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Aim: To investigate the metabolism and disposition characteristics of HSK7653 in healthy male Chinese participants. Methods: A single oral dose of 80 μCi (25 mg) [14C]HSK7653 capsules was administered to six healthy participants, and blood, plasma, urine and faeces were collected. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetics, blood‐to‐plasma ratio, mass balance and metabolism of HSK7653. Results: The drug was well absorbed and reached a maximum concentration at 1.25 h. The drug‐related components (HSK7653 and its metabolites) were eliminated slowly, with a half‐life (t1/2) of 111 h. Unchanged HSK7653 contributed to more than 97% of the total radioactivity in all plasma samples. The blood‐to‐plasma ratio (0.573‐0.845) indicated that HSK7653 did not tend to distribute into blood cells. At 504 h postdose, up to 95.9% of the dose was excreted, including 79.8% in urine and 16.1% in faeces. Most of the radioactivity (75.5% dose) in excreta was unchanged HSK7653. In addition, nine metabolites were detected in urine and faeces. The most abundant metabolite was M6‐2, a dioxidation product of HSK7653, which accounted for 4.73% and 2.63% of the dose in urine and faeces, respectively. The main metabolic pathways of HSK7653 in vivo included oxidation, pyrrole ring opening and sulphonamide hydrolysation. Conclusion: HSK7653 was well absorbed, slightly metabolized and slowly excreted in humans. The high plasma exposure and long t1/2 of HSK7653 may contribute to its long‐lasting efficacy as a long‐acting dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Preeclampsia, a multifaceted condition during pregnancy characterized by hypertension and organ dysfunction, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. This study aims to investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between peripheral immune cell phenotypes and preeclampsia using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Method of study: Genetic data from two sizable cohorts were utilized: 3757 individuals from Sardinia, providing information on 731 immune traits, and 200 929 Finnish adult females, encompassing 6663 preeclampsia cases. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms served as instrumental variables. The MR analyses employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method as the primary tool, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods to enhance reliability and address potential heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Results: Among the 731 immune cell phenotypes studied, 18 displayed a suggestive positive association (IVW p < .05) with heightened preeclampsia risk, while 20 exhibited a suggestive negative association linked to reduced risk. Following false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment, four immune phenotypes showed significant associations with decreased preeclampsia risk: CD27 on CD24+CD27+B cells (B-cell panel) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.927, PFDR = 0.061), CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14- absolute count (OR = 0.963, PFDR = 0.061), CD80 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (OR = 0.923, PFDR = 0.061); and CD80 on CD62L+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (OR = 0.923, PFDR = 0.061). In the reverse-directionMR analysis, no significant causal effects of preeclampsia on immune cell phenotypes were observed. Conclusions: This study provides quantifiable evidence linking specific immune cell phenotypes to the risk of developing preeclampsia. This novel understanding of the immunological aspects underlying preeclampsia's pathogenesis could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies centered on immune modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision matrix (inverse covariance matrix) estimation is a rising challenge in contemporary applications while dealing with high‐dimensional data. This paper focuses on large‐scale precision matrix of the random vector that only has lower polynomial moments. We mainly investigate upper bounds of the proposed estimator under the spectral norm in terms of the probability and mean estimation respectively. It is shown that the data‐driven estimator is fully adaptive and achieves the same optimal convergence order as under Gaussian assumption on the data. Simulation studies further support our theoretical claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the preparation methods for polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers and polymer/POSS nanocomposites. It focuses on the latest advancements in using POSS to design polymer nanocomposites with reduced dielectric constants. The study emphasizes exploring the potential of POSS, either alone or in combination with other materials, to decrease the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of various polymers, including polyimides, bismaleimide resins, poly(aryl ether)s, polybenzoxazines, benzocyclobutene resins, polyolefins, cyanate ester resins, and epoxy resins. In addition, the research investigates the impact of incorporating POSS on improving the thermal properties, mechanical properties, surface properties, and other aspects of these polymers. The entire study is divided into two parts, discussing systematically the role of POSS in reducing dielectric constants during the preparation of POSS composites using both physical blending and chemical synthesis methods. The goal of this research is to provide valuable strategies for designing a new generation of low dielectric constant materials suitable for large‐scale integrated circuits in the semiconductor materials domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Psychological stress causes structural and metabolic dysfunction of masseter muscles. The anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative polyphenol curcumin plays a local antioxidant role in rat masseter muscles under psychological stress by an as‐yet‐unknown mechanism. The present study aimed to assess curcumin anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative effects on masseter muscle and its possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: We constructed a rat model of chronic unpredictable moderate stress (CUMS). Psychological stress was assessed by determining the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in serum. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays measured inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative stress in masseter muscles. Levels of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were determined using quantitative PCR analyses and immunofluorescent staining. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation were examined using western blotting. Results: The CUMS group showed increased serum cortisol and ACTH levels. Pathological changes in the ultrastructure, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in the masseter muscles were also observed. Curcumin treatment (50, 100 mg/kg) ameliorated these changes significantly by varying degrees. Mechanistically, increased levels of phosphorylated NF‐κB, toll‐like receptor 4 and HMGB1 were observed, which were also ameliorated by curcumin treatment. Conclusion: Curcumin can reduce local pathological changes, levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in masseter muscles. Psychological stress activates HMGB1 expression and increases the expression of downstream TLR4 and p‐NF‐κB, which could be reduced by curcumin. Thus, curcumin might exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects in masseter muscles via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Heterotrophic nitrifiers are able to oxidize and remove ammonia from nitrogen‐rich wastewaters but the genetic elements of heterotrophic ammonia oxidation are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and identified a novel heterotrophic nitrifier, Alcaligenes ammonioxydans sp. nov. strain HO‐1, oxidizing ammonia to hydroxylamine and ending in the production of N2 gas. Genome analysis revealed that strain HO‐1 encoded a complete denitrification pathway but lacks any genes coding for homologous to known ammonia monooxygenases or hydroxylamine oxidoreductases. Our results demonstrated strain HO‐1 denitrified nitrite (not nitrate) to N2 and N2O at anaerobic and aerobic conditions respectively. Further experiments demonstrated that inhibition of aerobic denitrification did not stop ammonia oxidation and N2 production. A gene cluster (dnfT1RT2ABCD) was cloned from strain HO‐1 and enabled E. coli accumulated hydroxylamine. Sub‐cloning showed that genetic cluster dnfAB or dnfABC already enabled E. coli cells to produce hydroxylamine and further to 15N2 from (15NH4)2SO4. Transcriptome analysis revealed these three genes dnfA, dnfB and dnfC were significantly upregulated in response to ammonia stimulation. Taken together, we concluded that strain HO‐1 has a novel dnf genetic cluster for ammonia oxidation and this dnf genetic cluster encoded a previously unknown pathway of direct ammonia oxidation (Dirammox) to N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The effect of eustasy driven by climatic oscillations on species diversification across the East China Sea (ECS) remains unclear. In this study, Machilus thunbergii (红楠, red nanmu in Chinese) was used as a model species to determine whether the ECS acted as either a "species pump" or "species vacuum" during the Pleistocene. Locations: Eastern China, and southern and central Japan. Taxon: Lauraceae. Methods: Ecological niche modelling was employed to predict the potential distribution of M. thunbergii during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the last interglacial period. Nuclear microsatellite and chloroplast markers were used to reveal the phylogeographic pattern and infer the population history of 33 M. thunbergii populations. Results: The ecological niche models suggested that the ECS provided potentially suitable habitats for M. thunbergii during the LGM. A sharp change in cpDNA haplotypes was found along the eastern China coasts, while microsatellites revealed a clinal pattern for genetic composition from eastern China to central Japan. The divergent lineages formed an admixture on the Zhoushan Archipelago of China and Kyushu Island of Japan. The estimated divergent and admixture times were c. 68 kyr and c. 15 kyr, corresponding to the periods where there were rising sea levels after the MIS4 glaciation and falling sea levels during the LGM, respectively. Main conclusions: Machilus thunbergii probably underwent alternating population isolation during interglacial periods and connection during glacial maxima across the ECS, but such periodicity of isolation and connection seems not to have promoted diversification as suggested by the species pump hypothesis. Incipient divergence has been periodically wiped out due to frequent coalescence, rendering the ECS more like a "species vacuum", particularly for species with relatively long generation lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Gd3+ coordination polymer (CP), namely, poly[diaqua[μ4‐1′‐carboxy‐3,3′‐(diazene‐1,2‐diyl)dibenzene‐1,2,2′‐tricarboxylato]gadolinium(III)], [Gd(C16H7N2O8)(H2O)2]n, (I), has been synthesized hydrothermally from Gd(NO3)3·6H2O and azobenzene‐2,2′,3,3′‐tetracarboxylic acid (H4abtc). The target solid has been characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and susceptibility measurements. CP (I) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The structure features a 4‐connected topology in which Gd3+ ions are connected by carboxylate groups into a linear chain along the monoclinic symmetry direction. Adjacent one‐dimensional aggregates are bridged by Habtc3− ligands to form a two‐dimensional CP in the (10) plane. A very short hydrogen bond [O...O = 2.4393 (4) Å] links neighbouring layers into a three‐dimensional network. A magnetic study revealed antiferromagnetic Gd...Gd coupling within the chain direction. CP (I) displays a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE), with a maximum −ΔSm of 27.26 J kg−1 K−1 for ΔH = 7 T at 3.0 K. As the MCE in (I) exceeds that of the commercial magnetic refrigerant GGG (Gd3Ga5O12, −ΔSm = 24 J kg−1 K−1, ΔH = 30 kG), CP (I) can be regarded as a potential cryogenic material for low‐temperature magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Chinese Children Genetic Kidney Disease Database (CCGKDD), we established a pediatric Gitelman syndrome (GS) cohort to explore the phenotype and genotype characteristics. Thirty‐two patients with SLC12A3 gene variants were collected. Five cases (16%) were homozygous, 16 (50%) were compound heterozygous, 10 (31%) carried only a single variant, and the other one harbored two de novo variants beyond classification. p.(T60M) was found in eight patients. The average diagnosis age was 7.79 ± 3.54 years. A total of 31% of the patients were asymptomatic. Muscle weakness was the most common symptom, accounting for 50%. Earlier age of onset (4.06 ± 1.17 yr vs. 8.10 ± 3.46 yr vs. 8.61 ± 3.56 yr, p< 0.05) and lower urinary calcium‐creatinine ratio (p = 0.024) were found in the homozygous group than those in the heterozygous and compound heterozygous group. Patients with p.(T60M) variant had an earlier age of onset (4.01 ± 2.83 yr vs. 6.92 ± 3.07 yr, p = 0.025) and lower urinary calcium‐creatinine ratio (p = 0.056). Thus, more than 30% of GS children have no clinical symptoms. Homozygous variant and the p.