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Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their applications in photocatalysis have been extensively studied, but the instability of imine‐linked COFs is an important factor limiting their performance. In this work, two imine‐linked COFs were successfully converted to amide‐linked COFs through post synthetic modification (PSM). The oxidized COFs presented lower binding energy to O2, exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for oxidation of thioethers and coupling of benzylamines with excellent stability. The present work can serve as a reliable reference for the development of novel highly active and stable COF‐based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of photocatalytic semiconductor degradation performance through a bismuth‐rich strategy and heterojunction engineering is considered a very effective approach. Herein, the bismuth‐rich Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz composites are synthesized through a simple solvothermal reaction. The composites have an internal electric field because of their specific layered structure. Due to the difference between their covalent [BixOy]2+ layer and exchangeable halogen ion layer, the enhanced internal electric field facilitates electron transfer at the high‐quality interface of the semiconductor. The trace presence of Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz (0.1 g L−1) can achieve an 88% removal of tetracycline (20 mg L−1) from the solution phase under visible light illumination in 120 min. The photocatalytic activity is much higher than that of pure BiOCl and BiOI. Furthermore, the material also exhibits high photocatalytic degradation performance for bisphenol A, doxycycline hydrochloride, etc. The excellent results further confirm the application range of the prepared photocatalysts. The superior photocatalytic activity of Bi3O4Cl/BixOyIz is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction and the generation of an internal electric field, which enhances charge separation and oxidation ability. Photoelectrochemical characterization can confirm the above views. Free radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance show that heterojunctions can produce abundant •O2− and •OH under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesenchymal feature, dominated by epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stromal cell activation, is one of the main reasons for the aggressive nature of tumors, yet it remains poorly understood. In gastric cancer (GC), the fermitin family homolog-2 (FERMT2) is involved in macrophage signaling, promoting migration and invasion. However, the function of FERMT2 in fibroblasts remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that downregulation of FERMT2 expression can block EMT in GC cells by inhibiting fibroblast activation in vitro. Furthermore, we found that, in addition to the known pathways, fibroblast-derived FERMT2 promotes M2-like macrophage growth and that in human GC samples, there is a strong positive correlation between FERMT2 and CD163 and CD206 levels. Notably, high FERMT2 expression was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and was upregulated in patients with advanced disease. Taken together, our results provide evidence that the fibroblast-FERMT2-EMT-M2 macrophage axis plays a critical role in the GC mesenchymal phenotype and may be a promising target for the treatment of advanced GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous industrial development has caused a series of water and environmental pollution while accelerating the social progress. One‐dimensional AgI/Bi12O17Cl2 nanotube materials are prepared by in situ solvothermal method assisted by pH regulation. Series of characterization have been applied to confirm the existence of AgI in Bi12O17Cl2 nanotube system and the synergistic effect for photocatalytic degradation organic pollutants between AgI and Bi12O17Cl2 nanotube. The results show that the prepared AgI/Bi12O17Cl2‐10 composites with AgI theoretical composite value of 10 wt% exhibited the best degradation performance. The degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B within 120 min is 83.52%, and the degradation rate of AgI/Bi12O17Cl2‐10 is 2.12 times than that of Bi12O17Cl2 nanotube under the same conditions. The reason for enhanced photocatalytic activity of composites is the formation of type‐II heterojunctions between AgI and Bi12O17Cl2. The type‐II heterojunctions achieve spatial separation of electrons and holes and improve the utilization of charges, resulting in improved photocatalytic performance of AgI/Bi12O17Cl2 composites. A photocatalytic mechanism of AgI/Bi12O17Cl2 composites is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) can be combined in the development of a material with synergistic properties and promising potential for the conservation of food products. In this study, ellagic acid (EA) and anti‐inflammatory peptide (FPL)‐loaded CS nanoparticles (FPL/EA NPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method and optimal preparation conditions were obtained through a single factor design. RESULTS: The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nanoparticles were spherical, with an average size of 308.33 ± 4.61 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.254, a zeta