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While KRAS mutation is the leading cause of low survival rates in lung cancer bone metastasis patients, effective treatments are still lacking. Here, we identified homeobox C10 (HOXC10) as a lynchpin in pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer bone metastasis. Through RNA-seq approach and patient tissue studies, we demonstrated that HOXC10 expression was dramatically increased. Genetic depletion of HOXC10 preferentially impeded cell proliferation and migration in vitro. The bioluminescence imaging and micro-CT results demonstrated that inhibition of HOXC10 significantly reduced bone metastasis of KRAS-mutant lung cancer in vivo. Mechanistically, the transcription factor HOXC10 activated NOD1/ERK signaling pathway to reprogram epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and bone microenvironment by activating the NOD1 promoter. Strikingly, inhibition of HOXC10 in combination with STAT3 inhibitor was effective against KRAS-mutant lung cancer bone metastasis by triggering ferroptosis. Taken together, these findings reveal that HOXC10 effectively alleviates pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer with bone metastasis in the NOD1/ERK axis-dependent manner, and support further development of an effective combinatorial strategy for this kind of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise position control of the hydraulic support pushing system in the coal mining face is a key technical support for intelligent coal mining. At present, the hydraulic support pushing system uses the electro-hydraulic directional valve as the control element. However, the electro-hydraulic directional valve has problems such as discrete input values, low switching frequency, delay, inability to adjust flow, and large flow fluctuations during the switching process, which results in relatively low positioning control accuracy of the hydraulic support pushing system. Therefore, this study introduces a multi-stage speed control valve that is suitable for underground coal mine conditions and can achieve flow regulation. At the same time, a segmented control strategy combining Bang-Bang control and online predictive control is proposed. Bang-bang control is used for fast propulsion with large flow rate, large range, and short time. Online predictive control method is used to achieve precise positioning control with small flow rate and small range, thereby solving the problem of low positioning control accuracy caused by the imperfect characteristics of electro-hydraulic directional valves. Finally, this study verified the effectiveness of the proposed scheme through simulation and experiments. The results showed that compared with existing logic positioning control methods based on electro-hydraulic directional valves, the proposed scheme can improve the accuracy of single cylinder positioning control from 62 mm to within 10 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by petroleum, including crude oil from various sources, is increasingly becoming a pressing global environmental concern, necessitating the exploration of innovative and sustainable remediation strategies. The present field-scale study developed a simple, cost-effective microbial remediation process for treating petroleum-contaminated soil. The soil treatment involves adding microbial activators to stimulate indigenous petroleum-degrading microorganisms, thereby enhancing the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) degradation rate. The formulated microbial activator provided a growth-enhancing complex of nitrogen and phosphorus, trace elements, growth factors, biosurfactants, and soil pH regulators. The field trials, involving two 500 m3 soil samples with the initial TPH content of 5.01% and 2.15%, were reduced to 0.41% and 0.02% in 50 days, respectively, reaching the national standard for cultivated land category II. The treatment period was notably shorter than the commonly used composting and bioaugmentation methods (typically from 8 to 12 weeks). The results indicated that the activator could stimulate the functional microorganisms in the soil and reduce the phytotoxicity of the contaminated soil. After 40 days of treatment, the germination rate of rye seeds increased from 20 to 90%, indicating that the microbial activator could be effectively used for rapid on-site remediation of oil-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital communication systems usually suffer from two factors: inter-symbol interference and impulsive noise. To improve the performance of communication receivers, this paper proposes a good solution to a linear blind equalizer. Firstly, a new lower-order statistic with a lower influence of impulsive noise is constructed based on a nonlinear function. Secondly, an unconstrained optimization problem is formulated by minimizing the mean square error related to the new lower-order statistic, and a new equalization algorithm is derived to effectively compensate for the inter-symbol interference. Thirdly, to further enhance the robustness of the proposed algorithm, the iterative formula of the proposed algorithm is handled by normalizing samples. Finally, numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves better performance under Gaussian and impulsive noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective representation of molecules is a crucial factor affecting the performance of artificial intelligence models. This study introduces a flexible, fragment-based, multiscale molecular representation framework called t-SMILES (tree-based SMILES) with three code algorithms: TSSA (t-SMILES with shared atom), TSDY (t-SMILES with dummy atom but without ID) and TSID (t-SMILES with ID and dummy atom). It describes molecules using SMILES-type strings obtained by performing a breadth-first search on a full binary tree formed from a fragmented molecular graph. Systematic evaluations using JTVAE, BRICS, MMPA, and Scaffold show the feasibility of constructing a multi-code molecular description system, where various descriptions complement each other, enhancing the overall performance. In addition, it can avoid overfitting and achieve higher novelty scores while maintaining reasonable similarity on labeled low-resource datasets, regardless of whether the model is original, data-augmented, or pre-trained then fine-tuned. Furthermore, it significantly outperforms classical SMILES, DeepSMILES, SELFIES and baseline models in goal-directed tasks. And it surpasses state-of-the-art fragment, graph and SMILES based approaches on ChEMBL, Zinc, and QM9. An efficient representation of molecular structures is crucial for the implementation of data-driven methods. Here the authors present t-SMILES, a representation that encodes molecular substructures into strings, giving more structure to the SMILES representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to outline a complete picture of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) in the central nervous system among HIV-negative neurosyphilis patients. Methods: A prospective study cohort of 772 cases with almost all stages of neurosyphilis depicted the features of JHR including occurrence rate, risk profiles, clinical manifestations, medical management and prognosis. Results: The total occurrence rate of JHR was 9.3% (95% CI, 7.3-11.4%), including 4.1% (95% CI, 2.7-5.6%) with severe JHR. The reaction started 5 h after treatment initiation, peaked after 8 h, and subsided after 18 h. Patients with severe JHR experienced a longer recovery time (26 h). Patients with general paresis (OR = 6.825), ocular syphilis (OR = 3.974), pleocytosis (OR = 2.426), or a high CSF-VDRL titre (per log2 titre increase, OR = 2.235) were more likely to experience JHR. Patients with general paresis had an 11.759-fold increased risk of severe JHR. Worsening symptoms included cognitive impairment, mania, nonsense speech, and dysphoria, while symptoms of hallucination, urination disorder, seizures, myoclonus, or aphasia appeared as new-onset symptoms. Neurosyphilis treatment did not need to be interrupted in most patients with JHR and could be reinstated in patients with seizures under supportive medication when JHR subsided. Conclusion: Severe JHR displayed a 4.1% occurrence rate and clinicians should pay particular attention to patients at a higher risk of JHR. The neurosyphilis treatment regime can be restarted under intensive observation for patients with severe JHR and, if necessary, supportive medication should be initiated and continued until the end of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual haptic textures can enhance the realism of human–computer interaction, enabling the users in multimedia environments to not only see the virtual objects but also touch the texture details of the objects’ surface. Data-driven approaches have been widely used in haptic texture modeling, but the existing models are either only able to model one texture at a time, or adopt a multimodal approach which increases the modeling complexity. This article presents a method for implementing a cross-texture haptic model capable of generating tactile vibration according to the given texture type and user’s motion. The modeling method is based on tactile feature fusion, primarily divided into two steps. First, hand-crafted texture features, motion features and vibration features are extracted from the pre-collected raw tactile data. These features are interpretable and have their own physical meanings. Then, a neural network with fully connected layers is devised for its non-linear advantage in simulating vibration response and trained to fuse texture feature and motion feature before mapping them to vibration feature. The proposed model is validated through objective and subjective experiments using two datasets. The experimental results demonstrate its accuracy in generating numerical signals and its capability to run in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is considered to be the strongest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). Long non-coding RNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) has been indicated to be significantly related to Hp infection in GC patients. Objective: To investigate the detailed role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 in Hp-induced GC. Methods: GC cells were treated with Hp filtrate for cell infection. Bioinformatics tools were utilized for survival analysis and prediction of HOXA-AS2 downstream molecules. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized for assessing protein and RNA levels, respectively. Flow cytometry, colony formation and CCK-8 assays were implemented for testing HOXA-AS2 functions in Hp-infected GC cells. HOXA-AS2 localization in cells was determined by subcellular fractionation assay. The relationship between RNAs were measured by luciferase reporter assay. Results: Hp infection induced HOXA-AS2 upregulation in GC cells. Knocking down HOXA-AS2 restrained cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis with Hp infection. HOXA-AS2 bound to miR-509-3p, and miR-509-3p targeted monocyte to macrophage differentiation associated 2 (MMD2). Overexpressing MMD2 reversed HOXA-AS2 depletion-mediated suppression on cell aggressiveness with Hp infection. Conclusion: Hp infection induces the aggressiveness of GC cells by regulating HOXA-AS2/miR-509-3p/MMD2 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial quantity of disposable face masks was discarded, consisting of three layers of nonwoven fabric. However, their improper disposal led to the release of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) when they ended up in aquatic environments. To analyze the release kinetics and size characteristics of these masks, release experiments were performed on commercially available disposable masks over a period of 7 days and micro- and nanoplastic releases were detected using fiber counting and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The study's findings revealed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the quantity of MPs released among the layers of the masks. However, the quantity of NPs released from the middle layer of the mask was 25.9 ± 1.3 × 108 to 81.3 ± 5.3 × 108 particles/piece, significantly higher than the inner and outer layers (p < 0.05). The release process of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) from each layer of the mask followed the Elovich equation and the power function equation, indicating that the release was divided into two stages. MPs in the range of 1–500 µm and NPs in the range of 100–300 nm dominated the release from each layer of the mask, accounting for an average of 93.81% and 67.52%, respectively. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to reduce the release of M/NPs from masks during subsequent use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of recyclable nano-adsorbents of magnetic nanocomposites (Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO). The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as magnetic responders, ZnO coated on the surface of Fe3O4 not only captured Cu2+ but also prevented the oxidation of Fe3O4, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) acted as Fe3O4@ZnO carrying platform could effectively adsorb Cu2+. The physical and chemical performance characterization suggested that the nano-adsorbents had stable structure, good hydrophilicity, and magnetic properties. Furthermore, the research results on adsorption performance indicated that the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had high adsorption properties for Cu2+, and the adsorption rate could reach more than 98%. The adsorption process conformed to the Langmuir model and second-order adsorption kinetics, and the adsorption of Cu2+ was mainly chemisorption, accompanied by physical adsorption. In addition, because of the special magnetic response performance, Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO could be quickly separated from the solutions for cyclic adsorption so as to avoid secondary pollution. This provided a valuable idea for the effective development of clean and efficient Cu2+ adsorbents, and the Fe3O4@ZnO-RGO had great application potential in the field of Cu2+ wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is an important factor affecting the water purification performance of constructed wetland (CW). In the previous study, the combined measures of Iris sibirica and aeration at the bottom of the first quarter filtration chamber could improve the pollutant removal capacity of CW at low temperature. However, the mechanism between the combined measures of Iris sibirica and aeration on enhancing the performance of domestic sewage treatment is unclear. Our study aims to provide scientific validation for the combined measure through monitoring the concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) along the water flow pathway of the CW and measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the plants and the abundance of nitrogen cycle-related microbial functional genes in the substrates of CW to explore the mechanism of combined measures promoting the removal efficiency of the CW under low-temperature stress. Results showed that aerating at the bottom of the first quarter filtration chamber increased DO concentration in the front part of the CW, which benefited the aerobic removal of pollutants and the activities of microorganisms, and the removal CODCr and NH4+-N occurred mainly in the front part of the CW. SOD activities showed that I. sibirica had better resistance to low temperature than Canna indica did. The combined measures of I. sibirica and aeration activated the activities of microorganisms, increased the abundance of the denitrification process genes along the water flow pathway and formed a clear nitrification–denitrification zone in the CW, thus promoted the nitrogen removal efficiency at low temperature. Therefore, this study confirmed the feasibility of the combined measures from a mechanistic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spinel lithium-ion battery anode material Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) exhibits stable cycling and is less prone to lithium dendrite and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. However, its theoretical capacity and conductivity are low within the electrochemical window of 1.0–3.0 V. In this study, we utilized active carbon (AC) coated and micron Silicon (Si) doped Li4Ti5O12, applying an extended electrochemical window of 0.01–3.0 V during cycling to enhance the material's electrochemical performance. Our investigation revealed that bare LTO sample as well as those with single Silicon doping or active carbon coating experienced rapid decay during high-rate long cycling tests. Conversely, the Silicon-carbon composite LSiAC sample (87 wt% Li4Ti5O12 + 3 wt% AC + 10 wt% Si) demonstrated a capacity of 349.19 mAh g−1 (98.28%) at a 1C rate after 200 cycles, and achieved a capacity of 196.56 mAh g−1 (89.37%) after 1000 cycles at a 5C rate,; in comparison, bare LTO exhibited capacities of only 230.98 mAh g−1 (1C-89.71%)and 145.63 mAh g−1 (5C-82.48%). This improvement can be attributed to three factors: first, the active carbon enhances material conductivity while the active carbon coating and SEI films simultaneously as a barrier isolating Li4Ti5O12 from the electrolyte LiPF6, thereby preventing structural degradation; second, micron Si doping into Li4Ti5O12 crystals introduces additional capacity and leads to an appropriate amount of expansion during cycling, effectively increasing crystal plane spacing and facilitating Li+ migration. Final, the multi-layer core–shell structure consisting of Li4Ti5O12, active carbon coating, and SEI films acts as the buffer successfully limits the Si-Li15Si4 phase transition volume expansion. The proposed modification process is straightforward and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for industrial-scale production. This approach holds promise in bolstering the competitiveness of spinel Li4Ti5O12 as an anode material in the Lithium-ion battery market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study delves into the influence of carbon accounting and green finance on the sustainable development index within a dataset of 500 Chinese publicly listed companies over the period from 2010 to 2020. Leveraging analysis conducted through the fully modified OLS methodology, the research