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Self‐monitoring in tumor therapy is a concept that allows for real‐time monitoring of the location and state of applied nanomaterials. This monitoring relies on dynamic signals, such as wave or magnetic signals, which vary in response to changes in the location and state of nanomaterials. Dynamic changes in nanomaterials can be monitored using dynamic signals, making it possible to determine and control the treatment process. Theranostic nanomaterials, which possess unique physical and chemical properties, have recently been explored as a viable option for self‐monitoring. With the help of self‐monitoring, theranostic nanomaterials can guide themselves to achieve region‐selective treatment with higher controllability and safety. In this review, self‐monitoring theranostic nanomaterials will be introduced in three parts according to their roles during therapy: tumor accumulation, tumor therapy, and metabolism. The limitations and future challenges of current self‐monitoring theranostic nanomaterials will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper overload is a novel way to achieve copper‐ion‐interference therapy by disrupting copper homeostasis and treating diseases through multiple cell death pathways. However, it is difficult to reach copper overload since excess intracellular copper ions will be pumped out. Herein, copper overload is achieved by both raising cellular uptake and reducing the efflux of copper ions using hydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐responsive copper hydroxyphosphate nanoparticles (Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs). After immersion in an H2S‐enriched colon cancer microenvironment, Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs can transform into copper sulfide NPs with reduced size for higher cell entering, resulting in improved Fenton activity as well as copper ion dissociation. Reactive oxygen species generated by the Fenton reaction not only activate inflammasomes and Caspase‐1 proteins, cause the cleavage of gasdermin D to induce pyroptosis, but also affect mitochondrial function and down‐regulate copper exporter ATP7A to further reduce the copper excretion. The combination of higher endocytosis and lower exportation leads to maximized copper overload. Together with the efficient copper ions release, mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle can be disrupted and iron‐sulfur cluster proteins are downregulated, ultimately triggering cuproptosis. As both pyroptosis and cuproptosis are efficient ways to induce cell death, this study provides a novel way to realize effective tumor‐targeted therapy based on H2S‐activated copper overload with simple Cu2(PO4)(OH) NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Fluorescent silk has potential application in many fields such as bioimaging, tissue engineering scaffolds, luminescent marks, and dazzling fabrics. Among the methods to endow natural silk with fluorescent properties, feeding silkworms with fluorescent additives is facile, low‐cost and environment friendly, which has the prospect of large‐scale production. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress for this aim in the past ten years, and summarized the unified characteristics for the substances that can enter the silk gland by digestive tract of silkworms. The advantages and disadvantages of various fluorescent materials for this application are compared in detail. And the future research directions are suggested to overcome the shortcomings of the present research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is mainly responsible for acute kidney injury for which there is no effective therapy. Accumulating evidence has indicated the important role of mitophagy in mitochondrial homeostasis under stress. OGG1 (8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) is known for functions in excision repair of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. However, the role of OGG1 in renal IRI remains unclear. Herein, we identified OGG1, induced during IRI, as a key factor mediating hypoxia‐reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis in vitro and renal tissue damage in a renal IRI model. We demonstrated that OGG1 expression during IRI negatively regulates mitophagy by suppressing the PINK1/Parkin pathway, thereby aggravating renal ischemic injury. OGG1 knockout and pharmacological inhibition attenuated renal IRI, in part by activating mitophagy. Our results elucidated the damaging role of OGG1 activation in renal IRI, which is associated with the regulatory role of the PINK1/Parkin pathway in mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot rolling is one of the key processes in the new casting–rolling forming process of high‐silicon electrical steel. The hot deformation characteristics, microstructure, and defects after deformation strongly influence the formability in subsequent warm‐ and cold‐rolling processes. This study investigates the hot compression behavior of Fe–6.5 wt% Si–0.15wt%Nb and Fe–6.5 wt% Si samples at 800–1100 °C as well as the effect of Nb on the flow stress, dynamic recrystallization, and ordered structure of high‐silicon electrical steel. The results show that the grain size of the Nb‐containing as‐cast samples is small. The Nb‐rich second‐phase particles can inhibit the growth of dynamic recrystallization grains during hot compression and refine the dynamic recrystallization microstructure; consequently, the hot activation energy of Nb‐containing samples is 11.8% higher than that of Nb‐free samples. Microcracks appear in the Nb‐free samples at temperatures of 800 and 1100 °C and strain rates of 1 and 10 s−1; the addition of Nb can effectively inhibit the generation of microcracks during hot deformation. The addition of Nb reduces the ordered degree of high‐silicon electrical steel after hot compression, which is beneficial to the subsequent warm‐ and cold‐rolling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the efficacy and mechanisms of salidroside treatment for erectile dysfunction induced by bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Forty male rats were divided into four groups as follows: sham (cavernous nerves exposed only) (S); BCNI (M); BCNI + rapamycin (M + rapamycin); and BCNI + salidroside (M + salidroside). Erectile function in the rats was measured by intracavernosal pressure. Penile tissue was harvested for transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome staining, haematoxylin–eosin staining, TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling and western blotting. The M group exhibited a decrease in erectile responses and increased apoptosis and fibrosis