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Glioma cells hijack developmental programs to control cell state. Here, we uncover a glioma cell state-specific metabolic liability that can be therapeutically targeted. To model cell conditions at brain tumor inception, we generated genetically engineered murine gliomas, with deletion of p53 alone (p53) or with constitutively active Notch signaling (N1IC), a pathway critical in controlling astrocyte differentiation during brain development. N1IC tumors harbored quiescent astrocyte-like transformed cell populations while p53 tumors were predominantly comprised of proliferating progenitor-like cell states. Further, N1IC transformed cells exhibited increased mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, high ROS production and depletion of reduced glutathione. This altered mitochondrial phenotype rendered the astrocyte-like, quiescent populations more sensitive to pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of the lipid hydroperoxidase GPX4 and induction of ferroptosis. Treatment of patient-derived early-passage cell lines and glioma slice cultures generated from surgical samples with a GPX4 inhibitor induced selective depletion of quiescent astrocyte-like glioma cell populations with similar metabolic profiles. Collectively, these findings reveal a specific therapeutic vulnerability to ferroptosis linked to mitochondrial redox imbalance in a subpopulation of quiescent astrocyte-like glioma cells resistant to standard forms of treatment. Synopsis: The interdependence of oncogenic drivers, cell proliferation and energy metabolism in glioma resistance remains unclear. This study uncovers a unique, targetable metabolic vulnerability of quiescent astrocyte-like glioma cells otherwise resistant to standard forms of treatment. Activating Notch at early stages of gliomagenesis in a retrovirus-induced mouse model drives tumors with an astrocyte-like phenotype. Astrocyte-like glioma cells show decreased mitochondrial respiration and altered complex I function, but increased lipid peroxidation and ROS production. Astrocyte-like glioma cells are specifically vulnerable to the inhibition of the lipid hydroperoxidase GPX4 and induction of ferroptosis. Treating acute slices generated from human glioma surgical samples with GPX4 inhibitors selectively depletes the quiescent astrocyte-like tumor cells. Quiescent astrocyte-like glioma cells show abnormal energy metabolism, which renders them sensitive to ferroptosis-inducing drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Iron metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) are closely related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the interplay between them on the occurrence and progression of NAFLD is not fully understood. We aimed to disentangle the crosstalk between iron metabolism and IR and explore its impact on NAFLD. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 to evaluate the association between serum iron metabolism indicators (ferritin, serum iron, unsaturated iron‐binding capacity [UIBC], total iron‐binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation, and transferrin receptor) and NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of IR played in these relationship. Results: A total of 4812 participants were included, among whom 43.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD and 13.2% were further diagnosed with NASH. After adjusting the covariates, the risk of NAFLD increases with increasing serum ferritin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.14), UIBC (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.79), and TIBC (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.68). Higher levels of serum ferritin (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 2.25–6.19) and TIBC (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13–2.56) were also positively associated with NASH. Participants with IR were more likely to have NAFLD/NASH. Moreover, IR‐mediated efficacy accounted for 85.85% and 64.51% between ferritin and NAFLD and NASH, respectively. Conclusion: Higher levels of serum ferritin and TIBC are closely associated with the occurrence of NAFLD and NASH. IR may be considered a possible link between NAFLD or NASH and increased serum ferritin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a malignancy associated with poor prognosis and has been linked to regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the immune microenvironment. Nevertheless, the association between Tregs‐related genes (TRGs) and OC prognosis remains incompletely understood. The xCell algorithm was used to analyze Tregs scores across multiple cohorts. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify potential TRGs and molecular subtypes. Furthermore, we used nine machine learning algorithms to create risk models with prognostic indicators for patients. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining were used to demonstrate the immunosuppressive ability of Tregs and the expression of key TRGs in clinical samples. Our study found that higher Tregs scores were significantly correlated with poorer overall survival. Recurrent patients exhibited increased Tregs infiltration and reduced CD8+ T cell. Moreover, molecular subtyping using seven key TRGs revealed that subtype B exhibited higher enrichment of multiple oncogenic pathways and had a worse prognosis. Notably, subtype B exhibited high Tregs levels, suggesting immune suppression. In addition, we validated machine learning‐derived prognostic models across multiple platform cohorts to better distinguish patient survival and predict immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, the differential expression of key TRGs was validated using clinical samples. Our study provides novel insights into the role of Tregs in the immune microenvironment of OC. We identified potential therapeutic targets derived from Tregs (CD24, FHL2, GPM6A, HOXD8, NAP1L5, REN, and TOX3) for personalized treatment and created a machining learning‐based prognostic model for OC patients, which could be useful in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There has been a lack of research examining the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and the prognosis of cardiac arrest (CA) patients. The prognostic value of the changes in RDW during intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization for CA patients has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate the correlation between RDW measures at ICU admission and RDW changes during ICU hospitalization and the prognosis of CA patients and then develop a nomogram that predicts the risk of mortality of these patients. Methods and results: A retrospective cohort study is used to collect clinical characteristics of CA patients (>18 years) that are on their first admission to ICU with RDW data measured from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV Version 2.0 database. Patients are randomly divided into a development cohort (75%) and a validation cohort (25%). The primary outcome is 30 and 360 day all‐cause mortality. ΔRDW is defined as the RDW on ICU discharge minus RDW on ICU admission. A multivariate Cox regression model is applied to test whether the RDW represents an independent risk factor that affects the all‐cause mortality of these patients. Meanwhile, the dose–response relationship between the RDW and the mortality is described by restricted cubic spine (RCS). A prediction model is constructed using a nomogram, which is then assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 1278 adult CA patients are included in this study. We found that non‐survivors have a higher level of RDW and ΔRDW compared with survivors, and the mortality rate is higher in the high RDW group than in the normal RDW group. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve indicates that patients in the normal RDW group had a higher cumulative survival rate at 30 and 360 days than those in the high RDW group (log‐rank test, χ2 = 36.710, χ2 = 54.960, both P values <0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis shows that elevated RDW at ICU admission (>15.50%) is an independent predictor of 30 [hazard ratio = 1.451, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.181–1.782, P < 0.001] and 360 day (hazard ratio = 1.393, 95% CI = 1.160–1.671, P < 0.001) all‐cause mortality among CA patients, and an increase in RDW during ICU hospitalization (ΔRDW ≥ 0.4%) can serve as an independent predictor of mortality among these patients. A non‐linear relationship between the RDW measured at ICU admission and the increased risk of mortality rate of these patients is shown by the RCS. This study established and validated a nomogram based on six variables, anion gap, first‐day Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, cerebrovascular disease, malignant tumour, norepinephrine use, and RDW, to predict mortality risk in CA patients. The consistency indices of 30 and 360 day mortality of CA patients in the validation cohort are 0.721 and 0.725, respectively. The nomogram proved to be well calibrated in the validation cohort. DCA curves indicated that the nomogram provided a higher net benefit over a wide, reasonable range of threshold probabilities for predicting mortality in CA patients and could be adapted for clinical decision‐making. Conclusions: Elevated RDW levels on ICU admission and rising RDW during ICU hospitalization are powerful predictors of all‐cause mortality for CA patients at 30 and 360 days, and they can be used as potential clinical biomarkers to predict the bad prognosis of these patients. The newly developed nomogram, which includes RDW, demonstrates high efficacy in predicting the mortality of CA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide scaffold is bioactive framework with wild utility and applications. Synthesis of benzothiadiazine‐fused isoquinoline derivatives and spiro benzothiadiazine derivatives through transition metal‐catalyzed C—H activation/annulation was reported. 3‐Phenyl‐2H‐benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide was used as the reaction substrate, and vinylene carbonate and 4‐diazopyrazolone were used as the coupling reagents, respectively. This strategy provides straightforward access to complex N‐heterocycles in a highly efficient and simple manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat plants are ubiquitously simultaneously exposed to salinity and limited iron availability caused by soil saline‐alkalisation. Through this study, we found that both low Fe and NaCl severely inhibited the growth of seminal roots in wheat seedlings; however, sufficient Fe caused greater growth cessation of seminal roots than low Fe under salt stress. Low Fe improved the root meristematic division activity, not altering the mature cell sizes compared with sufficient Fe under salt stress. Foliar Fe spray and split‐root experiments showed that low Fe‐alleviating the salinity‐induced growth cessation of seminal roots was dependent on local low Fe signals in the roots. Ionomics combined with TEM/X‐ray few differences in the root Na+ uptake and vacuolar Na+ sequestration between two Fe levels under salt stress. Phytohormone profiling and metabolomics revealed salinity‐induced overaccumulation of ACC/ethylene and tryptophan/auxin in the roots under sufficient Fe than under low Fe. Differential gene expression, pharmacological inhibitor addition and the root growth performance of transgenic wheat plants revealed that the rootward auxin efflux and was responsible for the low Fe‐mediated amelioration of the salinity‐induced growth cessation of seminal roots. Our findings will provide novel insights into the modulation of crop root growth under salt stress. Summary statement: We found that low Fe ameliorated the salinity‐induced growth cessation of wheat seminal roots, and our findings will provide novel insights into the understanding of Fe involved nutrient interactions and the modulation of crop root growth under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a common chemotherapy drug for colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The anticancer effect of OXA is often accompanied by neurotoxicity and acute and chronic neuropathy. The symptoms present as paresthesia and pain which adversely affect patients' quality of life. Herein, five consecutive intraperitoneal injections of OXA at a dose of 4 mg/kg were used to mimic chemotherapy. OXA administration induced mechanical allodynia, activated spinal astrocytes, and increased inflammatory response. To develop an effective therapeutic measure for OXA‐induced neuropathic pain, emodin was intrathecally injected into OXA rats. Emodin developed an analgesic effect, as demonstrated by a significant increase in the paw withdrawal threshold of OXA rats. Moreover, emodin treatment reduced the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β) which upregulated in OXA rats. Furthermore, autodock data showed four hydrogen bonds were formed between emodin and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2), and emodin treatment decreased COX2 expression in OXA rats. Cell research further proved that emodin suppressed nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)‐mediated inflammatory signal and reactive oxygen species level. Taken together, emodin reduced spinal COX2/NF‐κB mediated inflammatory signal and oxidative stress in the spinal cord of OXA rats which consequently relieved OXA‐induced neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid recombination of photoinduced charges on the surface and in the bulk phase of semiconductors severely hinders the photocatalytic performance. The synchronous regulation of photocarriers at different locations is also a huge challenge. With these issues in mind, the simultaneous enhancement of surface and bulk carrier separation of g‐C3N4 for highly selective reduction of CO2 to CH4 by coupling with dual functional ZnS is reported. The introduction of ZnS not only acts as a cocatalyst to capture the photogenerated electrons of g‐C3N4, but also forms a polarization electric field to drive the prompt migration and separation of photogenerated charges from bulk to surface. Under concurrent vibration and visible‐light irradiation, the as‐obtained ZnS/g‐C3N4 demonstrates