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Abnormal renal lipid metabolism causes renal lipid deposition, which leads to the development of renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CA) on reducing renal lipid accumulation and improving DKD renal fibrosis. This study evaluated the effects of CA on renal fibrosis, lipid deposition and lipid metabolism by constructing in vitro and in vivo models of DKD, and detected the improvement of Notch1 and Stat3 signaling pathways. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between CA and the extracellular domain NRR1 of Notch1 protein. In vitro studies have shown that CA decreased the expression of Fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), p-smad3/smad3, alleviated lipid deposition, promoted the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 A (CPT1A), and inhibited the expression of cholesterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c). The expression of Notch1, Cleaved Notch1, Hes1, and p-stat3/stat3 were inhibited. These results suggested that CA might reduce intercellular lipid deposition in human kidney cells (HK2) by inhibiting Notch1 and stat3 signaling pathways, thereby improving fibrosis. Further, in vivo studies demonstrated that CA improved renal fibrosis and renal lipid deposition in DKD mice by inhibiting Notch1 and stat3 signaling pathways. Finally, molecular docking experiments showed that the binding energy of CA and NRR1 was −6.6 kcal/mol, which preliminarily predicted the possible action of CA on Notch1 extracellular domain NRR1. CA reduces renal lipid accumulation and improves DKD renal fibrosis by inhibiting Notch1 and stat3 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the objective visual quality of moderate-to-high myopia corrected by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) at a 1,050-Hz ablation frequency, assisted by Smart-Pulse technology (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions). Methods: This study involved 123 patients (123 eyes) with moderate-to-high myopia between July 2020 and January 2021. They were categorized into the SMILE group (67 patients, 67 eyes) and the TransPRK group (56 patients, 56 eyes). Follow-ups were conducted at 6 months postoperatively to record the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity, and the Strehl ratio and higher order aberrations were measured using the Sirius anterior segment analysis device (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions) under a 6-mm pupil diameter at various postoperative intervals. Results: At 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) in the SMILE group was superior to that in the TransPRK group (P <.05 for both). At 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, the Strehl ratio value in the SMILE group was higher than that in the TransPRK group (P <.05 for both). At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, coma was greater in the SMILE group than in the TransPRK group (P <.05 for all). Spherical aberrations were lower in the SMILE group than in the TransPRK group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (P <.05). At 6 months postoperatively, UDVA was −0.09 ± 0.08 and −0.11 ± 0.05 logMAR in the SMILE and TransPRK groups, respectively, which exceeded their preoperative corrected distance visual acuity of −0.05 ± 0.04 and −0.09 ± 0.08 logMAR (all P <.001). Compared with preoperative values, the Strehl ratio, total higher order, coma, and spherical aberration differences were significantly increased postoperatively in both groups (all P <.001). Conclusions: Both surgical methods improved UDVA and each had its advantages. The visual quality of SMILE was superior at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (Strehl ratio values were higher than those of the TransPRK group), and its spherical aberration was lower than that of the TransPRK group at 3 and 6 months; TransPRK with SmartPulse technology with a 1,050-Hz ablation frequency showed that coma was significantly lower than that of the SMILE group at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(7):e490–e498.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of continental emissions on the origin and formation mechanisms of atmospheric particulate nitrate (ρ‐NO3−) aerosols in the marine boundary layer remains unclear. Here, synchronous observations of nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N–NO3−) and oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ17O–NO3−) in ρ‐NO3− were conducted across the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in Eastern China. Nitrate concentrations, δ15N–NO3− and Δ17O–NO3− exhibited a pronounced north‐to‐south latitudinal gradient. Combined with backward air mass trajectory analysis, the high nitrate concentration and isotopic characteristics in the northern sea area were found to be affected by the continental outflow near China while the low values in the southern sea area were more related to the oceanic inflow. Stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR) indicated that near the northern