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Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., a traditional medicinal plant in Asia, is widely used in clinical settings but its safety in vivo is unclear. This study investigated the sub-chronic toxicity of E. sagittatum aqueous extract to rats with a 13-week daily intragastric administration of 7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg. Nine constituents of the aqueous extract were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Organ weights, organ coefficients, serum biochemistry parameters, histopathology, and metabolomic analysis were performed. In female rats, treatment increased the liver, thymus, and adrenal gland coefficients (p < 0.05). Liver, pancreas, and adrenal gland injury were observed. The levels of six metabolites were altered by the treatment (p < 0.05). In male rats, treatment altered liver, heart, and thymus coefficients (p < 0.05) and liver, adrenal gland, and heart injury were observed. The levels of 11 metabolites were altered (p < 0.05). The no-observed-adverse-effect level was not determined but would be below 7.5 g/kg in rats treated for 13 weeks. In female rats, E. sagittatum may injure the liver and pancreas and dysregulate the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, leucine, and isoleucine and the metabolism of phenylalanine. In male rats, the extract may injure the liver and adrenal gland and dysregulate the biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine and the metabolism of pyruvate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of finite-time mean-nonovershooting control is investigated for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems in this paper. For general stochastic strict-feedback nonlinear systems, a new controller is designed, which uses the framework of the backstepping technique, to assure that the mean of overshoot can be adjusted arbitrarily small (by changing controller gains) while all the states of the closed-loop system in finite-time to get bounded in probability. In contrast with corresponding deterministic systems, it has better performance that control gains did not rely on the initial conditions of system states and derivatives of the reference trajectory. Finally, a simulation example is showing the appealing performance of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two undescribed stilbenoid diglycosides, dendrosonside A and dendrosonside B (1 and 2), were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium 'Sonia'. Their structures were elucidated based on 1 D/2D NMR and HRESIMS. The glycosyls contained in the two isolates were determined as D-glucose by acid hydrolysis and GC-MS analyses. In addition, 1 and 2 were further tested for the inhibition of nitric oxide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore prognostic value of pretreatment Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) in ovarian cancer patients. The PubMed, EMBASE (via OVID), and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for eligible studies. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to evaluate the association of pretreatment GPS/mGPS with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of ovarian cancer patients. STATA 12.0 version software was applied for statistical analysis. A total of eight retrospective studies involving 2260 were included into this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that patients with elevated pretreatment GPS or mGPS had poorer OS (HR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.38–1.91, P＜.001) and PFS (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02–1.93, P =.039) than patients with pretreatment GPS or mGPS 0. Subgroup analysis based on the type of score (GPS or mGPS) and tumor stage for OS were also performed and the results were consistent with above findings. Pretreatment GPS/mGPS might serve as promising prognostic indexes for ovarian cancer patients. More prospective studies with high-quality are needed to verify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Zetasizer Nano ZS instrumentation, the zeta potential with Ca2+ and tight oil reservoir were analyzed to study the abilities and microscopic mechanisms on reservoir characteristics of wettability. The results show that in the CaCl2 solution, Ca2+ can reduce the surface hydrophilicity of tight sandstone, thus change the reservoir wetting characteristics. While increasing pH can improve reservoir wettability and facilitate tight oil development. Ca2+ can change the structural characteristics of tight reservoirs and crude oil. This provides a theoretical basis for our study of low salinity water flooding and recovery ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on DSA100 instrumentation, the interactions between the chemical groups on the rock surface and brine were analyzed to study the abilities and microscopic mechanisms on reservoir characteristics of wettability controlled by Na+, Ca2+and Mn2+. The results show that that in the same solution, static and dynamic angle of each ions are consistent. When the concentration of CaCl2solution is more than 0.5 mol/L, the contact angle will change greatly. Ca2+, Mn2+can change the structural characteristics of tight reservoirs. This provides a theoretical basis for our study of low salinity water flooding and recovery ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose Radiolabeled antibodies and peptides hold promise for molecular radiotherapy but are often limited by a low payload resulting in inadequate delivery of radioactivity to tumour tissue and, therefore, modest therapeutic effect. We developed a facile synthetic method of radiolabeling indium-111 (111In) to epidermal growth factor (EGF)-gold nanoparticles (111In-EGF-Au NP) with a high payload. Materials and methods EGF-Au NP were prepared via an interaction between gold and the disulphide bonds of EGF and radiolabeled using 111InCl3. Targeting efficiency was investigated by quantitating internalized radioactivity and by confocal imaging following exposure of MDA-MB-468 (1.3 × 106 EGFR/cell) and MCF-7 (104 EGFR/cell) cells to Cy3-EGF-Au NP. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in clonogenic assays. Results The proportion of total administered radioactivity that was internalized by MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells was 15% and 1.3%, respectively (mixing ratio of EGF:Au of 160). This differential uptake in the two cell lines was confirmed using confocal microscopy. 111In-EGF-Au NP were significantly more radiotoxic to MDA-MB-468 than MCF-7 cells with a surviving fraction of 17.1 ± 4.4% versus 89.8 ± 1.4% (p < 0.001) after exposure for 4 h. Conclusions An 111In-labeled EGF-Au nanosystem was developed. It enabled targeted delivery of a high 111In payload specifically to EGFR-positive cancer cells leading to radiotoxicity that can be exploited for molecularly targeted radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research has shown that after receiving online services of varying quality, customer expectations are eitherpositively disconfirmed(i.e., services exceed customer expectations) ornegatively disconfirmed(i.e., services fall short of customer expectations). The present research examines expectation disconfirmation across national cultures and its subsequent impacts on e-word-of-mouth, e-satisfaction, and e-loyalty. The results show that Chinese customers are more tolerant of e-services that result in negative disconfirmations, although online shoppers from the United States are more likely to be loyal or generate positive e-word-of-mouth when experiencing positive disconfirmations. Suggestions for adjusting multinational e-tailers’ strategies to better serve customers across national cultures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article showed that a higher serum triglyceride level increased the risk of major kidney function decline in Chinese men with normal kidney function. Dear Editor, We read with great interest the recently published study by Huang et al. [[1]] entitled "Elevated atherogenic index and higher triglyceride increase risk of kidney function decline: a 7-year cohort study in Chinese adults". [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells in chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) lung infection and its influence on effector T-cell responses. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly inoculated with PA-laden agarose beads (1 × 105 CFU/50 μL) or planktonic PA (1 × 105 CFU/50 μL), and euthanized at the time points of 4 hour, day 1, 3, 5, and 7. Bacterial load, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cell counts, and lung tissue histology were assessed. BAL fluid concentrations of TGF-β1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TGF-β1, IL-10 and CD4+ T-cell subtype-specific transcription factors were determined. The expression of CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ cells in lungs and spleens were analyzed. Results: Mice inoculated with PA-laden agarose beads developed chronic PA lung infection during 7-day study period, while mice inoculated with planktonic PA cleared bacteria in 3 days. Compared with mice recovered from acute PA lung infection, those with chronic infection had significantly increased effector T-cell responses, accompanied by a more severe neutrophilic inflammation. Mice with chronic PA lung infection had significantly lower concentration of TGF-β1 and higher concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A in BAL fluid. Meanwhile, they had significantly lower mRNA levels of TGF-β1, IL-10 and FoxP3 in lung tissues, and lower expression of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells in lungs and spleens. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Treg cell activity is partly inhibited in mice with chronic PA lung infection, which contributes to the enhanced effector T-cell responses in airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online retailers constantly strive to improve customer satisfaction. However, satisfaction levels can vary significantly across cultures when customers experience mixed quality services, that is, services with a mixture of high and low quality service attributes. Based on two studies, we find that Westerners (e.g., European Americans) react more negatively than East Asians (e.g., Chinese) toward mixed quality online services. Our findings show that due to differences in thinking style, Westerners (analytic thinkers) are more likely to focus on negative service attributes than East Asians (holistic thinkers), who tend to consider the amalgam of high and low quality service attributes as an integrated whole when forming their overall perceptions and levels of satisfaction. Moreover, the results suggest that for online retailers marketing across cultures, providing superior quality on each individual service attribute may be more important to achieving satisfaction for customers from Western rather than Eastern cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel natural material-based flame retardant melamine chitosan phosphate (MPCS) has been prepared. Its impact on thermal properties and flammability performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis data exhibited that MPCS enhanced the thermal stability of materials at high temperature. The results of thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGA-IR) showed that MPCS decreased the yield of flammable volatilized products greatly. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) data showed that peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR) and heat release capacity (HRC) all reduced, which indicated that MPCS improved the flame retardancy of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide nanotubes, surface modified with phenl dichlorophosphate, were incorporated in polystyrene by in situ bulk radical polymerization. The modified Titanium dioxide nanotubes were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The influences of the modified Titanium dioxide nanotubes on the thermal properties of the PS were investigated using TGA. These results show that the glass transition temperature and thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites were improved. Thermo-gravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry analyses of the gas products of PS-TNTs nanocomposites confirmed the degradation pathway of polystyrene had been changed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Four