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Introduction: Due to the complex anatomy of the spine and the intricate surgical procedures involved, spinal surgery demands a high level of technical expertise from surgeons. The clinical application of image-guided spinal surgery has significantly enhanced lesion visualization, reduced operation time, and improved surgical outcomes. Areas covered: This article reviews the latest advancements in deep learning and artificial intelligence in image-guided spinal surgery, aiming to provide references and guidance for surgeons, engineers, and researchers involved in this field. Expert opinion: Our analysis indicates that image-guided spinal surgery, augmented by artificial intelligence, outperforms traditional spinal surgery techniques. Moving forward, it is imperative to collect a more expansive dataset to further ensure the procedural safety of such surgeries. These insights carry significant implications for the integration of artificial intelligence in the medical field, ultimately poised to enhance the proficiency of surgeons and improve surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Squamanita imbachii I. Saar, is unveiled in this research for the first time. It covers 76,643 base pairs (bp) and exhibits a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 23%. The genome includes 14 conserved protein-coding genes, 1 DNA polymerase gene, 2 ribosomal RNA gene (RNS and RNL), 25 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 18 open reading frames (ORFs). Phylogenetic analysis, utilizing a mitochondrial gene dataset from 15 taxa across seven families within the Agaricales order, was conducted employing the maximum-likelihood (ML) approach. This analysis identified a close phylogenetic relationship between S. imbachii and Floccularia luteovirens (Alb. & Schwein.) Pouzar 1957, positioning both within the Squamanitaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vascular and morphological features of tumors are important predictors of the nature, grade, and stage of various cancers. However, this association has not been tested in bladder cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between the morphological characteristics of tumor vessels and the nature, stage and grade of bladder cancer. Between November 2021 and March 2023, we prospectively collated clinical information and cystoscopy information from a series of patients with bladder cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for the nature, grade and stage of bladder cancer. Our analysis showed that cauliflower-like tumors, dotted vessels, and circumferential vessels were independent risk factors for bladder cancer. Reticular vessels were an independent risk factor for high-grade bladder cancer. Thick branching vessels in bladder tumors, along with a wide base, were independent risk factors for the invasion of bladder cancer into the lamina propria. Primary diagnosis, lesion location (beside the left ureteral orifice) and obscure lesion boundaries were all identified as independent risk factors for muscle invasive bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's health system is facing severe challenges from social transition and the double burden of population aging and non-communicable diseases. Addressing the tension between the public's increasing demand for health services and the limited availability of medical resources has become a critical issue for health care policymakers and medical insurance fund administrators. In promoting its medical insurance system reform, China is actively developing health technology assessment (HTA) with principles and applications adapted to the Chinese context. This study aims to analyze the evolution of HTA in China with a focus on context, actors, process, content, and challenges encountered through applying a modified verson of Walt and Gilson's policy triangle framework. Currently, HTA plays an indispensable part in the reform of China's health care and medical insurance system, especially in the formulation and adjustment of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). While HTA is increasingly used in China, there remain challenges, such as the slow development of HTA related disciplines, lack of an independent national HTA authority, and limited scope in the use of HTA. Despite the identified challenges, HTA has the potential to support a wide range of applications in China's health care sector, building on the progress achieved over the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera caerulea var. edulis, known as "blue honeysuckle" or "Haskap," is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. Characterized by the high cold hardiness and high quality of fruit, it has become a novel cash crop in cold regions worldwide. The lack of available chloroplast (cp) genome information limits studies of its molecular breeding and phylogeny. Here, the complete cp genome of Lonicera caerulea var. edulis was assembled and characterized for the first time. It was 155,142 bp in length with 38.43% of GC content, including 23,841 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs), an 88,737 bp large single-copy region (LSC), and an 18,723 bp small single-copy region (SSC). A total of 132 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 39 tRNA genes were annotated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. caerulea var. edulis was closely related to L. tangutica. These data and results