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The article presents a study which examines the DNA methylation status of IGF2R and H19 differentially methylated region (DMR) in different tissues of somatic cell cloned pig.

ABSTRACT To optimize somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) procedures in mini-pigs, the present study was designed to examine the effects of donor cell types and aphidicolin (APC) treatment on in vitro development of reconstructed embryos. Oviduct epithelial cells (OEC), ear fibroblast cells (EFC) and cumulus cells (CC) derived from mini-pigs were treated with serum starvation only or serum starvation followed by treatment of 0.1 µg/mL APC. The reconstructed embryos were cultured for 7 days to evaluate their developmental competency. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of reconstructed embryos derived from the OEC by APC treatment were significantly higher than the serum starvation (61.82% vs. 56.25%, 24.55% vs. 17.86%; P < 0.05). The cleavage rate from the EFC was significantly increased by APC treatment compared to serum starvation only (63.36% vs. 57.01%; P < 0.05). In the ooctyes with the CC, the reconstructed embryos could yield high blastocyst formation rate by APC treatment (29.63%; P < 0.05). In the presence of APC, CC gave rise to the highest cleavage and blastocyst formation rates among the three cell types. Therefore, our results suggest that treatment of CC with serum starvation plus APC prior to nuclear transfer is more suitable in SCNT of mini-pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described the process developed by First Pharmaceutical Factory in Shijiazhuang City, China, for treating vitamin C wastewater. Fermentation technology used at the factory; How the system operates; Conclusion.

Abstract: First principles calculations of the total energy of CaTe as a function of unit cell volume have been carried out for the NaCl, MnP and CsCl structures on the basis of density functional theory (DFT). All these calculations are performed with the CRYSTAL06 program package. The sequence of high-pressure phases for CaTe transforms from NaCl phase to an intermediate state with a mixture of NaCl and MnP phases and then to the CsCl phase is obtained, which is in good agreement with the previous experimental results. Several structural properties (equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, etc.) of NaCl structure have been calculated, which are also in agreement with the previous experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rhododendron is the largest genus in Ericaceae and is well known for its diversity and beauty of flowers present in different species, making it a much‐revered lineage of ornamental plants. Many species of Rhododendron are intolerant of high temperatures, which are becoming more common and intense in urban areas under global climate change. Therefore, the discovery and description of genes from heat‐tolerant Rhododendron lineages are essential in the development of new climate‐resilient cultivars. One such species known to be heat tolerant is Rhododendron × pulchrum Sweet. To better understand the genomics of heat tolerance in this species, we assembled a haplotype‐resolved and chromosome‐scale genome for R. × pulchrum, which had a genome size of 509 Mb; a scaffold N50 of 37 251 370 bp; and contained 35 610 genes. In addition, based on the same reannotation pipeline, we conducted pan‐genomic analyses for all seven available chromosome‐scale Rhododendron genomes and found 14 415 gene groups shared across all species and 18 018 gene groups distributed in the other species, including 1879 gene groups found in only a single species. Finally, we analyzed the transcriptomic data from heat‐treated and non‐heat‐treated R. × pulchrum plants to quantify the genes that are most important during heat stress in an effort to inform the development of climate‐resilient cultivars. This study provides insight into the genome diversity in Rhododendron and targets several genes related to agronomic traits that may help in further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a vital global source of renewable fiber and ranks among the world's most important cash crops. While extensive nuclear genomic data of Gossypium has been explored, the organellar genomic resources of allotetraploid cotton, remain largely untapped at the population level. The plastid genome (plastome) is well suited for studying plant species relationships and diversity due to its nonrecombinant uniparental inheritance. Here, we conducted de novo assembly of 336 Gossypium plastomes, mainly from domesticated cultivars, and generated a pan‐plastome level resource for population structure and genetic diversity analyses. The assembled plastomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure and varied in length from 160 103 to 160 597 bp. At the species level, seven allotetraploid species were resolved into three clades, where Gossypium tomentosum and Gossypium mustelinum formed an early diverging clade rooted by diploids, followed by splitting two sister clades of Gossypium darwinii–Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum–Gossypium ekmanianum–Gossypium stephensii. Within the G. hirsutum clade