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Background Previous studies have demonstrated that high levels of estradiol (E2) impair blastocyst implantation through effects on the endometrium; however, whether high E2 directly affects blastocysts is not well established. The present study sought to clarify the direct impacts of high E2 levels on blastocysts in vitro. Material and methods ICR virgin albino mice were used. Using an in-vitro 8-day blastocyst culture model, immunofluorescence staining for the estrogen receptor (ER), blastocyst outgrowth assays, differential staining and TUNEL assays of blastocysts, and embryo transfer, we investigated the main outcomes of exposure to different E2 concentrations (10−7 to 10−4 M) in vitro and in vivo. Results ERα and ERβ expression were detected in pre-implantation stage embryos. In vitro exposure of blastocysts to 10−4 M E2 for 24 h followed by 7 days culture in the absence of E2 caused severe inhibition of implantation and post-implantation development. The late adverse effects of E2 on post-implantation development still occurred at concentrations of 10−7 to 10−5 M. In addition, blastocyst proliferation was reduced and apoptotic cells were increased following exposure to 10−4 M E2. Using an in vivo embryo-transfer model, we also showed that treatment with high E2 resulted in fewer implantation sites (38% vs. 72% in control) and greater resorption of implanted blastocysts (81% vs. 38% in control). Conclusions Exposure to high E2 concentrations in vitro is deleterious to blastocyst implantation and early post-implantation development, mainly owing to direct impacts of E2 on implanting blastocysts. In clinical ART, high serum E2 concentrations not only affects the endometrium, but also affects blastocysts directly at the period of implantation.

Intracellular components (including organelles and biomolecules) at the submicron level are typically analyzed in situ by special preparation or expensive setups. Here, a label-free and cost-effective approach of screening microalgal single-cells at a subcellular resolution is available based on impedance cytometry. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to show the relationships between impedance signals and submicron intracellular organelles and biomolecules. Experiments were performed on Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) cells incubated under different incubation conditions (i.e., aerobic and anaerobic) and 15 μm polystyrene beads (reference) at two distinct stimulation frequencies (i.e., 500 kHz and 6 MHz). Based on the impedance detection of tens of thousands of samples at a throughput of 900 cells/s, three metrics were used to track the changes in biophyscial properties of samples. As a result, the electrical diameters of cells showed a clear shrinkage in cell volume and intracellular components, as observed under microscope. The morphology metric of impedance pulses (i.e., tilt index) successfully characterized the changes in cell shape and intracellular composition distribution. Besides, the electrical opacity showed the stable ratio of the intracellular components to cell volume under the cellular self-regulation. Additionally, simulations were used to support these findings and to elucidate how submicron intracellular components and cell morphology affect impedance signals, providing a basis for future improvements. This work opens up a label-free and high-throughput way to analyze single-cell intracellular components by impedance cytometry.

Background The albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade was developed to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which can stratify the prognosis even in HCC patients with Child‐Pugh A. We evaluated the prognostic efficacy of the ALBI grade and Child‐Pugh classification in HCC patients with Child‐Pugh A stratified by the presence or absence of advanced fibrosis or a preoperative biomarker for advanced fibrosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 490 consecutive HCC patients with Child‐Pugh A who underwent initial hepatectomies. The accuracy of prognostic prediction using both models was compared by the presence or absence of advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) and its predictor, the preoperative platelet count (PLT). Results The prognostic accuracy of the ALBI grade was better in patients without advanced fibrosis (F3‐4; likelihood ratio: 4.39, corrected Akaike information criterion [AICc]: 453.0, P = .074), but Child‐Pugh score was better in the advanced fibrosis group (likelihood ratio: 10.67, AICc: 915.2, P = .0014). In the high PLT group (≥140 × 103/μL), the prognostic accuracy using the ALBI grade was better in overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS), but in the low PLT group, the Child‐Pugh score was the more accurate model in OS and RFS. Conclusions Depending on the degree of fibrosis or preoperative PLT, the ALBI grade and Child‐Pugh score may provide more accurate prognoses after initial hepatectomy in HCC patients with Child‐Pugh A., Depending on the degree of fibrosis and preoperative platelet count (PLT), the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade or Child‐Pugh score may provide more accurate prognoses after initial hepatectomy in HCC patients with Child‐Pugh A.

lt;bgt;Background and Objective:lt;/bgt; Photoperiod can regulate reproductive physiological processes in mammals, in which improvements in testosterone concentration, testicular volume and seminal quality have been reported. The aim was to evaluate the influence of photoperiod treatments on guinea pigs' spermatic parameters.lt;bgt;Materials and Methods:lt;/bgt; Thirty guinea pigs, between males and females, were distributed in two rooms with the photoperiodic treatment of 10 hrs light and 14 hrs dark (PTlt;subgt;1lt;/subgt; with artificial photoperiod and PTlt;subgt;2lt;/subgt; photoperiod with sunlight by opening windows from 08:00-18:00) and one without any direct light stimulus (PTlt;subgt;0lt;/subgt;) for 78 days. The temperature and humidity were recorded and the TH index was calculated for each room. The sperms were recovered in Tris base medium from the epididymis of 16 males to determine sperm concentration, motility, kinetic parameters, vitality, HOST, acrosomal integrity and DNA fragmentation.lt;bgt;Results:lt;/bgt; Sperm values in PTlt;subgt;1lt;/subgt; and PTlt;subgt;0lt;/subgt; were similar but PTlt;subgt;2lt;/subgt; obtained values lower in sperm concentration, non-progressive motility, total motility, VCL, ALH, vitality, HOST+, acrosomal integrity, sperm with non-fragmented DNA and no pregnancies were reported (0/5). A 100% pregnancy was observed in PTlt;subgt;0lt;/subgt; (4/4) and 50% in PTlt;subgt;1lt;/subgt; (2/4). However, precocity was evidenced in PTlt;subgt;1lt;/subgt; compared to PTlt;subgt;0lt;/subgt;. PTlt;subgt;2lt;/subgt; recorded higher peaks in temperature (33.8°C, THI 81, considered as thermal stress) compared to PTlt;subgt;0lt;/subgt; (32.65°C, THI 81.8) and PTlt;subgt;1lt;/subgt; (32.75°C, THI 81.6).lt;bgt;Conclusion:lt;/bgt; An artificial photoperiod can improve sperm characteristics and reproductive precociousness of guinea pigs, unlike the photoperiod with sunlight, which generated low spermiogram values and absence of pregnancy due to thermal stress.