sea area, the nitrate radicals (NO3) reacted with hydrocarbons (HC) or dimethyl sulfides (DMS) pathway (NO3 + HC/DMS) played a leading role in nitrate production, whereas the NO2 + OH pathway dominated near the southern sea area. Nitrate in the northern seas originated mainly from nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2, the gaseous precursor of nitrate) emitted from continental sources, especially coal combustion and biomass burning. While closer to the southern seas, the proportion of NOx generated in the marine environment (from ship and biogenic emissions) increased. Overall, the differential relative contributions of continental and marine atmospheric chemistry and NOx sources lead to the spatial distribution characteristics of atmospheric nitrate concentrations and isotopic values over the Yellow and Bohai Seas. Plain Language Summary: This study investigated the impact of emissions from land sources on the formation of nitrate particles in the air above the marine boundary layer. The researchers conducted observations of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate particles across the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in Eastern China. They found that nitrate concentrations and isotopic ratios showed a clear gradient from north to south. By analyzing the trajectory of air masses, they determined that high nitrate concentrations in the northern sea area were influenced by emissions from the nearby continent, while lower values in the southern sea area were more related to the ocean. The analysis also revealed that different chemical pathways were responsible for nitrate production in these regions. In the northern seas, nitrate production was primarily driven by the reaction of nitrate radicals with hydrocarbons or dimethyl sulfides, while in the southern seas, the dominant pathway involved the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with hydroxyl radicals. The study further showed that nitrate in the northern seas mainly originated from nitrogen oxides emitted by continental sources such as coal combustion and biomass burning, whereas closer to the southern seas, a larger proportion of nitrogen oxides were generated within the marine environment. Key Points: Continental outflow significantly affects the sources and formation mechanisms of atmospheric nitrate in nearshore marine areasAs continental outflow diminishes, local chemistry and marine‐generated NOx become pivotal in producing atmospheric NO3− in the open ocean. In polluted marine boundary layers, NO3 radical‐related chemistry may play a significant role in the formation of nitrate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirocyclic frameworks could enhance the drug‐like properties of planar bioactive molecules by increasing their three‐dimensionality, making the development of synthetic methodology and bioactivity assays for spiro compounds highly attractive. This work reported the silver‐catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/Povarov reaction between β‐alkynyl ketones and hexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazines, access to spiro[isochromene‐1,4'‐quinoline]. This synthetic protocol was characterized by remarkable efficiency, low catalyst‐loading and high diastereoselectivity. Moreover, the spirocyclic quinolines exhibited good cytotoxicity in U937 cells by activating the Notch‐signaling pathway exclusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alcohol dehydrogenase LkADH was successfully engineered to exhibit improved activity and substrate tolerance for the production of (S)‐2‐chloro‐1‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)ethanol, an important precursor of ticagrelor. Five potential hotspots were identified for enzyme mutagenesis by using natural residue abundance as an indicator to evaluate their potential plasticity. A semi‐rational strategy named "aromatic residue scanning" was applied to randomly mutate these five sites simultaneously by using tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine as "exploratory residues" to introduce steric hindrance or potential π‐π interactions. The best variant Lk‐S96Y/L199W identified with 17.2‐fold improvement in catalytic efficiency could completely reduce up to 600 g/L (3.1 M) 2‐chloro‐1‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)ethenone in 12 h with >99.5 % ee, giving the highest space‐time yield ever reported. This study, therefore, offers a strategy for mutating alcohol dehydrogenase to reduce aromatic substrates and provides an efficient variant for the efficient synthesis of (S)‐2‐chloro‐1‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight metal‐polymer composited foam has drawn considerable attention in fields of wearable electronics, acoustic and electromagnetic shielding, automotive and aerospace manufacturing, owing to its unique advantages like electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. Herein, a facile strategy is studied for one‐step fabrication of multifunctional liquid metal (LM) permeated expancel microspheres foam (EMLM foam) with controllable shape and size. Specifically, the formation process and mechanism of bicontinuous structure with polymer and liquid metal are explored by real‐time monitoring and finite element simulation. Both experimental and simulating results confirmed a stable 3D metal interconnected network that can be constructed with lower limit of LM (3 vol.