(T60M) variant may be associated with earlier onset and lower urinary calcium excretion in Chinese pediatric GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance Evidence‐based guidelines are essential for glaucoma screening to work effectively. Background: To derive a vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio (VCDR) cut‐off for glaucoma screening in a multi‐ethnic Asian population. Design The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) study is a population‐based study conducted from 2004 to 2011 in a single tertiary care research institute. Participants: SEED comprised of 10 033 Chinese, Malay and Indian adults aged ≥40 (response rate 75.6%). After excluding participants with a history of glaucoma medication or surgery, 9673 participants were included for analysis. Methods: A systematic eye examination, which included applanation tonometry, visual field testing, gonioscopy and dilated fundus examination was conducted. Main Outcome Measure: Diagnosis of glaucoma. Results: The distribution of VCDR and VCDR asymmetry were relatively homogenous in this multi‐ethnic Asian population, with a 97.5th percentile value of 0.67 and 0.17, respectively. In the absence of more definite signs of glaucoma, VCDR ≥0.60 and VCDR asymmetry ≥0.20 provided the best balance between sensitivity (95.1%) and specificity (90.9%) in detecting glaucoma. For larger optic disc (≥2.0 mm), VCDR ≥0.65 with VCDR asymmetry ≥0.20 provided the best balance between sensitivity (84.8%) and specificity (93.2%). Conclusion and relevance: Overall, VCDR ≥0.60 with VCDR ≥0.20 asymmetry provides a good balance between sensitivity and specificity in detecting glaucoma. For larger optic disc, VCDR ≥0.65 should be considered instead to mitigate against false‐referrals due to larger physiological disc cupping. Our findings may act as a reference to populations with similar VCDR distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome designated by synovial joint inflammation leading to cartilage degradation and bone damage as well as progressive disability. Synovial inflammation is promoted through the infiltration of mononuclear immune cells, dominated by CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), together with fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), into the synovial compartment. Berberine is a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid compound showing various pharmacological properties that are mainly attributed to immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. Several lines of experimental study have recently investigated the therapeutic potential of berberine and its underlying mechanisms in treating RA condition. The present review aimed to clarify determinant cellular and molecular targets of berberine in RA and found that berberine through modulating several signalling pathways involved in the joint inflammation, including PI3K/Akt, Wnt1/β‐catenin, AMPK/lipogenesis and LPA/LPA1/ERK/p38 MAPK can inhibit inflammatory proliferation of FLS cells, suppress DC activation and modulate Th17/Treg balance and thus prevent cartilage and bone destruction. Importantly, these molecular targets may explore new therapeutic targets for RA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new coordination polymer (CP), namely, poly[[diaquatris[μ2‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene]bis[μ6‐4‐(2,4‐dicarboxylatophenoxy)phthalato]tetracobalt(II)] hexahydrate], {[Co4(C16H6O9)2(C12H10N4)3(H2O)2]·6H2O}n, has been synthesized by solvothermal reaction. The CP was fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It presents a three‐dimensional (3D) structure based on tetranuclear CoII secondary building units (SBUs) with a tfz‐d net and point symbol (43)2(46·618·84). The 4‐(2,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid (H4dcppa) ligands are completely deprotonated and link {Co4(COO)4}4− SBUs into two‐dimensional (2D) layers. Furthermore, adjacent layers are connected by 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (bib) ligands, giving rise to a 3D supramolecular architecture. Interestingly, there are numerous elliptical cavities in the CP where isolated unique discrete hexameric water clusters have been observed. The results of thermogravimetric and magnetic analyses are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six two‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymers (CPs), namely, poly[{μ5‐3,3‐[(5‐carboxylato‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoato‐κ6O1:O1′:O3,O3′:O5:O5′}bis(N,N‐dimethylformamide‐κO)lanthanide(III)], [Ln(C21H11O8)(C3H7NO)2]n, with lanthanide/Ln = cerium/Ce for CP1, praseodymium/Pr for CP2, neodymium/Nd for CP3, samarium/Sm for CP4, europium/Eu for CP5 and gadolinium/Gd for CP6, have been prepared by solvothermal methods using the ligand 3,3′‐[(5‐carboxy‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoic acid (H3cpboda) in the presence of Ln(NO3)3. The complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray and powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All the structures of this family of lanthanide CPs are isomorphous with the triclinic space group P and reveal that they have the same 2D network based on binuclear LnIII units, which are further extended via interlayer C—H...π interactions into a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. The carboxylate groups of the cpboda3− ligands link adjacent LnIII ions and form binuclear [Ln2(RCOO)4] secondary building units (SBUs), in which each binuclear LnIII SBU contains four carboxylate groups from different cpboda3− ligands. Moreover, with the increase of the rare‐earth Ln atomic radius, the dihedral angles between the aromatic rings gradually increase. Magnetically, CP6 shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the GdIII ions. The solid‐state luminescence properties of CP2, CP5 and CP6 were examined at ambient temperature and CP5 exhibits characteristic red emission bands derived from the Eu3+ ion (CIE 0.53, 0.31), with luminescence quantum yields of 22%. Therefore, CP5 should be regarded as a potential optical material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance Long‐term data on age‐related cataract, a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, is scarce in Asian populations. Background: We report the 6‐year incidence and progression of age‐related cataract and associated risk factors in Malay adults living in Singapore. Design Population‐based cohort study. Participants: A total of 3280 Malays aged 40+ years participated in baseline examinations of the Singapore Malay Eye Study (2004‐2006). Six years later, 1901 (72.1% of eligible) baseline participants were re‐examined. Methods: Cataract was assessed using lens photos, taken during eye examinations, following the Wisconsin Cataract Grading System. Main Outcomes and Measures: Incidence and progression of cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract. Poisson regression models and generalized estimating equations models (with Poisson link) were used to assess factors associated with cataract incidence and progression, respectively, adjusting for age, sex and other risk factors. Results: Age‐adjusted 6‐year incidence of cortical, nuclear and PSC cataract was 14.1%, 13.6% and 8.7%, respectively, and was strongly age‐related (P for trend <.001 for all types). Diabetes (relative risk [RR], 1.97; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.46‐2.67) was associated with incident cortical cataract, hypertension was associated with PSC cataract incidence (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.22‐3.61), after multivariable adjustment. Progression occurred in 20.4%, 5.9% and 40.6% of baseline cortical, nuclear and PSC cataract cases, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Similar to other elderly populations, incidence and progression of cataract were common in this Malay population. Diabetes and hypertension were important modifiable risk factors for cataract, highlighting the importance of systemic health on eye disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of double contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative tumor staging of gastric cancer (GC) to stratify patients for suitable treatment. Methods: Fifty‐four patients with GC proved by histologic findings were included. The sensitivity and specificity of double CEUS and MDCT for tumor staging were calculated and compared. The differences between these methods were evaluated by using the area under the curve (AUC) from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in AUC values for T1 and T2 stages between double CEUS and MDCT (P =.190 and.256, respectively). However, the sensitivity of double CEUS in the detection of the T1 stage was higher than that of MDCT (88% versus 75%). The AUC values of MDCT for T3 and T4 stages were 0.833 and 0.905, which were both significantly higher than those of double CEUS (0.759 and 0.696; P < .05). The sensitivities of double CEUS and MDCT for the T3 stage were both 89%, but the accuracy and specificity of double CEUS were lower than those of MDCT (76% versus 83% and 63% versus 78%). The specificities of double CEUS and MDCT for the T4 stage were both 98%, but the accuracy and sensitivity of double CEUS were lower than those of MDCT (85% versus 94% and 42% versus 83%). Conclusions: Multidetector CT is superior to double CEUS for T3 and T4 GC, and double CEUS may be regarded as an important complementary method to MDCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely poly[[di‐μ‐aqua‐bis{μ4‐3,3′‐[(5‐carboxylato‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoato‐κ5O1:O1′,O3:O5:O5′}bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)trinickel(II)] dimethylformamide 1.5‐solvate trihydrate], {[Ni3(C21H11O8)2(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2]·1.5C3H7NO·3H2O}n, (I), poly[[di‐μ‐aqua‐bis{μ4‐3,3′‐[(5‐carboxylato‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(oxy)]dibenzoato‐κ5O1:O1′,O3:O5:O5′}bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)tricobalt(II)] diethylamine disolvate tetrahydrate], {[Co3(C21H11O8)2(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2]·2C2H7N·4H2O}n, (II), and catena‐poly[[aqua(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)zinc(II)]‐μ‐5‐(3‐carboxyphenoxy)‐3,3′‐oxydibenzoato‐κ2O1:O3], [Zn(C21H12O8)(C12H8N2)(H2O)]n, (III), have been synthesized by the reaction of different metal ions (Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+), 3,3′‐[(5‐carboxy‐1,3‐phenylbis(oxy)]dibenzoic acid (H3cpboda) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) under solvothermal conditions. All the CPs were characterized by elemental analysis, single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, FT–IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Complexes (I) and (II) have isomorphous structures, featuring similar linear trinuclear structural units, in which the central NiII/CoII atom is located on an inversion centre with a slightly distorted octahedral [NiO6]/[CoO6] geometry. This comprises four carboxylate O‐atom donors from two cpboda3− ligands and two O‐atom donors from bridging water molecules. The terminal NiII/CoII groups are each connected to the central NiII/CoII cation through two μ1,3‐carboxylate groups from two cpboda3− ligands and one water bridge, giving rise to linear trinuclear [M3(μ2‐H2O)2(RCOO)4] (M = Ni2+/Co2+) secondary building units (SBUs) and the SBUs develop two‐dimensional‐networks parallel to the (100) plane via cpboda3− ligands with new (32·4)2(32·83·9)2(34·42.82·94·103) topological structures. Zinc complex (III) displays one‐dimensional coordination chains and the five‐coordinated Zn atom forms a distorted square‐pyramidal [ZnO3N2] geometry, which is completed by two carboxylate O‐atom donors from two distinct Hcpboda2− ligands, one O atom from H2O and two N atoms from a chelating phen ligand. Magnetically, CP (I) shows weak ferromagnetic interactions involving the carboxylate groups, and bridging water molecules between the nickel(II) ions, and CP (II) shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co2+ ions. The solid‐state luminescence properties of CP (III) were examined at ambient temperature and the luminescence sensing of Cr2O72−/CrO42− anions in aqueous solution for (III) has also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown significant efficacy in various solid tumors, but only a small subgroup of patients benefit from them because of immune resistance. Oncorine (formerly H101), a recombinant human adenovirus type 5, has direct anticancer properties and enhances cell‐mediated immune responses. At present, few studies on the role of Oncorine in reversing resistance to ICIs have been reported. Here, we present a case with recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The patient developed resistance to nivolumab therapy. After trying immunotherapy plus chemotherapy or antiangiogenesis therapy, the patient only obtained a transient response. The patient then received experimental treatment with Oncorine together with nivolumab and anlotinib. She experienced symptomatic improvement with a performance status score of 1, and achieved stable disease despite partial lung tissue necrosis. This was a successful exploration of oncolytic viruses reversing immune resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiglitazar (CHI) is a potent and selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor potentially for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An open‐label, randomized, 3‐period crossover and self‐controlled study was conducted to investigate drug‐drug interaction potential between CHI and metformin hydrochloride (MET). Eligible subjects received a single oral dose of CHI (48 mg), MET (1000 mg), or a combination in each period, followed by serial blood sampling collected for up to 48 hours postdose, and safety was assessed throughout the trial. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curves from time 0 to 48 hours (AUC0‐48 h) of CHI was similar following administration alone or with MET (AUC0‐48h, 12 540 ng·h/mL [9811‐15 269 ng·h/mL] vs 12 130 ng·h/mL [9304‐14 956 ng·h/mL]; 90% confidence interval [CI] of its geometric mean ratio [GMR], 89.7%–103.8%), whereas the maximum concentration (Cmax) of CHI was reduced during coadministration, as its 90%CI of the GMR was slightly outside the acceptance range for bioequivalence (Cmax, 1620 ng/mL [1418‐1822 ng/mL] vs 1420 ng/mL [1049‐1791 ng/mL], 90%CI GMR, 77.%‐94.1%). However, it was not considered clinically meaningful. The MET exposures remained consistent in the absence or presence of CHI (AUC0‐48 h, 12 570 ng·h/mL [10681‐14 459 ng·h/mL] vs 13 190 [10973‐15 407 ng·h/mL); 90%CI of GMR: 99.1%‐110.5%; Cmax, 1790 ng/mL [1448–2132 ng/mL] vs 1820 ng/mL [1510‐2130 ng/mL]; 90%CI of GMR, 94.2%–110.9%). No moderate to severe adverse events were reported. Our study indicated no clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug‐drug interaction between CHI and MET and demonstrated good tolerance in subjects. These results support future application of CHI in combination with MET for treatment of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mononuclear europium complex incorporating the (+)‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐d‐tartaric acid (d‐H2DTTA) ligand, namely, catena‐poly[tris{μ2‐3‐carboxy‐2,3‐bis[(4‐methylphenyl)carbonyloxy]propanoato}tris(methanol)europium(III)], [Eu(C20H17O8)3(CH3OH)3]n, (I), has been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The structure analysis indicates that complex (I) crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3 and exhibits an infinite one‐dimensional chain structure, in which the Eu3+ ion is surrounded by six O atoms from six d‐HDTTA− ligands and three O atoms from three coordinated methanol molecules, thus forming a tricapped trigonal prism geometry. The d‐H2DTTA ligand is partially deprotonated and adopts a μ1,6‐coordination mode via two carboxylate groups to link adjacent Eu3+ ions, affording an infinite one‐dimensional propeller‐shaped coordination polymer chain along the c axis, with an Eu...Eu distance of 7.622 (1) Å. Moreover, C—H...π interactions lead to the formation of helical chains running along the c axis and the whole structure displays a snowflake pattern in the ab plane. The circular dichroism spectrum confirms the chirality of complex (I). The solid‐state photoluminescence properties were also investigated at room temperature and (I) exhibits characteristic red emission bands derived from the Eu3+ ion (CIE 0.63, 0.32), with a reasonably long lifetime of 0.394 ms, indicating effective energy transfer from the ligand to the metal centre. In addition, a magnetic investigation reveals single‐ion magnetic behaviour. The spin‐orbit coupling parameter (λ) between the ground and excited states is fitted to be 360 (2) cm−1 through Zeeman perturbation. Therefore, complex (I) may be regarded as a chiral optical‐magneto bifunctional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cobalt(II) coordination polymer (CP), poly[[bis[μ6‐4‐(4‐carboxylatophenoxy)benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ6O1:O1:O3:O3′:O4:O4′]bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)tricobalt(II)] 0.72‐hydrate], {[Co3(C15H7O7)2(C12H8N2)2]·0.72H2O}n, (I), is constructed from CoII ions and 4‐(4‐carboxyphenoxy)isophthalate (cpoia3−) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) ligands. Based on centrosymmetric trinuclear [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] secondary building units (SBUs), the structure of (I) is a three‐dimensional CP with a (3,6)‐connected net and point symbol (42.6)2(44.62.87.102). The positions of four [Co3(phen)2(COO)6] SBUs and four cpoia3− ligands reproduce a Chinese‐knot‐shaped arrangement along the ab plane. (I) has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermostability analysis. It shows a good thermal stability from room temperature to 673 K. In addition, the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties was measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and synthesis of coordination polymers (CPs) have attracted much interest due to the intriguing diversity of their architectures and topologies. The functional solid catena‐poly[μ2‐aqua‐triaqua{μ4‐5‐[4‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato}{μ3‐5‐[4‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato}dicobalt(II)], [Co2(C16H10O7)2(H2O)4]n or [Co2(HL)2(μ2‐H2O)(H2O)3]n, was synthesized successfully by self‐assembly of CoII ions with 5‐[(4‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]isophthalic acid (H3L). The title compound was obtained under hydrothermal conditions and exhibits a twofold interpenetrated three‐dimensional skeleton with hms 3,5‐conn topology according to the cluster representation for valence‐bonded metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). It has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis and susceptibility measurements. The antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent CoII centres occurs via superexchange through the ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifunctional organic ligands are very popular for the design of coordination polymers because they allow the formation of a great diversity of structures. In the title coordination polymer, the new bifunctional inversion‐symmetric ligand 2,5‐bis(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)terephthalic acid (abbreviated as H2bttpa) links CdII cations, giving rise to the three‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer catena‐poly[diaqua[μ4‐2,5‐bis(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)terephthalato‐κ4O1:O4:N4:N4′]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C12H6N6O4)(H2O)2]n or [Cd(bttpa)(H2O)2]n. The asymmetric unit consists of half a CdII cation, half a bttpa2− ligand and one coordinated water molecule. The CdII cation is located on a twofold axis and is hexacoordinated in a distorted octahedral environment of four O and two N atoms. Four different bttpa2− ligands contribute to this coordination, with two carboxylate O atoms in trans positions and two triazole N atoms in cis positions. Two aqua ligands in cis positions complete the coordination sphere. The fully deprotonated bttpa2− ligand sits about a crystallographic centre of inversion and links two CdII cations to form a chain in a μ2‐terephthalato‐κ2O1:O4 bridge. This chain extends in