significantly enhanced piezo‐photocatalytic for CO2 reduction, which is higher than that of photocatalytic and piezocatalytic performance, respectively. In addition, the selectivity of the reduction products is enhanced through optimization of the mass ratio of ZnS/g‐C3N4. When the ZnS content is increased to 7.95 wt%, high selectivity (95.7 %) of CO2 reduction to CH4 is achieved on ZnS/g‐C3N4. This work provides a means to regulate the carrier movement pathway and to enhance charge separation in the bulk phase and on the surface of the semiconductor for selective CO2 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocol of Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H activation utilizing sulfoxonium ylides as traceless directing group and acryloyl silanes has been reported. This strategy provides an efficient and convenient method to construct the tricyclic skeleton of furan‐fused indanone by simultaneously constructing two C−C bonds and one C−O bond in one pot, featuring broad substrate scope. Moreover, the C−H alkenylation have been attained under controlled conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone is the preferential site of metastasis for breast cancer. Invasion of cancer cells induces the destruction of bone tissue and damnification of peripheral nerves and consequently induced central sensitization which contributes to severe pain. Herein, cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) rats exhibited destruction of tibia, mechanical allodynia and spinal inflammation. Inflammatory response mainly mediated by astrocyte and microglia in central nervous system. Our immunofluorescence analysis revealed activation of spinal astrocytes and microglia in CIBP rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of mitochondrial outer membrane disruption and cristae damage in spinal mitochondria of CIBP rats. Proteomics analysis identified abnormal expression of proteins related to mitochondrial organization and function. Intrathecally, injection of GSK‐3β activity inhibitor TDZD‐8 significantly attenuated Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission and recovered mitochondrial function. Inhibition of GSK‐3β activity also suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome cascade and consequently decreased mechanical pain sensitivity of CIBP rats. For cell research, TDZD‐8 treatment significantly reversed TNF‐α induced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) deficiency and high mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level. Taken together, GSK‐3β inhibition by TDZD‐8 decreases spinal inflammation and relieves cancer induced bone pain via reducing Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Co(II)‐mediated decarboxylative/desilylative C−H activation/annulation reaction for the efficient synthesis of 3‐arylisoquinolines has been developed. Using alkynyl carboxylic acid and alkynyl silane as terminal alkyne precursors, providing straightforward routes for the synthesis of natural alkaloids and novel structural analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable C−H activation cascade reactions between quinazolinones and cyclopropenones have been developed. Notably, cyclopropenones, acting as multi‐functional building blocks, could be assembled to construct up to 10 distinct heterocyclic scaffolds in a one‐pot manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudotorymus jaapiellae is an important ectoparasitoid of the larvae of Gephyraulus lycantha, a serious gall‐forming pest that devastates wolfberry, Lycium barbarum, in Northwest China. To provide requisite background for our ongoing research on the mechanisms of P. jaapiellae's host location and subsequent oviposition, we used scanning electron microscopy to describe the external morphologies and distributions of sensilla on their antennae and ovipositors. The geniculate antennae of both male and female P. jaapiellae were each composed of a scape with a basal radiculum, a pedicel, an anellum and a flagellum. We identified nine morphological sensilla types on the antennae of both sexes, including three sensilla trichodea (ST), one sensillum basiconicum (SB), two sensilla chaetica (SCh), one sensillum placodeum (SP), one sensillum coeloconicum (SCo), and one sensillum campaniformia (SCa). Females had significantly more ST I and SP than males had, but males had more ST III than did females. We observed six types of sensilla on the ovipositor, including three ST, one SB, and two SCa. ST II, ST IV and SB II were on the sheath, whereas ST V and the SCa were on the stylus. Finally, the possible biological functions of these sensilla were discussed according to their morphology and ultrastructure. These results provide an important basis for further study on chemical communication between P. jaapiellae and their host, and contribute to the development of a biological control program for G. lycantha, using the parasitoid, P. jaapiellae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal osteoarthritis (OA) models have been developed to understand OA progression and evaluate new OA therapies. However, individual variations in joint lesions remain a critical problem in most current OA models. We established a novel rabbit model by creating a longitudinal tear in the medial meniscus body that was reproducible and similar to posttraumatic biomechanical disturbances in human OA. New Zealand rabbits underwent surgery and were assessed for 9 weeks. The rabbits were randomized into the sham control, medial meniscal tear (MMT), and anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) groups. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 6, and 9 weeks posttreatment. The knee joints were harvested for histological and gene expression assessments. Both the MMT and ACLT procedures led to time‐dependent degenerative changes in the femoral condyle cartilage. At each time point, the MMT group cartilage showed more severe degenerative changes than did the ACLT group cartilage. Consistently, inflammatory cytokine and catabolic gene expression were significantly higher, and anabolic gene expression was significantly lower in the MMT group than in the ACLT group. MMT treatment caused more severe structural damage to the cartilage and higher catabolic gene expression levels than the ACLT model at each time point. The MMT model may be highly beneficial in investigating posttraumatic OA (PTOA) development, especially PTOA from a meniscal injury. The MMT model replicated key features of human PTOA, including meniscal lesions, inflammatory responses, and the progression to osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration, thereby providing an exciting new avenue for translating promising treatments to clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diapensia L. is the second largest genus of Diapensiaceae. The taxonomic treatment within Diapensia and relationships within Diapensiaceae have been disputed. Chloroplast genome sequence data have proved to be useful for plant phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation. In this study, we de novo sequenced and assembled 22 chloroplast genomes of 15 species