%). In addition, based on the unique features of reversible rigidity control, lightweight, electrical conductivity, and mechanical stability, the EMLM foam can exhibit intelligent performance in tunable acoustic, energy absorption, and thermal driving repair. Combined with EMLM foam's facile preparation process and versatility, it can provide the remarkable opportunity to develop the lightweight intelligent devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH 3) is involved in the development of several human cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological role of GOLPH 3 in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown.Methods: The expression of GOLPH 3 in OC cell lines was quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays. The role of GOLPH 3 in tumorigenicity, migration, and invasion of OC cell lines by small interference RNA, scratch wound-healing assays, and transwell assays was detected. In addition, western blotting was used to determine whether GOLPH 3 is associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, RT-qPCR verified whether GOLPH 3 is associated with drug resistance.Results: GOLPH 3-positive expression rate was higher in OC. Downregulation of GOLPH 3 markedly inhibited the migration and invasion and may be related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Moreover, the result of the experiment proved that GOLPH 3 enhances the sensitivity of OC to cisplatin by regulating ATP7A/B. GOLPH 3 promoted the invasion and migration of OC, and the mechanism may be related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In addition, inhibition of GOLPH 3 increased the sensitivity of OC cells to cisplatin, which may be associated with ATP7A/B.Conclusion: This study found that GOLPH3 may promote the migration and invasion of OC cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. At the same time, low expression of GOLPH3 increased the sensitivity of OC cells to cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previously, Interferon-induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) has been shown to promote cancer development. Here, we aimed to explore the role of IFIT1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, including the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We explored IFIT1 expression in pancreatic cancer samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Western blotting were performed to assess the regulatory effect of IFIT1 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results: We found that upregulation of IFIT1 expression is common in pancreatic cancer and is negatively associated with overall patient survival. Knockdown of IFIT1 expression led to decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that IFIT1 could regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and that a Wnt/β-catenin agonist could reverse this effect. In addition, we found that IFIT1 can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusions: Our data indicate that IFIT1 increases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, we found that EMT could be regulated by IFIT1. IFIT1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyltransferase-like 18 (METTL18), a METTL family member, is abundant in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have indicated the METTL family could regulate the progress of diverse malignancies while the role of METTL18 in HCC remains unclear. Data of HCC patients were acquired from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO). The expression level of METTL18 in HCC patients was compared with normal liver tissues by Wilcoxon test. Then, the logistic analysis was used to estimate the correlation between METTL18 and clinicopathological factors. Besides, Gene Ontology (GO), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) were used to explore relevant functions and quantify the degree of immune infiltration for METTL18. Univariate and Multivariate Cox analyses and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to estimate the association between METTL18 and prognosis. Besides, by cox multivariate analysis, a nomogram was conducted to forecast the influence of METTL18 on survival rates. METTL18-high was associated with Histologic grade, T stage, Pathologic stage, BMI, Adjacent hepatic tissue inflammation, AFP, Vascular invasion, and TP53 status (P < 0.05). HCC patients with METTL18-high had a poor Overall-Survival [OS; hazard ratio (HR): 1.87, P < 0.001), Disease-Specific Survival (DSS, HR: 1.76, P = 0.015), and Progression-Free Interval (PFI, HR: 1.51, P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that METTL18 was an independent factor for OS (HR: 2.093, P < 0.001), DSS (HR: 2.404, P = 