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Japanese cedar (JC, Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens are the primary cause of JC pollinosis, a widespread seasonal allergic disorder and a significant public health issue in Japan. Nevertheless, rare information on repressing the pollen allergens released from JC pollen is available. This study aims to validate the repression of allergen Cry j 1 (the dominant JC pollen allergen that triggers JC pollinosis) using todomatsu oil produced from Abies sachalinensis waste, through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and blind docking simulation. The findings revealed that todomatsu oil reduces the antibody reactivity and content of allergen Cry j 1 by 85.96% and 42.12%, respectively. The docking modeling suggested that alkyl hydrophobic forces, pi–sigma bonding, and hydrogen bonding are the principal motivating forces for todomatsu oil components to dock with allergen Cry j 1. More than 50% of the amino-acid residues docked by each todomatsu oil component (except α-pinene) are hydrophobic. Furthermore, oil components, especially β-maaliene, exhibited potent repression of allergen Cry j 1. Consequently, todomatsu oil, due to its inexpensive, available, convenient, and ecologically beneficial nature, is a viable measure to repress allergen Cry j 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy with excellent creep properties and good tensile and fatigue strength. In the field of additive manufacturing, it is a versatile and widely used alloy due to its good processability in the powder bed fusion with laser beam (PBF-LB) process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy produced by PBF-LB have already been studied in detail. However, there are fewer studies on the creep resistance of additively manufactured Inconel 718, especially when the focus is on the build direction dependence and post-treatment by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Creep resistance is a crucial mechanical property for high-temperature applications. In this study, the creep behavior of additively manufactured Inconel 718 was investigated in different build orientations and after two different heat treatments. The two heat treatment conditions are, first, solution annealing at 980 °C followed by aging and, second, HIP with rapid cooling followed by aging. The creep tests were performed at 760 °C and at four different stress levels between 130 MPa and 250 MPa. A slight influence of the build direction on the creep properties was detected, but a more significant influence was shown for the different heat treatments. The specimens after HIP heat treatment show much better creep resistance than the specimens subjected to solution annealing at 980 °C with subsequent aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calphobindin II, with Mr 73,000, is one of the human placental anticoagulant proteins. The cDNA encoding calphobindin II was obtained by screening a human placental lambda gt11 cDNA library using a specific antibody as a probe. The longest cDNA insert consisted of 2,361 nucleotides and a 64-nucleotide-long poly(A) tract. An open reading frame encoding 673 amino acids was predicted. The deduced sequence includes an 8-fold repeat of a conserved 70-amino-acid-long segment that has a high degree of sequence identity with the repeated segments in members of the Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding protein family. The cDNA fragment including the open reading frame was introduced into the expression vector pKK223-3 and subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli JM105 cells. The resulting recombinant protein reacted with the specific monoclonal antibodies to calphobindin II and prolonged the blood coagulation time as did placental calphobindin II.

An anticoagulant protein was purified from the EDTA extract of human placental tissue. The purified protein had a molecular weight of 73,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. Because this protein had the ability to bind phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin in the presence of Ca2+, this protein was designated as calphobindin II (CPB-II). CPB-II prolonged the clotting time of normal plasma when coagulation was induced by tissue factor, cephalin and ellagic acid or recalcification, but did not affect thrombin-initiated fibrin formation. CPB-II also inhibited the activation of prothrombin by the complete prothrombinase complex or factor Xa-phospholipid-Ca2+ but not that by phospholipid-free factor Xa. In addition, CPB-II had an inhibitory activity against phospholipase A2.

Hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody IgG1 to one-chain tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) derived from human melanoma cells was obtained by fusion of mouse myeloma cells (SP-1) and spleen cells of mice previously immunized with purified t-PA. The monoclonal antibody reacted only with t-PA derived from the human melanoma cells (Bowes), and not with plasminogen activator purified from porcine heart or from human urine. The monoclonal antibody obtained from mouse ascites demonstrated 50 times stronger antibody activity than that of polyclonal antibody obtained from mouse serum. The monoclonal antibody bound t-PA firmly, inhibited the fibrinolytic activity of t-PA, but did not inhibit the amidolytic activity of t-PA completely. The fibrin-binding ability of t-PA was not inhibited. The binding of monoclonal antibody to the non-reduced form of t-PA did not differ from that to the reduced form of t-PA.

Blood and urine samples were analyzed for ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate during alcohol oxidation in Japanese men by head space gas chromatography, following the consumption of 16 ml/kg of beer during a 20 min period. The maximum level of blood/urine ethanol was found to be 15-17 mM (20-22 mM), while that of acetaldehyde in a flusher and in non-flushers was 20 microM (52 microM) and 2-5 microM (10-13 microM), respectively. Acetate levels in these groups ranged from 0.2 mM (0.1 mM) to 0.8 mM (1.0 mM). Blood ethanol levels were dose dependent, whereas acetaldehyde and acetate levels reflected individual metabolic rates. The relative concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in blood and that of acetate in alcohol metabolism could be summarized as follows: 7500 (15 mM): 1-3 (2-5 microM); 250-400 (0.5-0.8 mM) for non-flushers; and 7500 (15 mM): 5-10 (10-20 microM): 250-400 (0.5-0.8 mM) for a flusher.