novel taxoid analogs were conversionally synthesized from the C19-diterpenoid alkaloid deltaline, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against a small panel of cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a shell of starch-melamine-formaldehyde (SMF) resin, core/shell-like ammonium polyphosphate (SMFAPP) is prepared by in situ polymerization, and is characterized by SEM, FTIR and XPS. The shell leads SMFAPP a high water resistance and flame retardance compared with APP in polypropylene (PP). The flame retardant action of SMFAPP and APP in PP are studied using LOI, UL 94 test and cone calorimeter, and their thermal stability is evaluated by TG. The flame retardancy and water resistance of the PP/SMFAPP composite at the same loading is better than that of the PP/APP composite. UL 94 ratings of PP/SMFAPP can reach V-0 at 30 wt% loading. The flame retardant mechanism of SMFAPP was studied by dynamic FTIR, TG and cone calorimeter, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two kinds of transition metal ion-incorporated nickel phosphates (TMIVSB-1) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The flame retardancy and thermal behavior of intumescent flame retardants (IFR), with and without TMIVSB-1 for PP, were investigated by LOI, UL-94 test, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and cone calorimetry. TMIVSB-1 can obviously improve the flame retardant behavior of IFR systems according to the results of LOI values and UL-94 test. The results of LOI show that 2 wt% TMIVSB-1 can increase the LOI value by 3-5 unit compared with that of PP/IFR composite. The UL-94 test shows that PP with 20% IFR burns and has no rating, but the addition of a small content 2 wt% of TMIVSB-1 with 18 wt% of IFR can reach a UL-94 V-0 rating. TGA results show that the thermal stability of PP/IFR/TMIVSB-1 increases obviously more than that of PP/IFR when the temperature is above 265°C. From cone calorimetry results, it can be observed that the HRR peaks are not obviously decreased, but the burning time of PP/IFR/FeVSB-1 (351s) and PP/IFR/ZnVSB-1 (380s) is obviously prolonged compared with that of PP/IFR (303s). The real time FTIR spectra (RTFTIR) demonstrates that the addition of TMIVSB-1 further staves the decomposition of the PP composites. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates the quality of char forming of PP/IFR/ TMIVSB-1 is superior to that of PP/IFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,4'-quinoline] derivatives by a one-pot reaction of isatin, malononitrile, and enaminone under microwave irradiation was investigated. This protocol has the advantages of short reaction time, high yields of products, broad substrate scope, and easy workup procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cured epoxy resin (EP) composites containing Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) and metallic oxide were prepared and characterized. The flame retardancy of the composites was studied using LOI, UL 94, cone calorimeter and Laser Raman spectroscopy, etc. The data of LOI, UL 94 and cone calorimeter show that APP is a good flame retardant for EP. The LOI value of the composite containing 20 wt% APP is as high as 38.0% and its UL 94 rating is raised to V-0. The addition of APP and La2O3 leads to the formation of char layer containing smaller carbonaceous microstructures compared with that of EP. Moreover, the thermo-oxidative decomposition of EP and its composites is characterized by dynamic FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane/organophilic montmorillonite (PU/OMT) nanocomposites based on polyether, organophilic montmorillonite, phenylmethane diisocyante, diglycol, and glycerine were synthesized and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Delaminated or intercalated structures in polyurethane/OMT nanocomposites with different OMT content were found. The mechanical, thermal, and inflammability properties of PU/OMT nanocomposites were investigated through tensile, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and cone calorimetry experiments. It is shown that polyurethane/OMT nanocomposites have enhanced tensile strength, improved thermal stability, and flame retardant properties relative to bulk polyurethane. The tensile strength of PU/OMT with 4.7 wt% OMT content was double compared to that of bulk PU. The thermal and flame retardant properties of PU/OMT were enhanced compared to that of bulk PU. The thermal and flame retardant properties of PU/OMT increased with increasing OMT content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximizing the use of solar energy to increase the indoor temperature of greenhouse is of great significance to the green and energy-saving intensive greenhouse production in China. In this study, an active solar heating system (ASHS) was developed and analyzed, consisting of five solar water heaters equipped with vacuum tube solar collectors, one heat storage tank and heating system including booster pump and heating pipes. During the day, the water was heated in the solar collectors and stored in tanks before being placed into circulation in the heating pipes to distribute the heat to the aerial and root zones of plants. To evaluate the performance of ASHS and the feasibility of practical application, climate and plant growth parameters were monitored in two Chinese Solar Greenhouses (CSGs) located in Yangling, China. Results revealed that under the operating condition with the flow rate of 5.4 L/min, the effective heat collection, average heat collection efficiency and energy-saving efficiency of ASHS were 1.9 MJ/(m2•h), 64% and 84%, respectively. The coefficient of performance (COP) was between 4.5 and 6.2, and the payback period was 12.0 years. Furthermore, the results revealed that the ASHS successfully provided 76% of its annual heating needs, heated the CSG for 4 months and maintained the nocturnal temperature above 8 ℃. The actual application effect proved that it increased average indoor air temperature by 2.2 ℃ and substrate temperature by 3.3 ℃ in heated greenhouse. The growth rate of tomato plant height in the heated greenhouse was 0.7427 cm/d, greater than that in the unheated greenhouse (0.6 cm/d). The novel system proposed in this study