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Objective: To characterize the phenotype spectrum, diagnosis, and response to growth‐promoting therapy in patients with ACAN variants causing familial short stature. Methods: Three families with ACAN variants causing short stature were reported. Similar cases in the literature were summarized, and the genotype and phenotype were analyzed. Results: Three novel heterozygous variants, c.757+1G>A, (splicing), c.6229delG, p.(Asp2078Tfs*1), and c.6679C>T, p.(Gln2227*) in the ACAN gene were identified. A total of 314 individuals with heterozygous variants from 105 families and 8 individuals with homozygous variants from 4 families were confirmed to have ACAN variants from literature and our 3 cases. Including our 3 cases, the variants reported comprised 33 frameshift, 39 missense, 23 nonsense, 5 splicing, 4 deletion, and 1 translocation variants. Variation points are scattered throughout the gene, while exons 12, 15, and 10 were most common (25/105, 11/105, and 10/105, respectively). Some identical variants existing in different families could be hot variants, c.532A>T, p.(Asn178Tyr), c.1411C>T, p.(Gln471*), c.1608C>A, p.(Tyr536*), c.2026+1G>A, (splicing), and c.7276G>T, p.(Glu2426*). Short stature, early‐onset osteoarthritis, brachydactyly, midfacial hypoplasia, and early growth cessation were the common phenotypic features. The 48 children who received rhGH (and GnRHa) treatment had a significant height improvement compared with before (−2.18 ± 1.06 SD vs. −2.69 ± 0.95 SD, p < 0.001). The heights of children who received rhGH (and GnRHa) treatment were significantly improved compared with those of untreated adults (−2.20 ± 1.10 SD vs. −3.24 ± 1.14 SD, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study achieves a new understanding of the phenotypic spectrum, diagnosis, and management of individuals with ACAN variants. No clear genotype–phenotype relationship of patients with ACAN variants was found. Gene sequencing is necessary to diagnose ACAN variants that cause short stature. In general, appropriate rhGH and/or GnRHa therapy can improve the adult height of affected pediatric patients caused by ACAN variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phosphine‐catalyzed reaction of α‐substituted allenes with aryl imines, in stark contrast to classic cycloaddition reactions, has been developed. This reaction delivers valuable highly functionalized itaconimides with excellent stereoselectivities by a new «un‐cyclizing» reaction mode involving β′‐carbon of α‐substituted allenes. Moreover, the present «un‐cyclizing» reaction can also be carried out in a one‐pot fashion and scaled up to the gram scale by using aryl aldehydes, without the need to isolate the aryl imines. Mechanistic studies and control experiments reveal the crucial role of H2CO3 for the present reaction mode. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to understand the possible mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phosphine‐catalyzed reaction of α‐substituted allenes with aryl imines, in stark contrast to classic cycloaddition reactions, has been developed. This reaction delivers valuable highly functionalized itaconimides with excellent stereoselectivities by a new «un‐cyclizing» reaction mode involving β′‐carbon of α‐substituted allenes. Moreover, the present «un‐cyclizing» reaction can also be carried out in a one‐pot fashion and scaled up to the gram scale by using aryl aldehydes, without the need to isolate the aryl imines. Mechanistic studies and control experiments reveal the crucial role of H2CO3 for the present reaction mode. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to understand the possible mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is one of the most common metrics in assessing the image quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Among a host of technological developments, various wireless devices, including metamaterials and volumetric wireless resonators have been reported to enhance SNR by redistributing the radio frequency magnetic field in the near field region. While theoretically feasible, their widespread clinical adoption has been limited by their field inhomogeneity, limited spatial coverage and challenges in their applications to higher field (≥3.0T) MRI systems. In this study, a Helmholtz coil‐inspired volumetric wireless resonator (HVWR) featuring a uniform magnetic field enhancement within the resonator volume is reported. The HVWR is free from cables, adapters and interface boxes, allowing for ease of fabrication and straightforward installation. The resonator allows for resonance frequency tunability and adaptivity, enabling for passive detuning during the MRI transmission phase. Experimental validation using a 3.0T MRI system demonstrate a substantial SNR boost (5× or higher) being achieved in a region covering the average size of the human knee. This study offers an efficient and practical wireless solution for improved MRI image quality that may be applicable across a range of imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels are promising materials for electronic skin due to their flexibility and modifiability. Reported hydrogel electronic skins can recognize stimulations and output signals, but the single output signal and the requirement of external power source limit their further applications. In this study, inspired by the neuron system, the self‐powered neuron system‐like hydrogels based on gelatin, water/glycerin and ionic liquid modified metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are prepared. The optimized hydrogel exhibits excellent adhesion (40 kPa), stretchability (0%–100%), water retention (>92% at 0% relative humidity (RH) atmosphere), ionic conductivity (>10−3 S m−1) and stability (>30 days). Besides, the neuron system‐like hydrogels are highly sensitive to pressure (0—10 N) and humidity (0%–75% RH) with dual‐modal output, without external power source. Finally, the optimized hydrogel ionic skin is applied in human motion detection, energy harvesting, and low humidity sensing. This study provides a preliminary exploration of self‐powered ionic skin for multi‐application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a simple, noninvasive, and reproducible test, and FeNO (50 ml/s) is often used to reflect airway inflammation. The peripheral small airway/alveolar nitric oxide (NO) concentration is derived from the output of NO at multiple flow rates. Concentration of alveolar NO (CANO), which has been reported to reflect peripheral small airway inflammation, may be related to parameters that reflect abnormal small airway function. Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship among CANO levels, clinical features, and small airway function‐related indicators in patients with stable asthma and to provide a simple method for monitoring small airway function in asthma. Design and Methods: We recruited 144 patients with well‐controlled, stable asthma, including 69 patients with normal small airway function (normal group) and 75 patients with small airway dysfunction (abnormal group). CANO and pulmonary function were measured. Results: CANO was significantly higher in the abnormal group ([7.28 ± 3.25] ppb) than the normal group CANO ([2.87 ± 1.50] ppb). FEF25–75%pred ([55.0 ± 16.5]%), FEF50%pred ([46.4 ± 13.2]%), and FEF75%pred ([41.9 ± 13.1]%) in abnormal group were significantly lower compared with normal group ([89.9 ± 7.5]%), ([80.9 ± 6.8]%), and ([73.8 ± 5.0]%). CANO was negatively correlated and FEF25–75%pred, FEF50%pred, and FEF75%pred (r = −0.87, P < 0.001; r = −0.82, P < 0.001; r = −0.78, P < 0.001). CANO was positively correlated with age (r = 0.27, P = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.875 for CANO. The optimal cutoff point of 5.3 ppb had sensitivity and specificity values of 72% and 92% in diagnosing small airway dysfunction. Conclusion: CANO has diagnostic value for small airway dysfunction, and the optimal cutoff value is 5.3 ppb. However, the diagnostic evidence is still insufficient, so it still needs further exploration for its value in detecting small airway dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer transition‐metal dichalcogenides grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) always contain certain types of defects that dramatically affect their electronic and optical properties. For CVD‐grown hexagonal WS2 monolayer, complex photoluminescence (PL) patterns are commonly observed, but the defect‐related optical mechanisms are still not well understood. Here, by combining the optical and structural characterizations and ab initio calculations, the correlation between the patterned PL emission and the details of defects in CVD‐grown hexagonal WS2 monolayer are revealed. The temperature‐dependent PL spectra show the correlation between the defect‐trapped and band‐edge exciton emission. The high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy identifies the positive correlation between the density of WSx‐vacancy and PL intensity. In the end, the ab initio calculations and molecule adsorption PL spectra show that the coexistence of p‐ and n‐doping effects, caused by the W and S complex vacancy, weakens the modulation of molecular adsorption on PL intensity. This work gives new insights into the origin of the inhomogeneous PL distribution in WS2 monolayer, which provides important guidance in the regulation of electronic and optical properties of transition‐metal dichalcogenides via defect engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thickening behaviors in aqueous solution of mixed surfactant mixtures containing an amino acid‐based surfactant, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (SLSar), and a nonionic surfactant, N‐dodecylpyrrolidone (C12P) were investigated using the rheological methods of steady‐shear and frequency sweep. The results varying the added C12P concentration and the mass ratio of SLSar and C12P indicate that the addition of C12P can promote the formation of wormlike micelles and hydrogels, resulting in viscosity enhancement in the mixed aqueous solution of SLSar and C12P. Viscosity maxima in SLSar/water/C12P systems are sensitive to pH, temperature, the concentration of added C12P, and the mass ratio of SLSar and C12P. In the high concentration of total surfactant (30–39 wt%), the enhancement of viscosity obviously occurs by adding 6 wt% C12P, whereas in the low concentration of total surfactant (15 wt%), the C12P must be added more than 9 wt% in 15 wt% mixtures of SLSar and C12P. Moreover, during the solution pH lowered from SLSar' natural pH of 7.2 to the mixture's pKa 5.2, the intermolecular forces between SLSar acid, SLSar anionic salt, and C12P gradually reduce the overall headgroups areas and contribute to the formation of wormlike micelles, hydrogels, and the thickening behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel‐catalyzed amination to access diarylamines has been developed through C−CN bond activation of aryl nitriles with anilines. In this developed catalytic protocol, various aromatic and heteroaromatic nitriles could be utilized as the electrophiles to couple with substituted anilines. A diversity of diarylamines were obtained in 15–95% yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A closed‐form solution for the continuous inverse class E (class E−1) design space is presented for the first time1. Analogous to the class‐E power amplifier (PA) modes, the zero current and its derivative conditions needed for the class E−1 switching action can also be shown to be satisfied with any second harmonic susceptance. The complementary relationship between the continuous PA modes for class E and class E−1 are analytically proven. Signal integrity limitations on the continuous class E and class E−1 PA modes are demonstrated to exist and to limit the useful range of solutions of the design space. 2Consequently, the maximum achievable bandwidth using the continuum of solutions in both class E/E−1 is not 2 octaves as previously reported but only 1 octave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel design for a TE10‐mode rectangular waveguide to a TE11‐mode circular waveguide mode converter based on the use of an intermediate one‐step double‐cruciform section is proposed. The converter achieves compactness and broadband by employing the one‐step double‐cruciform transition instead of the conventional multi‐step transitions or smooth transitions. Due to the one‐step structure, the converter achieves an extremely short‐length (around 0.3λ, where λ is the wavelength at the centre frequency), which makes it suitable for highly compact systems. For verification purpose, a back‐to‐back connection rectangular‐to‐circular mode converter was fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the return loss is around 15 dB and the insertion loss is around 0.4 dB in the operating frequency band. Thus, we can infer that the return loss and insertion loss of a single mode converter are around 19 and 0.2 dB, respectively. The experimental results reasonably agree with the simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breaking Lorentz reciprocity is fundamental to an array of functional radiofrequency (RF) and optical devices, such as isolators and circulators. The application of external excitation, such as magnetic fields and spatial–temporal modulation, has been employed