0.015), and PFI (HR: 1.133, P = 0.006). Based on multivariate analysis, the calibration plots and C-indexes of nomograms showed an efficacious predictive effect for HCC patients. GSEA demonstrated that METTL18-high could activate G2M checkpoint, E2F targets, KRAS signaling pathway, and Mitotic Spindle. There was a positive association between the METTL18 and abundance of innate immunocytes (T helper 2 cells) and a negative relation to the abundance of adaptive immunocytes (Dendritic cells, Cytotoxic cells etc.). Finally, we uncovered knockdown of METTL18 significantly suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells in vitro. This research indicates that METTL18 could be a novel biomarker to evaluate HCC patients' prognosis and an important regulator of immune responses in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infection improves metabolic homeostasis in "western diet"-induced obesity through the regulation of adipogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. Using microarray analysis, this study investigated the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles of subcutaneous adipose tissues from mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. A total of 1052 mRNA (541 upregulated, 511 downregulated) and 220 lncRNA (126 upregulated, 94 downregulated) transcripts were differentially expressed (fold change ≥2, P < 0.05) in the infected subcutaneous adipose tissues. When compared with the control group, the infected mice showed a decrease in adipose tissue mass and a reduction in adipocyte size. Indirect calorimetry revealed the change in the energy metabolism after infection, characterized by a lower CO2 production and O2 consumption, a sharp decline in carbohydrate oxidation, and a slight increase in fat oxidation. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed that the parasitic infection reprogrammed a complex metabolic network. Notably, "lipoxygenase" and "arginine and proline metabolism" pathways were significantly upregulated while "glycolysis," "tricarboxylic acid cycle," " de novo lipogenesis," and "lipid droplet" pathways were dramatically downregulated. In addition, several key lncRNAs were associated with insulin resistance and adipocyte differentiation. Overall, the present study suggested that E. granulosus infection could enhance lipolysis. Thus, our findings provide novel insights into parasite-mediated metabolic homeostasis, and into the mechanism of hypertrophic adipocytes in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore a new and safe preservation technology for winter jujube storage, the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in single and/or in combination (fumigation with 3 µL/L 1-MCP and 100 µL/L ClO2, storage at 4 °C) on postharvest physiology and storage characteristics of winter jujube were studied. The variations of color, decay, firmness, water content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acid (TA), vitamin C (VC), total phenolics, reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging rate were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with 1 -MCP or ClO2 alone both effectively delayed color changing, reduced decay, maintained high levels of water content, firmness, TSS content, TA content, VC content, total phenolics content, reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging rate, and enhanced postharvest storage quality of winter jujube. In comparision with the treatment with 1-MCP or ClO2 alone, the combination of 1-MCP and ClO2 treatment showed a better preservation effect and it could be used as a useful method in postharvest preservation of winter jujube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium salts, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium suliate and ammonium hydro- gen sulfate, are the main components of secondary inorganic aerosols and play an important role in the formation of haze events. The sources and transformation processes of atmospheric ammonium have received more and more attention. In this study, we modified the previous stable isotope analysis technique by improving the injection volume and adding a pH adjustment step, which gave a rapid and accurate measurement of ammonium nitrogen isotope ratio in atmospheric aerosol samples. Firstly, we added alkaline hypobromite to the extracted solution of the atmospheric aerosol filter samples (0.25 µg ⋅ mL-1 ammonium nitrogen in 4 mL) to oxidize ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-). Then, after adjusting the pH, nitrite (NO2-) was reduced to nitrous oxide (N2O) by hydroxylamine hydrochloride under pH <0.3. Finally, nitrous oxide (N2O) was analyzed by Precon-GasBench-IRMS system to measure ammonium nitrogen isotope ratio. Our approach required low amount of NH4+ and avoided the use of highly toxic and explosive reagents. Meanwhile, the precision of our method could reach as high as 0.2%c (re= 10). This method could increase the NH4 + reduction efficiency to 100% at a condition of pH <0.3 and satisfy the demands of precision and accuracy for determination of ammonium