adopting particular location enables the rise of the ambient and the substrate temperatures with lower energy consumption, improvement of the environmental conditions in CSG, and a more suitable growing environment for plants in the cold season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flame retardant and hydrophobic coating was prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly on cotton fabric. The coated fabric was treated with polyethylenimine, hypophosphorous acid modified chitosan, sepiolite and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The thermal stabilities of treated cotton fabrics were enhanced at high temperature compared with those of untreated cotton fabrics. The cotton fabric treated with sepiolite (cotton-3) and cotton fabric treated with sepiolite and PDMS (cotton-4) showed 50.2% and 56.1% reductions in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) values compared with those of untreated cotton. Moreover, the sepiolite and PDMS in the coating resulted in hydrophobic surfaces on the cotton fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is positively and independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Insulin resistance is independently associated with CAC and is an important risk factor for CVD. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is a reliable biomarker of insulin resistance. This cross-sectional, observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and CAC in asymptomatic non-diabetic patients undergoing MHD. The quantitative coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was calculated and expressed using the Agatston score. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Multiple Poisson regression analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and CAC. The 151 patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the TyG index. With an increase in the TyG index, the CACS significantly increased (Spearman's rho = 0.414, p < 0.001). Poisson regression analysis indicated that the TyG index was independently related to the presence of CAC (prevalence ratio, 1.281 [95% confidence interval, 1.121–1.465], p < 0.001). Furthermore, ROC curve analysis showed that the TyG index was of value in predicting the CAC in asymptomatic non-diabetic patients undergoing MHD, with an area under the curve of 0.667 (p = 0.010). The TyG index is independently related to the presence of CAC in asymptomatic, non-diabetic patients undergoing MHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marketing channels have faced rapid structural and functional transformations during the last few decades. While a large body of research has been devoted to understanding the supply-side aspects of marketing channels, much less research has taken the demand-side perspective to study consumer perception of channel position and functions. This article extends the channel literature to a broader domain and develops a consumer-based theoretical framework reflecting factors that influence consumer perception of and reaction to channel strategies and decisions. The authors conceptualize that consumers' perceived channel value is a critical factor in determining their loyalty behavior. Seven important channel features are identified that would positively influence the perceived channel value. The relationship between perceived channel value and channel preference is strongly dependent on the level of customer value co-creation. The article concludes with research implications and suggestions of avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding, building, and predicting customer loyalty in e-commerce are critical activities for long-run profitability. Successfully carrying out these activities is challenging due to the complex mix of both business organization and customer factors that may influence and drive e-loyalty. We demonstrate that business factors, such as credibility, e-satisfaction and site knowledge, and customer factors, such as inertia, innovativeness, and aggressiveness, influence e-loyalty. Our analyses show that business credibility is affected by the reputation of the e-business and its congruence with the customers' self-image; e-satisfaction by the customers' value perception, care, and choice; and site knowledge by customer experience, involvement, and expertise. Business factors account for about 75% of the explained variation in e-loyalty and customer factors for the rest. Understanding the controllable business and uncontrollable customer factors that drive customer loyalty should enable e-commerce retailers to continually assess these factors and make appropriate changes in marketing strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thrombopoietin mimetic peptide for injection is a second-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) used in the treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety, tolerance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of thrombopoietin mimetic peptide for injection in Chinese healthy volunteers. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-escalation study was conducted in healthy Chinese subjects aged 18–50 years. Thirty subjects received single subcutaneous injection of 0.3 μg/kg, 1.0 μg/kg, 2.0 μg/kg thrombopoietin mimetic peptide or placebo. Thrombopoietin mimetic peptide was safe and well tolerated at doses of 0.3–2.0 μg/kg. There was no significant change in mean platelet count (PLT) from baseline at the 0.3 μg/kg or placebo groups. The mean PLT of subjects in the 1.0 μg/kg and 2.0 μg/kg groups peaked at day 12 (± 1), began to decline around day 17, and returned to the baseline level at day 28 (± 1). Platelet aggregation rates of the three dose groups showed no significant change before and after administration. Serum concentrations of thrombopoietin mimetic peptide in all subjects were below the quantization limit. This was the first study to demonstrate that subcutaneous injection of thrombopoietin mimetic peptide at doses of 0.3–2.0 μg/kg was safe and well tolerated in Chinese healthy subjects. As a second-generation TPO-RA, thrombopoietin mimetic peptide is effective at improving PLT after single subcutaneous injection at dose of ≥1 μg/kg. P lain l anguage s ummary What is the context? ● Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare, serious autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet count (PLT) without an alternate cause. The treatment goal of ITP is to increase the platelet count to a safe level that can stop active bleeding and reduce the risks of future bleeding. ● Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs, e.g. eltrombopag, avatrombopag, hetrombopag, and romiplostim) have shown high response rates in stimulating platelet production and reducing the risk of bleeding. TPO-RAs provide ITP patients with well-tolerated, long-term treatment choices. What is new? ● The thrombopoietin mimetic peptide for injection is a new TPO-RAs developed by Shandong Quangang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China). ● This study showed that thrombopoietin mimetic peptide is effective at improving PLT after a single subcutaneous injection. ● The thrombopoietin mimetic peptide is safe and well-tolerated in Chinese healthy subjects. What is the impact? ● This study provides evidence for the further development potential of the thrombopoietin mimetic peptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel dendritic poly(amido-amine) (PAMAM) bridged salicylaldimine ligands were synthesized by Schiff base reaction using 1.0 generation dendritic PAMAM as bridged groups. The cobalt complex with 1,4-butanediamine as core (C1) and the cobalt complex with 1,6-hexanediamine as core (C2) based on dendritic PAMAM bridged salicylaldimine ligands were prepared by metallic coordination reaction, respectively. The structures of the ligands and the dendritic cobalt complexes were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet spectra (UV), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS). The complexes C1 and C2 were evaluated as catalyst precursors for ethylene oligomerization after being activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO), diethylaluminum chloride (Et2AlCl), ethylaluminium dichloride (EtAlCl2) and ethylaluminum sesquichloride (EASC). The dendritic cobalt complexes exhibited the highest activity and selectivity for high carbon oligomers with EASC as activator. Under the conditions of 1.0 MPa, 25°C and Al/Co molar ratio 1500, the catalytic activity and selectivity for C10–C20using C1 were 3.44×106g·(mol Co·h)−1and 76.53% after activation with EASC, and the catalytic activity and selectivity for C10–C20using C2 were 3.42×106g·(mol Co·h)−1and 84.50%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Psoralen is the main coumarin component of Fructus psoraleae. Previously, we have found that psoralen induced hepatocytes apoptosis via PERK and ATF6 related ER stress pathways in vitro. In this study, we investigated the toxicity and ER stress induced by psoralen in female C57 mice. Mice were fed with 80 mg/kg of psoralen intra-gastrically for either 3, 7, or 21 days. Liver and kidney were weighed and their coefficients were calculated. The serum was isolated to examine the biochemical parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin (TBIL), and creatinine (CRE). The transcription and expression of ER stress-related markers were determined by Wes-automated Protein Simple system, Western blot and RT-PCR. Psoralen administration for 3 days significantly increased liver coefficients but decreased kidney coefficients of mice. Histopathological examination showed minimal inflammatory cell foci and vacuolar degeneration in the liver. Besides, serum levels of ALT, TBA, BUN, and CRE were markedly altered by psoralen. Moreover, psoralen significantly increased expression and transcription levels of ER stress related markers, including Grp78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, IRE1α, ATF6, and XBP1. These results illustrated that psoralen induced liver injuries through ER stress signaling in female mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium hydroxystannate [MgSn(OH)6, MgHS] was successfully prepared by a facile coprecipitation method. Then, MgHS was used to intumescent flame-retardant polypropylene systems. Thermogravimetry analysis results indicated that the introduction of MgHS can improve the thermal stability of the intumescent flame-retardant polypropylene system. Limiting oxygen index and UL-94 vertical burning test data show that the addition of MgHS can significantly improve the flame retardancy of intumescent flame-retardant polypropylene system. From the cone calorimetry results, it can be observed that the peak heat release rate is decreased in comparison with intumescent flame-retardant polypropylene. Moreover, the addition of MgHS significantly reduced the gaseous products, especially carbon monoxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In clinical practice it is often troublesome to discriminate bacterial etiologies from viral etiologies in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). The aim of this study was to develop an accurate analytic method to improve diagnostic determination for bacterial and viral etiologies in pediatric LRTIs. Methods: A total of 45 children with confirmed bacterial LRTIs and 51 children with viral LRTIs were fi nally included after assessment of the children visiting the emergency department with a suspected infection and identification of pathogens. C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CD35, and CD64 were assessed and then the areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) of PCT, IL-6, CD35, and CD64 in combination with CRP were compared to the AUC of CRP alone in all subjects. Results: The levels of CRP, PCT, IL-6, CD45, and CD64 observed in children with bacterial LRTIs were statistically higher than for viral infections. The AUC of CRP combined with CD53 (0.963, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.921 - 1.002) or CD64 (0.952, 95% CI 0.907 - 0.998) or CD35/CD64 (0.971, 95% CI 0.932 - 1.004) increased compared with that of the single biomarker. Conclusions: The combined analysis improved diagnostic accuracy in children with bacterial and viral LRTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intumescent flame retardant polylactide/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (IFR-PLA/POSS) composites were prepared via a melt blending method. The morphology of the PLA nanocomposites was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests showed that the incorporation of POSS enhanced the mechanical properties of the PLA matrix. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) values increased from 20.0% for neat PLA to 40.0% for PLA based on 22.5 wt% IFR and 7.5 wt% POSS, and the latter could pass UL-94 V0 rating. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal stability of the residual char at the later stages of the thermal degradation was significantly improved. The dynamic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggested that the thermally stable poly(phosphoricacid) and polysiloxane derivatives were formed during the thermal degradation process of PLA/POSS composite. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrography (XPS) indicated that the residual char of flame retardant PLA/POSS composite had a exterior layer with a compact and continual surface, while the interior had a porous structure, which was composed of cross-linked phosphorous oxynitride and carbonized aromatic networks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Novel PS composites with improved combustion properties were prepared by using OctaTMA-POSS and OctaTMA-POSS-based lamellar hybrids. The lamellar hybrids were prepared via template-directed synthesis from OctaTMA-POSS and surfactants. The microstructures of composites were characterized by TEM, which showed that POSS-based fillers dispersed well in the polymer. The combustion properties were evaluated by cone calorimeter, which indicated that peak HRR, CO release rates, and CO concentration were effectively improved. However, the limited oxygen indexes (LOI) of the samples were not changed significantly, and the ignition time in the cone test was earlier than that of pure PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel PS composites were prepared by adding lamellar hybrid made up of octa(γ-chloroaminopropyl) POSS and surfactant. TEM images show that the nanofillers are dispersed well in the composites. Cone calorimeter tests show that the values of peak HRR of the composites with 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt% of nanofillers are 469.3 kW/m2, 492.9 kW/m2, 511.4 kW/m2 and 477.3 kW/m2, respectively. Comparied to PS, the relative decreases are 51.4%, 49.0%, 47.1%, 50.6%, respectively. The CO release rate and CO concentration are also decreased dramatically. TGA test shows the influences on the decomposition temperature and char residue of the composites by different filler contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate with polyurethane resin (PUMAPP) was prepared by in situ polymerization and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The flame retardation of PUMAPP/dipentaerythritol(DPER) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/DPER flame retarded polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) composites were studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test and cone calorimeter. Results demonstrated that the flame retardancy of the PP/EPDM/PUMAPP/DPER composites was better than that of the PP/EPDM/APP/DPER composites at the same additive loading. Real time Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were used to study the thermal degradation and stability of the PP/EPDM/PUMAPP/DPER composite. The hydrolytic stability of the flame retarded PP/EPDM composites was studied. It was found that the microencapsulation of APP with the PU resin leaded to a decrease in the particle's water solubility. Moreover, the synergistic effect of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) on the PP/EPDM/PUMAPP/DPER composite was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoralen has potential hepatotoxicity and has a certain promoting effect on the clinical liver injury of Psoralea corylifolia L (Fructus Psoraleae). This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of psoralen-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. HepG2 cells were treated with psoralen for 6, 12, 24, or 48 h, and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-specific inhibitor, 4-PBA, was employed to investigate the mechanism of psoralen on ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR). Cell viability was tested by MTT assay, ATP assay, and cell death by LDH. The apoptosis was reflected by the flow cytometry, caspase-8, and caspase-3 activates. The expression of ER stress-related markers was determined by RT-PCR and western blot. We found that psoralen significantly decreased cell viability, increased activities of caspase-8 and caspase-3, and upregulated expression of CHOP and BAX in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, psoralen significantly increased the expression and transcription levels of ER stress-related markers, including Grp78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and ATF6, while IRE1α was not significantly affected. And 4-PBA could effectively inhibit psoralen-induced cell death and apoptosis along with the inhibition of ER stress responses. These results suggested that psoralen causes liver injury due to the induction of the ER stress-mediated apoptosis via PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP and ATF6-CHOP related pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify genetic biomarkers in pancreatic cancer (PC) and explore its function in PC via a feature-base analysis of bioinformatics. OMIM and DisGeNET databases discovered 209 PC connected genes and then 516 connected genes were identified. We selected 29 genes according to optimal features and chose COL1A2, which had the highest expression, for the following experiment. The expression of COL1A2 was determined by qRT-PCR; cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay; migration and invasion after COL1A2 and miR-25-3p transfection was evaluated by Transwell assay. COL1A2 presented the highest expression in PC tissues, which was validated in functional experiments. MiR-25-3p suppressed the expression of COL1A2 in cell lines and inhibited migration, invasion and proliferation of PC cells. MiR-25-3p could suppress the expression of COL1A2 and inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells which provided a new idea for the detection and treatment of PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypertension among the Chinese Qiang population. From September 2012 to March 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural communities of the Qiang population using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 2676 people aged above 20 years were enrolled in the analysis. Standardized mercury sphygmomanometer was used to measure the blood pressure twice after a 10-minute seated rest, and the average blood pressure was obtained. The hypertension prevalence among the population aged above 20 years was 13.9%, and age-standardized prevalence was 12.3%. Male and female prevalence of hypertension, as well as the prevalence in urban and rural areas, all increased with age. There were no significant differences between males and females and between urban and rural residents. Among hypertensive patients, 44.2% were aware of their hypertension, 38.0% were undergoing antihypertensive treatment, but only 10.5% achieved blood pressure control. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of hypertension included age, low income, overweight and obesity, family history of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension in Chinese Qiang adults is significantly lower than the national level. Awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were low in the Qiang population. Thus, hypertension-related health knowledge should be more aggressively delivered to improve public awareness and the capacity of community health services should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) presents diagnostic and prognostic challenges. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of interleukin (IL)-10 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for CNSL comprehensively. PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched through September 2016. Four studies with 212 CNSL patients and 262 control patients were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CSF IL-10 for diagnosing CNSL were 81% (95% CI: 66–91%) and 97% (95% CI: 83–100%), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve indicated that the area under the curve was 0.95 (0.93–0.97). The ROC curve based on extracted individual data showed that the optimal cutoff value was 6.88 pg/ml. Moreover, elevated CSF IL-10 was found to be associated with shorter progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.13–7.41,p = .027). In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed that CSF IL-10 is an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CNSL. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The discovery of graphene has aroused enormous scientific interests in fabrication and application of new two-dimensional (2D) materials in the past decade. As a typical layered graphene-like material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) shows high band gap that overcomes the zero-band gap shortcoming of graphene. The unique properties enable MoS2to exhibit great potential applications in the fields of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Despite the enormous scientific interests aroused by MoS2, little attention has been focused on the progress in fabrication, properties, and applications of MoS2/polymer nanocomposites up to now. In this review, we first present production routes to exfoliated MoS2with an emphasis on physical and chemical exfoliations, as well as chemical synthesis. Then solvent- and melt-based strategies to disperse exfoliated MoS2nano-platelets in various polymer matrices are discussed. We also review electrical, thermal, mechanical, tribological, and flame retardant properties of the MoS2/polymer nanocomposites. An overview of potential applications for these nanocomposites associated with current challenges is provided for future perspectives of this promising new class of nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer and polyphenylene oxide composite was prepared by the reactive extrusion method using 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate as a chain extender, and then aluminum hypophosphite was added to further flame-retardant thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer/polyphenylene oxide composite. The results show that 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate can improve the compatibility of thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer and polyphenylene oxide and strengthen the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer/polyphenylene oxide composite. The addition of aluminum hypophosphite increases the storage modulus of the thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer composites at the low-temperature region and significantly decreases the heat release rate of thermoplastic polyether–ester elastomer and thus improves its flame retardancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine whether spironolactone could reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension.Methods: This was a blank-controlled, single-center study. Patients with resistant hypertension and moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index >15 events/h) were enrolled and randomly assigned to the therapy or control group. Patients in the therapy group were administered spironolactone 20 mg once daily (up to 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks, if required) in addition to original antihypertensive medication. Follow-up was 12 weeks.Results: Thirty patients were enrolled (n= 15 per group). After 12 weeks of follow-up, apnea–hypopnea index (21.8 ± 15.7 vs. 1.8 ± 12.8,p< 0.05), hypopnea index (9.8 ± 11.1 vs. −2.7 ± 16.8,p< 0.05), oxygen desaturation index (20.8 ± 15.0 vs. 0.3 ± 16.1,p< 0.05), clinical blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, and plasma aldosterone level (9.8 ± 6.3 vs. 2.9 ± 6.7,p< 0.05) were reduced significantly in the therapy group compared with the control group. No side effects were reported.Conclusions: Spironolactone reduced the severity of OSA and reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. These findings may assist in the treatment of OSA in patients with resistant hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms in platelet receptor genes may influence platelet function. This study aimed to assess