provide a valuable resource for the development of breeding tools and genetic diversity studies for L. caerulea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of sole optical imaging device for marine target recognition is degraded by sea fog, sea-glint, and many other disturbing factors. To enhance the ability of target recognition in marine environment, we propose a polarization-intensity joint imaging method and the corresponding processing method. We combine fine imaging of polarization in a small field of view with wide-field imaging of visible light intensity, using visible light intensity information for large-scale target surveys. After locking onto areas of interest, we utilize high-resolution polarization cameras with small fields of view for detailed inspection. We enhance and fuse the information from areas of interest using the proposed matching information processing method. Meanwhile, to deal with problems existing in the marine environment polarization-intensity joint imaging, such as details loss in DoP (degree of polarization) image, low target resolution in the large field of view intensity image, and insufficient information in a single image, etc., we extract the details of raw image from DoFP (division-of-focal-plane) polarization camera as residual compensation for DoP image super-resolution and cooperate with the RealSR algorithm to super-resolve the local target details of the intensity image in a large field of view. On the premise that PIQE (Perception-based Image Quality Evaluator) reaches the excellent score range, the images with the same resolution are fused. The automatic recognition comparison before and after processing proves that the accuracy of target recognition can be effectively improved after processing. A polarization-intensity joint imaging system with dual field of view for marine target was proposed. An image super-resolution method for degree of polarization image was proposed. Image super-resolution and fusion method for visible light image of marine target was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of a distinct profile of volatile organic compounds plays a crucial role in the ecology of hypogeous Ascomycetes, and is also key to their gastronomic relevance. In this study, we explored the aroma components of two rarely investigated Chinese desert truffles, namely Mattirolomyces terfezioides and Choiromyces cerebriformis, using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our investigation revealed the significant presence of sulphur-containing volatiles in the aroma of M. terfezioides but not in C. cerebriformis. We discussed available information on the distribution of these interesting truffles in China and their use as choice food by local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) that have a wide variety of biological activities can affect the mobilization of heavy metals in soil. In this study, the effects of three kinds of LMWOAs on the remobilization of Cd, Cr, Pb, and As were investigated. The results showed that the concentrations of Cr, Pb, and As reached the maximum values at 7 d, and then decreased at 58 d, indicating that the LMWOAs induced the release of these elements from soil. The ability of LMWOAs to affect the mobility of Cr and As followed the order citric acid (1.32 and 2.51mg/L) > malic acid > oxalic acid, while the order for Pb was malic acid (4.49mg/L) > citric acid > oxalic acid. In addition, the sequential extraction indicated that the LMWOAs advanced the reactivation of Pb, Cd, and As, but led to the immobilization of Cr after a long-term reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency in decidualization has been widely regarded as an important cause of spontaneous abortion. Generalized decidualization also includes massive infiltration and enrichment of NK cells. However, the underlying mechanism of decidual NK (dNK) cell residence remains largely unknown. Here, we observe that the increased macroautophagy/autophagy of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) during decidualization, facilitates the adhesion and retention of dNK cells during normal pregnancy. Mechanistically, this process is mediated through activation of the MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM signaling, and further upregulation of multiple adhesion adhesions (e.g. Selectins and ICAMs) in a MMP9-dependent manner. Patients with unexplained spontaneous abortion display insufficient DSC autophagy and dNK cell residence. In addition, poor vascular remodeling of placenta, low implantation number and high ratio of embryo loss are observed in NK cell depletion mice. In therapeutic studies, low doses of rapamycin, a known autophagy inducer that significantly promotes endometrium autophagy and NK cell residence, and improves embryo absorption in spontaneous abortion mice models, which should be dependent on the activation of MITF-TNFRSF14/HVEM-MMP9-adhension molecules axis. This observation reveals novel molecular mechanisms underlying DSCs autophagy-driven dNK cell residence, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent spontaneous abortion. Abbreviations: ACTA2/αSMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle; ATG: autophagy-related; ATG5over ESC: ATG5-overexpressed ESCs; BTLA: B and T lymphocyte associated; CDH1: cadherin 1; CDH5: cadherin 5; CXCL12: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12; dNK: decidual NK; DIC: decidual immune cell; DSC: decidual stromal