The in vivo effects of prednisolone 17-valerate 21-acetate (PVA), an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid on several immunological responses in mice were investigated in comparison with hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (HB) and betamethasone 17-valerate (BV), when given subcutaneously. PVA reduced the spleen weight, the number of splenic nucleated cells, the formation of hemolytic plaque forming cells (PFC), delayed type footpad reaction and the responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes to concanavalin A. These suppressive effects were almost the same as those seen with HB and weaker than those of BV. However, the responsiveness of splenic cells to lipopolysaccharide and circulating IgM antibody response to sheep red blood cells were suppressed by a smaller dose of PVA than that of HB. PVA had no effect on the responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin-P, whereas HB and BV enhanced the phytohemagglutinin-P responsiveness. The suppressive effect of PVA on the host defense to experimental infection with Escherichia coli was weaker than those of HB and BV. From these results, PVA appears to be similar to other glucocorticoids in that it exerts complicated effects on several immunological responses in mice.

Adjuvant activity of phenol-treated cells of Propionibacterium acnes C-7 in antibody response was investigated in ICR mice. Simultaneous administration (day 0) of P. acnes (i.p.) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (i.v.) enhanced the formation of direct plaque-forming cells (PFC) on days 2, and the formation of indirect PFC response on day 7 and thereafter. Conversely, pretreatment from 11 to 14 days before antigen injection suppressed markedly the antibody response. The potentiation and the suppression of immune response depended on doses of antigen and of P. acnes, the timing of adjuvant injection and the time of assay. The two opposite phenomena caused by P. acnes were also confirmed in antibody response against hamster red blood cells (HRBC). Pretreatment with P. acnes 1 to 14 days before antigen injection suppressed markedly anti-HRBC antibody response, whereas P. acnes injected simultaneously with HRBC or one day after injection of the antigen induced prolongation of antibody response and the production of 2-mercaptoethanol-resistant antibody.

Four monoclonal antibodies to human thrombomodulin were characterized. Binding of two of these antibodies was dependent on the presence of calcium ions, and approximately 5 mM calcium was required for their maximum binding. These two antibodies inhibited the binding of thrombin to thrombomodulin, thereby inhibiting activation of protein C catalyzed by thrombin-thrombomodulin complex. These two antibodies bind to a major active fragment formed by limited proteolytic digestions of thrombomodulin with elastase and trypsin, suggesting that the antibodies bind to the thrombin-binding site (or its vicinity) located in the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-homology domain. One of the other calcium-independent antibodies also inhibited the binding of thrombin and the activation of protein C, but the inhibition was very weak and was observed only when the antibody was present in a molar excess over thrombomodulin. This antibody did not bind to the protease digests of thrombomodulin. Another calcium-independent antibody did not inhibit either thrombin binding or protein C activation, but bound to the active fragment of protease digests, suggesting that the antibody binds to a region other than the thrombin-binding site in the EGF-homology domain. These observations suggest that thrombomodulin undergoes a calcium-dependent conformational change which may occur in proximity to a thrombin-binding site located in the EGF-homology domain.

An inhibitor of blood coagulation, a new protein with an apparent molecular weight of 34,000 and an isoelectric point of 4.9, was purified from human placental tissue by EDTA extraction. Five cDNA clones were isolated from the human placental lambda gt11 cDNA library using the mouse monoclonal antibody raised against the coagulation inhibitor as the probe. The longest insert consists of 1,566 nucleotides, and contains 960 nucleotides entirely encoding the 320 amino acids of the inhibitor, and a poly A tail. The deduced amino acid sequence was corroborated by chemical analyses of the protein. The entire amino acid sequence shows homology to those of lipocortin I, lipocortin II, and endonexin-related proteins. The cDNA for the inhibitor was expressed in Escherichia coli under the regulation of the trc promotor of the plasmid pKK233-2. The resulting recombinant protein manifested inhibitory activities against both blood coagulation and phospholipase A2 activity, as did the coagulation inhibitor isolated from human placenta.

Eighteen isolates if anaerobic coryneforms from human bone marrow and skin and four type strains of Propionibacterium were studied chemically, biochemically and antigenically. All of the isolates were identified as Propionibacterium acnes; of the 18 isolates,16 belonged to sterotype I and two to serotype II. By means of gas liquid chromatography and mass spectral analysis, a large amount of iso-type fatty acids, such as iso-pentadecanoic and iso-heptadecanoic acids were detected in whole cells of isolates and type strains. Antitumor and adjuvant effects of the isolates and type strains were found to differ considerably among the strains. One of the isolates, P. acnes C-7, which showed potent biological activities was fractionated by hot phenol-water extraction. The resulting insoluble middle layer was found the most effective in tumor protection, adjuvant action in immune response and phagocytic activity in mice.