Genome segregation is a vital process in all organisms. Chromosome partitioning remains obscure in Archaea, the third domain of life. Here, we investigated the SegAB system from Sulfolobus solfataricus. SegA is a ParA Walker-type ATPase and SegB is a site-specific DNA-binding protein. We determined the structures of both proteins and those of SegA–DNA and SegB–DNA complexes. The SegA structure revealed an atypical, novel non-sandwich dimer that binds DNA either in the presence or in the absence of ATP. The SegB structure disclosed a ribbon–helix–helix motif through which the protein binds DNA site specifically. The association of multiple interacting SegB dimers with the DNA results in a higher order chromatin-like structure. The unstructured SegB N-terminus plays an essential catalytic role in stimulating SegA ATPase activity and an architectural regulatory role in segrosome (SegA–SegB–DNA) formation. Electron microscopy results also provide a compact ring-like segrosome structure related to chromosome organization. These findings contribute a novel mechanistic perspective on archaeal chromosome segregation.

Fusobacterium nucleatum has been detected in 8%‐13% of human colorectal cancer, and shown to inhibit immune responses against primary colorectal tumors in animal models. Thus, we hypothesized that the presence of F. nucleatum might be associated with reduced T cell density in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). We quantified F. nucleatum DNA in 181 CRLM specimens using quantitative PCR assay. The densities of CD8+ T cells, CD33+ cells (marker for myeloid‐derived suppressor cells [MDSCs]), and CD163+ cells (marker for tumor‐associated macrophages [TAMs]) in CRLM tissue were determined by immunohistochemical staining. Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in eight (4.4%) of 181 CRLM specimens. Compared with F. nucleatum‐negative CRLM, F. nucleatum‐positive CRLM showed significantly lower density of CD8+ T cells (P = .033) and higher density of MDSCs (P = .001). The association of F. nucleatum with the density of TAMs was not statistically significant (P = .70). The presence of F. nucleatum is associated with a lower density of CD8+ T cells and a higher density of MDSCs in CRLM tissue. Upon validation, our findings could provide insights to develop strategies that involve targeting microbiota and immune cells for the prevention and treatment of CRLM., Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in eight (4.4%) of 181 colorectal cancer liver metastasis tissue. We found that the presence of F. nucleatum was associated with lower CD8+ T cell density and greater densities of both myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and tumor‐associated macrophages.

Aromatic N -heterocycle fused scaffolds such as indoles and quinolines are important core structures found in various bioactive natural products and synthetic compounds. Recently, various dehydrogenation methods with the help of alkoxides, known to significantly promote dihydro- or tetrahydro-heterocycles to be oxidized, were developed for the heterocycle synthesis. However, these approaches are sometimes unsuitable due to resulting undesired side reactions such as reductive dehalogenation. Herein, expedient syntheses of 1 H -indoles, quinolines, and 6-membered N -heterocycle-fused scaffolds from their hydrogenated forms through palladium(II)-catalyzed aerobic dehydrogenation under alkoxide-free conditions are reported. A total of 48 compounds were successfully synthesized with a wide range of functional groups including halogens (up to 99% yield). These methodologies provide facile routes for various privileged structures possessing aromatic N -heterocycles without the help of alkoxides, in highly efficient manners.

Amantadine hydrochloride (HCl) is commonly prescribed for treating influenza A virus infection and Parkinson’s disease. Recently, several studies have indicated that the use of amantadine HCl is associated with corneal edema; however, the cytotoxic effect of amantadine HCl has not been investigated. In the present study, the effects of amantadine HCl on cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in bovine cornea endothelial cells, and in vitro endothelial permeability were examined. Results showed that lower doses of amantadine HCl do not affect cell growth (≤ 20 μΜ), whereas higher doses of amantadine HCl inhibits cell growth (≥ 50 μΜ), induces apoptosis (2000 μΜ), increases sub-G1 phase growth arrest (2000 μΜ), causes DNA damage (≥ 1000 μΜ), and induces endothelial hyperpermeability (≥ 1000 μΜ) in bovine cornea endothelial cells; additionally, we also found that amantadine HCl attenuates the proliferation (≥ 200 μΜ) and arrests cell cycle at G1 phase (≥ 200 μΜ) in bovine cornea endothelial cells. In the present study, we measured the cytotoxic doses of amantadine HCl on cornea endothelial cells, which might be applied in evaluating the association of corneal edema.