findings unveil that the adoption of carbon accounting positively impacts the sustainable development index among these Chinese-listed firms. However, the number of employees engaged in these companies exhibits an adverse effect on the sustainable development index, and the consumption of resources, including water and electricity, demonstrates an inverse relationship with the overall sustainability of the firms. In light of these findings, the research suggests several central policies to bolster sustainable development. These include expanding green finance markets by harnessing financial technology (fintech) and big data, advancing corporate sustainability management, investing in green energy projects, and establishing an efficient green taxation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the photodegradation of microplastics (MPs) by α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4. The effects of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 on MPs' surface were investigated through various techniques. With the addition of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 and under visible light irradiation, cracks and folds were observed on the MP films and particles. Compared to the treatment without photocatalyst addition, the mass loss of MPs increased with irradiation time when α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 was added. Specifically, polystyrene films and particles in water showed 9.94% and 7.81% increased mass loss, respectively. The degradation of MPs using α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 demonstrated the behavior consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The presence of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 led to an increase in surface oxygen-containing functional groups and crystallinity while decreasing the average molecular weight of MPs. After 30 days of irradiation, the characteristic tensile bands of MPs with α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 significantly increased, and the detection of carboxyl bands indicated the formation of carboxylic acid, ketones, and lactones as degradation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) is highly valued for its nutritional benefits and delicious taste, making it one of the most widely cultivated, highest yielding, and most consumed edible mushrooms worldwide. The yield and quality of A. bisporus were affected by its culture medium and environment. Among the culture base, the precise impact of calcium on A. bisporus cultivation and the dynamic changes in calcium concentration and chemical environment during the cultivation process remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the changes in calcium content and forms during the growth of A. bisporus and their implications for mushroom growth and nutrition. Results: Through the analysis of samples collected during the composting phase, mycelial development phase, and A. bisporus harvesting phase, the role of calcium in the growth process of button mushrooms is revealed. During the composting phase, the calcium content remains relatively stable, suggesting a consistent calcium source in the compost. The fermentation process shows a significant decrease in carbon content and an increase in oxygen content, indicating the degradation and oxidation of organic matter. In the mycelial development phase, both the cover soil and compost experience a decrease in calcium content, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the covering soil, indicating its primary role as an energy source for enzymatic activity and metabolic processes of the mycelium. During the A. bisporus harvesting phase, the changes in calcium, carbon, and oxygen content become less prominent, indicating a stable state of fruiting bodies growth that no longer requires a significant supply of organic matter. Conclusions: Analysis of calcium forms reveals the presence of different calcium compounds, likely influenced by soil calcium sources, microbial activities, and mushroom metabolic byproducts. Calcium plays a crucial regulatory role in the growth and quality of A. bisporus. This study provides valuable insights into the significance of calcium in A. bisporus growth and offers theoretical guidance for optimizing mushroom production and quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although the therapy-related bone loss attracts increasing attention nowadays, the differences in chemotherapy-induced bone loss and bone metabolism indexes change among breast cancer (BC) women with different menstrual statuses or chemotherapy regimens are unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different regimens of chemotherapy on bone health. Method: The self-control study enrolled 118 initially diagnosed BC women without distant metastasis who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) screening and (or) bone metabolism index monitoring during chemotherapy at Chongqing Breast Cancer Center. Mann-Whitney U test, Cochran’s Q test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed. Results: After chemotherapy, the BMD in the lumbar 1–4 and whole lumbar statistically decreased (− 1.8%/per 6 months), leading to a significantly increased proportion of osteoporosis (27.1% vs. 20.5%, P < 0.05), which were mainly seen in the premenopausal group (− 7.0%/per 6 months). Of the chemotherapeutic regimens of EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), TC (docetaxel + cyclophosphamide), TEC (docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), and EC-T(H) [epirubicin + cyclophosphamide-docetaxel and/or trastuzumab], EC regimen had the least adverse impact on BMD, while the EC-TH regimen reduced BMD most (P < 0.05) inspite of the non-statistical difference between EC-T regimen, which was mainly seen in the postmenopausal group. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (estradiol 94 pg/ml vs, 22 pg/ml; FSH 9.33 mIU/ml vs. 61.27 mIU/ml) was proved in premenopausal subgroup (P < 0.001). Except the postmenopausal population with calcium/VitD supplement, the albumin-adjusted calcium increased significantly (2.21 mmol/l vs. 2.33 mmol/l, P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. In postmenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, β-CTX decreased significantly (0.56 ng/ml vs. 0.39 ng/ml, P < 0.05) and BMD were not affected by chemotherapy (P > 0. 05). In premenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, PTH decreased significantly (52.90 pg/ml vs. 28.80 pg/ml, P = 0. 008) and hip BMD increased after chemotherapy (0.845 g/m2 vs. 0.952 g/m2, P = 0. 006). As for both postmenopausal and premenopausal group without calcium/VitD supplement, there was a significant decrease in bone mass in hip and lumbar vertebrae after chemotherapy (0.831 g/m2 vs. 0.776 g/m2; 0.895 g/m2 vs. 0.870 g/m2, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Chemotherapy might induce lumbar vertebrae BMD loss and spine osteoporosis with regimen differences among Chinese BC patients. Calcium/VitD supplementation could improve bone turnover markers, bone metabolism indicators, and bone mineral density. Early interventions on bone health are needed for BC patients during chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A precise analytical method based on QuEChERS has been proposed for the concurrent determination of 11 polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), benzocarbazole (BZCZ), and 9H-carbazoles (CZ). The quantification was confirmed by gas chromatography using triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (Shimadzu GC–MS/MS-TQ8040) and gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (Agilent 7890A-5973 GC–MS). The developed method was validated by testing the following parameters: linearity, instrument limit of detection (LOD), instrument limit of quantification (LOQ), method limit of detection (MLD), method limit of quantification (MLQ), matrix effect (ME), accuracy, and precision. All compounds showed good linearity in the range of 0.005–0.2 μg/mL with correlation coefficients higher than 0.992. The method demonstrated satisfactory recoveries (ranging from 71.21 to 105.04%) for most of the compounds with relative standard deviation precision (RSD) < 10.46%, except 3-BCZ (Recovery = 67.53%, RSD = 2.83%). The values of LOD and LOQ varied from 0.05 to 0.24 ng and 0.14 to 0.92 ng, respectively, while those of MLD and MLQ ranged from 0.02 to 0.12 ng/g wet weight (ww) and 0.07 to 0.45 ng/g ww, respectively. The developed method represents a reliable tool for the routine analysis of PHCZ congeners in invertebrate animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon cyberfeminist theory with a socially constructed view of gender, this paper aims to objectively reveal the extent of digitalization in female entrepreneurs' empowerment by examining the impacts of their online gender identities on crowdfunding performance. Leveraging a female-led sample of 3125 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns, we develop a measure of gender identity online using natural language processing analytic techniques to mine linguistic narratives, and empirically investigate our questions. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between the online displays of masculinity and crowdfunding performance for female entrepreneurs and no significant effect of femininity on crowdfunding performance. Regarding hybrid masculinity and femininity, we find those female entrepreneurs who display a masculine identity (i.e., high on masculinity and low on femininity) online perform better in crowdfunding. The results clearly demonstrate that the potential of crowdfunding for female entrepreneurs' empowerment is overestimated in that embracing masculinity is reproduced online in addressing women's financial constraints, thus providing objective and reliable evidence for informing the debate on the extent of digitalization in female entrepreneurs' empowerment. Plain English Summary: Does digitalization sufficiently empower female entrepreneurs? Evidence from examining the impacts of their online gender identities on crowdfunding performance. Drawing upon cyberfeminist theory with a socially constructed view of gender, this paper relies on a dataset of female entrepreneurs online in a crowdfunding domain to reexamine the extent of digitalization in their empowerment. Through an empirical investigation of how female entrepreneurs "doing" gender identity online affects crowdfunding performance, this study shows that the online displays of masculinity have an inverted U-shaped association with crowdfunding performance; femininity has no significant effect; and their hybrids—a masculine identity (i.e., high on masculinity and low on femininity)—are more advantageous than are feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated identities. Our findings based on cyberfeminist theoretical analyses reveal that embracing masculinity is reproduced online in addressing women's financial constraints, strongly demonstrating that the true potential of crowdfunding for female entrepreneurs' empowerment is overestimated. This paper provides objective evidence for informing the debates on the digitalization potential for female entrepreneurs' empowerment and sheds light on how to apply cyberfeminism in subsequent research. Female entrepreneurs can also use our findings to improve crowdfunding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 100 agricultural soil samples, collected in the Yellow River Delta, China, were analyzed for six U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority phthalate esters (PAEs), focusing on the characteristics of PAEs contamination and potential health risks. The detection frequencies of ∑6PAEs were 100%, where the concentration ranged from 1.087 to 14.391 mg·kg−1, with a mean value of 4.149 mg·kg−1. The most abundant PAEs were di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP). The areas with higher contents of ∑6PAEs are distributed in the western and central parts of the Yellow River Delta region and around Laizhou Bay. PAEs in the Yellow River Delta agricultural soil were attributed to pollutant emissions from petrochemical industries, plasticizers or additives, fertilizers, and pesticides. The non-carcinogenic risk of human exposure to PAEs in agricultural soils is relatively low, but the non-carcinogenic risk is higher in children than in adults, and children are a sensitive group. Under the dietary route, both DEHP and ∑2PAEs (BBP, and DEHP) pose some degree of carcinogenic risk to both local adults and children. Efforts must be made to enhance the prevention and control of PAEs contamination of agricultural soils in the Yellow River Delta region to reduce the potential risk to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We tested whether the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D (PTPRD) gene rs17584499 single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with (T2DM) and whether its interaction with passive smoking affects women's susceptibility to T2DM. Methods: The subjects were from a community-based survey conducted in Nanchang, China, between May 2017 and June 2018. The study included 160 women with 79 T2DM patients as the T2DM group and 81 healthy volunteers without diabetes as the control group. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was extracted to detect the genotype of the target site of the PTPRD gene. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between the rs17584499 SNP and the risk of T2DM and to analyse the influence of the interaction between genes and passive smoking on susceptibility to T2DM. Results: After adjusting for age, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, TG, FINS, IL-18, hs-CRP, and cotinine, binary logistic regression analysis did not find a significant association between rs17584499 and susceptibility to diabetes. After stratifying according to passive smoking, we found that passive smoking women with the CT/TT genotype had a higher risk of T2DM compared with the CC genotype (OR = 3.50, 95 % CI = 1.18~10.44, p = 0.02), but no significant difference was found in non-passive smoking. Conclusions: This study shows that the T allele of rs17584499 may be a risk factor for female T2DM and that there is a synergistic effect between passive smoking and PTPRD rs17584499 on the susceptibility to T2DM among females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore whether Ghrelin could inhibit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) derived fibroblasts pyroptosis and promote migration through regulating NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling. In this study, fibroblasts extracted from the ACL of clinical patients were collected for subsequent cellular experiments and to determine the model of TNF-α cell inflammation and the optimal concentration of Ghrelin intervention. An ACL partial injury model was established in Sprague Dawley rats given Ghrelin or Saline intervention. The repair of the ACL injury was determined by detecting the expression of pyroptosis molecules in ACL fibroblasts, changes in migration capacity, and histological staining. Cell migration was significantly inhibited in the TNF-α inflammation model group compared to the control group, and the expression of cellular pyroptosis proteins was significantly increased. Ghrelin intervention improved cell migration and inhibited the expression of pyroptosis proteins. Further study revealed that the expression of NF-κB p65/NLRP3 was also significantly reduced, suggesting that Ghrelin may inhibit the pyroptosis of fibroblasts by suppressing NF-κB p65/NLRP3. In Sprague Dawley rats with partial ACL injury, Ghrelin treatment for 4 or 8 weeks promoted ACL repair by increasing the number of fibroblasts and optimizing the distribution of collagen fibers compared to the injury group. Our study illustrates the ability of Ghrelin to inhibit pyroptosis and improve cell migration ability, thereby promoting repair of injured ACLs, which will provide a new strategy for the treatment of ACL injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urinary incontinence seriously affects the daily ability of older males. This study compared the effect of different postures of Pilates combined with Kegel training on pelvic floor muscle strength in post-prostatectomy incontinence. Methods: We included 38 valid samples [group A = 13 (less than 3 months after surgery), group B = 15 (4–6 months after surgery), group C = 10 (more than 6 months after surgery)] and surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record the maximum, and root mean square values of participants in the three groups under four postures. Results: There were significant differences in the maximum and mean values among the three groups. In group A, the mean values were 13.04 ± 1.56, 16.98 ± 1.76, 41.58 ± 4.17, and 24.53 ± 2.45 (P < 0.01), respectively. In group B, the mean values were 13.85 ± 1.55, 18.63 ± 1.44, 45.87 ± 3.31, and 28.63 ± 2.02 (P < 0.01), respectively. In group C, the mean values were 14.80 ± 1.32, 19.59 ± 1.55, 47.85 ± 5.05, and 30.11 ± 2.26 (P < 0.01), respectively. The mean and peak values of surface EMG in the three groups correlated with the four basic movements. R2 values were 0.76 and 0.85, 0.77 and 0.88, 0.77 and 0.91, respectively. Conclusions: Pilates with Kegel training was superior to Kegel training alone in unit recruitment ability of the pelvic floor muscles. Pilates training in different positions is recommended according to the patient's condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Agricultural soils are faced with increasingly prevalent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution. To remediate the PAH-contaminated agricultural soils, the degradation of PAHs in aged contaminated soils by spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Pleurotus eryngii at different rates and frequencies was analyzed. Materials and methods: P. eryngii SMS was applied in the soils at different rates (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) and frequencies (1, 2, 4), and the soils were incubated for 60 days. The soil physicochemical properties, soil enzymatic activities, biomass of the degrading bacteria, and degradation efficiency of PAHs were analyzed. The degradation products of phenanthrene and fluoranthene were studied. Results and discussion: The degradation efficiency of 16 PAHs in soils increased with the increase in the rate and frequency of the SMS application. The