to achieve nonreciprocal responses. Alternatively, nonlinear effects may also be employed to break reciprocity in a completely passive fashion. Herein, a coupled system comprised of linear and nonlinear meta‐atoms that achieves nonreciprocity based on the coupling and frequency detuning of its constituent meta‐atoms is presented. An analytical model is developed based on the coupled mode theory (CMT) in order to design and optimize the nonreciprocal meta‐atoms in this coupled system. Experimental demonstration of an RF isolator is performed, and the contrast between forward and backward propagation approximates 20 dB. Importantly, the use of the CMT model developed herein enables a generalizable capacity to predict the limitations of nonlinearity‐based nonreciprocity, thereby facilitating the development of novel approaches to breaking Lorentz reciprocity. The CMT model and implementation scheme presented in this work may be deployed in a wide range of applications, including integrated photonic circuits, optical metamaterials, and metasurfaces, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) plays proliferative and inflammatory roles in living systems. Here, we report a highly selective GRPr antagonist (JMV594)‐tethered iridium(III) complex for probing GRPr in living cancer cells and immune cells. This probe exhibited desirable photophysical properties and also displayed negligible cytotoxicity, overcoming the inherent toxicity of the iridium(III) complex. Its long emission lifetime enabled its luminescence signal to be readily distinguished from the interfering fluorescence of organic dyes by using a time‐resolved technique. This probe selectively visualized living cancer cells via specific binding to GRPr, while it also modulated the function of GRPr on TNF‐α secretion in immune cells. To our knowledge, this is the first peptide‐conjugated iridium(III) complex developed as a GRPr bioimaging probe and modulator of GRPr activity. This theranostic agent shows great potential at unmasking the diverse roles of GRPr in living systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) plays proliferative and inflammatory roles in living systems. Here, we report a highly selective GRPr antagonist (JMV594)‐tethered iridium(III) complex for probing GRPr in living cancer cells and immune cells. This probe exhibited desirable photophysical properties and also displayed negligible cytotoxicity, overcoming the inherent toxicity of the iridium(III) complex. Its long emission lifetime enabled its luminescence signal to be readily distinguished from the interfering fluorescence of organic dyes by using a time‐resolved technique. This probe selectively visualized living cancer cells via specific binding to GRPr, while it also modulated the function of GRPr on TNF‐α secretion in immune cells. To our knowledge, this is the first peptide‐conjugated iridium(III) complex developed as a GRPr bioimaging probe and modulator of GRPr activity. This theranostic agent shows great potential at unmasking the diverse roles of GRPr in living systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) combined with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on prognosis, so as to provide help to clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and the Medline were used to retrieve studies reported from 1950 to 2019. If the study reported the prognosis of COPD with NSCLC, the study was included and the relevant information was extracted and the data analyzed. The standard mean deviation (SMD) of 95% confidence interval was used in this meta‐analysis. Results: A total of 851 data studies were reviewed for eligibility, eventually, 12 case‐control studies were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The sample sizes for company's studies of NSCLC ranged from 85 to 10 378, with a total number of 14 164, including 2450 COPD and 9395 Non‐COPD. Meta‐analyses showed that concomitant COPD was associated with poorer OS compared with patients without COPD (Fixed: HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.08‐1.25. Random: HR: 1.07; CI: 0.92‐1.24), with a significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 45%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: Our study showed that patients with combined COPD had an impact on the prognosis and survival rate of SCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) treated by conventional chemotherapeutic drugs usually require a long recovery period. However, metronomic combination chemotherapy (MCC) enhances therapeutic efficacy and decreases side effects in the treatment of NHL. In this study, we tested and compared the effects of metronomic chemotherapy (MC) using podophyllotoxin derivative etoposide (VP‐16) alone and that of MCC using both VP‐16 and everolimus (RAD001) in the treatment of NHL. Two types of NHL cells, OCI‐LY‐10 and SU‐DHL‐6, were employed for the experiments. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell senescence were measured to test the effects of drugs in each experiment. In addition, the influences of MC and MCC on the cell cycle and autophagy pathway were evaluated to study the functional mechanisms behind their effects. Finally, we conducted analyses of the growth inhibitory effect and synergistic activity for different MCC. The results showed that MC using low‐dose VP‐16 alone demonstrated strong treatment effects in terms of inducing apoptosis, cell senescence, and reducing tumor cell proliferation, and this treatment also led to changes of the cell cycle. Compared with MC, MCC using VP‐16 and RAD001 together demonstrated even stronger treatment effects, with both the cell cycle and autophagy‐related proteins being affected. Considering the synergistic activity, our results showed the MCC of VP‐16 48 hours + RAD001 24 hours is the optimal method for treating NHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of peppers (Capsicum spp.) in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Current management practices rely on chemical control of adults although grower options are limited. A more integrated strategy to manage the pepper weevil infestations may benefit from measures that can control this pest specifically such as RNA interference (RNAi). We cloned and sequenced transcript fragments of two possible essential genes of the pepper weevil, Snf7 and V‐ATPase‐A. We treated pepper weevil females with the double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of these genes and found that orally delivered dsRNA of either gene was not effective in eliciting strong RNAi response or causing mortality. In contrast, Snf7 and V‐ATPase‐A dsRNAs delivered through injections produced robust gene silencing and led to more than 