The temperature dependence of the refractive indices of K2SO4 with copper impurity was investigated. It was found that introduction of the copper impurity leads to the appearance of isotropic points [intersection of the n2(T) and nx(T) curves at temperature T' ~ 612 K (Δny = 0) and nz(T) and ny(T) at temperature T″ ~ 689 K (Δnx = 0)] and also to widening of the temperature range for existence of the intermediate phase and its shift toward lower temperatures. The critical index of the phase transition order parameter was determined for the doped crystal in terms of the phenomenological approach of the first fluctuation correction to the Landau theory (β ≈ 0.17 ± 0.05). It was found that the phase transition point is shifted toward low temperatures, and this can be explained at the phenomenological level by the effect of internal stresses that arise during introduction of the impurity by analogy with the effect of uniaxial or hydrostatic pressures.

Microglia are brain-resident immune cells with a repertoire of functions in the brain. However, the extent of their interactions with the vasculature and potential regulation of vascular physiology has been insufficiently explored. Here, we document interactions between ramified CX3CR1 + myeloid cell somata and brain capillaries. We confirm that these cells are bona fide microglia by molecular, morphological and ultrastructural approaches. Then, we give a detailed spatio-temporal characterization of these capillary-associated microglia (CAMs) comparing them with parenchymal microglia (PCMs) in their morphological activities including during microglial depletion and repopulation. Molecularly, we identify P2RY12 receptors as a regulator of CAM interactions under the control of released purines from pannexin 1 (PANX1) channels. Furthermore, microglial elimination triggered capillary dilation, blood flow increase, and impaired vasodilation that were recapitulated in P2RY12−/− and PANX1−/− mice suggesting purines released through PANX1 channels play important roles in activating microglial P2RY12 receptors to regulate neurovascular structure and function., Microglia are involved in debris clearance and synaptic pruning, among other processes. However, their direct interaction with the brain vasculature is less clear. Here, the authors show that capillary-associated microglia (CAMs) regulate vascular tone via PANX1-P2RY12 signalling.

Digital light processing additive manufacturing (DLP-AM) technology has received a lot of attention in the field of biomedical engineering due to its high precision and customizability. However, some photoinitiators, as one of the key components in DLP-AM, may present toxicity and limit the application of DLP-AM toward biomedical applications. In order to gain further insights into the correlation between biocompatibility and photoinitiators in photoresins, a study on the selection of photoinitiators used in DLP-AM is conducted. The light absorbance range and cytocompatibility of four photoinitiators, vitamin B2 combined with triethanolamine (B2/TEOA), diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO), 2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA), and 2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone (I2959), are characterized. Each photoinitiator is then combined with poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) diacrylate (PCLDA), to evaluate their miscibility and film formation ability through photopolymerization. The mechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility studies on bulk films are investigated. It is found that B2/TEOA and TPO exhibit a wider light absorbance range than I2959 and DMPA. PGSA films with B2/TEOA (PGSA-B2/TEOA) is capable of sustaining cell proliferation up to 10 days and showing low immune responses after 14 days post implantation, proving its biocompatibility. Although B2/TEOA requires longer photopolymerization time, the mechanical strength of PGSA-B2/TEOA is comparable to PGSA films with TPO and DMPA, and this combination is 3D-printable through DLP-AM at the rate of 100 s per layer. In summary, B2/TEOA is a promising photoinitiator for 3D printing.

Organic matter (OM) application is a possible solution to carbon (C) sequestration. Among the soil pedogenic factors for volcanic ash, time of exposure to weathering affects formation of short-range ordered minerals and soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of long-term OM application with the vertical infiltration of OM on different ages of Andosols in Hokkaido, Japan. Twelve fields of Vitric Andosols and 22 fields of Silandic Andosols were selected. Vitric and Silandic Andosols are characterized by newly erupted volcanic ash with weak weathering, and formation of short-range ordered minerals by weathering, respectively. The C application rate via OM was determined using questionnaires given to farmers, and soil physicochemical properties in the 0-0.15 m and 0.15-0.30 m layers were analyzed. The average C application rate in Vitric and Silandic Andosols were 1.71 +/- 1.18 and 1.31 +/- 1.28 (Mg C ha(-1) yr(-1)), respectively (mean +/- sd). The sand content was significantly higher in Vitric Andosols (55.7% +/- 4.0%) than in Silandic Andosol (51.2% +/- 2.0%). Although there was no significant difference in micro-porosity, Silandic Andosols had significantly higher total porosity and lower bulk density than Vitric Andosols. These results indicate better soil structure development in Silandic Andosols. The SOC stock in the 0-0.30 m layer in Vitric Andosols [71.5 +/- 15.3 (Mg C ha(-1) 0.30 m(-1))] was significantly lower than in Silandic Andosols [86.4 +/- 12.7 (Mg C ha(-1) 0.30 m(-1))]. The SOC stock in Vitric and Silandic Andosols showed a different response to the OM application. An increased C application rate significantly increased the SOC stock in the 0-0.15 and 0-0.30 m layers in Vitric Andosols, but the relations were not significant in Silandic Andosols. In contrast, in Silandic Adosols, weak trends (p = 0.07) were observed in the 0.15-0.30 m layer. In Silandic Andosols, SOC stock in the 0-0.15 m layer showed a z significant positive correlation with soil micro-porosity, suggesting physical protection of OM inside the aggregate. These results suggest that there are different factors affecting SOC stock between Vitric and Silandic Andosols.