of Diapensiaceae, including all recognized species of Diapensia with multiple samples. A super‐matrix containing a total of 107 genes and 18 taxa was constructed for phylogenetic analyses to resolve phylogenetic relationships among genera of the family and within Diapensia. The resulting phylogenetic tree showed the following strongly supported relationships: (Galax, (Pyxidanthera, (Berneuxia, ((Schizocodon, Diapensia), and Shortia s.s.)))). The dated phylogeny and reconstructed lineage‐through‐time plot for the family indicated rapid diversification in the Neogene and an acceleration of diversification rate after c. 8 Ma. Biogeographic analysis suggested that Diapensia originated in the Northeast Asian mountains approximately 6.06 Ma, followed by northward dispersal to the Arctic and southwestward dispersal to the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains. Phylogenetic relationships within Diapensia were well resolved. Based on the phylogenetic results, we proposed to reinstate the species status of Diapensia bulleyana Forrest ex Diels, and raised D. purpurea f. albida to the species rank (D. albida [W. E. Evans] J. F. Ye comb. & stat. nov.). The distribution ranges of all species delineated based on the phylogenetic results were revised accordingly based on specimen occurrences. Our study adds new examples for the power of plastid genome data for resolving phylogenetic relationships and clarifying taxonomic disputes among closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfoxonium ylides as safe carbene precursors are described for iridium‐catalyzed carbene insertions and annulation, providing a facile and green approach to access a variety of quinoxaline derivatives in water. This water‐mediated method also allows the preparation of β‐keto thioethers under mild condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is an NAD+ dependent deacetylase that is the most abundant sirtuin protein in the brain. Accumulating evidence revealed the role of SIRT2 in a wide range of biological processes and age‐related diseases. However, the pivotal mechanism of SIRT2 played in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unknown. Here, we report that pharmacological inactivation of SIRT2 has a beneficial effect in AD. The deacetylase inhibitor of SIRT2 rescued the cognitive impairment in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 transgenic mouse (APP/PS1 mouse), and the BACE1 cleavage was weakened to reduce the β‐amyloid (Aβ) production in the hippocampus. Moreover, we firstly identified that Reticulon 4B (RTN4B) played a crucial role between SIRT2/BACE1 regulation in AD. RTN4B, as a deacetylation substrate for SIRT2, the deacetylation by SIRT2 drived the ubiquitination and degradation of RTN4B and then the disturbed RTN4B interacted with and influenced the expression of BACE1. When we overexpressed RTN4B in neurons of the hippocampus in the AD mouse model, the abnormal Aβ accumulation and cognitive impairment were ameliorated, consistent with the results of SIRT2 inhibition in vivo. Moreover, we showed that the regulatory effect of SIRT2 on BACE1 is dependent on RTN4B. When RTN4B was knocked down, the effects of SIRT2 inhibition on the BACE1 level, Aβ pathology, and AD‐liked behaviors were also blocked. Collectively, we provide evidence that SIRT2 may be a potential target for AD; the new found SIRT2/RTN4B/BACE1 pathological pathway is one of the critical mechanisms for the improvement of SIRT2 on AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) is the predominant type of invasive candidiasis with high mortality in surgical intensive care patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of appropriate source control and antifungal therapy on the outcomes of critically ill surgical patients with IAC. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Adult surgical patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and diagnosed with IAC from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2016, were enrolled. The patients' data including risk factors of IAC, infection-related information, antifungal treatment and 30-day outcomes were collected. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. A COX proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between appropriate treatment and 30-day survival. Results: A total of 82 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 45 (54.9%) were complicated with septic shock at IAC diagnosis. Types of IAC included peritonitis (61.0%), intra-abdominal abscesses (23.2%) and biliary tract infections (15.9%). Of the included patients, 53 (64.6%) received appropriate source control and 44 (53.7%) appropriate antifungal therapy. Compared with patients with neither of these treatments, appropriate source control (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.30; P < 0.001), appropriate antifungal therapy (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.55; P = 0.005), and a combination of these treatments (HR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00–0.08; P < 0.001) were associated with reduced risk of death within 30 days after IAC diagnosis. Conclusion: For critically ill surgical patients with IAC, both appropriate source control and appropriate antifungal therapy were associated with reduced risk of 30-day mortality, and the protective effects of the two appropriate treatments were additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncolytic viruses armed with therapeutic transgenes of interest show great potential in cancer immunotherapy. Here, a novel oncolytic adenovirus carrying a signal regulatory protein‐α (SIRPα)‐IgG1 Fc fusion gene (termed SG635‐SF) was constructed, which could block the CD47 'don't eat me' signal of cancer cells. A strong promoter sequence (CCAU) was chosen to control the expression of the SF fusion protein, and a 5/35 chimeric fiber was utilized to enhance the efficiency of infection. As a result, SG635‐SF was found to specifically proliferate in hTERT‐positive cancer cells and largely increased the abundance of the SF gene. The SF fusion protein was effectively detected, and CD47 was successfully blocked in SK‐OV3 and HO8910 ovarian cancer cells expressing high levels of CD47. Although the ability to induce cell cycle arrest and cell death was comparable to that of the control empty SG635 oncolytic adenovirus in vitro, the antitumor effect of SG635‐SF was significantly superior to that of SG635 in vivo. Furthermore, CD47 was largely blocked and macrophage infiltration distinctly increased in xenograft tissues of SK‐OV3 cells but not in those of CD47‐negative HepG2 cells, indicating that the enhanced antitumor effect of SG635‐SF was CD47‐dependent. Collectively, these findings highlight a potent antitumor effect of SG635‐SF in the treatment of CD47‐positive cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is a bidentate‐assisted Csp3–H bond insertion using Cp*RhIII/IL as a highly efficient and recyclable catalytic medium, while showing good functional group tolerance. Notably, the application of ionic liquid not only lowered the temperature, but also enhanced the diastereoselectivity of this reaction. This work