the other two directions via the triazole heterocycles, producing a three‐dimensional framework. O—H…O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H…N interactions stabilize the three‐dimensional crystal structure. The FT–IR spectrum, X‐ray powder pattern, thermogravimetric behaviour and solid‐state photoluminescence of the title polymer have been investigated. The photoluminescence is enhanced and red‐shifted with respect to the uncoordinated ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aims of this study are to apply a theory-based mechanistic model to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of S- and R-warfarin. Methods Clinical data were obtained from 264 patients. Total concentrations for S- and R-warfarin were measured by ultra-high performance liquid tandem mass spectrometry. Genotypes were measured using pyrosequencing. A sequential population PK parameter with data method was used to describe the international normalized ratio (INR) time course. Data were analyzed with NONMEM. Model evaluation was based on parameter plausibility and prediction-corrected visual predictive checks. Results Warfarin PK was described using a one-compartment model. CYP2C9 *1/*3 genotype had reduced clearance for S-warfarin, but increased clearance for R-warfarin. The in vitro parameters for the relationship between prothrombin complex activity (PCA) and INR were markedly different (A = 0.560, B = 0.386) from the theory-based values (A = 1, B = 0). There was a small difference between healthy subjects and patients. A sigmoid Emax PD model inhibiting PCA synthesis as a function of S-warfarin concentration predicted INR. Small R-warfarin effects was described by competitive antagonism of S-warfarin inhibition. Patients with VKORC1 AA and CYP4F2 CC or CT genotypes had lower C50 for S-warfarin. Conclusion A theory-based PKPD model describes warfarin concentrations and clinical response. Expected PK and PD genotype effects were confirmed. The role of predicted fat free mass with theory-based allometric scaling of PK parameters was identified. R-warfarin had a minor effect compared with S-warfarin on PCA synthesis. INR is predictable from 1/PCA in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) was employed for the identification of ephedrine (Ep) and pseudoephedrine (Ps) present in illegally adulterated slimming herbal products (SHPs). Second derivative (SD) spectral pretreatment was used prior to 2DCOS analysis to highlight specific features not readily observable by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), SD-FTIR, or original 2DCOS, leading to enhanced resolution and a reduced lower limit of detection (<1% in this study). After examining the power spectra of suspicious SHPs, bands containing characteristic peaks for Ep (701, 747, 1042, 1363, 1375, 1451, 1478 cm-1etc) and/or Ps (703, 767, 1037, 1375, 1428, 1455, 1590 cm-1, etc.) were selected to construct synchronous and asynchronous maps for further analysis, while the latter was applied to discriminate positive SHPs adulterated simultaneously with Ep and Ps. The proposed method is simple and economical and has the potential to identify other chemicals in illegally adulterated herbal products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) and contrast‐enhanced sonography in the differential diagnosis of superficial lymphadenopathy with abnormal imaging findings, which could not be otherwise confirmed by conventional sonography. Methods: Forty‐two enlarged superficial lymph nodes in 42 patients who met the screening criteria for this study were evaluated by both contrast‐enhanced sonography and SWE. All lymph nodes underwent both methods using biopsy pathologic findings as a reference standard. Results: The maximum elastic modulus, mean elastic modulus, and standard deviation of the elastic modulus were the main distinguishing features on SWE; they were significantly higher in malignant lesions than benign ones. The threshold value for the maximum elastic modulus was set at 37.9 kPa, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of differential diagnosis of superficial lymph nodes were 81.8%, 80.0%, and 81.0%, respectively. The diagnosis of benignity and malignancy by this index was statistically significant (P < .001). The lymph nodes were divided into benign and malignant groups according to different types based on the degree and range of intensity on contrast‐enhanced sonography: intense or moderate homogeneous enhancement (n = 26) and heterogeneous, low homogeneous, or absent enhancement (n = 16). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of contrast‐enhanced sonography were 27.3%, 50.0%, and 38.1%. There was no statistically significant difference in the values between the benign and malignant groups (χ2 = 2.295; P = .130). Conclusions: Compared with contrast‐enhanced sonography, SWE has better diagnostic value and efficiency in differentiation of superficial lymph nodes unexplained by conventional sonography. When conventional sonography cannot differentiate malignant superficial lymph nodes from benign ones, SWE is a useful adjunctive tool for assessment of lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The present study was conducted to determine whether two important signalling molecules of store-operated channel (SOC), stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1, were involved in glomerular podocyte injury. We explored the effects of STIM1/Orai1 overexpression on podocyte associated proteins and cell permeability. Methods The expression of STIM1 and Orai1 were examined in the renal cortex of adriamycin-induced nephropathy mice by real-time RT-PCR. The recombinant plasmid of STIM1/ Orai1, identified by restriction enzyme digestion and PCR, was transfected into MPC5 cells via lipofectamine 2000. The transfecting efficiency was observed by a fluorescence microscope. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression levels of STIM1, Orai 1 and some podocyte-associated molecules in the transfected MPC5 cells. In addition, we examined the diffusion of FITC-dextran across the podocyte monolayer to investigate whether STIM1/Orai1 overexpression could affect cell permeability. Results We found that the mRNA levels of STIM1 and Orai1 were increased in adriamycin-induced nephropathy mice. STIM1/Orai1 overexpression significantly decreased the expression of podocin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), whereas it increased the expression of α-actinin-4. The permeability was significantly increased in the STIM1/Orai1 overexpression group. Conclusion Our findings suggested that STIM1/Orai1 overexpression could affect the cell permeability and the expression of partial podocyte-associated proteins, which may ultimately result in podocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination polymers (CPs) built by coordination bonds between metal ions/clusters and multidentate organic ligands exhibit fascinating structural topologies and potential applications as functional solid materials. The title coordination polymer, poly[diaquabis(μ4-biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylato-κ4 O3: O3′: O4′: O5)tris[μ2-1,4-bis(1 H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene-κ2 N3: N3′]dicopper(II)dicopper(I)], [CuII2CuI2(C15H7O6)2(C12H10N4)3(H2O)2] n, was crystallized from a mixture of biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3bpt), 1,4-bis(1 H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene (1,4-bib) and copper(II) chloride in a water-CH3CN mixture under solvothermal reaction conditions. The asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent Cu atoms, one of which is CuII, while the other has been reduced to the CuI ion. The CuII centre is pentacoordinated by three O atoms from three bpt3− ligands, one N atom from a 1,4-bib ligand and one O atom from a coordinated water molecule, and the coordination geometry can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramidal. The CuI atom exhibits a T-shaped geometry (CuN2O) coordinated by one O atom from a bpt3− ligand and two N atoms from two 1,4-bib ligands. The CuII atoms are extended by bpt3− and 1,4-bib linkers to generate a two-dimensional network, while the CuI atoms are linked by 1,4-bib ligands, forming one-dimensional chains along the [20] direction. In addition, the completely deprotonated μ4-η1:η1:η1:η1 bpt3− ligands bridge one CuI and three CuII cations along the a (or [100]) direction to form a three-dimensional framework with a (103)2(10)2(42.6.102.12)2(42.6.82.10)2(8) topology via a 2,2,3,4,4-connected net. An investigation of the magnetic properties indicated a very weak ferromagnetic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and practical method, based on automatic peak detection, Lorentzian fitting, and polynomial fitting, is developed for aligning spectra, which can significantly reduce or eliminate systematic differences between Raman spectrometers. In this work, Lorentzian fitting of the experimental spectra is performed to precisely locate the peak positions. Then the standardization procedure is illustrated on the spectra of a chemical standard measured on primary and secondary instruments, and the spectra can be successfully aligned to each other after shift correction. It is shown that the similarity of pharmaceutical spectra acquired on three Raman spectrometers is then considerably improved after removal of the Raman shift difference. The result shows that the similarity of the spectra between primary and secondary spectrometers increases dramatically from about 0.8 to 0.95 after spectra standardization. This means that the proposed standardization method can effectively reduce or eliminate systematical errors and enhance spectral compatibility across different instruments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Loess Plateau is an area of low crop productivity and one of the most susceptible areas for soil erosion in China. This study was designed to investigate changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) of croplands in four humid to semiarid counties (Huixian, Xifeng, Linxia, and Yuzhong) of Gansu province that have experienced accelerated grain production since the early 1980s. In 1979 to 1988 and 2006 to 2007, respectively, 2036 and 15,764 topsoil (20-cm) samples were collected and analyzed for SOC concentration and density from croplands covering 12 Chinese soil groups. By comparing the SOC data from the mid-2000s and the 1980s, we found that across the four counties, topsoil (20-cm) SOC concentration and density in croplands changed significantly (P < 0.01) at a rate of 0.04 ± 0.14 g kg-1 yr-1 or 0.01 ± 0.03 kg m-2 yr-1 from 7.9 ± 3.5 g kg-1 and 1.98 ± 0.9 kg m-2 in the 1980s to 8.7 ± 2.4 g kg-1 and 2.22 ± 0.5 kg m-2 in the mid-2000s, respectively. This overall increase in topsoil (20-cm) SOC concentration by 10% or density by 12% in the mid-2000s was associated with an increase of 83% in the stubble and root inputs to the soil across the four counties. There were large differences in the change size in the cropland topsoil (20-cm) SOC concentration and density among counties. In Huixian and Xifeng, both the topsoil SOC concentration and density in the mid-2000s were significantly higher than in the 1980s (P < 0.01), whereas there were no significant changes in topsoil SOC concentration and density in either Linxia or Yuzhong. Soils with lower initial SOC tended to increase more in SOC concentration than soils with higher initial SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] miR-449c is downregulated in NSCLC specimens and cells compared to normal lung tissues. [•] miR-449c inversely correlates with c-Myc expression in NSCLC. [•] miR-449c inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of NSCLC cells. [•] miR-449c directly represses c-Myc expression in NSCLC cells. [•] miR-449c inhibits tumor growth of NSCLC in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Self-assembly of CuCl2, NdCl3, 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and glycylglycine yields the ion-pair copper(II)-neodymium(III) complex, poly[[decaaquabis[μ3-2-({2-[(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]acetyl}azanidyl)acetato]bis[μ2-2-({2-[(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]acetyl}azanidyl)acetato]tetracopper(II)dineodymium(III)] bis{[2-({2-[(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]acetyl}azanidyl)acetato]cuprate(II)} tetradecahydrate], {[Cu4Nd2(C11H8BrN2O4)4(H2O)10][Cu(C11H8BrN2O4)]2·14H2O} n. The anion is planar and mononuclear, showing an approximately square-planar coordination of the metal atom, while the cation is a hexanuclear centrosymmetric transition metal-lanthanide (Cu-Nd) heterometallic complex, with the independent copper cations in square-planar and square-pyramidal coordinations. The asymmetric unit comprises one half of this cation, one anion and seven solvent water molecules. The positions of the six metal centres in the cation reproduce a Chinese knot arrangement. The dipeptidic Schiff base releases three H atoms and can act as a tetradentate, a pentadentate or a hexadentate ligand. Longer interactions between the pentadentate ligands and the Jahn-Teller CuII cation link the hexanuclear aggregates into cationic chains in the [010] direction in which 14- and 22-membered subloops occur. Extensive hydrogen bonding in three dimensions involves both the coordinated and the solvent water molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of current density, initial pH, cation and anion concentrations, and the coexistence of Ca2! and HC03~ on the efficiency