90% mortality within 12 days. Our results suggest that the pepper weevil possesses the molecular machinery needed for a robust RNAi response and that Snf7 and V‐ATPase‐A genes likely encode essential functions in this insect. Moreover, RNAi‐mediated silencing of essential genes can potentially be used to control this pest if strong RNAi response can be induced by orally delivered dsRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of dual‐wideband bandpass filter using composite series and shunt resonators is proposed in conjunction with its direct synthesis and design theory. By making use of the transmission pole (TP) and the transmission zero of the composite resonators flexibly, a dual‐wideband filter with a wide range of frequency and bandwidth ratios as well as a wide stopband can be realised. With a shunt capacitor introduced at each I/O port, extra TPs either in the low passband or in the high passband can be created, leading to more filter design options. To give a direct design procedure, a lumped‐element prototype is first synthesised based on a target filtering function and a dedicated circuit extraction process. The filter layout can be realised using semi‐distributed circuits and chip capacitors. Two practical schemes are introduced to suppress spurious resonances for a wide high‐rejection stopband. Two filter examples are designed with a small and a large frequency ratio and a wide band suppressed spurious resonances. The unique filter response and good agreement between the designed and measured results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed filter structure and the effectiveness of the synthesis and design theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent studies suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were widely transcribed in the genome, but their potential roles in the genetic complexity of human disorders required further exploration. The purpose of the present study was to explore genetic polymorphisms of lncRNAs associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and its potential value. Based on the lncRNASNP database, 55,906 lncSNPs were selected to conduct a genome‐wide association study meta‐analysis among 11,140 individuals of seven independent studies for BMDs at femoral neck (FN), lumbar spine, and total hip (HIP). Promising results were replicated in Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS Sequencing, n = 32,965). We found two lncRNA loci that were significantly associated with BMD. MEF2C antisense RNA 1 (MEF2C‐AS1) located at 5q14.3 was significantly associated with FN‐BMD after Bonferroni correction, and the strongest association signal was detected at rs6894139 (P = 3.03 × 10−9). LOC100506136 rs6465531 located at 7q21.3 showed significant association with HIP‐BMD (P = 7.43 × 10−7). MEF2C‐AS1 rs6894139 was replicated in GEFOS Sequencing with P‐value of 1.43 × 10−23. Our results illustrated the important role of polymorphisms in lncRNAs in determining variations of BMD and provided justification and evidence for subsequent functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed an efficient and straightforward method to prepare tri‐substituted alkenes through palladium‐catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes with aryl bromides. Diarylacetylenes and alkyl(aryl)acetylenes could be well hydroarylated with various aryl bromides in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggested that alcohol was the reductant to provide hydride through β‐H elimination. Gram scale reaction further demonstrated the practicality and efficiency of the newly developed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with structural designability and tunability of photophysical properties enable them to be a promising class of organic luminescent materials by incorporating well‐designed fluorescent units directly into the periodic skeletons. The photophysical properties of COFs are mainly affected by the structural features, which determine the conjugation degree, charge delocalization ability, and exciton dynamics of COFs. To understand the relationship between COF structures and their photophysical properties, two COFs with the same pyrene chromophore units but different linkages (imine or vinylene) were designed and synthesized. Interestingly, different linkages endow COFs with huge differences in solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) for imine‐ and vinylene‐linked pyrene‐based COFs, which possess PLQY values of 0.34 % and 15.43 %, respectively. The femtosecond‐transient absorption spectra and time‐dependent density functional theory reveal the different charge‐transfer pathways in imine‐ and vinylene‐linked COFs, which influence the exciton relaxation way and fluorescence intensity. In addition, an effective white‐light device was obtained by coating the vinylene‐linked COF on a light‐emitting diode strip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with structural designability and tunability of photophysical properties enable them to be a promising class of organic luminescent materials by incorporating well‐designed fluorescent units directly into the periodic skeletons. The photophysical properties of COFs are mainly affected by the structural features, which determine the conjugation degree, charge delocalization ability, and exciton dynamics of COFs. To understand the relationship between COF structures and their photophysical properties, two COFs with the same pyrene chromophore units but different linkages (imine or vinylene) were designed and synthesized. Interestingly, different linkages endow COFs with huge differences in solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) for imine‐ and vinylene‐linked pyrene‐based COFs, which possess PLQY values of 0.34 % and 15.43 %, respectively. The femtosecond‐transient absorption spectra and time‐dependent density functional theory reveal the different charge‐transfer pathways in imine‐ and vinylene‐linked COFs, which influence the exciton relaxation way and fluorescence intensity. In addition, an effective white‐light device was obtained by coating the vinylene‐linked COF on a light‐emitting diode strip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims/Introduction: To investigate the relationship between various glucose metabolic status and arterial stiffness, and further explore the threshold of blood glucose indices for the risk of arterial stiffness. Materials and Methods: The present cross‐sectional study included 4,851 individuals from a Chinese community. Overnight fasting blood glucose and 2‐h post‐load glucose were sampled. Arterial stiffness was measured as brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. The association was examined using generalized linear regression models. The threshold effect was explored using two piecewise linear regression models by the smoothing plot. Results: After adjustment for covariates, isolated impaired fasting glucose, isolated impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose intolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were associated with a greater risk of arterial stiffness compared with normal glucose tolerance (B = 18.