significantly expanded the scope of ionic liquids in Csp3–H functionalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As two dimensional materials (2D materials) demonstrate unique and diverse properties, clean transfer methods can serve a cornerstone for creative assembly of these 2D building blocks for both fundamental explorations and versatile applications. One of the major challenges for preserving the pristine properties of 2D materials during transfer and construction is to debond 2D materials from original substrates without inducing structural damage and external contamination. In this work, through both molecular dynamic studies and experimental demonstration, it is found that droplets of ethanol, a common and environmental friendly solvent, can be used to effectively reduce the adhesion energy between 2D materials and substrates, and therefore enable a clean transfer method for 2D materials. Various assembled structures based on 2D building blocks, such as van der Waals heterostructures, predesigned artificial patterns, 2D materials on suspended devices are all demonstrated. Thermal conductivity measurements of MoS2 nanosheets on a suspended microbridge device also confirm the successful application of suspended 2D transfer. It is expected that this ethanol assisted transfer method can enable clean assembly of 2D building blocks for construction of novel structures and suspended devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the overall diagnostic value of anti‐citrullinated fibrinogen (ACF) antibody in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Published studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, China Biology Medicine (CBM) disc, and Chinese VIP databases. QUADAS‐2 tool was applied to evaluate the quality of eligible studies. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test was used to evaluate for the presence of publication bias. Results: Seven studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio of ACF were 0.61 (95% CI: 0.57‐0.64), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92‐0.94), 9.33 (95% CI: 5.15‐16.92), 0.39 (95% CI: 0.30‐0.53) and 24.58 (95% CI: 11.47‐52.64), respectively. The area under the curve was 0.8018. The results of subgroup analysis and meta‐regression indicated that the factors we analyzed might not be the leading causes of heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was found. Conclusion: The ACF antibody had a moderate diagnostic accuracy on RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐free photochemical carbene‐transfer reactions of tosylhydrazones were developed under blue light irradiation at room temperature. This reaction constructs C−X (X=C, N, O, S) bonds and cyclopropanes from readily available and stable starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient procedure for the synthesis of thiophosphates is described. Without using any metallic catalyst or base, the direct sulfur–phosphorus coupling reaction of disulfides and dialkyl trimethylsilyl phosphite (DTSP) was carried out under solvent‐free reaction conditions in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group compatibility. The reaction conditions represent an advance over established methods not only in omitting the need for expensive catalysts or solvents, but also in shortening the reaction time significantly.These transformations are easy to conduct and can be readily applied to gram‐scale preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One main source of cyanide (CN−) exposure for mammals is through the plant consumption; thus, the sensitive and selective cyanide detection in plant tissue is a significant and urgent work. Here, a simple sensor N′‐(2,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)naphtha[2,1‐b]furan‐2‐carbohydrazide (Q1‐3) was designed and synthesized for selective and sensitive dual‐channel detection of cyanide in aqueous medium (DMSO/H2O, 1:9, v/v). Acylhydrazone and phenolic hydroxyl groups on Q1‐3 are the recognition sites, and naphthofuran group is the signal report group. The intramolecular charge transfer between the benzene group and naphthofuran group was impeded because of the electron‐withdrawing groups (hydroxyl) on sensor Q1‐3. Interestingly, the sensor Q1‐3 exhibited an intramolecular charge transfer absorption band at 400 nm and emission band at 500 nm, respectively, directly realizing an “OFF–ON” response after the deprotonation process induced by cyanide anions in aqueous medium (DMSO/H2O, 1:9, v/v). Notably, this sensor was successfully applied to detect cyanide anions in food samples, which proves a very simple and selective platform for on‐site monitoring of cyanide in agriculture samples. In addition, the test strips and silica gel plates based on Q1‐3 were also fabricated, which could act as test kits and silica gel plates for convenient and efficient detection of cyanide anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venlafaxine, a novel third‐generation antidepressant drug, has been described as a reference treatment for major depression, owing to its ability of inhibiting both noradrenalin and serotonin neuronal reuptake, and inhibiting dopamine reuptake slightly. However, its clinical application is hampered by a limited brain distribution. Glucosylation is an effective way to enhance the brain targeting ability of drugs, but the bidirectional transport of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) might decrease the concentrations of venlafaxine‐glucose (V‐G) in brain before the release of parent drug venlafaxine. To conquer this drawback of GLUT1, “lock‐in” thiamine disulfide system (TDS) was introduced to modify the V‐G conjugate. Both conjugates could release venlafaxine when incubated with the various buffers, mice plasma, and brain homogenate. The evaluation in vivo demonstrated that venlafaxine‐TDS‐glucose (V‐TDS‐G) had an improved targeting ability and significantly increased the level of venlafaxine in brain compared to the naked venlafaxine and V‐G. The relative uptake efficiency (RE) and concentration efficiency (CE) were enhanced to 5.69 and 5.70 times higher than that of naked venlafaxine, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the conjugate strategy based on the glucose‐TDS (G‐TDS) is available to enhance the delivery of central nervous system (CNS) drugs into brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An environmentally friendly palladium(II) catalyst supported on cyclodextrin-modified h-BN was successfully prepared. The catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TG, XRD and XPS, and the loading level of Pd in h-BN@β-CD@Pd(II) was measured to be 0.088 mmol g−1 by ICP. It exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the Suzuki and Heck reactions in water, and can be easily separated and consecutively reused for at least nine times. In addition, a series of pharmacologically interesting products were successfully synthesized using this catalyst to demonstrate its potential applications in pharmaceutical industries. Above all, this work opens up an interesting and attractive avenue for the use of cyclodextrin-functionalized h-BN as an efficient