compared to these in the S group. Meanwhile, nerve content and the penile atrophy index were also decreased in the M group. Treatment with salidroside and rapamycin for 3 weeks partially restored erectile function and significantly attenuated corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, nerve content and penile atrophy in the M group. Moreover, the autophagy level was further enhanced in the M + salidroside group, which was the same as that in the positive observation group (M + rapamycin). Salidroside treatment not only improved erectile function in rats with BCNI, but also inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis and ameliorated the loss of nerve content and endothelial and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by promoting protective autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present an electrochemophysiological microarray (ECPM) for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of chemical signals for multiple ions in the deep brain of a freely moving rat, in which microelectrode arrays were developed for direct determination of multiple ions using open‐circuit potentiometry. Specific recognition ionophores were synthesized and optimized for determination of K+, Ca2+, Na+ and pH. A reference electrode was also developed to avoid interferences in the brain. The microarrays were successfully applied in real‐time monitoring and quantification of ions in a live brain. The extra current‐free potentiometry allowed mapping and biosensing of chemical signals, together with recording of electrical signals in the whole brain without cross‐talk, for the first time. Furthermore, the ECPM provided a platform for real‐time monitoring of the dynamic changes of multiple ions in the deep brain of freely moving rat during a seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present an electrochemophysiological microarray (ECPM) for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of chemical signals for multiple ions in the deep brain of a freely moving rat, in which microelectrode arrays were developed for direct determination of multiple ions using open‐circuit potentiometry. Specific recognition ionophores were synthesized and optimized for determination of K+, Ca2+, Na+ and pH. A reference electrode was also developed to avoid interferences in the brain. The microarrays were successfully applied in real‐time monitoring and quantification of ions in a live brain. The extra current‐free potentiometry allowed mapping and biosensing of chemical signals, together with recording of electrical signals in the whole brain without cross‐talk, for the first time. Furthermore, the ECPM provided a platform for real‐time monitoring of the dynamic changes of multiple ions in the deep brain of freely moving rat during a seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of hot deformation parameters on microstructure coarsening of the medium‐carbon microalloyed steel is studied by means of hot compression experiments. The effective strain of finish forging in a crankshaft is simulated by means of finite element numerical simulations. The microstructure and properties of the crankshaft are also analyzed. The hot compression experiments result shows that with the deformation increasing from 2% to 18%, the austenite grain size first increases and then decreases, and it reaches the maximum when the deformation is 6%. The microstructure coarsening is mainly caused by critical deformation. With the increase in deformation temperature and the decrease in strain rate, the austenite grains can also be coarsened. When the effective strain of finish forging exceeds 0.2 in the main journal section of the crankshaft, the microstructure is refined significantly, and mechanical properties are improved. To avoid coarse microstructure, the reduction of finish forging should reach 15–20 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To have a profound understanding of the physiological and pathological processes in a brain, both chemical and electrical signals need to be recorded, but this is still very challenging. Herein, micrometer‐ to nanometer‐sized SERS optophysiological probes were created to determine both the CO32− concentration and the pH in live brains and neurons because both species play important roles in regulating the acid–base balance in the brain. A ratiometric SERS microarray of eight microprobes with tip sizes of 5 μm was established and used for the first time for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of CO32− and pH in a live brain. We found that both the CO32− concentration and the pH value dramatically decreased under ischemic conditions. The present SERS technique can be combined with electrophysiology without cross‐talk to record both electrical and chemical signals in brains. To deepen our understanding of the mechanism of ischemia on the single‐cell level, a SERS nanoprobe with a tip size of 200 nm was developed for use in a single neuron. A series of SERS probes with tip sizes from 5 μm to 200 nm were developed and used to simultaneously determine the CO32− concentration and pH value in live mouse brains and single neurons with high temporal and spatial resolution. Both the CO32− concentration and the pH value dramatically decreased under ischemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To have a profound understanding of the physiological and pathological processes in a brain, both chemical and electrical signals need to be recorded, but this is still very challenging. Herein, micrometer‐ to nanometer‐sized SERS optophysiological probes were created to determine both the CO32− concentration and the pH in live brains and neurons because both species play important roles in regulating the acid–base balance in the brain. A ratiometric SERS microarray of eight microprobes with tip sizes of 5 μm was established and used for the first time for real‐time mapping and simultaneous quantification of CO32− and pH in a live brain. We found that both the CO32− concentration and the pH value dramatically decreased under ischemic conditions. The present SERS technique can be combined with electrophysiology without cross‐talk to record both electrical and chemical signals in brains. To deepen our understanding of the mechanism of ischemia on the single‐cell level, a SERS nanoprobe with a tip size of 200 nm was developed for use in a single neuron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effects of pentaerythritol (PER) with aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) in halogen‐free flame retardant EVA/AHP/PER composites have been studied by cone calorimeter test (CCT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data obtained from CCT show that the suitable amount of PER could considerably decrease the HRR and SPR values and prolong the combustion time of the EVA/AHP/PER composites. The results from LOI and UL‐94 show that a suitable amount of PER played synergistic effects on EVA/AHP/PER composites which increased the LOI value. The TGA data reveal that PER increased the char residues of the EVA/AHP/PER composites which made the EVA/AHP/PER composites have better thermal stability. SEM measurement results give positive evidence that the compact charred layers formed when 8 wt% AHP is substituted with PER and rich compact char layers could explain the excellent flame retardance. The mechanical properties results indicate that when AHP is substituted with a suitable amount PER, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EVA/AHP/PER composites can be maintained. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2299–2306, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and thermal stability of Manganese Sulfide (MnS) inclusions in two low cost hot forged steels with no microalloying elements are carefully investigated. Based on the results, the austenite grain growth behavior of the two steels are studied and the effect of MnS inclusions on the austenite grain growth are discussed using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscopy, and a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Results show that the MnS inclusions hold a favorable thermal stability and do not dissolve in the steel heated at 1250 °C for 30 min. Austenite grains of the steel with larger quantities of smaller size of MnS inclusions are significantly finer than that of the steel with less and larger size of MnS inclusions heated at a temperature above 1000 °C. The differences in grain size become greater, as the heating temperature increases. The pinning effect of MnS inclusions plays an important role during austenite grain growth, when the austenite grain size exceeds the average spacing of MnS inclusions. The results indicate that large quantities of small MnS inclusions can be used to inhibit austenite grain growth during heating process in a low cost hot forged steel, where expensive microalloying elements are removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the formation of intragranular ferrite in a V-Ti-N medium-carbon steel containing MnS inclusions. The (Ti, V)(C, N) particles precipitating on MnS inclusions are confirmed to be the main nucleation sites of intragranular ferrite. Because of the small lattice mismatch and low-energy ferrite/V(C, N) interphase boundary, the vanadium-rich edge of (Ti, V)(C, N) particles increases the nucleation potency of intragranular ferrite. The interphase of MnS inclusions and austenite provides suitable sites for (Ti, V)(C, N) particles to grow big enough to reach the critical size for intragranular ferrite nucleation. Furthermore, the efficiency of the formation of intragranular ferrite starts to increase rapidly when the length of MnS inclusions decreases to less than 10 µm. The shape of intragranular ferrite is also significantly influenced by the length of MnS inclusions. In addition, the intragranular ferrite is confirmed to have a new type of orientation relationship with the particles precipitating in liquid phase, which indicates that the orientation relationship between the intragranular ferrite and (Ti, V)(C, N) particles is not sole, but diversified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we develop a novel method for designing electrochemical biosensors with both current and potential signal outputs for the simultaneous determination of two species in a living system. Oxygen (O2) and pH, simple and very important species, are employed as model molecules. By designing and synthesizing a new molecule, Hemin-aminoferrocene (Hemin-Fc), we create a single electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous detection and ratiometric quantification of O2 and pH in the brain. The reduction peak current of the hemin group increases with the concentration of O2 from 1.3 to 200.6 μ m. Meanwhile, the peak potential positively shifts with decreasing pH from 8.0 to 5.5, resulting in the simultaneous determination of O2 and pH. The Fc group can serve as an internal reference for ratiometric biosensing because its current and potential signals remain almost constant with variations of O2 and pH. The developed biosensor has high temporal and spatial resolutions, as well as remarkable selectivity and accuracy, and is successfully applied in the real-time quantification of O2 and pH in the brain upon ischemia, as well as in tumor during cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we develop a novel method for designing electrochemical biosensors with both current and potential signal outputs for the simultaneous determination of two species in a living system. Oxygen (O2) and pH, simple and very important species, are employed as model molecules. By designing and synthesizing a new molecule, Hemin-aminoferrocene (Hemin-Fc), we create a single electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous detection and ratiometric quantification of O2 and pH in the brain. The reduction peak current of the hemin group increases with the concentration of O2 from 1.3 to 200.6 μ m. Meanwhile, the peak potential positively shifts with decreasing pH from 8.0 to 5.5, resulting in the simultaneous determination of O2 and pH. The Fc group can serve as an internal reference for ratiometric biosensing because its current and potential signals remain almost constant with variations of O2 and pH. The developed biosensor has high temporal and spatial resolutions, as well as remarkable selectivity and accuracy, and is successfully applied in the real-time quantification of O2 and pH in the brain upon ischemia, as well as in tumor during cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a heterotrophic/biofilm‐electrode autotrophic denitrification reactor (HAD‐BER) was constructed and nano‐ɑ‐Fe2O3 was coated on granular activated carbon (GAC) as a third electrode to enhance the nitrate removal performance. The introduction of nano‐ɑ‐Fe2O3 could stimulate microorganisms to secrete more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), accelerating the electron transfer. Moreover, more denitrification bacteria were enriched on the particle electrodes, especially Pseudomonas and Thermomonas, which played a significant role in denitrification. The denitrification performance at different COD/N ratios (0.65–3.23) and current intensities (0–150 mA) was investigated in depth. When the nitrate concentration of the influent was 60 mg/L, nitrate was almost completely removed at the optimal current intensity (60 mA) and COD/N ratio (1.29). At the same time, there was almost no nitrite (<0.10 mg/L) and ammonia nitrogen (0 mg/L) accumulation in the effluent. This study provided a new direction for the advancement of HAD‐BER and accelerated its implementation. Practitioner Points: By introducing nano‐a‐Fe2O3 into HAD‐BER, more denitrification bacteria were enriched on the particle electrodes.The increased contents of polysaccharide and protein content could accelerate the electron transfer.Almost completely denitrification could be achieved at current = 60 mA and COD/N = 1.29.The study provided a new direction for the further development of HAD‐BERs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient copper‐catalyzed thiolation of terminal alkynes with N‐thiosuccinimides was developed. The reaction demonstrated an expanded substrate scope and produced various alkynyl sulfides in moderate to good yields. Gram‐scale synthesis and further transformations confirmed the synthetic utility of this methodology. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that a Cu(I)/Cu(III) catalytic cycle was probably involved in the process of alkynylthiolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding physiological and pathological processes in the brain requires tracking the reversible changes in chemical signals with long‐term stability. We developed a new anti‐biofouling microfiber array to real‐time quantify extracellular Ca2+ concentrations together with neuron activity across many regions in the mammalian brain for 60 days, in which the signal degradation was < ca. 8 %. The microarray with high tempo‐spatial resolution (ca. 10 μm, ca. 1.3 s) was implanted into 7 brain regions of free‐moving mice to monitor reversible changes of extracellular Ca2+ upon ischemia‐reperfusion processes. The changing sequence and rate of Ca2+ in 7 brain regions were different during the stroke. ROS scavenger could protect Ca2+ influx and neuronal activity after stroke, suggesting the significant influence of ROS on Ca2+ overload and neuron death. We demonstrated this microarray is a versatile tool for investigating brain dynamic during pathological processes and drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding physiological and pathological processes in the brain requires tracking the reversible changes in chemical signals with long‐term stability. We developed a new anti‐biofouling microfiber array to real‐time quantify extracellular Ca2+ concentrations together with neuron activity across many regions in the mammalian brain for 60 days, in which the signal degradation was < ca. 8 %. The microarray with high tempo‐spatial resolution (ca. 10 μm, ca. 1.3 s) was implanted into 7 brain regions of free‐moving mice to monitor reversible changes of extracellular Ca2+ upon ischemia‐reperfusion processes. The changing sequence and rate of Ca2+ in 7 brain regions were different during the stroke. ROS scavenger could protect Ca2+ influx and neuronal activity after stroke, suggesting the significant influence of ROS on Ca2+ overload and neuron death. We demonstrated this microarray is a versatile tool for investigating brain dynamic during pathological processes and drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram‐negative, microaerobic bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa in about half of the world's population. H. pylori infection can lead to various diseases. Chronic infection by H. pylori exposes the gastric mucosa to bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and several toxic proteins. Infected with H. pylori activates the release of pro‐inflammatory factors and triggers inflammatory responses that damage the gastric mucosa. As the only microorganism that permanently colonizes the human stomach, H. pylori can suppress host immunity to achieve long‐term colonization. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in T‐cell activation, promoting innate immune responses and immune tolerance during H. pylori infection. Among the 10 TLRs found in humans, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 have been thoroughly investigated in relation to H. pylori‐linked immune regulation. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the various mechanisms employed by different TLRs in the induction of immune tolerance upon H. pylori infection, which will contribute to the research of pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration and proliferation are conducive to wound healing; however, regulating cell proliferation remains challenging, and excessive proliferation is an important cause of scar hyperplasia. Here, we aimed to explore how a subvacuum environment promotes wound epithelisation without affecting scar hyperplasia. Human immortalized keratinocyte cells and human skin fibroblasts were cultured under subvacuum conditions (1/10 atmospheric pressure), and changes in cell proliferation and migration, target protein content, calcium influx, and cytoskeleton and membrane fluidity were observed. Mechanical calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers were used to prevent Ca2+ influx for reverse validation. A rat wound model was used to elucidate the mechanism of the subvacuum dressing in promoting healing. The subvacuum environment was observed to promote cell migration without affecting cell proliferation; intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and PI3K, p‐PI3K, AKT1, p‐AKT 1 levels increased significantly. The cytoskeleton was depolymerized, pseudopodia were reduced or absent, and membrane fluidity increased. The use of Ca2+ channel blockers weakened or eliminated these changes. Animal experiments confirmed these phenomena and demonstrated that subvacuum dressings can effectively promote wound epithelisation. Our study demonstrates that the use of subvacuum dressings can enhance cell migration without affecting cell proliferation, promote wound healing, and decrease the probability of scar hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored whether platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB regulates corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell gap junctions and can ameliorate erectile dysfunction and how it modulates connexin43 (CX43) after bilateral cavernous neurectomy. Primary cultured rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells were treated with PDGF‐BB with or without a PDGFR inhibitor, Akt siRNA or the depletion or promotion of β‐catenin. PDGF‐BB improved CCSMCs gap junction coupling and increased CX43 and PDGFRβ expression; inhibition of PDGFR activity down‐regulated CX43 and decreased Akt and nuclear β‐catenin. Knockdown or promotion of β‐catenin down‐regulated and up‐regulated CX43 expression respectively. Moreover, β‐catenin activation induced CX43 nuclear accumulation, which impeded CX43 down‐regulation induced by PDGFR inhibition, suggesting that CX43 expression is positively correlated with nuclear β‐catenin expression. Furthermore, CX43 promoter luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that β‐catenin regulates CX43 transcription by directly interacting with its promoter. Male rats underwent bilateral cavernous neurectomy. After 12 weeks, they were injected with PDGF‐BB, CX43 and PDGFRβ expression was significantly lower than in the control group, which was reversed by PDGF‐BB injection. These results suggested that PDGF‐BB contributed to the improvement of gap junction intracellular communication among corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, increased CX43 through PDGFRβ/Akt/nuclear β‐catenin signalling, and ameliorated cavernous nerve injury‐induced erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a devastating complication after cardiac surgery. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may have a positive impact on sternal wound healing. A systematic review with meta‐analyses was performed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of topical application of autologous PRP for preventing SWI and promoting sternal wound healing compared to placebo or standard treatment without PRP. Relevant studies published in English or Chinese were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library), PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer Link, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) using the search terms "platelet‐rich plasma" and "sternal wound" or "thoracic incision." References identified through the electronic search were screened, the data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The meta‐analysis was performed for the following outcomes: incidence of SWI, incidence of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), postoperative blood loss (PBL), and other risk factors. In the systematic review, totally 10 comparable studies were identified, involving 7879 patients. The meta‐analysis for the subgroup of retrospective cohort studies (RSCs) showed that the incidence of SWI and DSWI in patients treated with PRP was significantly lower than that in patients without PRP treatment. However, for the subgroup of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was no significant difference in the incidence of SWI or DSWI after intervention between the PRP and control groups. There was no significant difference in PBL in both RCTs and RSCs subgroups. Neither adverse reactions nor in‐situ recurrences were reported. According to the results, PRP could be considered as a candidate treatment to prevent SWI and DSWI. However, the quality of the evidence is too weak, and high‐quality RCTs are needed to assess its efficacy on preventing SWI and DSWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including ischemic stroke (IS), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary heart disease (CHD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear from observational studies. Objectives: We explored the potential bidirectional association between CVD and ED by Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Data from genome‐wide association studies for CVD in individuals with European ancestry were obtained from several databases, with 1,711,875–977,323 participants, while that for ED included 223,805 participants. We conducted univariate MR (UVMR), inverse variance‐weighting (IVW), weighted median, MR‐Egger, and multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses to explore the bidirectional causal effects between CVD and ED. Results: UVMR indicated that IS (odds ratios [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.21, P = 0.007), HF (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–1.74, P = 0.013), and CHD (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.18, P = 0.022) were associated with ED. By MVMR, IS estimates remained significant after accounting for combining single nucleotide polymorphisms from CVDs (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.13–1.79, P = 0.002). Moreover, the effect of a genetic susceptibility to IS on ED was not mediated by type 2 diabetes or triglycerides; that of HF was not mediated by type 2 diabetes, and that of CHD was not mediated by body mass index. Bidirectional analyses showed that genetic susceptibility to ED did not confer any increased CVD risk. Conclusions: Our results, based on MR, indicated that genetic susceptibility to IS, HF, and CHD was causally associated with ED. These findings can inform prevention and intervention strategies for ED in IS, HF, and CHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bedrock weathered crust in front of the Altun Mountains in the Qaidam Basin, western China, is different from others because this is a salt‐lake basin, where saline water fluid infiltrates and is deposited in the overlying strata. A large amount of gypsum infills the bedrock weathered crust, and this has changed the pore structure. Using core observation, polarized light microscopy, electron probe, physical property analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy experiments, the characteristics of the weathered bedrock have been studied. There are cracks and a small number of dissolved pores in the interior of the weathered crust. Matrix micropores are widely developed, especially the various matrix cracks formed by tectonics and weathering, as well as the stress characteristics of small dissolved pores, and physical properties such as porosity and permeability. This 'dual structure' developed in the bedrock is important for guiding the exploration of the lake basin bedrock for natural gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavernous nerve injury is the main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP). In our previous study, injection of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the cavernosum can repair damaged cavernosum nerves and ED can be restored to a certain extent. In order to improve these therapeutic effects, we evaluated the efficacy of ADSCs co‐modified with VEGF and Smad7 in a rat model. SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: a sham surgery group, and the five bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) groups were injected with ADSC or ADSCs genetically modified by VEGF (ADSC‐V), Smad7 (ADSC‐S), or VEGF&Smad7 (ADSC‐V&S) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). The results indicated that the erectile function of the ADSC‐V, ADSC‐S, and ADSC‐V&S groups was significantly recovered, and the erectile function of the ADSC‐V&S group was