nitrogen isotope in atmospheric aerosol samples. This method would help us better understand the sources, evolutions, chemical and deposition processes of atmospheric ammonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in lipid metabolism related genes would affect the effectiveness of atorvastatin in both Han and Uighur populations. Methods: 200 ischemic stroke patients were treated with atorvastatin. The differences of blood lipid level and their ratios were measured. Six lipid related genes, HMGCR, APOA5, LPL, CETP, LDLR and PCSK9 were selected as candidate genes. And nine SNP loci in these six genes were genotyped by SNaPshot technique. Results: In all patients treated with atorvastatin, the SNP rs662799 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL and ΔLDL/LDL (p < 0.05); the SNP rs320 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL/LDL and Δ(LDL/HDL)/(LDL/HDL) (p < 0.01) and the SNP rs708272 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL (p < 0.05). In Han population treated with atorvastatin, the SNP rs662799 significantly affected the ratio of ΔTG (p < 0.05); the SNP rs320 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL/LDL and Δ(LDL/HDL)/(LDL/HDL) (p < 0.01). In Uighur population treated with atorvastatin, the SNP rs2266788 significantly affected the ratio of ΔHDL (p < 0.05); the SNP rs662799 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL/LDL (p < 0.05) and the SNP rs708272 significantly affected the ratio of ΔLDL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Polymorphisms of rs662799 and rs2266788 in APOA5 gene, rs320 in LPL gene and rs708272 in CETP gene had significant association with the effect of the lipid-lowering therapy via atorvastatin calcium on ischemic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Haemostatic biomarkers associated with poor outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of plasma D-dimer (D-D) on functional outcome at 90-day follow-up from stroke onset. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study in the emergency department and enrolled 220 patients with AIS. Plasma D-D concentrations, determined by a particle-enhanced, immunoturbidimetric assay, were measured. Each patient’s medical record was reviewed, and demographic, clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging information was abstracted. Results: There was a positive correlation between levels of D-D and the NIHSS (r = 0.361, p<0.001), and the infarct volume (r = 0.449, p<0.001). In the 69 patients with an unfavorable functional outcome, D-D levels were higher compared with those in patients with a favorable outcome [3.24(IQR, 2.18–4.60)mg/L vs 0.88(IQR, 0.35–1.77) mg/L; p<0.001]. After adjusting for all other significant outcome predictors, D-D level remained an independent predictor for unfavorable functional outcome and mortality with an odds ratio of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.55–2.83), 3.22 (95% CI, 2.05–6.43); respectively. Conclusions: D-D levels are a useful tool to predict outcome and mortality 90-day after acute ischemic stroke and have a potential to assist clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the trend of fast fashion as synonymous with the change and development for fashion has played a catalytic role. Under the impact of the fast fashion, knitted garment gradually break the original design thinking frameworks. This article introduces the fast fashion knit couture under current situation, highlight the advantages of fast fashion and trends guide. By studying stylish knit clothes, yarns, colors, patterns, styles, organizational development, it can enrich the knitted dress design ideas, enhance the design potential of knit dress. Thereby promoting the production and development of knitted dress quickly and efficiently. Let the knitting female attire change be diverserand reinforced knit ladies' overall design standards in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Al-activated organic acid anion efflux from roots is an important Al resistance mechanism in plants. We have conducted homologous cloning and isolated Vigna umbellata multidrug and toxic compound extrusion ( VuMATE), a gene encoding a de novo citrate transporter from rice bean. Al treatment up-regulated VuMATE expression in the root apex, but neither in the mature root region nor in the leaf. The degree of up-regulation of VuMATE was both partially Al concentration and time dependent, consistent with the delay in the onset of the Al-induced citrate efflux in rice bean roots. While La3+ moderately induced VuMATE expression, Cd2+ and Cu2+ did not induce the expression. Electrophysiological analysis of Xenopus oocytes expressing VuMATE indicated this transporter can mediate significant anion efflux across the plasma membrane. [14C]citrate efflux experiments in oocytes demonstrated that VuMATE is a H+-dependent citrate transporter. In addition, expression of VuMATE in transgenic tomato resulted in increased Al resistance, which correlated with an enhanced citrate efflux. Taken together, these findings suggest that