Naphthalimide derivatives have multiple biological activities, including antitumour and anti‐inflammatory activities. We previously synthesized several naphthalimide derivatives; of them, compound 5 was found to exert the strongest inhibitory effect on human DNA topoisomerase II activity. However, the effects of naphthalimide derivatives on platelet activation have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the mechanism underlying the antiplatelet activity of compound 5 was determined in this study. The data revealed that compound 5 (5–10 μM) inhibited collagen‐ and convulxin‐ but not thrombin‐ or U46619‐mediated platelet aggregation, suggesting that compound 5 is more sensitive to the inhibition of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signalling. Indeed, compound 5 could inhibit the phosphorylation of signalling molecules downstream of GPVI, followed by the inhibition of calcium mobilization, granule release and GPIIb/IIIa activation. Moreover, compound 5 prevented pulmonary embolism and prolonged the occlusion time, but tended to prolong the bleeding time, indicating that it can prevent thrombus formation but may increase bleeding risk. This study is the first to demonstrate that the naphthalimide derivative compound 5 exerts antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. Future studies should modify compound 5 to synthesize more potent and efficient antiplatelet agents while minimizing bleeding risk, which may offer a therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.

Multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) has emerged as a promising new technique for high-resolution quantification of hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in the mouse brain. In this work, we have extended the scope of multi-parametric PAM to longitudinal, cortex-wide, awake-brain imaging with the use of a long-lifetime (24 weeks), wide-field (5 × 7 mm2), light-weight (2 g), dual-transparency ( i.e., light and ultrasound) cranial window. Cerebrovascular responses to the window installation were examined in vivo, showing a complete recovery in 18 days. In the 22-week monitoring after the recovery, no dura thickening, skull regrowth, or changes in cerebrovascular structure and function were observed. The promise of this technique was demonstrated by monitoring vascular and metabolic responses of the awake mouse brain to ischemic stroke throughout the acute, subacute, and chronic stages. Side-by-side comparison of the responses in the ipsilateral (injury) and contralateral (control) cortices shows that despite an early recovery of cerebral blood flow and an increase in microvessel density, a long-lasting deficit in cerebral oxygen metabolism was observed throughout the chronic stage in the injured cortex, part of which proceeded to infarction. This longitudinal, functional-metabolic imaging technique opens new opportunities to study the chronic progression and therapeutic responses of neurovascular diseases.

Purpose: To investigate changes in the retinal layer thickness in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and intraocular foreign body (IOFB) patients undergoing successful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil tamponade. Methods: This retrospective study included 28 eyes of 28 patients (RRD: 24 patients; IOFB: 4 patients) that were successfully repaired with PPV with silicone oil tamponade. The thickness measurements of the total retina, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) were performed with swept-source optical coherence tomography in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields, using the wide three-dimensional mode before and after silicone oil tamponade removal. The measurements were compared and differences were analyzed with respect to normal fellow eyes. Results: The RNFL and GC-IPL thickness measurements decreased remarkably as the silicone oil tamponade period progressed, compared with the thickness of the total retinal layer. The average thicknesses of the total retina, RNFL, and GC-IPL were significantly greater in eyes in which the silicone oil had been removed than in those in which the silicone oil remained. Conclusions: Silicone oil tamponade can change the thickness of the retina layer. The longer the silicone oil is tamponaded, the more significant the reduction in thickness of the inner retinal layer.

Several studies have focused on Ca and P requirements for pigs. These requirements are estimated from their retention and bone formation. However, modern pig breeds have different responses to dietary Ca and P than traditional breeds, and their requirements are expected to change on an annual basis. Besides individual Ca and P needs, the Ca to P ratio (Ca/P) is an important factor in determining requirements. This study aimed to implement a linear and quadratic regression analysis to estimate Ca and P requirements based on average daily gain (ADG), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca (ATTD-Ca), ATTD of P (ATTD-P), and crude protein (CP) digestibility. Results show that Ca/P had linear and quadratic effects on ADG in the phytase-supplemented (PS) group in both the 6–11 kg and 11–25 kg categories. In the latter category, the CP digestibility was linearly increased in response to increasing Ca/P in the without-phytase (WP) group. In the 25–50 kg category, there was a linear response of ADG and linear and quadratic responses of CP digestibility to Ca/P in the PS group, while a linear and quadratic increase in CP digestibility and a quadratic effect on ATTD-Ca were observed in the WP group. In the 50–75 kg category, Ca/P had significant quadratic effects on ADG in the PS and WP groups, along with significant linear and quadratic effects on ATTD-Ca. In addition, Ca/P had significant quadratic effects on ATTD-P and led to a significant linear and quadratic increase in the CP digestibility in the WP group. In the 75–100 kg category, analysis showed a significant decrease in ATTD-Ca and ATTD-P in the PS and WP groups; in the latter, ATTD-P and ATTD-Ca were linearly decreased by increasing Ca/P. In conclusion, our equations predicted a higher Ca/P in the 6–25 kg bodyweight categories and a lower Ca/P in the 50-100 kg category than that recommended in the literature.

Semiconductors are considered promising materials of thermo-converters and thermo-sensors. The photons generated by a KrF laser source (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≤ 25 ns) were used for the synthesis of stable crystalline phases of copper oxides 2D single-layered semiconductor structures via the reaction of ablated copper atoms with oxygen molecules by reactive pulsed laser deposition (RPLD). Obtained semiconductor 2D single-layered structures of (23–75) nm thickness were deposited on 293, 600 or 800 K Si substrates in oxygen atmosphere at 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 Pa. X-ray diffraction analysis evidenced polycrystalline structures of the deposits reviled of two crystalline semiconductor phases CuO (002) and CuO(111). Semiconductor temperature trend was detected with variable energy band gap (Eg) in the range of (0.10–1.5) eV depending on substrate temperature, oxygen pressure and structure thickness. The optimum conditions were found out when the S coefficient was being homogeneously increased from 2.0 mV/K up to 10.5 mV/K and thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) from 0.0035 up to 9.0 in the range of (290–340) K. The interpretation of behaviour for these 2D single-layered semiconductor structures of thermoelectric properties was provided. Obtained 2D single-layered structures based on copper oxides with such high S coefficient and high ZT are exceptionally strong candidates for a new effective thermo-sensors and thermo-converters operating at moderate temperature. Moreover, RPLD serves as an up to date method for the synthesis of 2D structures with such superior thermo-sensor and thermo-converter properties. These 2D single-layered structures based on copper oxides are among the most promising candidates based on non-toxic precursors for “green” technology fabrication of efficient thermo-sensors and thermo-converters.