more distinctly recovered as compared to the other groups. The same results are shown in the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and the smooth muscle/collagen ratio of penile tissue comparing the ADSC‐V&S group to the ADSC‐V and ADSC‐S group. These experimental data suggest that ADSCs co‐overexpressed with VEGF and Smad7 can significantly improve erectile function after BCNI. This study provides new therapeutic thoughts for ED following RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine whether silencing or overexpression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) regulates cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, autophagy and signalling pathways in bovine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. In this study, bovine ovarian granulosa cells (BGCs) were cultured and transfected with ERβ siRNA (si‐ERβ) or a plasmid overexpressing ERβ (oe‐ERβ), and CCK‐8 kit was used to assess cell proliferation. Real‐time PCR was used to measure gene transcription. Western blotting was used to measure protein expression, and a specific kit was used to measure the production of steroid hormones. The results showed the expression level of ERβ affects BGC proliferation according to the gene transcription levels of FSHR, CYP19A1, HSD3β1 and STAR and the production of E2 and P4. ERβ was identified as an important nuclear receptor that induced BGC autophagy based on the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy‐related genes. Furthermore, the role of ERβ in BGC autophagy was confirmed through treatment with rapamycin (RAPA) or 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) in BGCs by cotransfection with si‐ERβ or oe‐ERβ in BGCs. The results related to AKT/mTOR signalling and phosphorylation suggested that ERβ induces BGC autophagy through attenuating AKT/mTOR signalling. In summary, this study demonstrates that silencing or overexpression of ERβ regulates BGC proliferation and function and induces BGC autophagy by targeting AKT/mTOR signalling. These data reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of autophagy via ERβ and provide insights into the role of autophagy in BGCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Intracavernosal pressure measurement is the gold standard for evaluating erectile function in experimental animals, but it has the shortcoming of being invasive. This study aimed to explore the application of laser speckle perfusion imaging in evaluating erectile function in rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation and model groups (n = 30 each). A rat model of neuroinjury erectile dysfunction was established by surgically damaging the bilateral cavernous nerves in the model group. Simulated surgery was performed in the sham operation group; the nerves were not damaged. Erectile function was evaluated by comparing the changes in intracavernosal pressure and blood flow fluctuations when the cavernous nerve was stimulated using the same voltage parameters. Intracavernosal pressure in the model group was significantly lower than that in the other group when using 2.5 V. No significant difference was found in cavernous blood flow fluctuation between the two groups when using 0.5 V. Cavernous blood flow fluctuation in the model group after 2.5 V, 5 V and 7.5 V stimulations was significantly lower than that in the sham operation group. Evaluating erectile function in rats is feasible by measuring the cavernous blood flow using laser speckle perfusion imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and flammable gas. Hydrogen is considered a physiologically inert gas and is often used in deep sea diving medicine. In mammals, endogenous hydrogen is produced as a result of the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates by intestinal bacteria and it is absorbed into the systemic circulation. 2. Recent evidence indicates that hydrogen is a potent anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent and so may have potential medical application. The present review evaluates the concept of 'hydrogen resuscitation', based on knowledge that hydrogen treatment effectively protects cells, tissues and organs against oxidative injury and helps them recover from dysfunction. 3. Hydrogen therapy can be delivered by inhalation, the administration of hydrogen-enriched fluid or by approaches that affect endogenous hydrogen production. 4. Studies have shown that hydrogen resuscitation has cytoprotective effects in different cell types and disease models, including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, inflammation, toxicity, trauma and metabolic disease. The underlying mechanism may be the selective elimination of hydroxyl radicals, although other mechanisms may also be involved (e.g. hydrogen functioning as a gaseous signalling molecule). 5. Hydrogen resuscitation may have several potential advantages over current pharmacological therapies for oxidative injuries. However, more work is needed to identify the precise mechanism underlying the actions of hydrogen and to validate its therapeutic potential in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex biologic process that could be accelerated by growth factors. To investigate the efficacy of topical recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (rh-aFGF) treatment in deep partial-thickness burn or skin graft donor sites, we designed a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. The healing rate, fully healed rate, and healing time were evaluated to assess the efficacy of rh-aFGF application. Laboratory examinations and abnormal signs were used to assess the side and toxic effects. The results showed that the healing rate of burn wounds and skin graft donor sites treated by rh-aFGF was significantly higher than that by placebo, and the mean healed time of burn wounds and skin graft donor sites in the rh-aFGF group was significantly the shorter than that in the placebo group. In conclusion, topical administration of rh-aFGF can accelerate the wound healing process and shorten the healed time. It is a potential therapeutic application for promoting healing of deep partial-thickness burns or skin graft donor sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: anti-biofouling; brain; microfiber arrays; reversibility; stroke EN anti-biofouling brain microfiber arrays reversibility stroke 14198 14198 1 06/18/21 20210621 NES 210621 B Understanding physiological b and pathological processes in the brain requires tracking the reversible changes in chemical signals with long-term stability. Anti-biofouling, brain, microfiber arrays, reversibility, stroke In their Research Article on page 14429, Yang Tian and co-workers developed a new anti-biofouling microfiber array to monitor in real time the reversible changes and quantify extracellular concentrations of Ca SP 2+ sp together with neuron activity across many regions in the mammalian brain for 60 days. [Extracted from the article]