cell; EOMES: eomesodermin; ESC: endometrial stromal cell; FCGR3A/CD16: Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa; HUVEC: human umbilical vein endothelial cell; ICAM: intercellular cell adhesion molecule; ILC: innate lymphoid cell; ITGB1: integrin subunit beta 1; ITGA2: integrin subunit alpha 2; IPA: Ingenuity Pathway Analysis; KIR2DL1: killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor, two Ig domains and long cytoplasmic tail 1; KLRD1/CD94: killer cell lectin like receptor D1; KLRK1/NKG2D: killer cell lectin like receptor K1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; MITF: melanocyte inducing transcription factor; MiT-TFE: microphthalmia family of bHLH-LZ transcription factors; MMP9: matrix metalloproteinase 9; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NCAM1/CD56: neural cell adhesion molecule 1; NCR2/NKp44: natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 2; NK: natural killer; KLRB1/NK1.1: killer cell lectin like receptor B1; NP: normal pregnancy; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PECAM1/CD31: platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1; pNK: peripheral blood NK; PRF1/Perforin: Perforin 1; PTPRC/CD45: protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C; Rapa: rapamycin; rh-TNFSF14/LIGHT: recombinant human TNFSF14/LIGHT; SA: spontaneous abortion; SELE: selectin E; SELP: selectin P; SELL: selectin L; siATG5 DSCs: ATG5-silenced DSCs; siTNFRSF14/HVEM DSCs: TNFRSF14/HVEM-silenced DSCs; TBX21/T-bet: T-box transcription factor 21; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TNFRSF14/HVEM: TNF receptor superfamily member 14; TNFSF14/LIGHT: TNF superfamily member 14; uNK: uterine NK; UIC: uterine immune cell; USC: uterine stromal cell; VCAM1: vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VIM: vimentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the chloroplast (Cp) genome of Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC was sequenced by high-throughput sequencing technology. The length of the Cp genome of Zanthoxylum avicennae was 158,568 bp, and the total GC content was 38.4%, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,318 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,250 bp, and 27,000 bp of inverted repeats (IRs). The Cp genome encoded 131 genes, including 88 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and six rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome sequence showed that Zanthoxylum avicennae was closely related to Zanthoxylum nitidum, Zanthoxylum esquirolii and Zanthoxylum motuoense of the Rutaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitogenome of Polyozellus multiplex (Underw.) Murrill 1910, was first sequenced, assembled, and annotated in the present study. The mitogenome length was 47,054 bp with a GC content of 23.35%, including 14 conserved protein-coding genes, one ribosomal protein (RPS3), two DNA polymerases (DPO), two rRNA genes (RNS and RNL), and 24 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on a combined mitochondrial gene dataset from 17 taxa of four orders within the class Agaricomycetes, was conducted using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. It is revealed that P. multiplex is closely related to Thelephora aurantiotincta Corner 1968, both of them have been clustered into Thelephorales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Many miRNAs have been reported to be involved in colon cancer progression. However, there are only a few studies on the role of miR-219a-1 in colon cancer, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the miR-219a-1 level in patients with colon cancer and to explore both the effects and regulatory mechanisms of miR-219a-1 in the malignancy of colon cancer cells. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to analyze the expression levels of miR-219a-1 and mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility 1. Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to investigate the malignant ability of colon cancer cells. A luciferase assay was performed to explore whether miR-219a-1 could directly bind to 3ʹ-UTR region of MEMO1. miR-219a-1 was found to be downregulated in colon cancer cell lines and in patients with colon cancer. Additionally, miR-219a-1 could inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We identified MEMO1 as a novel potential target gene of miR-219a-1. Luciferase assays showed that miR-219a-1 could directly bind to 3′-UTR of MEMO1. Overexpression of miR-219a-1 in colon cancer cells could inhibit the expression of MEMO1. Furthermore, MEMO1 was upregulated in patients with colon cancer, which was inversely correlated with miR-219a-1 levels. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR-219a-1 exerts anti-tumor effects and regulates colon cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration by targeting MEMO1, suggesting that miR-219a-1 could act as a therapeutic target in colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three representative concentration pathways (RCPs) and 15 general circulation models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 were used to assess the behaviour of precipitation (P) and surface air temperature (SAT) over part of the Songhua River Basin. The Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model linked with SAT and P was used for monthly simulation of streamflow to assess the influence of land use/land cover and climate change on the streamflow. The results suggest that, under RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, the SAT over the study area may increase in the 21st century by 1.12, 2.44 and 5.82°C, respectively. Moreover, by the middle of the 21st century, streamflow in the basin may have decreased by 19%. The decrease in streamflow may be due to changed land use conditions and water withdrawal, having critical implications for management and future planning of water resources in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) is an important protein in mediating the PI3K-AKT pathway and is thus identified as a promising target. The catalytic activity of PDK1 is tightly regulated by allosteric modulators, which bind to the PDK1 Interacting Fragment (PIF) pocket of the kinase domain that is topographically distinct from the orthosteric, ATP binding site. Allosteric modulators by attaching to the less conserved PIF-pocket have remarkable advantages such as higher selectivity, less side effect, and lower toxicity. Targeting allosteric PIF-pocket of PDK1 has become the focus of recent attention. In this review, we summarise the current advances in the structure-based discovery of PDK1 allosteric modulators. We will first present the three-dimensional structure of PDK1 and illustrate the allosteric regulatory mechanism of PDK1 through the modulation of the PIF-pocket. Then, the recent advances of PDK1 allosteric modulators targeting the PIF-pocket will be recapitulated detailly according to the structural similarity of allosteric modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of arsenic plays an important role in the mobility of this toxic element in the saline-alkali soil environment. The adsorption and transport of arsenate [As(V)] in saline-alkali soils were investigated in this study. The results of kinetic experiments indicated that the rate of As(V) adsorption was initially rapid and then became slow, which were modeled well with the pseudo-second-order rate model. The adsorption isotherms were best fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich sorption equation. The maximum adsorption capacity of soil L1was the lowest (202.8 mg/kg), and that of soil D1 was the highest (686.6 mg/kg). The difference in adsorption capacity in five soils was mainly due to the CaCO3 content. The CaCO3 enhanced As(V) adsorption due to the adsorption and coprecipitation of calcium with As(V). The column experiments demonstrated that the transport of As(V) in soils was detained and the degree of detainment increased with decreasing As(V) concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was found to increase in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the clinical value of urine NGAL as diagnostic indicators in DKD remains to be clarified. Methods: Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Stratified analyses and regression analyses were performed. Results: Fourteen studies with 1561 individuals were included in our analysis, including 1204 cross-sectional participants and 357 cohort participants. For the cross-sectional studies, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NGAL in the diagnosis of DKD were 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75–0.87) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68–0.90), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 19 (95% CI: 11–33), and the overall area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90). For the cohort studies, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NGAL in the diagnosis of DKD were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91–0.98) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92), respectively. The overall area under the curve was 0.98, indicating good discriminative ability of NGAL as biomarkers for DKD. Conclusions: Urine NGAL, as the early diagnostic marker of DKD, might have the high diagnostic value, especially in cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New green solvent system alkali (such as NaOH and LiOH)/urea which could rapidly dissolve cellulose could be potentially used to prepare high-performance regenerated cellulose materials with low cost. Pure regenerated cellulose materials have relatively low strength inherent effects. In this work, we choose TEMPO-oxide cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and graphene oxide (GO) as fillers to prepare isotropic regenerated cellulose membrane (RCM) with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) test shows that RCM with content of 5 wt% CNF has the maximum enhancement value of 32.5% improvement comparing with pure RCM. And RCM with 0.4 wt% GO has the maximum improvement of 17.9%. Mechanical properties decrease with further increasing filler contents. We employ transmission electron microscopy to confirm the structure of fillers in solution and scanning electron microscopy to observe the microstructures of these RCMs. The results are consistent with DMA tests. In addition, XRD results confirm that the crystal structure of RCMs is the same with RCMs without filler. Thermogravimetric analyses results indicate that RCMs keep great thermal stability below 300 °C. Transmittance (Tr) property is carried out by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Pure RCMs and CNF/RCMs keep high transparency at the wavelength of 800 nm. Transparency of RCMs with GO decrease quickly when the content of GO increases. In conclusion, the enhancement mechanism is proposed as the addition of fillers makes up the