Recent next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies on large cohorts of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients have clearly revealed the extreme intra- and inter-tumoral molecular heterogeneity that characterizes this malignancy. The lack of a stereotyped molecular signature in CCA makes the identification of actionable therapeutic targets challenging, making it mandatory to have a better understanding of the origin of such heterogeneity in order to improve the clinical outcome of these patients. Compelling evidence has shown that the CCA genomic landscape significantly differs according to anatomical subtypes and the underlying etiology, highlighting the importance of conducting molecular studies in different populations of CCA patients. Currently, some risk factors have been recognized in CCA development, while others are emerging from recent epidemiological studies. Nevertheless, the role of each etiologic factor in driving CCA genetic heterogeneity still remains unclear, and available studies are limited. In an attempt to shed more light on this issue, here we review the current literature data on the mutational spectrum of this disease according to different etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced manufacturing techniques such as powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) for the production of superalloy components can potentially become competitive with the industry-established routes of casting and forging. In contrast with those routes, these novel methods are particularly effective in optimizing component geometry, which is not so easily accomplished when using conventional techniques. However, since the manufacturing conditions imposed by such methods are considerably different from those of casting and forging, the final microstructure of the materials produced may vary. This is described in the present study with regard to a γ′-strengthened Ni-based superalloy produced through PBF-LB/M and SPS, production routes which, after heat treatment, induced the formation of acicular η-Ni3Ti within the alloy's microstructure. This phase was identified at grain boundaries of both materials, not being expected according to the heat treatment employed. Such distribution, which contrasts with reports from the literature, is expected to lead to the impairment of the mechanical behavior of the materials produced using these techniques, a prospect that is supported by nanoindentation measurements of local hardness and stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots are the latest addition to the low‐dimensional nanomaterial family, which have drawn growing attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and potential applications in many fields. However, their practical application is hindered by the high fabrication cost and environmental concerns regarding unsustainable carbon sources and routes. This work demonstrates a universal approach to fabricate various heteroatom(s) doped lignin‐derived graphene quantum dots (LGQDs) for utilization in the photoelectrochemical‐type photodetectors (PDs). The results indicate that LGQDs are endowed with relatively dopant‐rich chemical states and tailorable broadband photoluminescence. Based on these advantages, these novel LGQDs‐based PDs present obvious and fast photo‐response within the visible region, as well as good long‐term stability in the mild neutral environment, suggesting their great practical significance. It is believed that this work paves a new way for developing PDs based on the photochemically active species from sustainable and cheap biomass‐derived lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrahepatic nerves are involved in the regulation of metabolic reactions and hepatocyte-based regeneration after surgical resection, although their contribution to chronic liver injury remains unknown. Given that intrahepatic nerves are abundant in the periportal tissue, they may be correlated also with cholangiocyte-based regeneration. Here we demonstrate that isoproterenol (ISO), a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, promoted ductular expansion induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) in vivo. Immunofluorescence analysis shows that nerve fibers positive for tyrosine hydroxylase form synaptophysin-positive nerve endings on epithelial cell adhesion molecule-positive (EpCAM+) cholangiocytes as well as on Thy1+ periportal mesenchymal cells (PMCs) that surround bile ducts, suggesting that the intrahepatic biliary tissue are targeted by sympathetic nerves. In vitro analyses indicate that ISO directly increases cAMP levels in cholangiocytes and PMCs. Mechanistically, ISO expands the lumen of cholangiocyte organoids, resulting in promotion of cholangiocyte proliferation, whereas it increases expression of fibroblast growth factor 7, a growth factor for cholangiocytes, in PMCs. Taken together, the results indicate that intrahepatic sympathetic nerves regulate remodeling of bile ducts during DDC-injury by the activation of β-adrenergic receptors on cholangiocytes and PMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeking clean energy as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels is the inevitable choice to realize the sustainable development of the society. Photocatalytic technique is considered a promising energy conversion approach to store the abundant solar energy into other wieldy energy carriers like chemical energy. Carbon dots, as a class of fascinating carbon nanomaterials, have already become the hotspots in numerous photoelectric researching fields and particularly drawn keen interests as metal‐free photocatalysts owing to strong UV–vis optical absorption, tunable energy‐level configuration, superior charge transfer ability, excellent physicochemical stability, facile fabrication, low toxicity, and high solubility. In this review, the classification, microstructures, general synthetic methods, optical and photoelectrical properties of carbon dots are systematically summarized. In addition, recent advances of carbon dots based photoinduced reactions including photodegradation, photocatalytic hydrogen generation, CO2 conversion, N2 fixation, and photochemical synthesis are highlighted in detail, deep insights into the roles of carbon dots in various systems combining with the photocatalytic mechanisms are provided. Finally, several critical issues remaining in photocatalysis field are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions of PAH, nitro-PAHs, and oxy-PAHs from a diesel engine fueled with diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends need to be controlled and reduced, as they are unregulated emissions harmful to the environment and human health. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of ethanol concentration on diesel engine emissions when fueled with diesel–biodiesel–ethanol blends. Ethanol was added with biodiesel–diesel blends. Diesel B7 and two ternary blends, B7E3 and B7E10, with 3% and 10% ethanol, were tested and studied in a diesel engine to determine engine performance characteristics and particulate matter emissions and to quantify polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) associated with PM1.0 and PM2.5. Under the same engine conditions, 18 PAHs, 27 nitro-PAHs, and 6 quinones (oxy-PAHs) were determined by GC–MS in real samples obtained from the engine. The mean concentrations of PACs found in the B7, B7E3, and B7E10 blends for PM1.0 ranged from 0.1 µg m−3 (coronene) to 118.1 µg m−3 (2-nitrofluorene). The concentrations for PM2.5 ranged from 0.1 µg m−3 (acenaphthylene) to 99.7 µg m−3 (2-nitrofluorene). Potent mutagens benzanthrone (BA) and 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) were found at concentrations ranging from 0.10 µg m−3 to 1.9 µg m−3 and 0.3 µg m−3 to 1.6 µg m−3, respectively. Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were mainly PACs bounded to the PM1.0 and PM2.5 particles emitted by B7E10. Flow properties were improved by adding 3% and 10% ethanol to biodiesel. B7E3 and B7E10 blends presented low fuel consumption and a reduction in the emission factor (EF) by the engine. B7E10 blending showed a smaller total concentration of ∑PAH (26.8 µg m−3), ∑nitro-PAH (85.4 µg m−3), and ∑oxy-PAH (6.0 µg m−3) associated with PM2.5 particles compared PM1.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of hydrodynamic delivery was initially used to develop a method for the delivery of plasmids into mouse hepatocytes through tail vein injection and has been expanded for use in the delivery of various biologically active materials to cells in various organs in a variety of animal species through systemic or local injection, resulting in significant advances in new applications and technological development. The development of regional hydrodynamic delivery directly supports successful gene delivery in large animals, including humans. This review summarizes the fundamentals of hydrodynamic delivery and the progress that has been made in its application. Recent progress in this field offers tantalizing prospects for the development of a new generation of technologies for broader application of hydrodynamic delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastes from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are disposed and dismantled in recycling plants where chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) is different from all the other working places. A first identification of airborne contaminants, associated with size-segregated particles in the fine (aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm) and coarse (aerodynamic diameter in the range 2.5–10 µm) fractions, sampled in two sectors of a WEEE facility, was performed. In the two areas of the plant, disassembly and shredding processes produced large amounts of dust, causing mass concentrations of airborne particles particularly high when activities intensified. Analyses of Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Ba, and Pb were performed on PM samples collected by a streaker sampler. PM was collected with hourly and 30-min time resolution in the two sectors of the plant for three consecutive days, night and day. Organic substances belonging to the classes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their oxy- and nitro- derivatives (oxy-PAHs and nitro-PAHs), organophosphorus compounds (OPEs), polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs), and novel-brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were extracted and identified in PM samples collected by PM10 impactors. Particle sampling period for organic analyses was 4 h per day in the same three days, in each sector of the plant, during the working hours. High time resolution records of elemental composition were useful for highlighting the elements strongly depending on the productive process. During working hours, Pb and Ba concentrations reached higher levels and drastically decreased during the night. Their distribution in the coarse and fine fractions consistently increased and decreased, meaning that both fractions were linked to the working activity. Si, as main component of glass, was the most abundant element at both the areas. Though all the elements were below the permissible exposure limits recommended by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA's PELs), the concentration of Pb was significantly high, especially at the shredding zone (21.9 µg/m3). The major organic constituents, among the classes of compounds investigated, were organophosphorus compounds (OPEs), especially in the coarse fraction of PM. In particular, triphenylphosphate (TPhP), deriving from computer video display units, was the most abundant organic compound. Interestingly, phenanthrene contributed to 60% of the total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), at both the sampling sites. Airborne plastic dust can be a source of PAHs. Products made of polyethylene recycled from post-commercial waste contain high concentrations of phenanthrene, present as impurities. The present study represents a preliminary investigation on WEEE plants airborne PM composition and additional research is necessary to confirm the data, but it is worth developing a method, as high particle concentrations, together with absorbed genotoxins, could constitute an occupational health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-Tryptophan (Trp) was shown to improve the gut barrier and growth of weaning piglets. However, whether excessive dietary Trp regulates amino acids (AAs) metabolism and gut serotonin (5-HT) homeostasis in piglets with gut inflammation is not clear yet. We hypothesize that excessive dietary Trp alleviates acetate-induced colonic inflammation and gut barrier damage in weaning piglets partially through the regulation of colonic AAs metabolism and 5-HT signaling. Fifty-four 21-day-old weaned piglets were divided into six groups: control, acetate, 0.2%Trp, 0.2%Trp + acetate, 0.4% Trp, and 0.4%Trp + acetate. Piglets were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0%, 0.2%, or 0.4% of Trp throughout the 12-day experiment. During days 0–7, all piglets had free access to diet and