potential of +31.7 ± 0.08 mV, and a high encapsulation capacity (22.16 ± 0.79%). An in vitro release study showed that EA/FPL had a sustainable release from FPL/EA NPs. The stability of the FPL/EA NPs was evaluated for 90 days at 0, 25, and 37 °C. Significant anti‐inflammatory activity of FPL/EA NPs was verified by nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) reduction. CONCLUSION: These characteristics support the use of CS nanoparticles to encapsulate EA and FPL and improve their bioactivity in food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panxi area in Sichuan Province is the main area for the production of truffles in China, and several species of truffle are known to exist in this region. Nevertheless, it is unclear what the differences in chemical composition between the truffles are. Using an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry coupled with Compound Discoverer 3.0, we identified chemical components in three mainly known truffles from the Panxi region. Further analysis of chemical composition differences was conducted using principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Note that, 78.9% of the variance was uncovered by the principal component analysis model. As a result of the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model, the three species of truffles (Tuber pesudohimalayense, Tuber indicum, and Tuber sinense) from Panxi were better discriminated, with R2X, R2Y, and Q2 being 0.821, 0.993, and 0.947, respectively. In this study, 87 components were identified. T. pesudohimalayense contained significantly higher levels of nine different compounds than the other two species. Hence, it was possible to identify similarities and differences between three species of truffles from Panxi in terms of chemical composition. This can be used as a basis for quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The self‐assembled nanomaterials based on peptides, which have not only good biocompatibility and low toxicity but also high stability and performance, are increasingly becoming an important way for cancer treatment. In this review, we highlight the progress of in vivo self‐assembled polymer‐peptide conjugates (PPCs) and their application, showing the recent advances in the development of "in vivo self‐assembly" strategy for cancer treatment. Given the diverse microenvironments of tumor cells, different responsive assembly strategies (enzyme, pH, redox, temperature, etc.) have been developed to precisely control the assembly at different biological levels, realizing enhanced drug delivery and improved anticancer efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The self‐assembled nanomaterials based on peptides, which have not only good biocompatibility and low toxicity but also high stability and performance, are increasingly becoming an important way for cancer treatment. In this review, we highlight the progress of in vivo self‐assembled polymer‐peptide conjugates (PPCs) and their application, showing the recent advances in the development of "in vivo self‐assembly" strategy for cancer treatment. Given the diverse microenvironments of tumor cells, different responsive assembly strategies (enzyme, pH, redox, temperature, etc.) have been developed to precisely control the assembly at different biological levels, realizing enhanced drug delivery and improved anticancer efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the vibration of a transmission tower, the joints will be subjected to a reciprocating load. To obtain the accurate state of the transmission tower under the load, the mechanical properties of the joints under the vibration load must be considered. In this paper, the mechanical properties of typical K-joints in transmission tower structures are studied by numerical simulation. The failure mode of the K-joint under cyclic loading is also analyzed. The mechanical properties of the K-joint are discussed from the aspects of hysteretic characteristics, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility evaluation, and the influencing factors are discussed. The results show that the failure mode of the K-joint is related to the bolt grade and steel strength. When analyzing K-joints, the moment-rotation hysteresis curve should be combined with the realistic parameters of joints to consider the hysteretic behavior of the K-joint. The results provide a theoretical reference for the accurate modeling of transmission towers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taiwan–Ryukyu arc–trench junction area is a seismic active region and has high potential to generate large earthquakes. However, the detailed deep structures are not fully revealed because of data resolution problems. The Taiwan Integrated Geodynamic Research (TAIGER) project collected two wide‐angle and multichannel seismic profiles across the Taiwan mountain belt (T5) and the western end of the Ryukyu arc–trench system (T6). In this study, we perform 2‐D gravity modelling for T5 and T6 by taking advantage of well‐constrained P‐wave velocity models, which helps to reduce the nonunique problem. To better fit the observed gravity anomaly, a block with relatively high‐density must exist beneath eastern Taiwan. This high‐density material could be serpentinised mantle, which may be resulted from the dehydration of the subducting Eurasian plate. Also, our result indicates that the subducting Gagua Ridge has a deep crustal root and extends northward to the Ryukyu forearc area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the significance of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA), and reveal the value of single cytokines and their proportions in early diagnosis. Methods: A total of 44 URSA patients (URSA group), 51 patients with adverse pregnancy history (ad‐pregnancy group), and 42 healthy volunteers with normal pregnancy (pregnancy group) were recruited for a cross‐sectional study from July 2018 to April 2019 in the Second Xiangya Hospital. Pregnancies involving chromosomal abnormalities, infection, autoimmune diseases, and anatomical abnormalities were excluded. Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of Th1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood. Results: The level of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the peripheral blood of the ad‐pregnancy group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. The ratio of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)/IL‐4 in the URSA group was significantly higher than that of the pregnancy group. The area under the curve for IFN‐γ/IL‐4 was 0.821, with high diagnostic efficiency, and sensitivity as high as 84.09%. Conclusion: Laboratory testing for IL‐6 is not recommended for the diagnosis or monitoring of URSA. The variable IFN‐γ/IL‐4 can be used for the initial diagnosis of URSA to reduce the rate of missed diagnosis. This ratio was more important than the expression of a single cytokine in the Th1/Th2 immune response. Synopsis: The ratio of interferon‐γ/interleukin‐4 could be used in the early diagnosis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, which is more effective than single cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity and efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 conversion are limited by a narrow spectral response range and fast electron–hole pair recombination. As plasmonic photocatalysts have become novel catalytic materials for visible light, herein, a typical Bi2O3 photocatalyst as a template to achieve simultaneous in situ bismuth reduction and coupling on the material surface via hydrogen–argon plasma alteration is used. Combining the surface plasmon resonance effect of Bi nanoparticles and the characteristics of composite photocatalytic materials, Bi–Bi2O3 exhibits excellent efficiency in light absorption and separation of photogenerated carriers; photocatalytic activity is significantly enhanced. The CO yields are changed with plasma‐treated duration; the maximum is reached at a treatment time of 3 min, where the rate of CO production is 29.87 μmol h−1 g−1 and CH4 production rate increases from 0 to 6.29 μmol h−1 g−1. The reaction mechanism is further confirmed by in situ Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Both the efficient light‐generated carrier separation and intense light absorption contribute to the high activity of the well‐designed Bi–Bi2O3 catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury (ALI) involves series of inflammatory pathologies and cause high morbidity. Salviplenoid A (SA) was a new sesquiterpenoid from the traditional inflammatory herb Salvia plebeia. In our previous study, SA exhibited antiinflammatory activity in RAW264.7 cells. However, the extensive effects of SA in human cells and in vivo and the active mechanisms are unclear. Thus, in this study, we sought to access its effects in vitro and in vivo and to investigate its mechanisms. SA was proved to inhibit the induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human cell types, including pulmonary epithelial cells and endothetial cells. It also depressed monocyte adhesion. Moreover, SA potently attenuated the acute lung inflammation in the LPS‐induced mouse model shown by down‐regulation of proinflammatory mediators, inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, and alleviation of related symptoms like alveolar congestion and mucus secretion. Further evaluation confirmed that SA regulated NF‐κB pathway by inhibiting the IκB‐α phosphorylation. And it markedly mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 expression and promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Therefore, SA could attenuate acute lung inflammation via suppressing NF‐κB and activating Nrf2, which provide a theoretical basis for the potential application of SA in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automobile steel with moderate tensile strength demands for higher total elongation, whereas present production cannot satisfy such requirement. To cope with the challenge for desired ductility, Ti, Nb, and V microalloyed steel is applied to a late‐stage ultrafast cooling (LUC) method as well as an interrupted ultrafast cooling (IUC) strategy to explore the effect of cooling process on the total elongation. It is found that an IUC can increase the total elongation and the lűders strain to about 45% and 60% higher in comparison with the LUC counterpart, respectively. Metallographic microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and orientation distribution function (ODF) are used to characterize the microstructure and texture components. It is revealed that the multiscale grain distribution and the multiphase constituent, especially the existence of ultrafine pearlite microstructure