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–35.76, P = 0.045; B = 28.51, 95% CI: 3.40–53.62, P = 0.026; B = 60.70, 95% CI: 38.37–83.04, P < 0.001; B = 95.06, 95% CI: 71.88–118.25, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a non‐linear relationship between 2‐h post‐load glucose and arterial stiffness. A threshold for 2‐h post‐load glucose of 6.14 mmol/L was observed for the risk of arterial stiffness. Conclusions: Impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose intolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were related to a greater risk of arterial stiffness compared with normal glucose levels. A threshold for 2‐h post‐load glucose of 6.14 mmol/L probably exists for the risk of arterial stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Prolyl‐isomerase 1 (Pin1) is a conserved enzyme that regulates cell processes such as cell cycle progression, transcriptional regulation, and apoptosis. However, overexpression of Pin1 is correlated with a higher probability of prostate tumor recurrence. We utilized a molecular docking technique to identify Pin1 inhibitors from a database of natural product and natural product‐like compounds. The action of the hit compounds against Pin1 activity was studied using multiple methods, including a fluorometric enzymatic assay, co‐immunoprecipitation, western blotting, cell thermal shiftm, and other techniques. We have identified compound 1 as a natural‐product‐like inhibitor of Pin1 activity via structure‐based virtual screening and showed that compound 1 could target Pin1 and disrupt the interaction between Pin1 and the p65 subunit of NF‐κB in cells. Furthermore, compound 1 reduced nuclear p65 (Thr254) phosphorylation and attenuated NF‐κB activity in cells. Finally, compound 1 induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Compound 1 represents a natural product‐like Pin1 inhibitor that acts via targeting the Pin1–NF‐κB interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique electronic configuration and structural properties of ceria make ceria-based nanomaterials such as morphology-dependent ceria nanocrystals, rare earth-doped ceria-zirconia solid solutions and noble metal-ceria nanocomposites effective promoters in three-way catalysts for low-temperature water-gas-shift reaction, preferential oxidation of traces of CO, the treatment of toxic auto-mobile exhaust, etc. The activities of nanoceria catalysts can be determined by their morphologies, oxygen vacancies, interfacial structures and the type of exposed crystal surfaces, as well as the synergistic effect exhibited by nanocomposites. In this review, the state-of-the-art developments in the well-controlled synthesis of ceria-based nanocatalysts and their applications in both environmental and energy fields is summarized. The involved reaction mechanisms are also briefly introduced, and eventually an outlook in the design of novel nanoceria catalysts for valuable energy applications is addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter proposes a balanced dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filter for the first time. Based on dual‐mode square SIW cavities, perturbation vias, and balanced ports, the quasi‐elliptic differential mode response with improved selectivity as well as high‐performance common mode suppression can be obtained conveniently. Resonator number decrease and compact size can also be available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase B ( PKB) acts as a central node on the PI3K kinase pathway. Constitutive activation and overexpression of PKB have been identified to involve in various cancers. However, protein kinase A ( PKA) sharing high homology with PKB is essential for metabolic regulation. Therefore, specific targeting on PKB is crucial strategy in drug design and development for antitumor. Here, we had revealed the selectivity mechanism for PKB inhibitors with molecular dynamics simulation and 3D- QSAR methods. Selective inhibitors of PKB could form more hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with PKB than those with PKA. This could explain that selective inhibitor M128 is more potent to PKB than to PKA. Then, 3D- QSAR models were constructed for these selective inhibitors and evaluated by test set compounds. 3D- QSAR model comparison of PKB inhibitors and PKA inhibitors reveals possible methods to improve the selectivity of inhibitors. These models can be used to design new chemical entities and make quantitative prediction of the specific selective inhibitors before resorting to in vitro and in vivo experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal adhesions are fibrous tissues formed after surgery. Both cytokines and transforming growth factors ( TGFs) are involved in this process. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross talk between these entities. Peritoneal drainage fluid after surgery from patients and rodent models was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Data showed that the concentrations of interferon ( IFN)-γ and interleukin ( IL)-17 reached their peaks 6-12 hours after surgery, whereas TGF-β1 concentrations showed two postoperative peak time points at 2 and 72-96 hours. By neutralizing IFN-γ, IL-17 6-12 hours, and TGF-β1 72-96 hours after surgery, the degree of adhesion reduced significantly. However, neutralizing TGF-β1 2 hours after surgery did not affect adhesion formation. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that compared with the fibroblasts that were directly stimulated with TGF-β1, the prestimulation of IL-17 promoted plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production while inhibiting tissue-type plasminogen activator production. Moreover, additional stimulation with IFN-γ enhanced this effect. Together, these data indicate that IL-17 may promote adhesion formation by increasing the reaction of fibroblasts against TGF-β1. Blocking IL-17 might have a therapeutic potential in preventing adhesion formation after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal adhesions are fibrous tissues formed after surgery. Both cytokines and transforming growth factors ( TGFs) are involved in this process. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross talk between these entities. Peritoneal drainage fluid after surgery from patients and rodent models was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Data showed that the concentrations of interferon ( IFN)-γ and interleukin ( IL)-17 reached their peaks 6-12 hours after surgery, whereas TGF-β1 concentrations showed two postoperative peak time points at 2 and 72-96 hours. By neutralizing IFN-γ, IL-17 6-12 hours, and TGF-β1 72-96 hours after surgery, the degree of adhesion reduced significantly. However, neutralizing TGF-β1 2 hours after surgery did not affect adhesion formation. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that compared with the fibroblasts that were directly stimulated with TGF-β1, the prestimulation of IL-17 promoted plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production while inhibiting tissue-type plasminogen activator production. Moreover, additional stimulation with IFN-γ enhanced this effect. Together, these data indicate that IL-17 may promote adhesion formation by increasing the reaction of fibroblasts against TGF-β1. Blocking IL-17 might have a therapeutic potential in preventing adhesion formation after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized thermo-sensitive amphiphilic block-graft PNiPAAm- b-(PαN3CL- g-alkyne) copolymers through ring-opening polymerization of α-chloro-ε-caprolactone (αClCL) with hydroxyl-terminated macroinitiator poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm), substituting pendent chlorides with sodium azide. This was then used to graft various kinds of terminal alkynes moieties by means of the copper-catalyzed Huisgen's 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition ('click' reaction). 1H NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to characterize these copolymers. The solubility of the block-graft copolymers in aqueous media was investigated using turbidity measurement, revealing a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in the polymers. These solutions showed reversible changes in optical properties: transparent below the LCST, and opaque above the LCST. The LCST values were dependant on the composition of the polymer. With critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 2.04-9.77 mg L−1, the block copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase, owing to their amphiphilic characteristics. An increase in the length of hydrophobic segments or a decrease in the length of hydrophilic segments amphiphilic block-graft copolymers produced lower CMC values. The research verified the core-shell structure of micelles by 1H NMR analyses in D2O. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology of the micelles, revealing a spherical structure. The average size of the micelles was in the range of 75-145 nm (blank), and 105-190 nm (with drug). High drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading content were observed in the drug micelles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study which investigated the expression and role of CD151, a hydrophobic protein, and/or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine (MET) protein (c-MET) in intraheptic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). A review of the related literature on ICC and transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins is offered. It describes the methods utilized by the research authors. The findings of the study are discussed in detail. It observes the implication of overexpression of CD151 in metastasis/invasion of ICC.

In this article, using a novel structure, simulated and measured microwave characteristics from substrate integrated waveguide photodetector (SIWPD) are obtained and compared with the conventional microstrip waveguide photodetector. A Ka-band microstrip to rectangular waveguide multilayer transition for OC-768/STM-256 optical systems is designed and fabricated. Attenuation constant results shows that by replacing substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) instead of conventional microstrip in waveguide photodetectors, operation frequency can be increased. Microwave fields in the proposed structure show a good transition from quasi-TEM mode to TE10 mode in multilayer structure. The multilayer structure is considered to separate SIW and DC bias of the photodetector. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2204–2207, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24528 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we analyze the illumination by an electromagnetic wave of an air/left-handed medium (LHM) interface. It is shown that by placing a periodic structure of resistors near the LHM it is possible to suppress or to reduce the surface wave that is present at the interface. For our demonstration, we consider a semi-infinite lossless left-handed medium having the same constitutive parameters as those of air but with opposite signs. Numerical results, obtained by using a full-wave time domain technique, are presented to validate our approach and the proposed scheme. This work can extend the potential applications of left-handed materials, because it shows that it is possible to use LHM slabs having large width. In addition, this work shows that it is possible to excite the forward wave of an LHM instead of the backward wave. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 280–284, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24036 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Percutaneous repair is an alternative to open surgical repair of the Achilles tendon with comparable, functional results and low re‐rupture and infection rates; however, sural nerve injury is a known complication. The purpose of this study is to design a new surgical procedure, the minimally invasive peritendinous submembrane access technique (MIS‐PSAT). It offers optimal results, with excellent functional outcomes, and with minimal soft tissue complications and sural nerve injury.This retrospective study included 249 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon ruptures treated at our institution between 2009 and 2019. All patients underwent MIS‐PSAT at our institution and were followed up for 8–48 months. Functional evaluation was based on the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle‐Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS‐AHS), associated with local complications and isokinetic tests.None of the patients had infection, necrosis, or sural nerve injury. Re‐rupture occurred in two cases. The average times to return to work and sports was 10.4 and 31.6 weeks, respectively. The average ATRS and AOFAS‐AHS scores were 90.2 and 95.7, respectively, with an excellent rate of 