drinking water. On day 8, piglets were intrarectal administered with 10 mL of 10% acetate saline solution or 0.9% saline. During days 8–12, all piglets were pair-fed the same amount of feed per kg bodyweight. Results showed that excessive dietary Trp alleviated acetate-induced reductions in daily weight gain and increase in feed/gain ratio. Trp restored (P < 0.05) acetate-induced increase in concentrations of free aspartate, glutamate/glutamine, glycine, 5-HT, and 3-methylindole in the colon, downregulation of zonula occludens-1 and 5-HT reuptake transporter (SERT) expression and upregulation of IL-1β, IL-8, TLR4, and 5-HT receptor 2A (HTR2A) expression, and the increase in ratios of p-STAT3/ STAT3 and p-p65/p65 in the colon. The above findings suggested that excessive dietary Trp in the proper amount regulated colonic AAs metabolism, 5-HT homeostasis, and signaling that may contribute as important regulators of gut inflammation during the weaning transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To contribute to the knowledge of the autonomic innervation in liver regeneration, here we investigate the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐ and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐like immunoreactive (LI) nerve fibers, to indicate noradrenergic and cholinergic nerves, respectively, in rats under different conditions of liver damage and repair. By immunohistochemistry and assessment of nerve fiber density, three models of induced hepatic regeneration were examined: the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication, with two treatment periods of 14 weeks and 18 weeks; the partial hepatectomy (PH); the thyroid hormone (T3) treatment. TH‐ and ChAT‐LI nerve fibers were detectable mostly in the portal spaces, the TH‐LI ones occurring only around blood vessels while the ChAT‐LI nerve fibers were also associated with secretory ducts. The density of TH‐like immunoreactivity in the portal areas decreased after the CCl4 14 weeks treatment and PH and increased after T3. By contrast, ChAT‐LI nerve fibers appeared particularly abundant around the neoductal elements in the CCl4 rats and were rare to absent in the PH and T3‐treated groups. The ChAT‐LI nerve fiber density within the portal areas revealed an increase in the CCl4‐treated rats while showing no change in the PH and T3‐treated rats. The changes in the density of perivascular TH‐ and ChAT‐containing nerve fibers suggest a finely tuned autonomic modulation of hepatic blood flow depending on the type of subacute/chronic induced hyperplasia, while the characteristic occurrence of the periductal cholinergic innervation after the CCl4 treatment implies a selective parasympathetic role in regulating the physiopathological regenerative potential of the rat liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) color can be tuned by mixing fluorophores emitting the three primary colors in an appropriate ratio. When color tuning is achieved on a single substrate, we can simplify device structures. We demonstrated that nanographenes (NGs), which are graphene fragments with a size of tens of nanometers, could be utilized as carriers of fluorophores. The addition of red- and blue-light-emitting fluorophores on the edge successfully reproduced the purple light. The relative PL intensities of the fluorophores could be regulated by the excitation wavelength, enabling multicolor emission between blue and red light. Owing to the triphenylamine units of the fluorophores, the NGs showed PL enhancement due to aggregation. This characteristic was valuable for the fabrication of solid polymer materials. Specifically, the functionalized NGs can be dispersed into polyvinylidene difluoride. The resultant polymer films emitted red, blue, and purple color. Our study demonstrated the potential applicability of NGs for fluorophore carriers capable of reproducing intermediate colors of light., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In osteosarcoma, immunotherapy often faces hurdles posed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that secrete dense extracellular matrix components and cytokines. Directly removing CAFs may prove ineffective and even promote tumor metastasis. To address this challenge, a sequential nanocomposite hydrogel that reshapes CAF behavior is developed, enhancing tumor-infiltrating T-cells in osteosarcoma. The approach utilizes an injectable blend of carboxymethyl chitosan and tetrabasic polyethylene glycol, forming a hydrogel for controlled release of a potent CAF suppressor (Nox4 inhibitor, Nox4i) and liposomal Doxorubicin (L-Dox) to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) upon in situ administration. Nox4i effectively counters CAF activation, overcoming T-cell exclusion mechanisms, followed by programmed L-Dox release for ICD induction in stroma-rich osteosarcoma models. Combining the co-delivery gel with αPD-1 checkpoint inhibitor further enhances its effectiveness in an orthotopic osteosarcoma model. Immunophenotyping data underscore a significant boost in tumor T-cell infiltration and favorable anti-tumor immunity at the whole-animal level., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Rationale: Nitrogen mustards (NMs) are blistering chemical warfare agents. The ability to detect NMs in environmental samples is very important for obtaining forensic evidence. The most common analytical techniques for NM detection are gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which detects NMs in their intact form but is disadvantaged by high limits of detection (LODs), and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) of their hydrolysis products, which do not provide robust evidence to support NM use., Methods: We developed a novel approach to detect and identify NMs using LC/ESI-MS/MS after chemical derivatization. The method is based on ethoxide-promoted ethanolysis prior to analysis. The effects of reaction time, temperature, ethoxide concentration and chromatography behavior were studied and optimized. In the developed procedure, 0.1% (v/v) sodium ethoxide solution is added to the NMs in ethanol and agitated for 2 h at 50°C, followed by LC/ESI-MS/MS, without any other pretreatment., Results: The ethanolysis reaction efficiencies were evaluated in ethanolic extracts from soil, asphalt, and ethanol contaminated with 0.5% (v/v) diesel fortified with NMs at a five-point calibration curve. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0.05-1 ng/mL, with an R 2 value of 0.99, and were similar to those of LC/MS-grade ethanol, with almost no observable matrix effects. The derivatization products were stable at room temperature, with LODs of 10 pg/mL, in all investigated extracts., Conclusions: Through this newly developed strategy, the derivatization of active NMs by ethanolysis was achieved for the first time, and these derivatization products can serve as specific indicators for the use and presence of NMs. The methodology can also verify trace levels of NM chemical warfare agents collected in war or terror scenarios in forensic investigations., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric neoplasms can be challenging due to limited traction and visualization. The efficacy of traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (TA-ESD) continues to require additional validation. This study aims to explore the safety and efficiency of TA-ESD for early gastric neoplasms located at varying sites, in comparison with conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD)., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases up until August 2022. The outcome measures procedure time, en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, procedure time, and procedure-related adverse event rate. We calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) for these outcomes., Results: The mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group compared to the C-ESD group (MD - 14.9, 95% CI - 21.78 to - 8.03, I 2  = 83%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that mean procedure times for lesions on the greater curvature and upper/middle of the stomach were significantly shorter in the TA-ESD group - 19.2 min (95% CI - 27.75 to - 10.65, I 2  = 12%, p < 0.0001) and - 7.35 min (95% CI - 35.4 to - 1.15, p = 0.04), respectively. The en bloc resection and complete resection rates were comparable between the two groups. The rate of perforation was significantly lower in the TA-ESD group than in the C-ESD group (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.85, p = 0.02, I 2  = 0%)., Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential benefits of TA-ESD over C-ESD in treating patients with early-stage gastric tumors, highlighting its safety and efficacy. The findings indicate a significant reduction in procedure times at challenging stomach sites with TA-ESD in comparison to C-ESD., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The lack of systematic structural resolution makes it difficult to build specific transition‐metal‐atom‐doped carbonized polymer dots (TMA‐doped CPDs). Herein, the structure‐activity relationship between Cu atoms and CPDs was evaluated by studying the peroxidase‐like properties of Glu−Cu−CPDs prepared by using copper glutamate (Glu) with a Cu−N2O2 initial structure. The results showed that the Cu atoms bound to Glu−Cu−CPDs in the form of Cu−N2C2, indicating that Cu−O bonds changed into Cu−C bonds under hydrothermal conditions. This phenomenon was also observed in other copper‐doped CPDs. Moreover, the carboxyl and amino groups content decreased after copper‐atom doping. Theoretical calculations revealed a dual‐site catalytic mechanism for catalyzing H2O2. The detection of intracellular H2O2 suggested their application prospects. Our study provides an in‐depth understanding of the formation and catalytic mechanism of TMA‐doped‐CPDs, allowing for the generation specific TMA‐doped‐CPDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol intoxication, although an elemental part of life in many places around the world, still presents several issues associated with excessive consumption. These issues range from drunk driving, violence, and antisocial behavior to self-harm, all exerting an increased cost on the society. Monitoring of intoxication levels can help to limit the impact of these issues by preventing the use of automobiles or heavy machinery and personal monitoring. Previous works on noninvasive measurement of ethanol tissue concentration for estimation of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) performed worst during the first hour of intoxication. Gas chromatography research of intoxication shows that levels of acetic acid rise together at a similar rate as those of ethanol after initial imbibement. In this research, short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy was utilized with the aim of establishing the interaction between ethanol and acetic acid in water and serum mixtures. The most consistent and clear correlation between ethanol and acetic acid was recorded at 2262 and 2302 nm wavelengths. Partial least-squares (PLS) analysis indicates that the most effective region for consideration in measurement of ethanol is the therapeutic window four (IV) due to high variance in vibration of carbon bonds. The behavior of spectra at different concentration ranges was examined and described in detail in relation to the consequence of alcohol measurement. The investigation concluded that ethanol shows distinctive regions of absorbance at wavelengths of 2262 and 2302 nm, with variations arising from increasing concentrations of acetic acid, whilst also showing that therapeutic window four is amongst the most influential regions of the spectrum for SWIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-chromium ferritic stainless HiperFer steels were developed for high-temperature applications in power conversion equipment. The presented research describes the precipitation behavior of the Laves phase after the thermomechanical treatment of Fe-17Cr-0.6Nb-2.4W HiperFer alloys with and without the addition of 55 ppm boron. The boron-alloyed variant was produced with the aim of enhancing grain boundary strengthening and consequently increasing creep resistance. The focus is set on the effect of boron on the thermomechanically induced precipitation of (Fe,Cr,Si)2(Nb,W) Laves phase at grain boundaries. The addition of boron modifies the diffusion conditions in the area of grain boundaries. Consequently, the formation of Laves phase is promoted and the particle growth and coarsening process are suppressed. The impact of boron addition was validated by performing creep and thermomechanical fatigue testing in the standard processing state of HiperFer steel. In the B-alloyed variant, increased creep ductility through the modification of the particle-free zone widths at high-angle grain boundaries was encountered. Nevertheless, an optimized thermomechanical treatment is necessary to fully utilize the increased ductility effect for the creep strength optimization of the B-alloyed grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An H-graph is one representable as the intersection graph of connected subgraphs of a suitable