBP ( P < 0.01). Overall, these data suggest that serum calcium may have an influence in the blood pressure of older male subjects with hypertension and in blood lipid profiles of normotensive subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a novel tumor suppressor gene that can inhibit tumor neoplastic transformation and progression in cultured cells and gene knock-out mouse models. Lost or decreased PDCD4 expression has been associated with progression and prognosis of multiple types of human tumors. However, the expression and clinical significance of PDCD4 in nasal inverted papillomas (NIPs) has not been investigated. We compared PDCD4 expression in 64 samples of NIPs, 23 of associated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and 19 normal nasal samples at mRNA and protein levels by RT-PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. PDCD4 mRNA expression was reduced in 52% of NIP frozen samples (13/25), and the protein level was diminished in 56.3% of samples (36/64) as compared with 19 normal nasal samples, which expressed high levels of PDCD4 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, altered expression of PDCD4 was associated with the clinicopathological features Krouse stage and dysplasia. Importantly, we found a strong negative correlation of PDCD4 expression and Ki-67 labeling index in NIPs ( r = −0.6645, p < 0.001). In addition, the 3 tissue-sample groups significantly differed in PDCD4 expression and Ki-67 labeling index. Thus, PDCD4 expression may play a key role in pre-cancerous lesions of human NIPs and may help predict malignant progression from benign nasal tumors to associated SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a tumor suppressor that can inhibit tumorigenesis by suppressing activator protein (AP)-1 activation and protein translation. Lost or decreased PDCD4 expression has been found in multiple types of human cancers, which was also associated with progression and metastasis of the tumors. However, the status and significance of PDCD4 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors have not been evaluated. In the present study, we examined the PDCD4 expression in a total of 63 gastrointestinal stromal tumor samples at both mRNA and protein levels by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that the expression of PDCD4 mRNA was diminished in 68% (17/25) of the tumor samples, and the level of PDCD4 protein appeared to be decreased in 66.7% (42/63) of the samples, as compared to adjacent normal gastrointestinal tissues, which expressed high levels of PDCD4 mRNA and protein. In addition, altered expression of PDCD4 was associated with clinicopathological parameters including risk group, tumor size, and mitosis. Moreover, PDCD4 expression had a negative correlation with the Ki-67 labeling index ( r = −0.6059, P < 0.0001). All these results suggest that downregulation of PDCD4 expression may have an essential role in the progression and malignant proliferation of human gastrointestinal stromal tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a retrospective, observational study to evaluate the effect of maternal age on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). 11830 IVF-ET cycles from 10268 women were included. Four groups of different maternal age periods were compared. The groups were 21-30 years old group (4549 cycles), 31-35 years old group (4424 cycles), 36-40 years old group (2429 cycles), and over 40 years old group (428 cycles). The mean starting dose of Gn and mean total dose of Gn in each cycle were significantly higher ( P<0.01), while the mean retrieved oocyte number was significantly lower ( P<0.01) in groups of higher maternal age period than those in each of the lower groups. The biochemical pregnancy rate and the clinical pregnancy rate were significantly lower ( P<0.01), while the miscarriage rate was significantly higher ( P<0.01) in groups of higher maternal age period than those in the lower groups. No difference was found in two-pronuclear zygotes (2PN) rate and good quality embryo rate among different groups. Birth defect rate was also comparable in the born babies in different groups. In the group with patients' age over 40 years old, the pregnancy rate was 26.87%, the clinical pregnancy rate was 19.39%, while the miscarriage rate after clinical pregnancy was 36.14%. To draw the conclusion, patients with higher maternal age had worse IVF outcomes. In women of fertile age, patients between 20 and 30 years old have the best IVF outcomes. Patients over 40 years old have poor IVF outcome and high miscarriage rate, which suggested the necessity of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]