VuMATE is a functional homolog of the known citrate transporters in sorghum, barley, maize and Arabidopsis. The similarities and differences of all the known citrate transporters associated with Al stress in the MATE family are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to study the blood pressure variability statuses among different subtypes of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: From July 2009 to July 2011, 226 acute ischemic stroke patients aged 66.2±11.9 years, including 128 men and 98 women, were enrolled from the Departments of Neurology and Emergency at Urumqi Friendship Hospital. Based on the criteria and classification of “trial of Org 10 172 in acute stroke treatment,” the patients were divided into 3 groups: arterial atherothrombolism (AT) group (n = 98), cardioaortic embolism (CE) group (n = 39), and small artery disease (SAD) group (n = 89). Two-hundred twenty-six healthy subjects aged 65.6±10.8 years, including 140 men and 86 women were selected as control subjects. Their blood pressure level and variability were examined by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: Compared with the control group, patients in the AT, CE and SAD groups had significantly higher 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (136.7±11.7, 131.2±12.5, and 138.1±15.3mm Hg, respectively, vs. 116.7±13.2mm Hg), 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure (77.9±12.5, 70.2±11.4, and 77.2±12.7mm Hg, respectively vs. 64.4±11.5mm Hg), pulse pressure index (0.46±0.08, 0.42±0.07, and 0.45±0.05, respectively, vs. 0.37±0.07), and variability of 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (0.17±0.05, 0.14±0.02, and 0.17±0.01, respectively, vs. 0.11±0.04) (all P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the distribution of blood pressure circadian rhythms among patients in the 3 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The blood pressure variability in acute ischemic stroke patients was significantly larger than that in the control group. Furthermore, there were also significant differences in blood pressure variability among different ischemic stroke subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study evaluates the reversal effects of graphene oxide (GO) used as a carrier for adriamycin (ADR) in cancer drug resistance, and provides a preliminary investigation into the reversal mechanism. ADR was loaded onto the GO surface (ADR–GO) by physical mixing and drug loading content was found to be high, up to 93.6%. In vitro releases of ADR from ADR–GO were studied using a dialysis method, and they exhibited a significant pH-sensitive property. Cell experiments showed that GO significantly enhanced the accumulation of ADR in MCF-7/ADR cells (an ADR resistant breast cancer cell line) and exhibited much higher cytotoxicity than free ADR, suggesting that ADR–GO could effectively reverse ADR resistance of MCF-7/ADR, with the reversal index reaching 8.35. Microscopy studies found that GO could effectively carry drug molecules into cells in both endocytosis-dependent and independent manners. In conclusion, use of GO as a carrier for chemotherapeutic agents is favorable for the treatment of drug resistant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd–Ag bimetallic catalysts containing different molar ratios of Pd/Ag (30/70, 50/50, and 70/30) were prepared using a facile visible-light-assisted liquid-phase method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements were used to evaluate their electrocatalytic properties toward the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media. The alloyed Pd 50 Ag 50 nanowire network with the optimized molar ratio, which had abundant defects (grain boundaries, lattice dislocations, lattice expansion, and distortion), provided more active sites for the MOR under alkaline conditions. The onset potential of the MOR on the Pd 50 Ag 50 -loaded glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was more negative than those on the Pd 30 Ag 70 , Pd 70 Ag 30 , and pure Pd electrodes. The Pd 50 Ag 50 catalyst showed the best catalytic activity (2853 mA mg Pd −1/6.85 mA cm Pd −2) compared with those of the pure Pd catalyst (320 mA mg Pd −1/2.68 mA cm Pd −2) and other samples. This sample also exhibited a high tolerance (i b /i f = 0.19) to the poisoning species and long stability (only lost 7.64 % after 500 cycles). The alloyed Pd 50 Ag 50 network is a promising catalyst for the MOR. This work may be extended to construct advanced Pd–M (M = other metals) catalysts for fuel cell applications by surface defect engineering. [Display omitted] • Pd–Ag bimetallic catalysts were obtained through visible-light-assisted liquid-phase reactions in mild, eco-friendly conditions. • Control experiments were carried out to fabricate the alloyed Pd 50 Ag 50 nanowire networks with plenty of defects. • The obtained Pd 50 Ag 50 catalyst exhibited the best MOR performance among the four catalysts in this work and many previously reported Pd-based catalysts in alkaline electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]