Anti-biofouling, brain, microfiber arrays, reversibility, stroke Innentitelbild: Long-Term Tracking and Dynamically Quantifying of Reversible Changes of Extracellular Ca2+ in Multiple Brain Regions of Freely Moving Animals (Angew. Keywords: anti-biofouling; brain; microfiber arrays; reversibility; stroke EN anti-biofouling brain microfiber arrays reversibility stroke 14318 14318 1 06/16/21 20210621 NES 210621 B Zum Verständnis b physiologischer und pathologischer Vorgänge im Gehirn müssen die reversiblen Veränderungen chemischer Signale verfolgt werden. [Extracted from the article]

Current wound scaffold dressing constructs can facilitate wound healing but do not exhibit antibacterial activity, resulting in high infection rates. We aimed to endow wound scaffold dressing with anti‐infective ability by polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB). We prepared PHMB hydrogel at varying concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) and assessed release and cytotoxicity. PHMB hydrogel was added to the wound scaffold dressing to generate a PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing. Wound healing and infection prevention were evaluated using a full‐thickness skin defect model in rats. In vitro, the hydrogel PHMB release time positively correlated with PHMB concentration, with 1% allowing sufficiently long release time to encompass the high‐incidence period (3‐5 days) of infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation. Implantation of 1% PHMB hydrogel into the skin did not cause adverse responses. in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing did not significantly affect proliferation of fibroblasts or vascular endothelial cells, 99.90% vs 99.84% for fibroblasts and 100.21% vs 99.28% for vascular endothelial cells at 21 days. Transplantation of PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing/unmodified wound scaffold dressing on the non‐infected wounds of rats yielded no significant difference in relative vascularization rate, 47.40 vs 50.87 per view at 21 days, whereas bacterial content of the wound tissue in the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing group was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, (1.80 ± 0.35) × 103 vs (9.34 ± 0.45) × 103 at 14 days. Prevalence of persistent wound infection in the rats receiving PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing transplantation onto infected wounds was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, 30% vs 100%. PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing exhibited suitable antibacterial ability, and its biological activity did not significantly differ from that of the unmodified wound scaffold dressing, thereby allowing it to effectively prevent infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity history on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has remained unclear for a long time. Recent paleobotanical investigations provide opportunities for revealing the phytogeographic history on the QTP in deep time and for testing phylogeographic hypotheses. Lagokarpos is an extinct genus with unknown modern affinities. It is easily distinguished by its fruits, which have two long wings and an elliptical fruit body. Previously, Lagokarpos fossils have only been found from North America and Germany, ranging from the latest Paleogene to early middle Eocene. Recently, we found fossil fruits of this genus from the Niubao Formation, near Bangoin County in the central QTP. A new species, namely Lagokarpos tibetensis H. Tang, T. Su & Z. K. Zhou sp. nov., is described. This is the first fossil record of the genus in Asia. The occurrence of L. tibetensis indicates a close floristic linkage between the QTP and other floras in the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene. According to the floristic assemblages, we suggest the central QTP experienced a tropical or subtropical humid climate during that period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of depression on the healing of acute wounds in rats. We hypothesized that depression would have negative effects on inflammation and wound healing and that antidepressant therapy would reverse these effects. This study included 100 rats randomly allocated into five groups: control group (CG), depression group (DG), pre‐depression group (PDG), antidepressant group (AG), and pre‐antidepressant group (PAG). Acute wounds were created on the rats' backs. The groups were subjected to no interventions (CG), aversive stimuli before (PDG) and after (DG) wound creation, and antidepressant treatment before (PAG) and after (AG) wound creation. On the day of wound creation and on days 3, 6, 9, and 12 after wound creation, observations of the wound area and degree of depression (evaluated using the sucrose preference test, open‐field test, and weight change) were recorded. On days 6 and 12 after wound creation, venous serum and wound tissues were collected. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed an initial increase followed by a decrease in the degree of depression in all groups except DG (continuous decline). The wound‐healing rate was significantly lower in PDG and DG than in CG; it was higher in AG and PAG than in CG. DG and PDG had higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than CG, and AG and PAG had lower concentrations than CG. This indicates that the onset of depression delays the healing of acute wounds and aggravates the inflammatory response in rats. Antidepressant treatment counteracts both of these negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical unloading was considered a major threat to bone homeostasis, and has been shown to decrease osteoblast proliferation although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cellular processes and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, an essential signaling pathway for osteoblasts. However, the relationship between MACF1 expression and mechanical unloading, and the function and the associated mechanisms of MACF1 in regulating osteoblast proliferation are unclear. This study investigated effects of mechanical unloading on MACF1 expression levels in cultured MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells and in femurs of mice with hind limb unloading; and it also examined the role and potential action mechanisms of MACF1 in osteoblast proliferation in MACF1‐knockdown, overexpressed or control MC3T3‐E1 cells treated with or without the