the resolution of cultivated accessions was less polyphyletic with landrace and wild accessions than in G. barbadense suggesting some selection on plastome in the domestication of this adaptable species of cotton. The nucleotide diversity of G. hirsutum was higher than that of G. barbadense. We specifically compared the plastomes of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense to find mutational hotspots within each species as potential molecular markers. These findings contribute a valuable resource for exploring cotton evolution as well as in the breeding of new cotton cultivars and the preservation of wild and cultivated germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene random co-polymer (PPR)/styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer blends with high toughness and favorable tensile properties were successfully obtained by blending with traces of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and β-nucleating agents (β-NAs). β-NAs can effectively induce the ductile β-form crystal in the PPR matrix. Although the addition of MWCNTs was reported to be only benefit for the tensile strength of PPR and relatively disadvantageous for the toughness, the obviously synergistic toughening effect in PPR/SBS blends was found when MWCNTs and β-NAs coexisted. The notched izod impact strength of PPR/30 wt % SBS blend with MWCNTs and β-NAs increased from 11.3 to 58.9 kJ/m2; more than 5-fold increment compared with pure PPR. Meanwhile, the tensile strength retention of this PPR blend is still above 72.2%. The micro-morphology indicated that the MWCNTs can act as bridges between SBS particle and PPR matrix, effectively transferring the stress and absorbing impact energy among SBS particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of the suprapatellar approach for intramedullary nailing has recently become popular for the treatment of tibial fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using the Chinese Aircraft-shaped Sleeve (CASS) system on the clinical outcomes of tibial intermedullary nailing using a suprapatellar approach for the treatment of tibial fractures in a cohort of adult Chinese patients. Methods: Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the knee joints of 212 healthy adults with normal lower limb function from May 2011 to May 2015 were obtained from a level I Chinese regional trauma centre. Sixty inpatients at the same trauma centre who underwent treatment for tibial shaft fractures from June 2015 to June 2018 were enrolled. Tibial intramedullary nailing fixation of tibial shaft fractures via the suprapatellar approach was performed with either a CASS system or a conventional sleeve. The measurements of patellofemoral joint anatomy, the surgical time, the assessments of the patellofemoral joint cartilage conditions, and information of residual debris based on arthroscopic analysis were subsequently collected. Results: The mean patellar angle (PA), sulcus angle (SA), sulcus width (SW) and sulcus depth (SD) were 135.40 ± 6.20°, 142.37 ± 5.33°, 33.37 ± 2.73 mm, and 4.29 ± 0.63 mm, respectively. The surgical time until entry reaming commencement and the irrigation time were significantly lower in the CASS group (P < 0.001). The difference in cartilage damage rate between groups was statistically significant (P = 0.031); the difference in residual debris conditions was not statistically significant (P = 0.1967). Conclusion: The use of the CASS system could improve clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing via suprapatellar approach for patients with a small patellofemoral joint space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehmannia chingii is an important medicinal plant with immense value in scientific research. However, its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has not yet been characterized. Herein, based on whole-genome Illumina short reads and PacBio HiFi reads, we obtained the complete mitogenome of R. chingii through a de novo assembly strategy. We carried out comparative genomic analyses and found that, in comparison with the plastid genome (plastome) showing a high degree of structural conservation, the R. chingii mitogenome structure is relatively complex, showing an intricate ring structure with 16 connections, owing to five repetitive sequences. The R. chingii mitogenome was 783,161 bp with a GC content of 44.8% and contained 77 genes, comprising 47 protein-coding genes (CDS), 27 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. We counted 579 RNA editing events in 47 CDS and 12,828 codons in all CDSs of the R. chingii mitogenome. Furthermore, 24 unique sequence transfer fragments were found between the mitogenome and plastome, comprising 8 mitogenome CDS genes and 16 plastome CDS genes, corresponding to 2.39% of the R. chingii mitogenome. Mitogenomes had shorter but more collinear regions, evidenced by a comparison of the organelles of non-parasitic R. chingii, hemiparasitic Pedicularis chinensis, and holoparasitic Aeginetia indica in the Orobanchaceae family. Moreover, from non-parasitic to holoparasitic species, the genome size in the mitogenomes of Orobanchaceae species did not decrease gradually. Instead, the smallest mitogenome was found in the hemiparasitic species