with several atomic layers of grain boundaries, are greatly important for the ductility enhancement. It is inferred that larger undercooling caused by ultrafast cooling strategy makes the dislocation density much higher, whereas Nb precipitation tends to induce the formation of lamellar pearlite structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between frailty and incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese elderly sample. Methods: We analysed data of 1264 older Chinese elders aged 70–87 years in the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study. The frailty phenotype was assessed using the Fried criteria and depression symptoms was measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: At baseline, 10.6% of participants had depressive symptoms and 9.0% had frailty. In cross‐sectional analysis, both pre‐frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 2.18, 95% CI 1.35–3.51) and frailty (OR = 4.64, 95% CI 2.49–8.66) were associated with depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, frailty (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.17–3.83), instead of pre‐frailty, was associated with 1.5‐year incident depressive symptoms in a full‐adjusted model among participants free of baseline depressive symptoms. In the components of frailty, lower grip strength was associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms onset (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.06–2.29). Conclusions: Frailty and lower grip strength were associated with incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese elderly sample. Interventions designed to prevent depressive symptoms may be useful by utilising physical aspects of the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive subtype of GBM. Our previous study found that neurotrophic factor prosaposin (PSAP) is highly expressed and secreted in glioma and can promote the growth of glioma. The role of PSAP in mesenchymal GBM is still unclear. In this study, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to detect the expression of PSAP in different GBM subtypes. Human glioma cell lines and patient‐derived glioma stem cells were studied in vitro and in vivo, revealing that mesenchymal GBM expressed and secreted the highest level of PSAP among four subtypes of GBM, and PSAP could promote GBM invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like processes in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis and western blotting showed that PSAP mainly played a regulatory role in GBM invasion and EMT‐like processes via the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway. In conclusion, the overexpression and secretion of PSAP may be an important factor causing the high invasiveness of mesenchymal GBM. PSAP is therefore a potential target for the treatment of mesenchymal GBM. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported the designed synthesis of three isostructural three‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) with ‐H, ‐Me, or ‐F substituents, which have similar crystallinity and topology. Their crystal structures were determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED), and all three 3D COFs were found to adopt a fivefold interpenetrated pts topology. More importantly, the resolution of these cRED datasets reached up to 0.9–1.0 Å, enabling the localization of all non‐hydrogen atomic positions in a COF framework directly by 3D ED techniques for the first time. In addition, the precise control of the pore environments through the use of different functional groups led to different selectivities for CO2 over N2. We have thus confirmed that polycrystalline COFs can be definitely studied to the atomic level as other materials, and this study should also inspire the design and synthesis of 3D COFs with tailored pore environments for interesting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Inflammation elevates intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in airway smooth muscle (ASM). The L‐type Ca2+ channel (L‐VDCC) plays an important role in regulating Ca2+ influx in ASM. However, the role of L‐VDCC in the inflammatory cytokine‐induced pathology of ASM remains unclear. In the present study, we used calcium imaging and isometric tension measurements to assess the role of L‐VDCC in agonist‐induced [Ca2+]i rise and the associated contractions in mouse ASM, and we used immunoblotting to identify L‐VDCC protein expression levels in mouse ASM after exposure to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) or interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). Our results showed that high‐K+‐ or carbachol‐induced contractions of mouse ASM were significantly greater after pretreatment with TNF‐α or IL‐8 for 24 hours. Both verapamil and nifedipine, L‐VDCC inhibitors, abolished this increased contraction induced by TNF‐α or IL‐8 pretreatment. Moreover, TNF‐α treatment enhanced carbachol‐induced Ca2+ influx in ASM cells, and this effect was abrogated by verapamil. Additionally, immunoblotting results showed that preincubation of mouse ASM with TNF‐α or IL‐8 also enhanced L‐VDCC protein expression. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α and IL‐8, increase the expression level of L‐VDCC, which in turn contributes to augmented agonist‐induced ASM contractions. This effect of inflammation on L‐VDCC expression in ASM may be associated with airway hyper‐responsiveness and involved in the development of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac fibrosis contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. Antifibrotic therapies are likely to be a crucial strategy in curbing many fibrosis-related cardiac diseases. In our previous study, an ethyl acetate extract of a traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis Franch. was found to have a therapeutic effect on myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact chemicals and their mechanisms responsible for the activity of the crude extract have not been illustrated yet. In the current study, 10 sesquiterpenoids (1-10) were isolated from the active extract, and their antifibrotic effects were systematically evaluated in transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts and NIH3T3 fibrosis models. (+)-Isobicyclogermacrenal (1) and spathulenol (2) were identified as the main active components, being more potent than the well-known natural antifibrotic agent oxymatrine. Compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit the TGFβ1-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and suppress the expression of the fibrosis biomarkers fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin via down-regulation of their mRNA levels. The mechanism study revealed that 1 and 2 could inhibit the phosphorylation of TGFβ type I receptor, leading to the decrease of the phosphorylation levels of downstream Smad2/3, then consequently blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 in the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 1 and 2 may serve as promising natural leads for the development of anticardiac fibrosis drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mizolastine is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist for chronic urticaria or allergic rhinitis. We investigated whether the variant genotypes of metabolic enzymes UGT1A1, CYP3A5 and transporter ABCB1 influence pharmacokinetic phenotype of substrate mizolastine in Chinese volunteers. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms in UGT1A1*6 (G211A), CYP3A5*3 (A6986G) and ABCB1 (C3435T) was determined by the pyrosequencing method. After a single oral dose of 10 mg mizolastine, the plasma concentrations were measured using validated high‐performance liquid chromatography in 24 Chinese healthy volunteers. The results showed that the distributions of wild‐type homozygotes and variant allele carriers (the sum of variant heterozygotes and variant homozygotes) were as follows: 17 cases (70.8%) versus seven cases (29.2%) in UGT1A1*6 genotypes, five cases (20.8%) versus 19 cases (79.2%) in CYP3A5*3 genotypes and seven cases (29.2%) versus 17 cases (70.8%) in ABCB1 3435T genotypes, respectively. There were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of mizolastine between the variant allele UGT1A1*6, CYP3A5*3 and ABCB1 3435T carriers and the wild‐type homozygotes, and the ratios were as follows: Cmax was 101.03%, 86.02% and 105.78%; Tmax was 162.35%, 98.98% and 144.90%; AUC0–28 was 113.04%, 77.35% and 112.71%; and t1/2 was 95.77%, 72.40% and 100.97%, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggested that the UGT1A1, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms might be not contributed to the interindividual variation of mizolastine pharmacokinetic phenotype in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BRCA1/2 are cancer predisposition genes involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Mutation carriers display an increased sensitivity to inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Despite a number of small-size hospital-based studies being previously reported, there is not yet, to our knowledge, precise data of BRCA1/2 mutations among Chinese ovarian cancer patients. We performed a multicenter cohort study including 916 unselected consecutive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients from eastern China to screen for BRCA1/2 mutations using the next-generation sequencing approach. A total of 153 EOC patients were found to carry pathogenic germline mutations in BRCA1/2, accounting for an overall mutation incidence of 16.7% with the predominance in BRCA1 (13.1%) compared with BRCA2 (3.9%). We identified 53 novel pathogenic mutations, among which the c.283_286delCTTG and the c.4573C > T of BRCA1 were both found in two unrelated patients. More importantly, the most common mutation found in this study, c.5470_5477del8 was most likely to be Chinese population-related without an apparent founder origin. This hot-spot mutation was presumably associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Taken together, germline BRCA1/2 mutations were common in Chinese EOC patients with distinct mutational spectrum compared to Western populations. Our study contributes to the current understanding of BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence worldwide. We recommend BRCA1/2 genetic testing to all Chinese women diagnosed with EOC to identify HBOC families, to provide genetic counseling and clinical management for at-risk relatives. Mutation carriers may also benefit from PARP-targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) has been reported to promote progression of many physiological processes. However, whether TCTP is involved