support for hydrophilic heterogeneous catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A copper-promoted thiolation of C(sp2)-H bonds with disulfides was achieved by using 2-amino alkylbenzimidazole (MBIP amine) as a new and removable N, N-bidentate directing group. This strategy gives a variety of functionalized thioethers in moderate to excellent yields in a simple and efficient way. Importantly, the substrate scope is not limited to aromatic amides; diverse alkenyl amides are also compatible. Furthermore, this synthetic approach provides a potentially feasible way to achieve structural modification of related benzimidazole-containing compounds through direct C-H activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims BCAT1 initiates the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids. Here, we investigated the function of BCAT1 and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). Methods RNASeq was used to evaluate BCAT1 mRNA levels in HCC and normal matched specimens. After the exogenous expression of BCAT1 in BEL-7404 cells and the suppression of endogenous BCAT1 expression with sh RNA in HepG2 cells, the cell proliferation, clone-forming ability and cell-cycle changes were measured with MTT assay, colony-forming assay and flow cytometry respectively. A xenograft model was used to investigate the effect of BCAT1 on cancer growth in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter technologies were used to confirm the transcriptional regulation of the BCAT1 gene by MYC. The expression of the BCAT1 and MYC proteins in 122 HCC tissues was determined with an immunohistochemical analysis. Results BCAT1 mRNA was clearly increased in HCC tissues and hepatomas. The ectopic expression of BCAT1 in BEL-7404 cells enhanced their proliferation, clone formation, tumourigenic properties, S-G2/M phase transition and chemoresistance to cisplatin. The suppression of BCAT1 expression in HepG2 cells significantly inhibited their proliferation, clone formation, and S-G2/M phase transition and caused their chemosensitization to cisplatin. MYC affected the transcriptional regulation of BCAT1. Clinical data showed that BCAT1 expression correlated with a significantly poorer prognosis. Conclusion BCAT1 plays a pathogenic role in HCC by causing cell proliferation and chemoresistance. The MYC transcription factor is involved in regulating the transcriptional activity of BCAT1. BCAT1 expression has prognostic significance for the survival of patients with HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Belamcanda chinensis has been extensively used as antibechic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine. Irisflorentin is one of the major active ingredients. However, little is known about the metabolism of irisflorentin so far. In this work, rat liver microsomes (RLMs) were used to investigate the metabolism of this compound for the first time. Seven metabolites were detected. Five of them were identified as 6,7-dihydroxy-5,3′,4′,5′-tetramethoxy isoflavone (M1), irigenin (M2), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,3′,5′-trimethoxy isoflavone (M3), 6,7,4′-trihydroxy-5,3′,5′-trimethoxy isoflavone (M4) and 6,7,5′-trihydroxy-5,3′,4′-trimethoxy isoflavone (M5) by means of NMR and/or HPLC-ESI-MS. The structures of M6 and M7 were not elucidated because they produced no MS signals. The predominant metabolite M1 was noted to be a new compound. Interestingly, it was found to possess anticancer activity much higher than the parent compound. The enzymatic kinetic parameters of M1 revealed a sigmoidal profile, with Vmax = 12.02 μ m/mg protein/min, Km = 37.24 μ m, CLint = 0.32 μL/mg protein/min and h = 1.48, indicating the positive cooperation. For the first time in this work, a new metabolite of irisflorentin was found to demonstrate a much higher biological activity than its parent compound, suggesting a new avenue for the development of drugs from B. chinensis, which was also applicable for other herbal plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new highly oxidized formamidobisabolene sesquiterpenes ( 1 and 2), together with seven known related analogues ( 3 - 9), were isolated from a Hainan sponge Axinyssa variabilis. Their structures were determined by extensive 1D- and 2D- NMR and MS spectra analyses, and by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those of the related model compounds. The plausible biosynthetic relationship between compounds 1 - 9 has also been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the lifetime prevalence, epidemiological characteristics and psychological factors of globus symptoms in Guangzhou (Guangzhou Province, China). Methods A total of 3 360 individuals were randomly selected and participated in the study. Respondents completed questionnaires about their physical and psychological characteristics, globus symptomatology and the Glasgow-Edinburgh throat scale questionnaires and quality of sleep and life. Those who had experienced a globus sensation with no history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, odynophagia or alerting symptoms such as weight loss and hoarseness were diagnosed as having globus. Results A total of 3 006 respondents completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 89.5%. The overall lifetime prevalence of globus was 21.5%, with a peak age at disease onset of 35-54 years. The prevalence of globus was higher in participants from the urban region than those from the rural areas (26.5% vs 16.4%, P = 0.001). No sex-related difference was observed ( P = 0.082). Anxiety (39.8% vs 22.3%, P = 0.001), depression (31.2% vs 18.0%, P = 0.001) and sleep disorders (23.7% vs 13.6%, P = 0.001) were significantly more common in respondents with globus than in those without. Scores on all dimensions of the 36-item short-form health survey, except physical function, were lower in respondents with globus than in those without (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Globus symptoms are common and often accompanied by psychological and sleep disorders. The medical community should pay more attention to globus in clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: To compare the different effects of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with diverse combinations of lidocaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone on pediatric patients with an inhaled tracheobronchial foreign body (TFB).Study Design: Randomized controlled study.Methods: Two hundred forty cases of pediatric patients with inhaled TFB were included in this study, and were randomly divided into four groups using three kinds of drugs for BAL, namely 0.9% saline (S) group, 2% lidocaine with diluted epinephrine (LE) group, 2% lidocaine with diluted epinephrine and 0.5% dexamethasone (LED), control group (C) without BAL. The incidences of intraoperative or postoperative complications and recovery periods were compared. Meanwhile, the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in BAL fluids and plasma were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The incidences of bronchospasm, hypoxemia, and postoperative fever were significantly lower