Electrochemical reactions such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are essential for energy conversion applications such as water electrolysis and fuel cells. Furthermore, Pt or Ir-related materials have been extensively utilized as electrocatalysts for the OER, ORR, and MOR. To reduce the utilization of precious metals, innovative catalyst structures should be proposed. Herein, we report a bi-metallic phosphide (Ni2P and PdP2) structure surrounded by graphitic carbon (Ni–Pd–P/C) with an enhanced electrochemical activity as compared to conventional electrocatalysts. Despite the low Pd content of 3 at%, Ni–Pd–P/C exhibits a low overpotential of 330 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in the OER, high specific activity (2.82 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V) for the ORR, and a high current density of 1.101 A mg−1 for the MOR. The superior electrochemical performance of Ni–Pd–P/C may be attributed to the synergistic effect of the bi-metallic phosphide structure and core-shell structure formed by graphitic carbon.

The chromatographic characteristics were investigated for eight aromatic derivatives of 3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone under conditions of normal-phase thin-layer chromatography for benzene-based binary mobile phase and such polar solvents as chloroform, acetone, acetonitrile, methanol and propan-2-ol. The slope of linear retention dependencies for the investigated compounds on the concentration of the polar component in the mobile phase satisfactorily correlates with the area occupied by the adsorbed analyte molecule in the stationary phase. The intercept in the Soczewinski equation depends on the polar component of the mobile phase.

The quantum-chemical modeling of the synthesis process chemistry of CdS and CdSe in aqueos solutions was carried out. For that reason, the CdS synthesis simulation was carried out through the formation of Cd(II) complex forms with the trisodium citrate and ammonium hydroxide. At the CdSe synthesis, the sodium selenosulfate with and without trisodium citrate was used. It was established that this process passes through several intermediate stages with the transitional reactive complexes formation. On the basis of obtained data, the energy stages diagrams are constructed and the comparison of CdS and CdSe synthesis processes with various complexing agents has been carried out. The CdS and CdSe films were obtained by chemical synthesis method from an aqueous solution of cadmium salt, complexing and chalcogenizing agents. X-ray phase analysis confirmed the formation of desired compounds, which was predicted by modeling.

The physical modification of poly(lactiс acid) materials suitable for use in the form of films for the packaging industry and paper lamination has been studied. Modification of poly(lactiс acids) of different degrees of crystallinity with glycerol was performed. The peculiarities of the formation of film materials on the basis of poly(lactiс acids) and their mixtures with glycerin are investigated, the choice of the optimal solvent (chloroform) for the formation of films by irrigation is substantiated and carried out. Concentration and temperature-time characteristics of formation of modified poly(lactiс acid) films are determined. On the basis of the performed researches the main stages of manufacturing of modified poly(lactiс acid) films are substantiated and their physical and mechanical properties are investigated.

Tissue-engineered tracheae have been developed to replace defective tracheae. However, the direction of ciliated cells in the regenerated epithelium remains unclear. We investigated planar polarity formed in the regenerated airway epithelium after tracheal graft implantation. We also partially resected the rat trachea and implanted a collagen scaffold. The direction of the basal foot was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine the biased distribution of Vangl1 and Frizzled6 proteins. The direction of mucociliary transport was analyzed by video microscopy. Our results showed that the basal feet of cilia in the proximal and distal regions of the implanted areas were respectively oriented toward the proximal and distal directions. The biased distribution of Vangl1 and Frizzled6, and the directions of mucociliary transport showed that planar polarities formed in the regenerated epithelium were oriented toward the proximal, distal, left, and right directions in the proximal, distal, left, and right regions of the implanted area. These polarities persisted until nine months after implantation. Hence, the results suggest that planar polarities formed in epithelia regenerated on tracheal grafts are directed toward the nearby edges of implanted areas and are preserved for a prolonged period. The polarities can, at least partially, contribute to clearing external materials from the implanted areas by transporting them to a normal region. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CD28 is required for T cell activation as well as the generation of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg. It is unclear, however, how CD28 costimulation affects the development of CD8+ T cell suppressive function. Here, by use of Hepa1.6.gp33 in vitro killing assay and B16.gp33 tumor mouse model we demonstrate that CD28 engagement during TCR ligation prevents CD8+ T cells from becoming suppressive. Interestingly, our results showed that ectonucleotidase CD73 expression on CD8+ T cells is upregulated in the absence of CD28 costimulation. In both murine and human tumor-bearing hosts, CD73 is upregulated on CD28−CD8+ T cells that infiltrate the solid tumor. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that CD8+ T cells activation without CD28 costimulation produces elevated levels of adenosine and that CD73 mediates its production. Adenosine receptor antagonists block CD73-mediated suppression. Our data support the notion that CD28 costimulation inhibits CD73 upregulation and thereby prevents CD8+ T cells from becoming suppressive. This study uncovers a previously unidentified role for CD28 costimulation in CD8+ T cell activation and suggests that the CD28 costimulatory pathway can be a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Lai et al. report that the immunosuppressive molecule CD73 is negatively regulated by CD28 costimulation during CD8+ T cell activation. Their study implicates a lack of CD28 costimulation renders CD8+ T cells immunosuppressive and less able to eliminate solid tumors.