of electrochemical nitrate reduction by a copper cathode and Ti/Ir02 anode in an undivided cell were studied. In the presence of 5 mM of sodium chloride (NaCl), the nitrate-nitrogen concentration decreased from 3.57 to 0.69 mM in 120 minutes, and no ammonia or nitrite byproducts were detected. The nitrate reduction rate increased as the current density increased. The electrochemical method performed well at an initial pH range of 3.0 to 11.0. The rate of nitrate reduction increased as concentrations of Na+, K4", and Ca2+ increased. The anion of the supporting electrolyte decreased the rate of reduction in the order CP > HC032 = C032" > S042" at both 5 mM and 10 mM of anion. The coexistence of Ca2 and HC03~ ions could inhibit nitrate reduction. The concentration of nitrate-nitrogen in polluted groundwater decreased from 2.80 to 0.31 mM after electrolysis for 120 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the correlation between mainland China and Hong Kong stock markets based on cash flow ( CF) news and discount rate ( DR) news instead of considering market return as a whole. We decomposed stock return into CF news and DR news following Campbell and Vuolteenaho. Then, the VAR- BEKK- GARCH method was used to investigate the time-varying correlations of CF news and DR news in the two markets. We ensured robustness by using the structural break test from Bai and Perron to estimate the structural break points during the sample period. The results show that CF news and DR news in the mainland China market is more volatile than in the Hong Kong market, and DR news correlation is usually negative when the mainland China market is undergoing some reform. The estimated structural break points were matched to important events in the mainland China market and the two markets become increasingly correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone pigment recovered from sea urchin ( Strongylocentrotus nudus) spines was observed by spectrophotometer. When pH values changed from 2.0 to 10.0, the pigment showed colour variations. Meanwhile, pH values affected the stability of the pigment. After 24 h of storage, the pigment remained 95.64%, 79.68% and 46.15% of the initial absorbance at pH 3.0, 7.0 and 10.0, respectively. The pigment was prone to degrade on exposure to light. It remained 40.11% of the initial absorbance under natural light after 14 days of storage. Whereas the corresponding value in the dark was 65.14%. Degradation rate of the pigment increased with increasing temperature. The pigment remained 90.49% of the initial absorbance at 20 °C after 24 h of storage. However, the corresponding value decreased to 66.61% at 80 °C. Additives, including antioxidant, oxidising and reducing agents, and some metal ions all affected the stability of the pigment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The co-occurrence of schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been well documented. Recent genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses have shown robust associations of the solute carrier family 30 member 8 ( SLC30A8) gene variants with T2DM in various populations. We examined the involvement of the SLC30A8 in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population. Methods The SLC30A8 rs13266634 gene polymorphism was genotyped in 837 chronic schizophrenic and 1109 unrelated healthy controls by using a case control design. We also assessed clinical symptoms. Results There were no significant differences in the rs13266634 genotype ( χ2 = 1.95, df = 2, p = 0.38) and allele ( χ2 = 0.47, df = 1, p = 0.50) distributions between the patient and control groups. There was no association between rs13266634 and clinical symptoms. Conclusion The SLC30A8 gene variation does not appear to contribute a genetic basis for the co-occurrence of schizophrenia and T2DM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which explores the development of new strobilurin derivatives that contains substituted pyrazoles. It states that a series of new strobilurin derivatives with substituted pyrazole in the side chain were bioassayed and synthesized. Furthermore, results demonstrates that strobilurin analogues containing substituted phenylpyrazolylmethoxymethyl side chains can be a possible lead compound for further development of agricultural fungicides and acaricides.

The article presents a study on the role of C--H…0 and C=O…π interactions in the building of three-dimensional structures of dicarboxylic acid--biimidazole compounds. It reports on the supramolecular architectures of three dicarboxylic acid-biimidazole compounds and notes that the crystal structures are assembled by the same process. Tables of hydrogen-bond and contact geometry for the three organic compounds are presented.

We herein reported a 26-year-old primigravida with impetigo herpetiformis and intrahepatic cholestasis of gestation. She was in gestation for 34 weeks. She had a 5-month history of pustules on the trunk and limbs that had exacerbated from 1 month before. The jaundice had also emerged lately with increased levels of serous transaminase, bilirubin and bile acid. The histopathology of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of impetigo herpetiformis. After cesarean section and administration of glucocorticoid, the patient totally recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures of N,N-dimethylbiguanidium oxalate monohydrate, C4H13N52+·C2O42-·H2O, (I), and N,N-dimethylbiguanidium sulfate monohydrate, C4H13N52+·SO42-·H2O, (II), show that both compounds contain the same N,Ndimethylbiguanidium dication. In (I), two independent oxalate ions lie about inversion centres. Strong double hydrogen bonds, with D···A distances of 2.658 (2) and 2.830 (3) Å in (I), and 2.722 (3) and 2.815 (3) Å in (II), are present between N atoms of the N,N-dimethylbiguanidium moieties and either the carboxylate group of the oxalate anion or the sulfate anion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel distributed range-free localisation algorithm to accurately locate regular nodes in wireless sensor networks is presented. Existing methods reduce the possible area where a regular node would be located by using anchors (i.e. nodes with known locations) only. These methods are effective only when anchor density is high. In contrast, the work presented here reduces the possible area of a regular node iteratively, using both anchor node locations and the possible areas of its neighbouring and non-neighbouring 'regular' nodes from early iteration. This allows a significant improvement in the localisation accuracy. Simulations verify the advantage of the proposed algorithm and show that the localisation error can be controlled within 15% with off-the-shelf devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]