in liver regeneration has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of serum TCTP in liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. Methods The synthesis rate and accumulated expression of TCTP was assessed by phosphor imaging and Western blot analysis, respectively. The mRNA expression of tctp was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The effect of serum TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation was investigated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, liver/body weight ratio, albumin concentration, and histological examination of liver following treatment of rat with anti-TCTP antibody or prokaryotic TCTP protein before hepatectomy. The MTT assay was used to examine effect of TCTP on hepatocyte proliferation in vitro. Results The results showed that the expression of intracellular and serum TCTP protein was significantly increased in rats after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling assay suggested that treatment with anti-TCTP antibody before hepatectomy significantly decreased hepatocyte proliferation and liver/body weight ratio. The prokaryotic TCTP had a potential promoting effect on hepatocyte proliferation both in vivo and in vitro, although prokaryotic TCTP given to rats prior to hepatectomy did not increase the proliferation ratio or liver/body weight ratio. Furthermore, anti-TCTP antibody pretreatment decreased the expression of cyclin E, cdk2, and interleukin-6 in rat liver. Conclusion These findings suggest serum TCTP is involved in rat liver regeneration through promoting hepatocyte proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hexacyanoferrate-based , [C4Py]3Fe(CN)6 and [C16Py]3Fe(CN)6, were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopies and CHN analysis. They were employed as Fenton-like catalysts in extraction and catalytic oxidative of model oil with dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), 4-methyldibenzothiophene (4-MDBT) and 3-methylbenzothiophene (3-MBT) as substrates. Various polar solvents, such as , water and organic solvents, were applied to choose a suitable extractant. The results showed the removal of DBT reached 97.1% with [C4Py]3Fe(CN)6 as a catalyst and 1- n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8mim]PF6) as an extractant under optimal conditions. The activity of followed the order DBT > 3-MBT > BT > 4-MDBT >4,6-DMDBT. The effect of water content on was investigated by adding various concentrations of H2O2. It was found that excess water had a positive effect on but the catalysts were less sensitive than [FeCl4−]-based catalysts to water. The mechanism was studied using electron spin-resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. O2•− may be the active oxygen species in the catalytic oxidative process and the oxidation products of various were the corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile approach for the preparation of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/BiOCl microspheres has been demonstrated by a ionic liquid assisted solvothermal method. The MWCNT/BiOCl heterostructures were fabricated by dispersing MWCNT onto the surface of BiOCl. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and the specific surface area. The MWCNT/BiOCl microspheres showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B than pure BiOCl under visible-light irradiation. The optimal MWCNT content for the photocatalytic activity of the MWCNT/BiOCl microspheres was 0.1 wt%. The introduction of MWCNT facilitated the separation of electron-hole pairs, and thus led to the improvement of photocatalytic activity. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of MWCNT/BiOCl composites was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of multi-stage connected constructed wetland (CW) microcosms were studied at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) to determine the effects of the wetland connection mode and HRT on wastewater pollutants removal efficiency. The connection modes included series (Ser), parallel (Par), Ser-Par, and Par-Ser, while HRTs of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h were studied. By integrating three stages of vertical- and horizontal-flow CWs, the pollutant removal processes were separated into different steps. The results showed that the Ser-Par mode had the highest total nitrogen removal efficiency (45.2%) at an HRT of 3 h and the highest total phosphorus removal efficiency (74.6%) at HRT= 5h. In terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD), the Par system had the highest removal efficiency (75.9%) at HRT = 4h. The highest removal efficiency for NH4+-N (68.4%) was observed in the Ser system at HRT = 4h. Overall, coupled systems at the 4 h HRT showed optimal removal efficiency where 75.9% of COD and 68.4% of NH4+-N were removed, respectively. Our results suggest multi-stage coupled CW with appropriate HRT can be a comprehensive and effective method for urban wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new cassane diterpenoids, caesalmins I-M ( 1- 5), and 23 known analogs were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparison with reported data. The antioxidant properties of 1- 28 were determined by the method of oxygen radical absorbance capacity of fluorescein (ORAC-FL), and 14 compounds exhibited good antioxidant activities with ORAC-FL