defects in RCMs. Furthermore, CNF illustrates large aspect ratio which is beneficial for stress transfer. As for GO, polar groups on surface provide strong interaction with the matrix. This is the first time that the enhancement effects of different fillers are systematically analyzed and compared for RCMs system. Our work could benefit the selection of appropriate fillers for such green solvent system and expand its range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High dielectric constant ceramics fillers are widely used as fillers in polymer matrix to prepare high performance dielectric composites. Homogeneous filler distribution in these composites films is found to be quite difficult to achieve balance between high dielectric constant and high breakdown strength. Herein, multilayer structured composites films containing nickelous hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) as fillers, with different multilayered structures were designed and prepared, including 2–5 layers structure with various filler distribution. The effects of multilayer structure on the dielectric performance are explored by keeping the overall filler content constant. Combined with computer simulation, it is suggested that the variation in filler distribution in these films can effectively redistribute electric field intensity. Meanwhile, the dielectric constant and breakdown strength of the overall composites can be adjusted by changing the volume ratio between high filler content layer and low filler content layer. It is noted that at least 1/3 of the overall film volume should be occupied by a high breakdown strength layer to keep rather high overall breakdown strength. Moreover, high dielectric constant layer should be the outer layers to achieve overall high dielectric constant. Among all the layered structures investigated, the maximum energy density of 6.03 J/cm3 is obtained for film with a 3-layer nonsequential arrangement structure, which is 68% higher than single layer film with identical composition. This study provides some reference value for the preparation of multilayered dielectric polymer composites films for energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of multilayered structures has been thought as a complicated process until our recent study illustrating an effective method through high speed thin wall injection molding (HSTWIM) of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) based blends. Current study investigates the effect of blends composition as well as the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the structure and properties of these blends. It is observed that a close ratio of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and impact copolymer polypropylene (ICP) triggers the formation of a multilayered structure. Meanwhile, PE is migrated into the rubber phase in ICP, leading to the distribution of some rubber phase on the interface between PP and PE, which is thought as beneficial for the interfacial interaction. Meanwhile, epitaxial growth of PE crystals on PP substrate is also observed. The presence of rubber phase on the interface, multilayered structure and epitaxial growth of PE crystals on PP are thought to be responsible for the observed mechanical enhancement in tensile strength as well as strain at break. Furthermore, the addition of CNTs leads to enhanced strength, reduced strain at break and anisotropic conductive network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chaos characteristics for system complexity, e.g. randomness and fractality, are generally ignored when researchers study the complex behaviour of precipitation time series, which makes it difficult to elicit adequate information for such series. The main objective of this study was to diagnose the complexity of seasonal precipitation by using wavelet entropy and mean wavelet entropy, and to find the complex system of spatial variation in seasonal precipitation for the sub-areas of Jiansanjiang Administration in China as a case study. The results illustrate that the complexity characteristic of the seasonal precipitation series is greatest in the North sub-area, lowest in the Middle sub-area, and intermediate in the South sub-area; topography and agricultural development are the key driving factors of the complex dynamic variation in the local seasonal precipitation time series. This study provides a basis for analysing the trend in development of complex precipitation time series and realizing the sustainable use of regional water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia micractina Boiss is a plant with high medicinal value. Yet, its molecular biology is not fully understood. In this study, we sequenced the whole chloroplast genome (CP) sequence of E. micractina to study its phylogenetic relationship in Euphorbiaceae. The total length of the chloroplast genome of E. micractina is 162,056 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 89,936bp bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,376 bp, and a pair of identical inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 11,367 bp. The genome has 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The overall GC content of the plastome is 35.7%. The phylogenetic analysis of E. micractina with 30 related species suggested a closest taxonomical relationship with Euphorbia pekinensis in the Euphorbiaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apatinib and TACE alone in the treatment of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: From March 2015 to August 2015, a total of 44 patients with moderate and advanced HCC, who were admitted in the Navy General Hospital of China, were included into this study. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A and group B. Patients in group A underwent TACE alone, while patients in group B underwent the combined treatment of TACE with apatinib. Differences in preoperative general data between these 2 groups were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). All patients were followed up for 12–18 months. Changes in α-fetal protein (AFP) at 3 months after treatment and the objective response rate (ORR) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment were compared between these 2 groups. Furthermore, progression-free survival (PFS) and the incidence of adverse reactions were also compared between these 2 groups. Results: AFP levels in groups A and B significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment, compared with the levels before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05). However, at 3 months after treatment, the difference between these 2 groups was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). ORR at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment was 36.36%, 27.27%, 13.64% and 9.09%, respectively, in group A; and 60%, 50%, 45% and 35%, respectively, in group B. At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the differences between these 2 groups were not statistically significant (P> 0.05); while at 9 and 12 months after treatment, the differences between these 2 groups were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The median PFS was 6.0 months in group A and 12.5 months in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). The incidences of complications were related to oral apatinib, such as hypertension, hand-foot syndrome and proteinuria, were higher in group B than in group A, and the differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05). These symptoms all alleviated after symptomatic treatments. Conclusions: For intermediate and advanced HCC, the long-term curative effect of TACE combined with apatinib is better than that of TACE alone. The former can obviously prolong the PFS of patients and has a confirmed safety. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) protein ofStreptococcus suiscan be used for detection ofS. suisinfection and protection of pigs againstS. suisinfection. Acetate is a primary inhibitory metabolite for cell growth and formation of GDH protein. In this study, theptsGgene, which encodes the integral membrane permease IICBGlcin the phosphotransferase system, was deleted and the effect of this deletion on the expression of GDH protein was investigated. The plasmids containingglfZ.mobilis(encoding glucose facilitator)–glkE.coli(encoding glucokinase) orgalPE.coli(encoding galactose permease)–glkE.coliwere transformed intoptsGmutant cells to recover the cell growth and glucose utilization ofptsGmutant. The mutants with deletion ofptsGdecreased the accumulation of acetate; and higher cell density and GDH protein concentration were obtained with theptsGmutants containingglf–glkorgalP–glk. When theptsGmutant containingglf–glk(SSGGFK) was used for expression of GDH protein, the cell density (optical density OD600of 2.68) and the concentration of GDH protein (42.34 mg/L) were highest, with an increase by 12.61% and 14.84%, respectively, compared with the parental strain (SSG). The acetate accumulation was reduced to 2.35 g/L, i.e. a 37.33% decrease compared with the SSG strain. High concentration of GDH protein was obtained with reduction of acetate accumulation through gene modification of the phosphotransferase system. This can decrease the production cost of the subunit vaccine of GDH protein and provide theoretical foundation for high-level expression of other recombinant proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l-Carnitine, obligatory for oxidation of fatty acids, is transported into cells by the Na+-coupled transporter OCTN2 and the Na+/Cl–-coupled transporter ATB0,+. Here we investigated the potential of L-carnitine-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (LC-PLGA NPs) to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs into cancer cells by targeting the nanoparticles to both OCTN2 and ATB0,+. The cellular uptake of LC-PLGA NPs in the breast cancer cell line MCF7 and the colon cancer cell line Caco-2 was increased compared to unmodified nanoparticles, but decreased in the absence of co-transporting ions (Na+and/or Cl–) or in the presence of competitive substrates for the two transporters. Studies with fluorescently labeled nanoparticles showed their colocalization with both OCTN2 and ATB0,+, confirming the involvement of both transporters in the cellular uptake of LC-PLGA NPs. As the expression levels of OCTN2 and ATB0,+are higher in colon cancer cells than in normal colon cells, LC-PLGA NPs can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs selectively into cancer cells for colon cancer therapy. With 5-fluorouracil-loaded LC-PLGA NPs, we were able to demonstrate significant increases in the uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells that were positive for OCTN2 and ATB0,+. In a 3D spheroid model of tumor growth, LC-PLGA NPs showed increased uptake and enhanced antitumor efficacy. These findings indicate that dual-targeting LC-PLGA NPs to OCTN2 and ATB0,+has