99.5%. Isokinetic tests showed that ankle function on the affected side was comparable with that on the healthy side (p > 0.05).The MIS‐PSAT for acute Achilles tendon rupture is easy to perform with few complications. Importantly, the surgical technique reduces the risk of sural nerve injuries. Patients have high postoperative satisfaction, low re‐rupture rates, and muscle strength, and endurance can be restored to levels similar to those on the healthy side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has developed as an eco‐friendly photovoltaic candidate owing to its non‐toxic composition and exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, the toxic and parasitic light‐absorbing CdS are widely used as electron transport layer (ETL) in Sb2Se3 solar cells, which severely limits its development. Herein, an alternative, zinc tin oxide (ZTO) ETL with varying composition‐dependent energy structure is deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique and used for constructing Cd‐free Sb2Se3 solar cells. It has been found that the ZTO ETL possessing an appropriate Zn/Sn ratio can alter the Sb2Se3/ZTO heterojunction band alignment to an ideal “spike‐like” arrangement. It not only suppresses the accumulation and recombination of charge carriers at the interface, but also effectively enhances carrier transport. In addition, thanks to the formation of passivated Sb2O3 ultra‐thin layer upon ALD process, the non‐radiative recombination within bulk Sb2Se3 can be effectively suppressed, and therefore enhancing carrier lifetime, extraction efficiency, and collection efficiency. Consequently, the as‐fabricated Mo/Sb2Se3/ZTO/ITO/Ag thin‐film solar cell demonstrates an impressive efficiency of 8.63%. This accomplishment establishes it as the most efficient Cd‐free Sb2Se3 solar cell to date, underscoring the significant advantages of incorporating ZTO ETL in the development of Sb2Se3 photovoltaic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the safety and application value of combining Laennec extracapsular occlusion with ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy. Methods: Complete laparoscopic dissection was performed outside the Laennec sheath, blocking Glisson's pedicle of the corresponding liver segment or lobe. An appropriate amount of indocyanine green (ICG) dye was intravenously injected, and the boundary line between the pre‐cut liver segment and liver lobe was identified using fluorescence laparoscopy. Complete resection of the liver segment or lobe was performed based on anatomical markers. Clinical data, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications, were collected. Results: A total of 14 cases were included in the study, including seven cases of primary liver cancer, three cases of metastatic liver cancer, three cases of intrahepatic bile duct calculi, and one case of hepatic hemangioma. All 14 patients underwent anatomic hepatectomy under fluorescent laparoscopy, with four cases involving the right liver, seven cases involving the left liver, two cases involving the right anterior lobe, and one case involving the right posterior lobe. Conclusion: Combining laparoscopic follow‐up of the Laennec membrane with Glisson outer sheath block and intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging provides real‐time guidance for locating the resection boundaries during anatomic hepatectomy. This approach helps in controlling intraoperative bleeding, reducing operation time, and ensuring high safety. It holds significant value in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transverse transmission concepts in the Fourier transform domain for multilayer planar transmission medium are presented. This complete transverse transmission theory (TTT) is found to be a superset of different Fourier-transform-based numerical techniques widely used in guided wave analysis, namely the mode- matching method and the spectral-domain approach. The features of the theory are: the expansion of field quantities in longitudinal section (LSE/LSM) modes, the concept of rotation of the transverse field vectors, and a comprehensive algorithm using recursive matrix standard form. It is shown that the mode-matching method and spectral-domain approach are generally equivalent except for the last step of imposing the final boundary conditions, and can therefore be summarized in a unified theory within the framework of 1'!'!. In addition, a new parameter, the polarization coefficient, has been introduced to describe the field polarization of the guided wave in a quantitative manner. It is believed that the present theory will help us to gain more insight into hybrid mode propagation in multilayer planar circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays an integral role in anxiety disorders (such as post traumatic stress disorder) stem from dysregulated fear memory. The excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA correlates with fear memory, and the afterhyperpolarization current (IAHP) mediated by small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel subtype 2 (SK2) dominates the excitability of glutamatergicneurons. This study aimed to explore the effect of MPP2 interacts with SK2 in the excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA and the extinction of conditioned fear in mice. Methods: Fear memory was analyzed via freezing percentage. Western blotting and fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to determine the expression of protein and mRNA respectively. Electrophysiology was employed to measure the excitability of glutamatergic neurons and IAHP. Results: Fear conditioning decreased the levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA, which were restored following fear extinction. Notably, reduced expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear conditioning was caused by the increased activity of protein kinase A (PKA), while increased levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear extinction were mediated by interactions with membrane‐palmitoylated protein 2 (MPP2). Conclusions: Our results revealed that MPP2 interacts with the SK2 channels and rescues the excitability of glutamatergic neurons by increasing the expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA to promote the normalization of anxiety disorders and provide a new direction for the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the protective effect of VX‐765 on human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) in stroke and its mechanism. Materials and methods: Mouse models of ischemic stroke were established using the distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) method. The dMCAO mice were accordingly