values of 2.24-4.89 Trolox equivalents. The structureactivity relationship of the active compounds was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large volumes of untreated palm oil mill effluent (POME) pose threat to aquatic environment due to the presence of very high organic content. The present investigation involved two pilot-scale anaerobic expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors, continuously operated for 1 year to treat POME. Setting HRT at 9.8 d, the anaerobic EGSB reactors reduced COD from 71179 mg/L to 12341 mg/L and recycled half of sludge by a dissolved air flotation (DAF). The average effluent COD was 3587 mg/L with the consistent COD removal efficiency of 94.89%. Adding cationic polymer (PAM) dose of 30 mg/L to DAF unit and recycling its half of sludge caused granulation of anaerobic sludge. Bacilli and small coccid bacteria were the dominant microbial species of the reactor. The reactor produced 27.65 m3 of biogas per m3 of POME which was utilized for electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil is one of the most important agroindustries in Malaysia. Huge quantities of palm oil mill effluent (POME) pose a great threat to aqueous environment due to its very high COD. To make full use of discharged wastes, the integrated “zero discharge” pilot-scale industrial plant comprising “pretreatment-anaerobic and aerobic process-membrane separation” was continuously operated for 1 year. After pretreatment in the oil separator tank, 55.6% of waste oil in raw POME could be recovered and sold and anaerobically digested through 2 AnaEG reactors followed by a dissolved air flotation (DAF); average COD reduced to about 3587 mg/L, and biogas production was 27.65 times POME injection which was used to generate electricity. The aerobic effluent was settled for 3 h or/and treated in MBR which could remove BOD3 (30°C) to less than 20 mg/L as required by Department of Environment of Malaysia. After filtration by UF and RO membrane, all organic compounds and most of the salts were removed; RO permeate could be reused as the boiler feed water. RO concentrate combined with anaerobic surplus sludge could be used as biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Two pairs of new neolignan enantiomers, (±)-torreyayunan A ( 1a/ 1b) and (±)-torreyayunan B ( 2a/ 2b), featuring a rare C-8 − C-9′ linked skeleton, were isolated from leaves and twigs of Torreya yunnanensis. Their absolute configuration involving two chiral centers was determined by combined spectral and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. This is the first report of the absolute configuration of this group of neolignans. Chirality 26:825-828, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a process used to isolate cembranoids from soft coral Sarcophyton. Topics discussed include characteristics of Sarcophyton corals, biological activities of the metabolites found in Sarcophyton and chemical structure of the cembranoids isolated from the coral. Also discussed are the results of the cytotoxicity evaluation of the compounds as compared with human breast cancer cells.

ABSTRACT Aristoyunnolins G ( 1) and H ( 2), two new diastereoisomeric sesquiterpenes featuring a rare aristophyllene skeleton, were isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis. Their absolute stereochemistry involving three chiral centers was determined by combined chemical, spectral, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation methods. Chirality 26:189-193, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new guaiane sesquiterpenoids, (1 β,5 β)-1-hydroxyguaia-4(15),11(13)-dieno-12,5-lactone ( 1) and 1,5-epoxy-4-hydroxyguai-11(13)-en-12-oic acid ( 2), together with five known compounds, rupestonic acid ( 3), strobilactone A ( 4), antiquorin ( 5), isosclerone ( 6), and 5-hydroxy-2′,3′,4′,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone ( 7), were isolated from a 95% EtOH extract of Artemisia rupestris. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare examples of guaiane sesquiterpenoids, incorporating a 12,5-lactone group or featuring a 1,5-epoxy ring, respectively. The structures of 1 and 2 were identified by various spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against the human lung cancer 95-D cell line with IC50 values of 11.3, 19.8, and 34.5 μ M, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

104 samples from 27 accessions belonging to 12 species of genus Epimedium were studied on the basis of cytology observation, POD (i.e., peroxide) isozyme, high performance liquid chromatography (i.e., HPLC) fingerprint, and interspecific hybridization. Thecytology observation showed karyotypes of twelve species studied; all are 2A symmetry type of Stebbins standard and similar to each other, and except for karyotype of E. leptorrhizum which is 2n = 2x = 8m (2SAT) + 4sm, the rest are 2n = 2x = 6m (2SAT) + 6sm. Chromosomes C-banding of barrenwort species varies, with 15 to 22 bands, consisting of centromeric bands, intercalary bands, terminal bands, and middle satellite bands. Results of POD isozyme showed that the zymographs vary greatly and sixteen bands were detected in the eleven species, and each species has its own characteristic bands different from the others. Studies on the HPLC fingerprint showed that the HPLC fingerprint of different species has characteristic