in the LED group than other groups (P < .001). Fever after the TFB removal procedure appeared later in the LED group than the other groups. The improvement and healing periods in the LE and LED groups were significantly shorter than those in the C and S groups (P < .001). The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in BAL fluids were significantly higher in the LE and LED groups than those in the S group (P < .001), but those in the plasma of the C and S groups were lower compared with the LE and LED groups (P < .001).Conclusions: BAL with lidocaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone could promote recovery for TFB patients and reduce incidences of complications, possibly by regulating release of proinflammatory cytokines.Level Of Evidence: 1b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To confirm the potential therapeutic efficacy of HAO472 against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we investigated the modulatory functions of HAO472 in a mouse model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Methods Colitis was induced via an intrarectal injection of TNBS in mice. HAO472 (5.0 mg/kg or 7.5 mg/kg) or 1 mg/kg dexamethasone (DX) was injected intraperitoneally into the mice after the TNBS administration. Behavioral and weight changes, macroscopic and histological assessments of colon, the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17A, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the colonic tissues were evaluated. The effect of HAO472 on NF-κB signaling pathway in lymphocytes was also invesigated. Results HAO472 significantly ameliorated the clinical symptoms, reduced the severity of the inflammation and decreased mortality in the mouse model. HAO472 also reduced TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17A, iNOS/COX-2 and lymphocyte proliferation. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in NF-κB p65 expression and activity. Conclusion HAO472 has positive effects on TNBS-induced colitis by modulating the subsets and functions of lymphocytes, suppressing inflammation and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl xestospongoate (MXS), a brominated polyunsaturalted lipid recently isolated from the Chinese marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria, showed strong in vitro pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activity. Inspired by its promising activity and potential clinical application, a series of shorter or longer-chain and chlorinated analogs of MXS was prepared and evaluated for PL inhibitory activity. The result of a bioassay indicated that the terminal brominated ones are better than the chlorinated ones on their bioactivity, and 16-20 C-atoms in the structures of MXS analogs might be optimal for their PL inhibitory activity. The results obtained in the present work are useful for the design of novel pancreatic lipase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental fruit moth (OFM), Cydia (= Grapholita) molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a serious invasive pest. The stone fruit peach, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, is its primary host, and the pome fruit pear, Pyrus bretschneideri Rehder (both Rosaceae), is its secondary host. Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of C. molesta females and males to peach shoot and pear fruit volatiles were compared in laboratory and field bioassays. Based on gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) activity, 13 compounds in the headspaces of peach and pear volatiles elicited female antennal responses. Of these, eight compounds also elicited male antennal response. Four lures were developed based onmale and female EAD responses to pear and peach-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs). More males than females were captured for all four lures during field trials, even in traps with lures that emitted VOCs based on female EAD responses. Lures based on female EAD responses to pear fruit VOCs consistently caught more females than lures based on male EAD responses to pear fruit VOCs in either peach or pear orchards. Peach shoot VOC lures based on female EAD responses did not attract more females than lures based onmale EAD response to peach shoots. The two pear-derived VOC lures were highly attractive to both sexes in peach orchards, whereas conversely, the two peach-derived VOC lures showed stronger attraction in pear orchards. Seasonal population monitoring indicated both sexes made inter-orchard flights during the late peach- and pear-fruiting periods. A possible hypothesis that could explain different response profiles in females and males and seasonal migration for herbivores with multiple generations per year is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of the present study was to examine the association between dietary fat intake and the risk of hip fractures in an elderly Chinese population. Methods A case-control study of 646 patients with newly diagnosed hip fractures and 646 controls, matched by age (±3 years) and sex, was carried out among elderly Chinese (55-80 years) in Guangdong, China. Their dietary fat intake was measured and calculated using a 79-item food-frequency questionnaire. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, a dose-dependent increased risk of hip fractures was found to be associated with higher intakes of total fat, animal fat, saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids ( P for trend < 0.005). The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hip fractures from a comparison of extreme quartiles were 1.92 (1.26-2.92) for total fat, 2.60 (1.70-3.99) for animal fat, 1.95 (1.30-2.93) for saturated fatty acids and 2.22 (1.46-3.39) for animal mono-unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. No significant association was observed for plant fat or polyunsaturated fatty acids ( P for trend = 0.063 for plant fat and 0.174 for polyunsaturated fatty acids). Conclusions Our findings suggest that higher consumption of total fat and animal fat rich in saturated fatty acids might increase the risk of hip fractures in elderly Chinese. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1171-1178. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly active and recoverable nanobioreactors prepared by immobilizing rat liver microsomes on magnetic nanoparticles (LMMNPs) were utilized in metabolic study of Angelica dahurica extracts. Five metabolites were detected in the incubation solution of the extracts and LMMNPs, which were identified by means of HPLC-MS as trans-imperatorin hydroxylate (M1), cis-imperatorin hydroxylate (M2), imperatorin epoxide (M3), trans-isoimperatorin hydroxylate (M1′) and cis-isoimperatorin hydroxylate (speculated M2′). Compared with the metabolisms of imperatorin and isoimperatorin, it was found that the five metabolites were all transformed from these two major compounds present in the plant. Since no study on isoimperatorin metabolism by liver microsomal enzyme system has been reported so far, its metabolites (M1′ and M3′) were isolated by preparative HPLC for structure elucidation by 1H-NMR and MS2 analysis. M3′ was identified as isoimperatorin epoxide, which is a new compound as far as its chemical structure is concerned. However, interestingly, M3′ was not detected in the metabolism of the whole plant extract. In addition, a study with known chemical inhibitors on individual isozymes of the microsomal enzyme family revealed that CYP1A2 is involved in metabolisms of both isoimperatorin and imperatorin, and CYP3A4 only in that of isoimperatorin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydroxydibutylether (DHBE) is a choleretic drug used for the treatment of gallstone and hepatic disorders due to its choleretic activity and hepatoprotective action. The drug is a mixture of three regioisomers. The main regioisomer 3-(3-hydroxylbutoxy)-1-butanol ( III) contains four stereoisomers, including ( R)-3-(( R)-3-hydroxylbutoxy)-1-butanol ( IIIa), ( R)-3-(( S)-3-hydroxylbutoxy)-1-butanol ( IIIb), ( S)-3-(( R)-3-hydroxylbutoxy)-1-butanol ( IIIc) and ( S)-3-(( S)-3-hydroxylbutoxy)-1-butanol ( IIId). In this paper, the four stereoisomers are synthesized separately for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient cumyl hydroperoxide-promoted oxidative coupling of 2-oxoaldehydes and amines to give unsymmetrical oxamides has been developed. The reactions proceeded smoothly at room temperature under metal-free conditions and generated the corresponding products in good yields. The mild method can tolerate a variety of functional groups, and is operationally simple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional materials have attracted increasing research interest owing to their unique electronic, physical, optical, and mechanical properties. We thus developed a general strategy for the fabrication of ultralong hybrid microfibers from a mixture of reduced graphene oxide and transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), including MoS2, TiS2, TaS2, and NbSe2. Furthermore, we prepared fiber-based solid-state supercapacitors as a proof-of-concept application. The performance of thus-prepared supercapacitors was greatly improved by the introduction of the TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total syntheses of 8-oxyberberine and oxohomoberberines were accomplished starting from commercially available 5-bromobenzo[ d][1,3]dioxole, piperonal and sesamol in high total yield. The key steps involved a modified Pomeranz-Fritsch reaction and the intramolecular Heck cyclization. This approach is short, convenient and suitable for the preparation of homoberberine analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare new cyclic tetrapeptide, 5,5′-epoxy-MKN-349A ( 1), featured by a MKN-349A ( 5) skeleton and containing an uncommon ether bridge between C(5) and C(5′), and a new steroid, named 11- O-acetyl-NGA0187 ( 2), together with two known steroids, 3 and 4, were isolated from an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated with the Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the data of related compounds reported in literature. Neither of the compounds 3 and 4, isolated in this study, showed obvious bioactivities in the antibacterial bioassay experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Velutinalide C ( 4), a new polycyclic phragmalin limonoid featuring a C(15)-C(21) linkage and a C4 unit at C(15), together with two known related compounds, chukfuransins C and D ( 2 and 3, resp.), was isolated from the leaves of Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina. The structure of the new compound 4 was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The longicorn beetle Xylotrechus grayii (White, 1855) has been spreading rapidly in China, causing mass mortality of honeysuckle which is economically and medicinally important. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of mate and host location and to advance efficient control methods, antennal sensilla features were investigated in both sexes of X. grayii using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filiform antennae of both sexes consist of scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (f1-9). Five types of sensilla were observed: sensilla chaetica (5 subtypes, SC1-5), sensilla basiconica (4 subtypes, SB1-4), Böhm bristles (Bm), grooved peg sensilla (Gp), and sensilla campaniformia (Ca). SC were most common on the antennae, followed by SB and Bm. No significant sexual differences in the type, amounts, and distribution of antennal sensilla were found except for the distribution of SB clusters and Ca. SB clusters and Ca occurred on f1-8 of male antennae but were absent on those segments in females, suggesting a potential function as receptors for female sex pheromones. The putative functions of other sensilla are discussed based on their characteristics in related species. This study provides an important foundation for further research on sensory mechanisms and control measures of X. grayii. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:264-273, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new extraction agent featuring dopamine self-polymerized on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been successfully synthesized and evaluated for the SPE of berberine from the extract of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Cortex Phellodendri. The nanoparticles prepared possessed a core-shell structure and showed super-paramagnetism. It was found that these polydopamine-coated nanoparticles exhibited strong and selective adsorption for berberine. Among the chemical components present in C. Phellodendri, only berberine was adsorbed by the nanoparticles and extracted by a following SPE procedure. Various conditions such as the amount of polydopamine-coated nanoparticles, desorption solvent, desorption time and equilibrium time were optimized for the SPE of berberine. The purity of berberine extracted from C. Phellodendri was determined to be as high as 91.3% compared with that of 9.5% in the extract. The established SPE protocol combined advantages of highly selective enrichment with easy magnetic separation, and proved to be a facile efficient procedure for the isolation of berberine. Further, the prepared polydopamine-coated magnetic nanoparticles could be reused for multiple times, reducing operational cost. The applicability and reliability of the developed SPE method were demonstrated by isolating berberine from three different C. Phellodendri extracts. Recoveries of 85.4-111.2% were obtained with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.27-2.05%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a viewing angle switchable blue-phase liquid crystal display with low voltage and high transmittance. In this device, in-plane protrusions are used to lower operating voltage and improve the transmittance. Besides, the top electrode can control viewing angle of the proposed display. When no voltage is applied to the top electrode, the display shows wide viewing angle mode. On the contrary, this display shows narrow viewing angle mode. So, this device exhibits low operating voltage, high transmittance, and good viewing angle controllable characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]