mechanical unloading condition. Results showed that the mechanical unloading condition inhibited osteoblast proliferation and MACF1 expression in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells and mouse femurs. MACF1 knockdown decreased osteoblast proliferation, while MACF1 overexpression increased it. The inhibitory effect of mechanical unloading on osteoblast proliferation also changed with MACF1 expression levels. Furthermore, MACF1 was found to enhance β‐catenin expression and activity, and mechanical unloading decreased β‐catenin expression through MACF1. Moreover, β‐catenin was found an important regulator of osteoblast proliferation, as its preservation by treatment with its agonist lithium attenuated the inhibitory effects of MACF1‐knockdown or mechanical unloading on osteoblast proliferation. Taken together, mechanical unloading decreases MACF1 expression, and MACF1 up‐regulates osteoblast proliferation through enhancing β‐catenin signaling. This study has thus provided a mechanism for mechanical unloading‐induced inhibited osteoblast proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( MIF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine and glucocorticoid ( GC) counter-regulator, has emerged as an important modulator of inflammatory responses. However, the molecular mechanisms of MIF counter-regulation of GC still remain incomplete. In the present study, we investigated whether MIF mediated the counter-regulation of the anti-inflammatory effect of GC by affecting annexin 1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) resulted in down-regulation of annexin 1, while GC dexamethasone ( Dex) or Dex plus LPS led to significant up-regulation of annexin 1 expression. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of intracellular MIF increased annexin 1 expression with or without incubation of Dex, whereas Dex-induced annexin 1 expression was counter-regulated by the exogenous application of recombinant MIF. Moreover, recombinant MIF counter-regulated, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (c PLA2α) activation and prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) release by Dex in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with LPS. Endogenous depletion of MIF enhanced the effects of Dex, reflected by further decease of c PLA2α expression and lower PGE2 and LTB4 release in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Based on these data, we suggest that MIF counter-regulates Dex-induced annexin 1 expression, further influencing the activation of c PLA2α and the release of eicosanoids. These findings will add new insights into the mechanisms of MIF counter-regulation of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported by us and other groups that the expression of small GTP binding protein RhoB can be induced by genotoxic stressors and glucocorticoid (GC), a stress hormone that plays a key role in stress response. Until now stress-induced genes that confer cytoprotection under stressed conditions are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of non-genotoxic stressors, including scalding in vivo and heat stress in vitro on the expression of RhoB. We found for the first time that both scalding, which could induce typical neuroendocrine responses of acute stress and cellular heat stress significantly increased the expression of RhoB at mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, in vitro experiments in human lung epithelial cells (A549) showed that induction of RhoB by heat stress was in a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-independent manner and through multiple pathways including stabilization of RhoB mRNA and activation of p38 MAPK. Further experiments demonstrated that up-regulation of RhoB significantly inhibited heat stress-induced apoptosis and elevated transcriptional activity of NF-κB, but did not affect the expression of Hsp70 in A549 cells. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that RhoB was up-regulated by scalding in vivo and heat stress in vitro and played an important cytoprotective role during heat stress-induced apoptotic cell death. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 729-738, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Centrosome amplification is a hallmark of human cancers that can trigger cancer cell invasion. To survive, cancer cells cluster amplified extra centrosomes and achieve pseudobipolar division. Here, we set out to prevent clustering of extra centrosomes. Tubulin, by interacting with the centrosomal protein CPAP, negatively regulates CPAP‐dependent peri‐centriolar material recruitment, and concurrently microtubule nucleation. Screening for compounds that perturb CPAP–tubulin interaction led to the identification of CCB02, which selectively binds at the CPAP binding site of tubulin. Genetic and chemical perturbation of CPAP–tubulin interaction activates extra centrosomes to nucleate enhanced numbers of microtubules prior to mitosis. This causes cells to undergo centrosome de‐clustering, prolonged multipolar mitosis, and cell death. 3D‐organotypic invasion assays reveal that CCB02 has broad anti‐invasive activity in various cancer models, including tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐resistant EGFR‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancers. Thus, we have identified a vulnerability of cancer cells to activation of extra centrosomes, which may serve as a global approach to target various tumors, including drug‐resistant cancers exhibiting high incidence of centrosome amplification. Synopsis: Centrosome amplification is frequently observed in human tumors yet cancer cells manage to circumvent cell death by centrosome clustering and generation of a pseudo‐bipolar spindle. Here, genetically perturbing interaction between centrosomal‐P4.1‐associated protein (CPAP) and tubulin in extra‐centrosome‐containing cancer cells is found to activate centrosomes before the onset of mitosis thereby selectively inducing mitotic catastrophe. The CPAP‐tubulin interaction is a cancer cell‐specific target.The small‐molecule compound CCB02 inhibits CPAP‐tubulin interaction, binding at the CPAP binding site of β‐tubulin.Inhibition of CPAP‐tubulin interaction is sufficient to enhance pericentriolar material recruitment and activate extra centrosomes.Extra‐centrosome activation prevents centrosome clustering and reduces proliferation of centrosome amplified cancer cells in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Nucleation of microtubules from extra centrosomes can be selectively impaired by the small molecule CCB02, suppressing cell cycle progression and survival of malignant cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]