peaks, divided into two regions (retention time < 10 min and retention time > 10 min). Results of interspecific hybridization showed that crosses of any combination among seven species studied are successful and the rates of grain set vary greatly. Based on these results, the system and phylogeny of this genus were inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral bleaching is of increasing concern to reef management and stakeholders. Thus far, quantification of coral bleaching tends to be heavily reliant on the enumeration of zooxanthellae, with less emphasis on assessment of photosynthetic or physiological condition, these being often assessed separately by techniques such as liquid chromatography. Traditional methods of enumeration using microscopy are time consuming, subjected to low precision and great observer error. In this study, we presented a method for the distinction of physoiological condition and rapid enumeration of zooxanthellae using flow cytometry (FCM). Microscopy verified that healthy looking/live versus damaged/dead zooxanthellae could be reliably and objectively distinguished and counted by FCM on the basis of red and green fluorescence and light scatter. Excellent correlations were also determined between FCM and microscopy estimates of cell concentrations of fresh zooxanthellae isolates from Pocillopora damicornis. The relative intensities of chlorophyll and β-carotene fluorescences were shown to be important in understanding the results of increased cell counts in freshly isolated zooxanthellae experimentally exposed to high temperatures (34, 36, and 38°C) over 24 h, with ambient temperature (29°C) used as controls. The ability to simultaneously identify and enumerate subpopulations of different physiological states in the same sample provides an enormous advantage in not just determining bleaching responses, but elucidating adaptive response and mechanisms for tolerance. Therefore, this approach might provide a rapid, convenient, and reproducible methodology for climate change studies and reef management programs. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which demonstrated the preparation of nanohybrid of polymers and inorganic materials in aqueous solution rather than organic solvents commonly used. In this study, the nanocomposites of polyurethane-montmorillonite (PU-MMT) were successfully prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization and its particle size in emulsion was controlled in nanolevel. Results showed that the permeability coefficient of the films reduced after composing with montmorillonite (MMT).

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐based cancer therapy, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), is subject to the hypoxia and overexpressed glutathione (GSH) found in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a novel strategy is reported to continuously and simultaneously regulate tumor hypoxia and reducibility in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. To accomplish this, a biocompatible nanoplatform (MnFe2O4@metal–organic framework (MOF)) is developed by integrating a coating of porphyrin‐based MOF as the photosensitizer and manganese ferrite nanoparticle (MnFe2O4) as the nanoenzyme. The synthetic MnFe2O4@MOF nanoplatform exhibits both catalase‐like and glutathione peroxidase‐like activities. Once internalized in the tumor, the nanoplatform can continuously catalyze H2O2 to produce O2 to overcome the tumor hypoxia by cyclic Fenton reaction. Meanwhile, combined with the Fenton reaction, MnFe2O4@MOF is able to persistently consume GSH in the presence of H2O2, which decreases the depletion of ROS upon laser irradiation during PDT and achieves better therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the nanoplatform integrates a treatment modality with magnetic resonance imaging, along with persistent regulation of TME, to promote more precise and effective treatment for future clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both Kunming (KM) mice and BALB/c mice have been widely used as rodent models to investigate stress-associated mental diseases. However, little is known about the different behaviors of KM mice and BALB/c mice after social isolation, particularly cognitive and aggressive behaviors. In this study, the behaviors of KM and BALB/c mice isolated for 2, 4 and 8 weeks and age-matched controls were evaluated using object recognition, object location and resident-intruder tests. The recovery of behavioral deficits by re-socialization was also examined for the isolated mice in adolescence. Our study showed that isolation for 2, 4 and 8 weeks led to cognitive deficits and increased aggressiveness for both KM and BALB/c mice. An important finding is that re-socialization could completely recover spatial/non-spatial cognitive deficits resulted from social isolation for both KM and BALB/c mice. In addition, age only impacted aggressiveness of KM mice. Moreover, isolation duration showed different impacts on cognitive and aggressive behaviors for both KM and BALB/c mice. Furthermore, BALB/c mice showed weak spatial/non-spatial memory and low aggressiveness when they were at the same age and isolation duration, compared to KM mice. In conclusion, KM mice and BALB/c mice behaved characteristically under physiology and isolation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]