Neural crest-derived cells (NCDCs), a class of adult stem cells not restricted to embryonic tissues, are attractive tissue regenerative therapy candidates because of their ease of isolation, self-renewing properties, and multipotency. Although adult NCDCs can undergo osteogenic differentiation in vitro, whether they induce bone formation in vivo remains unclear. Previously, our group reported findings showing high amounts of NCDCs scattered throughout nasal concha tissues of adult mice. In the present study, NCDCs in nasal conchae labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were collected from adult P0-Cre/CAG-CAT-EGFP double transgenic mice, then cultured in serum-free medium to increase the number. Subsequently, NCDCs were harvested and suspended in type I atelocollagen gel, then an atelocollagen sponge was used as a scaffold for the cell suspension. Atelocollagen scaffolds with NCDCs were placed on bone defects created in a mouse calvarial bone defect model. Over the ensuing 12 weeks, micro-CT and histological analysis findings showed that mice with scaffolds containing NCDCs had slightly greater bone formation as compared to those with a scaffold alone. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy revealed spectral properties of bone in mice that received scaffolds with NCDCs similar to those of native calvarial bone. Bone regeneration is important not only for gaining bone mass but also chemical properties. These results are the first to show the validity of biomolecule-free adult nasal concha-derived NCDCs for bone regeneration, including the chemical properties of regenerated bone tissue.

A considerable percentage of morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy is due to leakage of oesophagogastrostomy, which is mainly caused by ischaemia of the gastric tube. Therefore, we performed laparoscopic real-time vessel navigation (LRTVN) using indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) during laparoscopy-assisted gastric tube reconstruction (LAGR) to evaluate gastric tube blood flow and avoid vascular injury. This study included five oesophageal cancer patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy and LAGR. We confirmed the presence of the left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA) in all cases, and no findings such as post-operative gastric tube ischaemia were observed. In all cases, no vascular injury was observed, and the vascularization of LGEA was confirmed. This report is the first to consider the usefulness of LRTVN using ICG during LAGR. LRTVN using ICG during LAGR was considered to be useful for evaluating gastric tube blood flow and avoiding vascular injury around the splenic hiatus.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is synthesized via pyrolyzing urea by hybrid microwave annealing (HMA) to support Pd catalyst for direct CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid under a base-free condition. The HMA produces fragmented C3N4 sheets with abundant defects along their edges, because of the high annealing temperature (>900 °C) in an extremely short time ( -to-HCOOH conversion in terms of both palladium time yield based on total Pd, and turnover frequency based on exposed surface Pd atoms. The enhanced performance is explained by interplay between small Pd nanoparticles and the abundant CO 2 supply from nearby defect sites along the edges of the modified C3N4 sheets.

The AHNAK nucleoprotein has been determined to exert an anti-obesity effect in adipose tissue and further inhibit adipogenic differentiation. In this study, we examined the role of AHNAK in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism to prevent diet-induced fatty liver. Ahnak KO mice have reportedly exhibited reduced fat accumulation in the liver and decreased serum triglyceride (TG) levels when provided with either a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). Gene expression profiling was used to identify novel factors that could be modulated by genetic manipulation of the Ahnak gene. The results revealed that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was markedly increased in the livers of Ahnak KO mice compared with WT mice fed a HFD. Ahnak knockdown in hepatocytes reportedly prevented excessive lipid accumulation induced by palmitate treatment and was associated with increased secretion of FGF21 and the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, which are primarily downstream of PPARα. These results indicate that pronounced obesity and hepatic steatosis are attenuated in HFD-fed Ahnak KO mice. This may be attributed, in part, to the induction of FGF21 and regulation of lipid metabolism, which are considered to be involved in increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipogenesis in the liver. These findings suggest that targeting AHNAK may have beneficial implications in preventing or treating hepatic steatosis., Liver disease: A potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver A protein that modulates lipid accumulation could be a target for controlling nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The AHNAK protein regulates fat cell development, and mice lacking AHNAK are less susceptible to obesity after being fed a HFD. South Korean researchers led by Je Kyung Seong of Seoul National University and Yun Soo Bae of Ewha Womans University, Seoul, have identified a mechanism by which AHNAK inhibition prevents lipid accumulation in NAFLD. The authors profiled gene expression in AHNAK-deficient mice, and noted a striking increase in levels of a signaling protein called FGF21 in the liver. This elevated FGF21 was in turn linked to increased breakdown and reduced production of fatty acids. Therapeutic interventions that inhibit AHNAK could help control NAFLD, a hard-to-treat condition that can ultimately lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

The desire for multivariable applications has encouraged extensive study to exploit multi-functional carbon materials owing to their superior physicochemical properties, wide availability, and massive productivity. In particular, the design of a porous architecture is the key to manipulating their function, thereby promoting the practicality. This paper suggests a simple and scalable synthetic process to prepare mesostructured porous carbon derived by pseudo metal-organic coordination. Inspired by metal-organic framework synthesis, the zinc ion is selected to function as both a mesostructure inducer and self-vanishing porogen, thereby enabling the direct carbonization of non-carbonizable precursors without complicated and environmental burden steps. The resulting porous carbon materials possess mesostructured morphologies, resembling diverse metal oxide crystals with distinct pore architectures, which can be tailored for various applications. Furthermore, the functionalities of the resulting mesostructured porous carbon are demonstrated by evaluating the adsorption behavior for large molecules and the electrochemical performance of the sulfur cathode for Li–S batteries.