transplanted with HUMSCs, VX‐765‐treated HUMSCs, or VX‐765 + MHY185‐treated HUMSCs. The HUMSCs were inserted with green fluorescent protein (GFP) for measurement of transplantation efficiency which was determined by immunofluorescence assay. Oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied to mimic ischemic environment in vitro experiments, and the HUMSCs herein were transfected with AMPK inhibitor Compound C or autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA. MTT assay was used to test the toxicity of VX‐765. TUNEL staining and ELISA were applied to measure the levels of apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10), respectively. The expressions of autophagy‐associated proteins, AMPK, and mTOR were detected by Western blotting. TTC staining was applied to reveal the infarct lesions in the brain of dMCAO mice. Results: The pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TUNEL‐positive cells, and p‐mTOR were decreased while the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, autophagy‐related proteins, and p‐AMPK were increased in HUMSCs treated with VX‐765 under OGD condition. Different expression patterns were found with the above factors after transfection of 3‐MA or Compound C. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TUNEL‐positive cells, and infarct sections were decreased while the anti‐inflammatory cytokine and autophagy‐related proteins were increased in dMCAO mice transplanted with VX‐765‐treated HUMSCs compared to those transplanted with HUMSCs only. The autophagy was inhibited while p‐mTOR was up‐regulated after transfection of MHY. Conclusion: VX‐765 protects HUMSCs against stroke‐induced apoptosis and inflammatory responses by activating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and straightforward synthetic approach to completely unsymmetrical triarylmethanes through the situ‐generated o‐quinone methides from readily available starting materials has been successfully developed. In the presence of an Fe(III) salt, three different aromatic rings, including salicylaldehydes, arylboronic acids, and arenes, were incorporated into one molecule in a single step under the base/ligand‐free conditions. The related reactions show high chemoselectivity and afford a variety of completely unsymmetrical triarylmethane products in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is well recognized. While several studies have examined the occurrence of PFAS in WWTPs, studies assessing the extent to which unit processes impact PFAS phase distribution are relatively lacking. Herein, PFAS enrichment in foams generated during aeration and PFAS accumulation in solids dewatering streams were evaluated in WWTPs. Results of this screening‐level study showed that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations were enriched up to three orders of magnitude in foams relative to the aqueous phase. Similarly, total PFAS concentrations in solids dewatering streams were enriched up to 380 times relative to the aqueous influent. The PFAS mass in the dewatering stream was a significant component of the overall PFAS mass exiting the WWTP at one of the facilities examined. Results of this study suggest that there is potential to mitigate PFAS by improved management of these foams and dewatering waste streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 344 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In article number 1600501, Chun‐Hua Yan and co‐workers provide an overall review of substantial developments in controlled synthesis and catalytic applications of ceria based nanocatalysts in both environmental and energy related fields. The upper Chinese knot in this image shows the crystal structure of cerium dioxide, and the film in the bottom presents the well‐defined nanoceria towards some representative applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, green hydrogen harvesting from electrochemical water splitting is overly reliant on noble metals with high catalytic activity but low natural abundance and high cost. As one of potential earth‐abundant alternatives, copper, however, displays a poor hydrogen evolving capability, mainly due to inherently a weak hydrogen binding energy (HBE). It poses a substantial restriction to metallic Cu alone serving as primary active sites for high‐performance hydrogen evolution. Thanks to the presence of hydrogen spillover that was often overlooked during the electrocatalysis, the hydrogen evolution in a nonacidic electrolyte can be accelerated by the recombination desorption of adsorbed hydrogen over Cu with a weak HBE. Here, we concisely highlighted this promotion effect of secondary active Cu on electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and eagerly expected to extend hydrogen spillover effects to the advance of multi‐site electrocatalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spironaphthalene-pyrrolidine motif is present in numerous bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broad spectrum of substrates can be successfully transformed to the biologically interesting heterocyclic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is directly related to the risk of breast cancer (BC) occurrence and worsened BC prognosis. Currently, there are no specific treatments for diabetes‐associated BC. This paper aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms of diabetes‐induced BC progression and to develop personalized treatments. It reports a metabolic reprogramming strategy (MRS) that pharmaceutical induction of glucose import and glycolysis with metformin and NF‐κB inhibitor (NF‐κBi) while blocking the export of excessive lactate via inhibiting monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) leads to a metabolic crisis within the cancer cells. It demonstrates that the MRS shifts the metabolism of BC cells toward higher production of lactate, blocks lactate secretion, prompts intracellular acidification and induces significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, a novel MCT4 inhibitor CB‐2 has been identified by structure‐based virtual screening. A triple combination of metformin, CB‐2, and trabectedin, a drug that impedes NF‐κB signaling, strongly inhibits BC cells. Compared to normal glucose condition, MRS elicits more potent cancer cell‐killing effects under high glucose condition. Animal model studies show that diabetic conditions promote the proliferation and progression of BC xenografts in nude mice and that MRS treatment significantly inhibits HG‐induced BC progression. Therefore, inhibition of MCT4 combined with metformin/NF‐κBi is a promising cancer therapy, especially for diabetes‐associated BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]