highest efficiency was 48.3% when SMS was applied at a rate of 20% and a frequency of 4. The content of soil organic matter, available potassium, and alkaline nitrogen was high when 20% SMS was applied at a high frequency. The biomass of PAH-degrading bacteria and enzyme activities in soils increased when SMS was applied. The degradation efficiency of PAHs was positively correlated with the biomass of PAH-degrading bacteria and activities of most soil enzymes (r = 0.815–0.915, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Applying SMS at a high rate and frequency enhanced the degradation of PAHs in soils. The PAHs were cleaved and the ring was opened due to the P. eryngii SMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wei River valley is regarded as the origin of dry farming in northern China. Area has received application of the earth-mixed manure for hundreds of years, and that has resulted in the formation of an important anthropogenic soil, named Lou soil, with earth-cumulic horizon. Survey and genetic classification of the Lou soil were done since 1930; however, the characterization and designation in soil taxonomy need further attention. In this study, 18 typical Lou soil profiles were selected and 61 soil samples were collected. Natural soil-forming factors, morphologies, and physiochemical properties were studied. Diagnostic horizons and characteristics of the selected soil profiles were determined, and their designation in the Chinese soil taxonomy (CST) was defined. The selected Lou soil profiles were found to have 2 diagnostic surface horizons, 3 diagnostic subsurface horizons, and 6 diagnostic characteristics. Thickness of the earth-cumulic horizon was the key indicator for determining designation of the Lou soil at the order level. Thirteen profiles were attributed to Orthic Anthrosols with a corresponding cumulic epipedon diagnostic horizon, while other 4 and 1 profiles were attributed to Ustic Argosols and Ustic Cambosols respectively with the thickness of earth-cumulic horizon ranged from 20 ~ 50 cm. Three subgroups identified were Calcic Earth-cumuli-Orthic Anthrosols, Mottlic Earth-cumuli-Orthic Anthrosols, and typic Earth-cumuli-Orthic Anthrosols in the Orthic Anthrosols. Subgroup of Cumulic Hapli-Ustic Argosols and subgroup of Typic Hapli-Ustic Cambosols were identified in the Ustic Argosols and Ustic Cambosols, respectively. We suggest that the new soil group of Cumulic-Ustic Cambosols under suborder Ustic Cambosols should be included in the CST classification system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In-hospital strokes account for 4–17% of all strokes and usually lead to urgent and severe conditions. However, features of in-hospital strokes have been scarcely reported in China, and the management systems of in-hospital strokes are unestablished. The study aims to analyze the characteristics of in-hospital strokes in comparison to community-onset strokes and provides evidence for the development of national in-patient stroke care systems. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with in-hospital strokes (IHS group) and community-onset strokes (COS group) hospitalized in our hospital between June 2012, and January 2022. Clinical characteristics, care measures, and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 1162 patients (age 61 ± 16 and 65% male) were included, of whom 193 (16.6%) had an in-hospital stroke and 969 (83.4%) had community-onset stroke. Compared with COS group, patients in IHS group had higher NIHSS at onset (7.25 vs 5.96, P = 0.054), higher use of endovascular therapy (10.4% vs 2.0%, P < 0.001), and lower use of intravascular thrombolysis (1.6% vs 7.2%, P = 0.003). Also, in-hospital strokes were associated with lower rate of mRS0-2 at discharge (OR[95%CI] = 0.674[0.49, 0.926], P = 0.015) and increased in-hospital mobility (OR[95%CI] = 3.621[1.640, 7.996], P = 0.001), after adjusting for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: Compared with community-onset strokes, the patients with in-hospital stroke had insufficient urgent treatment and poorer outcomes, reflecting the need for increased awareness of in-patient stroke, and strategies to streamline in-hospital acute stroke care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels can reflect the level of intestinal inflammation. Crohn's disease (CD), which affects the small bowel, has not been linked to FC levels. We determined if FC levels and endoscopic activity were related by performing double-balloon endoscopy (DBE). Methods: Herein, patients with small bowel CD diagnosed by DBE between January 2020 and January 2022 were prospectively observed. Feces and blood samples of patients were collected before performing DBE and checked for the levels of FC and serological biomarkers. The endoscopic activity and mucosal healing (MH) were evaluated using the partial simple endoscopic score (pSES-CD). Results: In all 254 CD patients, FC levels were correlated with pSES-CD (r = 0.775, P < 0.001). Even in patients with isolated small bowel CD, FC levels were strongly correlated with pSES-CD (r = 0.753, P < 0.001). In all patients, FC as an endoscopic remission indicator was found to have an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.872, with a cut-off value of 156.09 µg/g. In patients with isolated small bowel CD, FC yielded a high AUC of 0.865 for predicting endoscopic remission, with a cut-off value of 211.48 µg/g, sensitivity of 73.95%, and specificity of 91.30%. FC was optimally cut-off at 76.99 µg/g to predict MH in accordance with the AUC of 0.877. Conclusions: Using DBE findings, FC was found to be significantly correlated with pSES-CD. Even in isolated small bowel CD, FC may be a more reliable marker of accurately predicting endoscopic remission and MH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the Cīvaravastu of the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya with its counterparts in the other four Sthavira Vinayas, namely the Cīvarakkhandhaka/Cīvaradharma[ka] sections of the Vinayas of the Theravādins, Dharmaguptakas, Mahīśāsakas and Sarvāstivādins. It demonstrates that a significant number of stories and rules in the Cīvaravastu have no parallel in the other Sthavira Vinayas. Even those stories and rules that have parallels or partial parallels in the other Sthavira Vinayas can still offer us glimpses into the distinctive concerns of the Mūlasarvāstivādin jurists who wrote or redacted this text. Based on three comparative tables and two examples, this paper argues that the Mūlasarvāstivādin authors/redactors of the Cīvaravastu, contrasted with the jurists of other Sthavira sects or schools, displayed at least five characteristics. First, they shared some common narrative lore with the Śvetāmbara Jainas, which is not found in the other Sthavira Vinayas. Second, they showed a stronger predilection for including past-life stories. Third, they repeatedly used the learned-but-greedy monk Upananda to create comic effect. Fourth, they were strongly and explicitly concerned with a wider range of legal issues related to Buddhist monastic inheritance, and came up with detailed solutions to such issues. Fifth, they showed a more acute awareness of the connection between monastic clothing and public image, as well as the need for thoroughly differentiating the appearance of Buddhist monks from that of other religious groups in ancient India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). In this single-center retrospective study, we divided patients into PTX (n = 53) and RFA (n = 47) groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved the target intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration range (≤ 300 pg/mL). Secondary outcomes were the differences in the changes in iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels over time and prognosis. iPTH concentrations of 82.1% and 64.1% in the PTX and RFA groups, respectively, were within the recommended range at the endpoint (P = 0.07). iPTH concentrations in the PTX and RFA groups dropped sharply after treatment (82 ± 163 pg/mL and 280 ± 307 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the trends of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). Survival analysis revealed no differences in all-cause mortality and cumulative response rate between the two groups (P = 0.90, P = 0.14, respectively). Notably, the incidence of infection and length of the hospital stay in the RFA group were significantly lower. The preoperative bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentration was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia. US-guided RFA is minimally invasive and compared to PTX in terms of long-term efficacy and complications in the treatment of severe SHPT in maintenance dialysis patients. It may be used as an alternative technique to PTX; however, further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The term "fetal growth restriction (FGR)" is commonly used to describe fetuses with an estimated fetal weight that is less than 10th percentile for gestational age. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal change of microRNA-590-3p (miR-590-3p), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PIGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 expressions in early, middle, and late pregnancy, and their correlations with the fetal growth restriction (FGR) risk. Methods: Totally, 970 pregnant women in early pregnancy were enrolled, and their plasma samples were, respectively, acquired in early pregnancy (at 10th or 11th week of gestational age), middle pregnancy (at 20th or 21st week of gestational age), and late pregnancy (at 33th or 34th week of gestational age) for miR-590-3p, VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9 determinations. Results: MiR-590-3p underwent a growing trend, but VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9 experienced declined trend along with pregnancy (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, the negative association of miR-590-3p with VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9 became stronger along with the pregnancy. Besides, miR-590-3p expression in middle and late pregnancy was higher, but VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9 expressions in middle and late pregnancy were lower in women affected by FGR compared to normal pregnant women (all P < 0.001). In addition, miR-590-3p, VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9 expression in middle and late pregnancy were of good value in predicting FGR risk. Conclusions: miR-590-3p exhibits a growing trend during pregnancy, and its expression in middle and late pregnancy is associated with increased FGR risk via interaction with VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CWs) can be used for tertiary treatment of wastewater; however, carbon source shortages limit denitrification. We studied the effect of algae addition as an external carbon source in CWs and found that the nitrogen removal efficiency of CWs is highly dependent on the algae dosage. Optimal nitrogen removal percentage (80.5%) can be achieved by adding 81.1 mg·L−1 dry weight algae to the influent when the chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen (COD/N) ratio reaches 5.3. Longitudinal changes in the nitrogen concentrations, organic matter concentrations, and nitrogen functional genes were also analyzed. The algae addition strengthened the anoxic environment, boosted the volatile fatty acid concentrations, and improved the ratio of nitrite reductase gene (nirS) and copper-containing nitrite reductase (nirK)/16S rRNA, as well as the ratio of nitrate reductase gene (narG)/16S rRNA, thereby expanding the active space for denitrification. The addition of algae could potentially provide enough carbon to enhance denitrification during treatment of wastewater with a low COD/N ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Residual pockets are a risk factor of periodontitis progression. This study evaluated the efficacy of periodontal endoscopy (PE) during scaling and root planning (SRP) of residual pockets in chronic periodontitis patients after initial periodontal treatment. Materials and methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in systemically healthy subjects presenting at least three residual pockets with a probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm in each quadrant. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two trial groups using a computer-generated program: SRP + PE (test group) or SRP alone (control group). Clinical parameters (PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PLI)) were then measured at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Results: A total of 1629 sites in 37 patients were examined. Both treatments significantly improved all clinical outcomes (PD, CAL, BOP, and PLI) from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.05), although greater reductions in PD and PLI were observed in the test group at both 3- (PD: 3.45 ± 0.56 vs. 4.14 ± 0.59 mm; PLI: 0.55 ± 0.23 vs. 0.73 ± 0.27) and 6-month follow-up (PD: 3.12 ± 0.63 vs. 4.0 ± 0.68 mm; PLI: 0.49 ± 0.21 vs. 0.72 ± 0.28, respectively; P = 0.001 for PD and P = 0.021 for PLI). No significant differences in CAL or BOP were observed. Conclusions: SRP + PE resulted in significant reductions in PD and PLI compared to SRP alone in residual pockets with a PD ≥ 5 mm. Clinical relevance: The findings highlight the benefits of SRP + PE, supporting use as an alternative strategy in nonsurgical periodontal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aims: Immunotherapy with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific TCR redirected T (HBV-TCR-T) cells in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) patients after liver transplantation was reported to be safe and had potential therapeutic efficacy. We aim to investigate the safety of HBV-TCR-T-cell immunotherapy in advanced HBV-HCC patients who had not met the criteria for liver transplantation. Methods: We enrolled eight patients with advanced HBV-HCC and adoptively transferred short-lived autologous T cells expressing HBV-specific TCR to perform an open-label, phase 1 dose-escalation study (NCT03899415). The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety of HBV-TCR-T-cell therapy according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03) during the dose-escalation process. The secondary endpoint was to assess the efficacy of HBV-TCR-T-cell therapy by evaluating the anti-tumor responses using RECIST criteria (version 1.1) and the overall survival. Results: Adverse events were observed in two participants among the 8 patients enrolled. Only one patient experienced a Grade 3 liver-related adverse event after receiving a dose of 1 × 105 HBV-TCR-T cells/kg, then normalized without interventions with immunosuppressive agents. Among the patients, one achieved a partial response lasting for 27.7 months. Importantly, most of the patients exhibited a reduction or stabilization of circulating HBsAg and HBV DNA levels after HBV-TCR-T-cell infusion, indicating the on-target effects. Conclusions: The adoptive transfer of HBV-TCR-T cells into advanced HBV-HCC patients were generally safe and well-tolerated. Observations of clinical efficacy support the continued development and eventual application of this treatment strategy in patients with advanced HBV-related HCC. Clinical trials registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03899415). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a promising technology for the in situ remediation of soil. Unfortunately, the mobility and, consequently, the reactivity of nZVI particles in contaminated areas decrease due to their rapid aggregation. In this study, we determined how nZVI particles can be stabilized using different types of biochar (BC) as a support (BC@nZVI). In addition, we investigated the transport behavior of the synthesized BC@nZVI particles in a column filled with porous media and their effectiveness in the removal of BDE209 (decabromodiphenyl ether) from soil. The characterization results of N2 Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that nZVI was successfully loaded into the BC. The sedimentation test results and the experimental breakthrough curves indicated that all of the BC@nZVI composites manifested better stability and mobility than did the bare-nZVI particles, and the transport capacity of the particles increased with increasing flow velocity and porous medium size. Furthermore, the maximum concentrations of the column effluent for bagasse-BC@nZVI (B-BC@nZVI) were 19%, 37% and 48% higher than those for rice straw-BC@nZVI (R-BC@nZVI), wood chips-BC@nZVI (W-BC@nZVI) and corn stalks-BC@nZVI (C-BC@nZVI), respectively. A similar order was found for the removal and debromination efficiency of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) by the aforementioned particles. Overall, the attachment of nZVI particles to BC significantly increased the reactivity, stability and mobility of B-BC@nZVI yielded, and nZVI the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, and the noninvasive diagnostic methods for monitoring GC are still lacking. Growing evidence shows that human microbiota has potential value for identifying digestive diseases. Aims: The present study aimed to explore the association of the tongue coating microbiota with the serum metabolic features and inflammatory cytokines in GC patients and seek a potential, noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing GC. Methods: The tongue coating microbiota was profiled by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes sequencing technology in the original population with 181 GC patients and 112 healthy controls (HCs). Propensity score matching method was used to eliminate potential confounders including age, gender, and six lifestyle factors and a matching population with 66 GC patients and 66 HCs generated. Serum metabolomics profiling was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) in the matching population. Random forest model was constructed for the diagnosis of GC. Results: Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed that the differential bacterial taxa between GC patients and HCs in the matching population were similar to that in the original population, while the differential fungal taxa between GC patients and HCs dramatically changed before and after PSM. By random forest analysis, the combination of six bacterial genera (Peptostreptococcus, Peptococcus, Porphyromonas, Megamonas, Rothia, and Fusobacterium) was the optimal predictive model to distinguish GC patients from HCs effectively, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.85. The model was verified with a high predictive potential (AUC = 0.76 to 0.96). In the matching population, eighteen specific HCs-enriched bacterial genera (Porphyromonas, Parvimonas, etc.) had negative correlations with lysophospholipids metabolites, and three of them had also negative correlations with serum IL-17α. Conclusions: The alteration of tongue coating microbiota had a possible linkage with the inflammations and metabolome, and the tongue coating bacteria could be a potential noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing GC, which might be independent of lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangiferin is a promising effective chemopreventive agent against various tumors. However, its clinical use is limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. In this article, mangiferin loaded magnetic PCEC microspheres (MG-MS) were designed, characterized and the antitumor activity of MG-MS was evaluated in vitro. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were synthesized via the high-temperature reaction of iron acetylacetonate in phenyl ether in the presence of oleic acid and oleylamine. Poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethyleneglycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC) copolymers were formed by ring-opening copolymerization of ε-CL initiated by PEG-diol using Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst and MG-MS were prepared by solvent diffusion method. MNP, PCEC copolymer, and MG-MS were characterized by GPC, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, 1H-NMP and Malvern Laser Particle Sizer. Meanwhile, the antiproliferative activity in vitro and in vitro release behavior of this microspheres were studied in detail. The results indicate that the obtained magnetic microspheres might have great potential as an effective carrier for mangiferin used in cancer chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the relative clinical efficacy and safety of ablation and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for the treatment of adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). Materials and methods: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies, while the meta-analysis was performed with RevMan v5.3. Results: After initially identifying 496 potentially relevant studies, five were ultimately included in the final meta-analysis. In total, these studies contained 128 patients that underwent LA and 91 patients that underwent ablation to treat APA. Clinical success rates were comparable between these two groups (OR: 0.55, P = 0.20), whereas the pooled decreases of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly larger in the ablation group (P = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively). Pooled changes in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), serum potassium levels, and medication use were similar in both groups (P = 0.62, 0.24, and 0.96, respectively). The average operative duration in the ablation group was somewhat shorter, but the difference was not significant (MD: − 57.99; P = 0.05), whereas the average blood loss and postoperative hospital stay duration of patients in the ablation group were decreased for patients in the ablation group compared to the LA group (P < 0.00001 and 0.00001, respectively). Major complication, minor complication, and hypertension crisis rates were comparable between these groups (P = 0.35, 0.69, and 0.09, respectively). Conclusions: Ablation offers comparable efficacy to LA when treating patients with APA, but is associated with a reduced operative duration, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), Ghrelin is aberrant expressed in multiple malignant carcinoma, and involved in regulating a number of progression of cancer, especially in metastasis and proliferation. However, the precise role of Ghrelin in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we extensively investigated the roles and mechanisms of Ghrelin in human gastric cancer. Ghrelin levels in cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Functional studies were performed after Ghrelin overexpressed or knockdown in AGS cell line. Cell proliferation was evaluated in by MTT and clone formation assays. The wound healing and Transwell system were used to assess the cell migration and invasive ability of GC cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and metabolic assays were performed to reveal the function of Warburg effect in the process. Ghrelin was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Ghrelin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis by activating the AMPK pathway, while d-[lys3]-GHRP-6 (a GHSR agonist) treatment relieved the effect, promoting tumorigenesis. Ghrelin knockdown increased the glucose uptake and lactic acid release, suggesting that Ghrelin elicited an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK pathway to inhibit gastric tumorigenesis. Ghrelin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by eliciting an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried stem bark of I H. diffusa i (30.0 kg) was extracted three times (48, 24, and 24 h) with 95% EtOH (80 L × 3) at room temperature to give a crude extract. In order to get monomer compounds from the extract of the petroleum ether phase, silica gel column chromatography, gel column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, ODS reversed-phase column chromatography, and MCI column chromatography were used. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXivFGgu7k%3D. 10.1002/jccs.200000050 10 Rath G, Ndonzao M, Hostettmann K. Int. J. Pharm. J. Chin. Chem. Soc. 2007; 54: 41. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXks1Ogtb0%3D. 10.1002/jccs.200700008 20 Wang ZM, Yang L, Fang YD. [Extracted from the article]

Single-stranded DNA aptamers that specifically bind to sulfaquinoxaline (SQX) were selected by a graphene oxide–based SEL EX (GO-SELEX) technique assisted by a non-immobilizing TAMRA-labeled oligonucleotide library. After 8 rounds of selection against SQX, two aptamer candidates (i.e., SBA 1 and SBA 2) were obtained. Furthermore, the two full-length aptamers were truncated to obtain the aptamers (i.e. SBA 1-1, SBA 2-1, and SBA 2-2). These candidate aptamers were subjected to binding assays to evaluate their binding affinities and specificities to SQX. Our results show that the dissociation constants Kd of the aptamers ranged from 82.54 to 630.41 nM. Using truncated aptamer SBA 2-1 with the highest affinity as the recognition element, a GO-based fluorescent aptasensor was developed for SQX detection with a linear range from 0.05 to 50 ng mL−1 and a limit of detection of 0.11 ng mL−1 with excellent selectivity. Furthermore, the new aptasensor was used to detect SQX in milk samples. Our results showed that the aptasensor demonstrated recoveries ranging from 96.6 to 106.7%, suggesting that the proposed GO-based fluorescent aptasensor holds great potential as promising tool for sensitive detection of SQX in food safety inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a fluorescent aptamer/graphene oxide (GO)–based biosensor to detect sulfamethazine (SMZ) residues in animal-derived foods. The SMZ-bound aptamers were identified and screened with an improved GO-SELEX technique using non-immobilizing ssDNA library. After seven rounds of selection, six SMZ aptamers were sequenced and analyzed for secondary structure, and their affinity and specificity were assessed by binding assays. The truncated aptamer (SMZ1S: 5′-CGTTAGACG-3′) with a unique stem-loop structure showed the highest affinity (Kd = 24.6 nM) to SMZ and was used to develop a GO-based fluorescent aptasensor. The binding mechanism between SMZ1S and SMZ was further analyzed by molecular docking. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescent aptasensor showed low detection limits (0.35 ng/mL) and a wide dynamic linear range (from 2 to 100 ng/mL). The aptasensor was also validated against real samples spiked with SMZ, which showed a fluorescence recovery from 93.9 to 108.8% and a coefficient of variation of < 12.7%. Taken together, these results suggest that this novel aptasensor can be used to sensitively, selectively, and accurately detect SMZ residues in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support the industrial design and process development for the separation of xylenol isomers from coal tar, the present work was focused on 2,4/2,5-xylenol mixture as 2,4-xylenol and 2,5-xylenol have very close boiling points. Specifically, the kinetics of the alkylation of 2,4/2,5-xylenol mixture was investigated that formed the first step of the alkylation-distillation-dealkylation separation strategy. By quantifying the influence of various key factors on the reaction rate, the rate equations of 2,4-xylenol and 2,5-xylenol alkylation were determined as and respectively. The alkylation rate of 2,4-xylenol was notably higher than that of 2,5-xylenol. The influence of temperature, xylenol concentration and isobutylene partial pressure on the reaction rate of 2,4-xylenol was also greater than that of 2,5-xylenol, whilst the influence of catalyst dosage on the alkylation rate of 2,5-xylenol was found to be greater than that of 2,4-xylenol. The results can be potentially used for reactor design and process development for the separation of 2,4/2,5-xylenol mixture from coal tar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D metal-organic framework (Cu4.5(BTZE)1.5(OH)4(SO4)(H2O)1.5∙4H2O)n (BTZE is 1,2-bis(tetrazol-5-yl) ethane anion) modified carbon paste electrode (Cu-BTZE/CPE) has been fabricated for hydrazine sensing. The Cu-BTZE framework was prepared through a facile solvo-thermal method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the electrochemical performances of the modified electrode were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronocoulometry, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry. Owing to the large electrochemically active surface area and enhanced electron transfer efficiency of Cu-BTZE framework, the Cu-BTZE/CPE showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of hydrazine compared with unmodified CPE. Under the optimized conditions, the amperometric current presented linear dependence on the concentration of hydrazine in the ranges of 0.02~1.2 μM and 1.2~500 μM, respectively. The detection limit was 6 nM, lower than the reported Cu-based hydrazine sensors. Furthermore, the sensor has applied for the determination of hydrazine in water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new solid solution of (1 − x)Ba0.86Sr0.14TiO3 − xBa0.86Sr0.14HfO3 (abbreviated as BST − xBSH, 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) was prepared to search for a high-performance lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. Through the chemical of Hf tailoring, the enhanced electrical property (e.g., d33 ~ 650 pC/N, εr ~ 4455, tanδ ~ 0.024, strain ~ 0.151%, and d33* ~ 502 pm/V) and large electrostriction coefficient (Q33 = 0.0528 m4/C2) are obtained in the ceramics with x = 0.06. The relationship between piezoelectric performance and electrostrictive coefficient is studied in detail. It's worth noting that the variation of Q33 is highly matched with d33 because the electrostrictive effect plays a vital role in the piezoelectricity of ferroelectric materials. Therefore, it is very promising to increase the piezoelectricity by modifying electrostriction coefficient in lead-free materials for electromechanical actuator applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat germ (WG) is a nutritional milling byproduct of wheat with short shelf-life. This study investigated hot air-assisted radio frequency (HA-RF) stabilizing treatment of WG. Physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and nutritional quality of HA-RF stabilized WG were evaluated and compared with WG stabilized by fluidized bed heating. Results indicated HA-RF heating to 100 °C with 15-min holding at 100–105 °C or heating to 110 °C with 6-min holding at 110–115 °C reduced lipase activity to about 10%. HA-RF inactivation of lipase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and lipoxygenase was more effective in WG with initial moisture content of 14.5% or 20.0%, but less effective in WG with moisture content of 10.0%. For oils extracted from HA-RF stabilized WG with moisture content of 14.5%, peroxide and acid values were stable after storing at 25 °C for 3 days. After both HA-RF and fluidized bed stabilizations, color of WG and WG oils became darker, lipid content increased and reducing sugar content decreased, while extraction oil yield and protein content had no significant change (p > 0.05). HA-RF heating had no influence on α-tocopherol content, but fluidized bed stabilization decreased it from 299.42 mg/kg to 236.73 mg/kg. HA-RF heating had no distinct effects on amino acid and fatty acid composition. This study indicated that HA-RF heating had great potential in WG stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although freshwater ecological restoration (FER) has undergone an immense development over the past two decades in China either in the number of projects or in the spatial scale of implementations, a dearth of clear and comprehensive trends in this field is still a particular concern. We conducted a literature survey through searching the database of Web of Science between 1997 and 2017 to investigate the driving force behind FER practice and to summarize the restoration outcomes. Results: A total of 2047 publications were hit and 198 of them were finally retained after manual screening. The number of studies in this field has been steadily increasing in recent years and their provincial distribution is positively correlated with GDP growth and the investment to pollution control and environmental protection, suggesting that economic development is a key driving factor of FER practice. Among the remaining articles, nearly half (46.5%) focus on lake ecosystems, and 34.8% and 32.8% of the studies indicate that land reclamation and eutrophication are the predominant causes of freshwater ecosystem degradation. The overarching target of the restoration is biodiversity increase (31.4%), followed by water quality improvement (24.7%) and ecosystem services (23.9%). Revegetation is a dominant restoration approach (40.9%). Reference sites for assessment of restoration projects are normally control locations without intervention (60%), or the status of the targeted sites before the interventions. For the restoration outcome evaluation, 86% of the studies present positive outcomes in terms of water quality improvement, and 79% have improvement in biological features. The most frequently monitored organisms are macrophytes (31%), followed by benthos as indicators of ecological condition. Conclusions: Economic growth, water pollution and investment into environmental protection are the main driving factors of FER practice in China. The effort of restoration and evaluation over the past two decades has not been limited to improving hydrological function and water quality, but also pay increasingly more attention to biological processes and ecological integrity, and further the ecosystem services in recent years. However, the lack of long-term monitoring and socioeconomic attributes considered in restoration success assessments are still particular issues that need to be addressed in the future FER researches and projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a crucial virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivalis, gingipains play an important role in periodontal destruction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gingipains on osteoclastogenesis. We used RAW264.7 cells as osteoclast precursors in our study. In experimental groups, cells were treated with gingipains and/or receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity staining assay showed osteoclast precursors and RANKL-induced mature osteoclasts were increased in a gingipains dose-dependent manner. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that gingipains upregulated osteoclastic genes including the protease cathepsin K (Ctsk), matrix metalloprotein 9 (Mmp9), nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (Nfatc1) and acid phosphatase 5, tartrate resistant (Acp5) in a time-dependent manner. Western blotting assays presented upregulated expressions of TNF receptor-activating factor 6 (TRAF6) and integrin β3 induced by gingipains and RANKL compared to RANKL alone. Enhanced integrin-related signaling was also demonstrated by elevated phosphorylations of FAK and paxillin compared to control. Moreover, the pit resorption assays showed that gingipains augmented bone resorptive function of osteoclasts induced by RANKL. When we used Cilengitide to block integrin αvβ3, gingipains reversed the reduction of formation and resorptive function in RANKL-induced osteoclasts, as they enhanced integrin αvβ3 levels more than RANKL treatment alone. In conclusion, our data suggest that gingipains augmented the differentiation and function of mature osteoclasts induced by RANKL through the increase in integrin αvβ3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites (Ag-RGO), which were obtained via a facile, green and efficient one-pot hydrothermal method. TEM results showed that the silver nanoparticles (20-50 nm) were uniformly attached onto RGO sheets with C/O ratio of 6.4 and 80% of sp2 carbon, obtained from XPS analysis. Compared with GO and RGO, the prepared Ag-RGO composites possessed significant antibacterial property; the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag-RGO was just 31.25 μg/mL against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and Gram-negative bacteria E. coli. Particularly, the Ag-RGO nanocomposites released more Ag+ in acidic condition, promoting the produce of reactive oxygen species, which are acknowledged as disruption to the membrane integrity of the bacteria. Moreover, the Ag-RGO nanocomposites effectively dispersed and eliminated the maturely formed biofilm, showing superior advantages in responding to public health threats posed by biofilm-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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