subdivision of a fixed graph H, introduced by Biró et al. (Discrete Mathematics 100:267–279, 1992). An H-graph is proper if the representing subgraphs of H can be chosen incomparable by the inclusion. In this paper, we focus on the isomorphism problem for S d -graphs and T-graphs, where S d is the star with d rays and T is an arbitrary fixed tree. Answering an open problem of Chaplick et al. (2016, personal communication), we provide an FPT-time algorithm for testing isomorphism and computing the automorphism group of S d -graphs when parameterized by d, which involves the classical group-computing machinery by Furst et al. (in Proceedings of 11th southeastern conference on combinatorics, graph theory, and computing, congressum numerantium 3, 1980). We also show that the isomorphism problem of S d -graphs is at least as hard as the isomorphism problem of posets of bounded width, for which no efficient combinatorial-only algorithm is known to date. Then we extend our approach to an XP-time algorithm for isomorphism of T-graphs when parameterized by the size of T. Lastly, we contribute an FPT-time combinatorial algorithm for isomorphism testing in the special case of proper S d - and T-graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere has been continually monitored since their toxicity became known, whereas nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) and oxy-PAHs (OPAHs), which are derivatives of PAHs by primary emissions or secondary formations in the atmosphere, have gained attention more recently. In this study, a method for the quantification of 18 NPAH and OPAH congeners in the atmosphere based on combined applications of gas chromatography coupled with chemical ionization mass spectrometry is presented. A high sensitivity and selectivity for the quantification of individual NPAH and OPAH congeners without sample preparations from the extract of aerosol samples were achieved using negative chemical ionization (NCI/MS) or positive chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (PCI-MS/MS). This analytical method was validated and applied to the aerosol samples collected from three regions in Northeast Asia—namely, Noto, Seoul, and Ulaanbaatar—from 15 December 2020 to 17 January 2021. The ranges of the method detection limits (MDLs) of the NPAHs and OPAHs for the analytical method were from 0.272 to 3.494 pg/m3 and 0.977 to 13.345 pg/m3, respectively. Among the three regions, Ulaanbaatar had the highest total mean concentration of NPAHs and OPAHs at 313.803 ± 176.349 ng/m3. The contribution of individual NPAHs and OPAHs in the total concentration differed according to the regional emission characteristics. As a result of the aerosol samples when the developed method was applied, the concentrations of NPAHs and OPAHs were quantified in the ranges of 0.016~3.659 ng/m3 and 0.002~201.704 ng/m3, respectively. It was concluded that the method could be utilized for the quantification of NPAHs and OPAHs over a wide concentration range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V-series nerve agents are very lethal to health and cause the inactivation of acetylcholinesterase which leads to neuromuscular paralysis and, finally, death. Therefore, rapid detection and elimination of V-series nerve agents are very important. Herein, we have carried out a theoretical investigation of carbon nitride quantum dots (C2N) as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of V-series nerve agents, including VX, VS, VE, VG, and VM. Adsorption of V-series nerve agents on C2N quantum dots is explored at M05-2X/6-31++G(d,p) level of theory. The level of theory chosen is quite adequate in systems describing non-bonding interactions. The adsorption behavior of nerve agents is characterized by interaction energy, non-covalent interaction (NCI), Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), frontier molecular orbital (FMO), electron density difference (EDD), and charge transfer analysis. The computed adsorption energies of the studied complexes are in the range of −12.93 to −17.81 kcal/mol, which indicates the nerve agents are physiosorbed onto C2N surface through non-covalent interactions. The non-covalent interactions between V-series and C2N are confirmed through NCI and QTAIM analysis. EDD analysis is carried out to understand electron density shifting, which is further validated by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. FMO analysis is used to estimate the changes in energy gap of C2N on complexation through HOMO-LUMO energies. These findings suggest that C2N surface is highly selective toward VX, and it might be a promising candidate for the detection of V-series nerve agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has grown as a group of advanced analytical techniques that allow for the direct sampling and ionization of the analytes in different statuses from their native environment without or with minimum sample pretreatments. As a significant category of AMS, plasma‐based AMS has gained a lot of attention due to its features that allow rapid, real‐time, high‐throughput, in vivo, and in situ analysis in various fields, including bioanalysis, pharmaceuticals, forensics, food safety, and mass spectrometry imaging. Tens of new methods have been developed since the introduction of the first plasma‐based AMS technique direct analysis in real‐time. This review first provides a comprehensive overview of the established plasma‐based AMS techniques from their ion source configurations, mechanisms, and developments. Then, the progress of the representative applications in various scientific fields in the past 4 years (January 2017 to January 2021) has been summarized. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and propose the future directions of plasma‐based AMS from our perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen mustards are blistering chemical warfare agents which are considered to be persistent contaminants highly resistant to decontamination. The paper describes the development and optimization of a method for the extraction of nitrogen mustards bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylamine (HN-1), bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine (HN-2), and tris(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN-3) from sand samples with subsequent identification by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in a military deployable laboratory. Common solvents which have been used for various methods in field analysis and are available in deployable laboratories were tested as the extraction reagents—dichloromethane, dichloroethane, hexane, heptane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and acetone. Calibration curves for the determination of nitrogen mustards were created. Methods for the extraction from the sand matrix were developed and optimized. The extraction efficiencies of the tested solvents were compared. Limits of detection of nitrogen mustards in sand samples were determined for all tested extractants. For quantitative purposes, the internal standardization method was used. The extraction efficiencies for the studied solvents varied in the range from 10.8 to 86.4%. The most effective extraction reagents for HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3 extraction were dichloromethane and acetone. Acetone was determined to be the most practical extraction reagent of nitrogen mustards in sand after the consideration of various criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The London plane tree is frequently used in gardens, parks, and avenues in European urban areas for ornamental purposes with the aim to provide shade, and given its tolerance to atmospheric pollution. Nevertheless, unfortunately, over recent decades, bioaerosols such as Platanus pollen grains cause increasing human health problems such as allergies or respiratory tract infections. An aerobiological sampling of airborne Platanus pollen and Pla a 1 allergen was performed using two volumetric traps placed on the roof of the Science Faculty building of the city of Ourense from 2009 to 2020. A volumetric sampler Hirst–type Lanzoni VPPS 2000 (Lanzoni s.r.l. Bologna, Italy) was used for pollen sampling. Pla a 1 aeroallergen was sampled by using a Burkard Multi-Vial Cyclone Sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK) and by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data mining algorithms, C5.0 decision trees, and rule-based models were assessed to evaluate the effects of the main meteorological factors in the pollen or allergen concentrations. Plane trees bloom in late winter and spring months in the Northwestern Spain area. Regarding the trends of the parameters that define the Platanus pollen season, the allergen values fitted the concentrations of pollen in the air in most cases. In addition, it was observed that a decrease in maximum temperatures causes a descent in both pollen and allergen concentrations. However, the presence of precipitations only increases the level of allergens. When the risk of allergy symptomatology was jointly assessed for both the concentration of pollen and allergens in the study area, the number of days with moderate and high risk for pollen allergy in sensitive people increased with respect to traditional alerts considering only the pollen values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing of alloys has gained attention by industry as it provides economical production of complex-configuration engine parts with fewer joining steps and greater geometric freedom. The creep behaviour of additively manufactured (AM) Inconel 625 and 718 at 650 and 800 °C was compared with that of the wrought alloy after 24 hour and long-term tests up to about one year. Inconel 718 is precipitation strengthened while 625 is solid-solution strengthened. It was discovered that the creep strength of the 625 and 718 produced by additively manufacturing is essentially identical than that of the wrought alloy. Complications occur, however, with a marked loss of ductility in the AM alloys. Fatigue and impact toughness were adversely affected as well. The basis for these degradations was particularly investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future wireless networks will be required to provide more wireless services at higher data rates and with global coverage. However, existing homogeneous wireless networks, such as cellular and satellite networks, may not be able to meet such requirements individually, especially in remote terrain, including seas and mountains. One possible solution is to use diversified wireless networks that can exploit the inter-connectivity between satellites, aerial base stations (BSs), and terrestrial BSs over inter-connected space, ground, and aerial networks. Hence, enabling wireless communication in one integrated network has attracted both the industry and the research fraternities. In this work, we provide a comprehensive survey of the most recent work on hybrid satellite–terrestrial networks (HSTNs), focusing on system architecture, performance analysis, design optimization, and secure communication schemes for different cooperative and cognitive HSTN network architectures. Different key technologies are compared. Based on this comparison, several open issues for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is not known exactly what leads to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there are specific risk factors that increase the probability of their occurrence. The unclear pathogenesis, too-late diagnosis, poor prognosis as a result of high recurrence and metastasis rates, and repeatedly ineffective therapy of both cancers continue to challenge both basic science and practical medicine. The ghrelin system, which is comprised of ghrelin and alternative peptides (e.g., obestatin), growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), and ghrelin-O-acyl-transferase (GOAT), plays an important role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It promotes various physiological effects, including energy metabolism and amelioration of inflammation. The ghrelin system plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are well known risk factors for the development of CRC, as well as inflammatory liver diseases which can trigger the development of HCC. Colitis-associated cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers. Little is known about the role of the ghrelin system in the mechanisms of transformation of chronic inflammation to low- and high-grade dysplasia, and, finally, to CRC. HCC is also associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis arising from different etiologies, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and/or hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. However, the exact role of ghrelin in the progression of the chronic inflammatory lesions into HCC is still unknown. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the role of the ghrelin system in inflammatory bowel and liver diseases in order to better understand the impact of this system on the development of inflammatory-related cancers, namely CRC and HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]