the impact of five polymorphisms of genes encoding platelet receptors on the risk of ischemic and bleeding events in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 503 consecutive Chinese patients with STEMI after an uneventful PCI and exposed to standard dual antiplatelet therapy for 12 months were enrolled. Polymorphisms of platelet receptors, GPIa (ITGA2, 807C > T, rs1126643), GPVI (GP6, 13254T > C, rs1613662), PAR-1 (F2R, IVS-14A > T, rs168753) and P2Y12 (P2RY12, 34C > T, rs6785930 and H1/H2 haplotype, 52G > T, rs6809699) were detected by the ligase detection reaction. The follow-up period was 12 months. Overall, 34 (6.8%) ischemic events occurred and 46 (9.1%) major bleedings occurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the carriage ofF2Rrs168753 minor allele was an independent predictor of the composite ischemic events (HR 0.387, 95% CI 0.193–0.778,p = 0.008) after adjusted for established risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression model identified that carriage ofP2RY12rs6809699 minor allele (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.298–5.659,p = 0.008) was an independent predictor of major bleedings. The associations were then validated in a second cohort of 483 STEMI patients. In STEMI patients after PCI,F2Rrs168753 minor allele could significantly contribute to the risk of ischemic events, andP2RY12rs6809699 minor allele could predict bleedings. The genetic testing of platelet receptors can be valuable in predicting adverse events in STEMI patients after PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of graphene nanosheets (GNS) on the fire and mechanical performances of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 composites containing aluminum hypophosphite (GFPA6) was investigated. Results indicated that the introduction of GNS played little role in improving the thermal stability and fire retardancy of the GFPA6 composite, but exhibited visible anti-dripping phenomenon performance. With the addition of GNS, the mechanical properties of the composite are obviously increased. When the content of GNS was 1 wt.%, the composite had the optimized mechanical properties with tensile strength of 52 Mpa, bending strength of 66 Mpa, and impact strength of 15 KJ/m2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The flame-retardant and anti-dripping properties of biodegradable polylactide (PLA) materials during the combustion process were improved using intumescent flame-retardant (IFR) and different synergists. Organophilic montmorillonite (OMT), zinc borate (ZB), fumed silica (FS), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were chosen as the anti-dripping synergists for IFR in flame-retardant PLA. The flammability properties and thermal stability of PLA composites were investigated with UL-94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow index (MFI), etc. It is found that OMT and ZB are the best anti-dripping synergists for IFR PLA. The anti-dripping mechanisms of all the additives are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Dear Sir, We have carefully read the study published by Yoshida et al. on the extreme hyperuricemia is a risk factor for infection-related deaths in incident dialysis patients: a multicenter prospective cohort study [[1]]. Pre- and postdialysis UA difference may be the most appropriate reference for controlling UA in HD patients. [Extracted from the article]

A series of flame retarding biodegradable polylactic acid composites (FR-PLA) based on aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) and expanded graphite (EG) were prepared by the melt-compounding method. The effect of AHP and EG on the flame retardancy and thermal stability of PLA were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UL-94 vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index, microscale combustion calorimetry and cone calorimeter testing. The gas products of PLA and FR-PLA composites were investigated by TG-IR technology. TGA results showed that the FR-PLA composites presented higher char residue and reduced mass loss rate than neat PLA. Significant improvement of flame retardancy of PLA/AHP/EG composites indicated an excellent synergistic effect between AHP and EG. Cone calorimeter tests gave clear evidence that the combination of AHP and EG resulted in a significant reduction of the heat release rate (HRR) and total heat release (THR). TG-IR revealed that the combination of AHP and EG resulted in significant decrease of gas products. The char residue of FR-PLA composites were also investigated by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectra spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on the analysis, possible flame retardant mechanism was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present work, a facile compounding and electrospinning method was used to prepare PAN/Fe-OMT composite nanofibers. Electrospinning solution properties including viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity were measured and combined with the results of Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the effects of Fe-OMT on the structure and morphology of electrospun PAN nanofibers, respectively. It was found from FT-IR and HRTEM that the silicate clay layers were well dispersed within the composite nanofibers and were oriented along the fiber axis. The SEM images indicated that the loading of Fe-OMT decreased the average diameters of composite nanofibers due to the increased conductivity of composite solutions. Then, the prepared PAN nanofibers and PAN/Fe-OMT composite nanofibers were further pre-oxidized and carbonized. The effects of Fe-OMT on the structure and morphology of PAN-based carbon nanofibers were also investigated by FT-IR and SEM. The FT-IR spectra indicated that there were different characteristic absorption peaks for pure PAN nanofibers and PAN/Fe-OMT composite nanofibers during the pre-oxidation and carbonization processes. The SEM images revealed that the morphology of nanofibers underwent marked changes before and after carbonization. The Fe-OMT loadings might promote the dehydrogenation, cyclization, and cross-linking reactions of the PAN composite nanofibers during carbonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]