The temperature, spectral and baric dependences of birefringence Δni of potassium sulfate crystals doped with 1.7% of copper are studied. It is established that the impurity introduction changes an absolute value of Δni and leads to an increase of the temperature dependence Δnі(Т). It is shown that the isotropic points, which are shifted towards low temperatures by 5 and 11 K, respectively, compared to a pure crystal, appear in a doped potassium sulfate crystal. It is established that uniaxial stresses change the magnitude of absolute values of Δni, as well as the domain of existence of the isotropic state. The generalized temperature–spectral–baric diagrams of the isotropic state of a doped potassium sulfate crystal are plotted, which make it possible to use them as a crystallooptic sensor.

Heterogeneous copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to complete the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) owing to better stability and biocompatibility ...

A feeding trial was conducted using 104 one week-old anak broilier chicks to evaluate the replacement value of shrimp waste meal (SWM) for fish meal (FM) in broiler diets. Fish meal contribution to the dietary crude protein of the brioiler dietsat was replaced with SWM 0, 33, 66 and 100% of graded levels. Weight gain and feedconverstion ratio were significantly (P > 0.05) reduced with SWM replacing FM at 100% at both the starter and finisher phases. No significant differences (P >0.05) were observed for feed consumption. mortality increased with an increased levle of SWM in the diet at the starter phase. Liver weight increased (P

The Brill transition in nylon 6/6 is generally perceived as a fully reversible solid–solid transformation between a low-temperature triclinic lattice (α-phase) and a high-temperature pseudohexagona...

Context Sauropus brevipes Müll. Arg. (Phyllanthaceae) has been used as an effective ingredient in a decoction for the treatment of diarrhoea. However, there was no report on its modulatory role in inflammation. Objective This study investigates anti-inflammatory effect of S. brevipes in various inflammation models. Materials and methods The aerial part of S. brevipes was extracted with 95% ethanol to produce Sb-EE. RAW264.7 cells pre-treated with Sb-EE were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Griess assay and PCR were performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, luciferase assay, Western blotting and kinase assay were employed. C57BL/6 mice (10 mice/group) were orally administered with Sb-EE (200 mg/kg) once a day for five days, and peritonitis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). ICR mice (four mice/group) were orally administered with Sb-EE (20 or 200 mg/kg) or ranitidine (positive control) twice a day for two days, and EtOH/HCl was orally injected to induce gastritis. Results Sb-EE suppressed nitric oxide (NO) release (IC50=34 µg/mL) without cytotoxicity and contained flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol). Sb-EE (200 µg/mL) reduced the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Sb-EE blocked the activities of Syk and Src, while inhibiting interleukin-1 receptor associated kinases (IRAK1) by 68%. Similarly, orally administered Sb-EE (200 mg/kg) suppressed NO production by 78% and phosphorylation of Src and Syk in peritonitis mice. Sb-EE also decreased inflammatory lesions in gastritis mice. Discussion and conclusions This study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of Sb-EE on the inflammatory response, suggesting that Sb-EE can be developed as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

In this article, a novel miniature dual-band rat-race coupler design is proposed. The proposed dual-band rat-race coupler employs differential bridged-T coils (DBTCs) as building blocks such that a very compact circuit size and a dual-band response can be achieved at the same time. Especially, through the proposed dual-band design of DBTC, arbitrary power division ratios over the two operating bands can also be realized. Explicit design equations of the proposed dual-band rat-race coupler are presented, and practical limitations on the achievable frequency ratio, power division ratio, and bandwidth are thoroughly investigated. As design examples, two 2.45-/5.5-GHz dual-band rat-race couplers with 0-/0- and 3-/0-dB power division ratios for the two bands are implemented in a silicon-based integrated passive device process. Very compact circuit sizes of less than 4.4 mm $\times \,\, 3.1$ mm as well as good measured performance are achieved. To the best of our knowledge, these are the smallest dual-band rat-race couplers ever reported.

In this article there has been given the analyzing of non-fiction sources in order to find out the popular indexes of the vegetable control parameters. There are such parameters as chlorophyll presence, water containing, the efficiency of a light use, nitrogen and carbon presence, foliage pigmentation. The chlorophyll presence control is conducted by such indexes as the difference vegetation index, the global environmental monitoring index, the infrared percentage vegetation index, the modified simple ratio, the modified Soil adjusted vegetation index 2, the non-linear index, the normalized difference vegetation index, the optimized soil adjusted vegetation index, the renormalized difference vegetation index, the soil adjusted vegetation index, the simple ratio etc. The control of water content can be based on the moisture stress index, the normalized difference infrared index, the normalized difference water index, the normalized multi-band drought index, the water band index. There is the photochemical reflectance index, the structure insensitive pigment index, the red green ratio index for the efficiency control of the light use. The nitrogen presence is controlled by the normalized differential nitrogen index. The carbon presence can be detected by the implementing of cellulose absorption index, the lignin cellulose absorption index, the normalized difference lignin index, the plant senescence reflectance index. The foliage pigmentations can be controlled by the means of the anthocyanin reflectance index 1, the anthocyanin reflectance index 2, the carotenoid reflectance index 1, and the carotenoid reflectance index 2. The specificity of the presented indexes is described; the calculation formulas and its main straits are proposed.