great potential to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs for colon cancer therapy. Dual targeting LC-PLGA NPs to OCTN2 and ATB0,+ can selectively deliver chemotherapeutics to colon cancer cells where both transporters are overexpressed, preventing targeting to normal cells and thus avoiding off-target side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the tribological properties of polyimide composites filled with TiO2nanoparticles and short pitch-based carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. Sliding tests were performed on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder under different temperatures and regular pressure and speed. It was found that the composite with 4 wt% TiO2and 6 wt% CNT could reduce the frictional coefficient and wear rate in the most effective way. Compared to the conventional hybrid composites up to now, the above composite was characterised by relatively lower filler content, which would reduce the manufacturing cost. Therefore, it could be largely processed in practice. Increased surface hardness, lubricating effect of the sheet-like wear debris reinforced by TiO2and rapidly formed transfer film were believed to be the key issues accounting for the obvious wear-resisting and friction-reducing behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been known that the iodide (I−) anions are necessary for the production of high-quality Au nanoprisms. Based on a previously reported seed-mediated synthesis of triangular gold nanoprisms, herein, we further optimised the synthesis process by varying the concentration of added NaI and seeds, respectively, to get high-quality (size-monodisperse, tip-sharp and purity-high) Au nanoprisms. The results show that the ratio between the concentration of I−and seeds is a very sensitive parameter to control the quality (size-monodispersity, tip-sharpness and purity) of Au nanoprisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Fubaiju,' which is native to Macheng, Hubei, China, has a long cultivation history almost dating back to the early 10th century Song dynasty, and is used as Chrysanthemum tea drink and Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of 'Fubaiju' was 151,109 bp, included a large single copy LSC (82,931 bp), a small single copy SSC (18,350 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (24,941 bp). It contained 132 genes with 87 CDS, 8r RNA, and 37 tRNA. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the C. × morifolium 'Fubaiju' was clustered together with C. × morifolium 'Baekma'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were first to encapsulate norcantharidate into albumin microspheres by the emulsion crosslinking method and second to characterize the microspheres in terms of the morphological examination, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency. Thein vitrorelease of norcantharidate from the microspheres was studied by using the dialysis bag method. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies were used to evaluate the advantages of microspheres than the conventional formulations. The microspheres prepared by crosslink emulsion were with uniform size, smooth surface, spherical shape, and disperse evenly. The particle size was uniform (13.3 ± 0.4 µm) and the encapsulation efficiency was 54.3 ± 4.18%.In vitrorelease indicated that the norcantharidate microspheres had a well-sustained release efficacy and fitted Korsmeyer’s Peppas release model.In vivostudies showed that pharmacokinetics of norcantharidate microspheres could be described by the model of two-compartment after i.v. administration and had higher AUC inside liver and spleen than the injection group. No histological change occurred to the rat liver after the administration of norcantharidate microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Growing evidence shows tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) involvement in tumorigenesis. The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic effect of TINs and its impact on adjuvant chemotherapy benefits in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). A total of 142 MIBC patients from Zhongshan Hospital, 119 MIBC patients from FUSCC, and 405 MIBC patients from TCGA cohort were enrolled in the study. TINs were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of CD66b or the CIBERSORT method. Patients with high TINs had a significantly poorer overall survival (p= 0.001,p< 0.001, andp= 0.002, respectively) in the three sets. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of high TINs (HR = 2.122,p= 0.007; HR = 3.807,p< 0.001; HR = 2.104,p= 0.001; respectively) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in the three sets. More importantly, Low TINs patients had significantly longer overall survival in patients without ACT in the three sets. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that lymphocyte activation (p< 0.001) and T cell activation (p= 0.008) were significantly enriched in the low TINs group. In addition, TINs were negatively correlated with CD8+T cells, suggesting that the status of high-TINs was linked to the status of immunosuppression in MIBC. TINs could be used as independent prognostic factor. Low TINs identified a subgroup of MIBC patients who appeared to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Incorporation of TINs into TNM system could further stratify patients with different prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]