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health worldwide The development of rapid diagnostic kits can assist the Tzu Chi Foundation in supporting global volunteers working to provide relief during the current pandemic Materials and Methods: In this study, nucleotide sequences derived from publicly available viral genome data for several domains of the SARS-CoV2 spike and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were chemically synthesized, with codon optimization for Escherichia coli protein expression No actual viral particles were involved in these experiments The synthesized sequences were cloned into an E coli expression system based on pQE80L, and expressed viral proteins were subsequently purified using Ni-affinity chromatography Western blotting was conducted using human antiviral sera to assess the response of codon-modified viral proteins to COVID-19 patient sera Results: N protein was expressed in amounts large enough to support large-scale production The N-terminal domain, receptor-binding domain (RBD), Region 3, and the S2 domain were expressed in small but sufficient amounts for experiments Immunoblotting results showed that anti-N IgG and anti-N IgM antibodies were detected in most patient sera, but only 60% of samples reacted with the recombinant RBD and S2 domain expressed by E coli Conclusion: The results indicated that codon-optimized SARS-CoV2 viral proteins can be expressed in E coli and purified for rapid antibody detection kit preparation, with the codon-optimized N protein, RBD, and S2 protein demonstrating the most potential © 2020 Tzu Chi Medical Journal ;Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow

Metal species deposited on catalyst supports play a significant role during the catalytic reduction or oxidation of organic compounds. In this study, we successfully prepared Ag- and Cu-supported Fe3O4 aerogels with high specific area (∼130–140 m2 g−1) and mesoporosity (pore size = 2–4 nm) and used them as catalysts for the photoassisted reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and the oxidation of benzoic acid (BA). The Ag-supported Fe3O4 aerogels exhibited high activity for the oxidation of BA because Ag metal could attract photoexcited electrons and facilitate the production of superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and holes during the reaction. Conversely, the Cu-supported Fe3O4 aerogels could enhance the photoassisted reduction of 4-NP by forming an interfacial CuFe2O4/Fe3O4 junction to promote charge separation. Ag and Cu species on the surface of the Fe3O4 aerogel played different roles, which indicated that photoassisted catalytic performance could be tailored using different metals. Our results suggested that metal-supported Fe3O4 aerogels could be functional and promising materials for different catalytic oxidation or reduction reactions.

Herein, nanoporous Al2O3, CeO2, TiO2, ZrO2, and SnO2 were used as the supports for Pd nanoparticles, and effects of surface characteristics on catalytic performances for dehydrogenation of 2-[(n-me...

In this work, the electrochemical description for metformin electrochemical determination, assisted by Ag2O2 composite with squaraine dye, is evaluated from the theoretical point of view. Metformin oxidation is realized via assisted electrochemical 1,2,4-triazole formation, followed by its polymerization and N-oxidation. The correspondent mathematical model has been developed and analyzed by means of linear stability theory and bifurcation analysis. It has shown that the neutral and basic media are more efficient for metformin electrochemical determination than acidic media, due to the absence of the influences of non-protonated aminogroupsand, furtherly, pyridinic nitrogen atoms to double electric layer (DEL) ionic force, conductivity and impedance. In these conditions, the electrochemical instabilities are less capable to realize and, therefore, the linear dependence between the analyte concentration and the current of the system will be easier to obtain and maintain, as no side reaction or additional process, capable to compromise the monomer and (or) modifier stability is realized. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v12i4.1537

Background Remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, has shown in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. Methods We provided remdesivir on a compassionate-use basis to patients hospitalized with Covid-19, the illness caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2. Patients were those with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who had an oxygen saturation of 94% or less while they were breathing ambient air or who were receiving oxygen support. Patients received a 10-day course of remdesivir, consisting of 200 mg administered intravenously on day 1, followed by 100 mg daily for the remaining 9 days of treatment. This report is based on data from patients who received remdesivir during the period from January 25, 2020, through March 7, 2020, and have clinical data for at least 1 subsequent day. Results Of the 61 patients who received at least one dose of remdesivir, data from 8 could not be analyzed (including 7 patients with no post-treatment data and 1 with a dosing error). Of the 53 patients whose data were analyzed, 22 were in the United States, 22 in Europe or Canada, and 9 in Japan. At baseline, 30 patients (57%) were receiving mechanical ventilation and 4 (8%) were receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. During a median follow-up of 18 days, 36 patients (68%) had an improvement in oxygen-support class, including 17 of 30 patients (57%) receiving mechanical ventilation who were extubated. A total of 25 patients (47%) were discharged, and 7 patients (13%) died; mortality was 18% (6 of 34) among patients receiving invasive ventilation and 5% (1 of 19) among those not receiving invasive ventilation. Conclusions In this cohort of patients hospitalized for severe Covid-19 who were treated with compassionate-use remdesivir, clinical improvement was observed in 36 of 53 patients (68%). Measurement of efficacy will require ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled trials of remdesivir therapy. (Funded by Gilead Sciences.)

The spectral dependences (in the range of 300–700 nm) of the refractive indices and birefringence of K2SO4 crystals doped with copper (1.7 and 3.0 wt %) have been investigated. Their electronic polarizabilities, refractions, and parameters of UV oscillators are calculated. The influence of the uniaxial stress on the birefringent properties and combined and absolute piezo-optic coefficients of doped crystals is investigated. A small reduction in these parameters with respect to pure crystals is established, which indicates an increase in the mechanical stiffness of doped crystals. The coefficient of acousto-optic efficiency is calculated, and its maximum values are shown to be higher than those of quartz and strontium borate crystals. Taking into account the short-wavelength transparency edge of potassium sulfate crystals (~170 nm), it is proposed to use them for acousto-optic modulation of UV light.