P. chinensis, with a size of 225,612 bp. The findings fill the gap in the mitogenome research of the medicinal plant R. chingii, promote the progress of the organelle genome research of the Orobanchaceae family, and provide clues for molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A highly active and stable composite photocatalyst which can be used in practical environmental remediation was developed. Methods: g‐C3N4/SnO2/BiPO4 ternary composites (CN/SO/BPO) were synthesised via simple impregnation, and their texture structure, morphology, and surface composition were deeply characterized. Results: In just 25 min under visible‐light radiation, CN/SO/BPO almost eliminated rhodamine B, and the observed rate constant for the reaction was almost 36 and 3 times higher in comparison to that of CN/BPO and SO/BPO, respectively. Conclusions: On the basis of experimental outcomes and DFT calculation, the direct Z‐type structure of CN/SO/BPO lead to the improved photogenerated charge separation efficiency, as confirmed by surface photovoltage spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and transient photocurrent responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the factors that cause reproductive isolation and their relative importance in species divergence is crucial to our understanding of speciation processes. In most species, natural selection is commonly considered to play a large role in driving speciation. Based on whole genome re‐sequencing data from 27 Populus alba and 28 Populus adenopoda individuals, we explored the factors related to reproductive isolation of these two closely related species. The results showed that the two species diverged ~5–10 million years ago (Ma), when the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau reached a certain height and the inland climate of the Asian continent became arid. In highly differentiated genomic regions, the relative divergence (FST) and absolute divergence (dxy) were significantly higher than the genomic background, θπ and shared polymorphisms decreased whereas fixed differences increased, which indicated that natural selection played a key role in the reproductive isolation of the two species. In addition, we found several genes that were related to reproduction that may be involved in explaining the reproductive isolation. Using phylogenetic trees resolved from haplotype data of Populus tomentosa and P. adenopoda, the maternal origin of P. tomentosa from P. adenopoda was likely to be located in Hubei and Chongqing Provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new potassium europium borate K 3 EuB 6 O 12 has been prepared using a high temperature molten salt method and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analyses. Its structure features a three-dimensional (3D) framework composed of isolated [B 5 O 10 ] 5− anions that are bridged by K + and Eu 3+ ions. In this structure, one crystallographic distinct atom site is mixed occupied by K/Eu at a molar ratio of 1:1. The self-activated photoluminescence (PL) of K 3 EuB 6 O 12 was studied. The excitation spectrum covers a wide range from 322 to 466 nm, which suggests that the K 3 EuB 6 O 12 phosphors can be effectively excited by a near-UV light source. The emission spectrum consists of groups of lines in the red spectral region due to the 5 D 0 → 7 F j (j = 1, 2, 3, 4) electronic transitions of Eu 3+ ions, with the most intense line at 611 nm. We may expect that K 3 EuB 6 O 12 has the potential to be a red phosphor pumped by near-UV LED chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of genomic structural evolution associated with accelerated evolutionary rates that result in avoidance of meltdown and increase biodiversity is becoming ever more possible as the number of available plastomes increases. To more comprehensively analyze rate heterogeneity among monocots and within Poaceae, we sequenced plastomes from four Poaceae species, combined them with publicly available data from ~200 plastomes, and conducted comparative analyses to quantify the pattern of rate heterogeneity between different lineages, functional groups, and periods of evolutionary time. We compared structural differences across the Poaceae to quantify how changes in plastome size correspond to different genomic subunits and the evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries. The substitution rates among ancestral Poaceae were inferred to be exceptionally rapid compared to other monocots but slowed after divergence into extant lineages, which could not be sufficiently explained by positive selection. As such, rapid rates in the ancestral lineage leading to Poaceae might be more closely linked to large‐scale structural changes like the loss of ycf1 and ycf2. The total increase in plastome size across Poaceae was positively correlated with the total length of intergenic spacers, tandem repeats, and dispersed repeats as well as large single copy, and inverted repeats (IRs). The continuous evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries was asynchronous with sizes of total genome and subunits across Poaceae. Future work is needed to better understand what factors in ancestral Poaceae evolved to harness such rapid rates of plastome evolution, avoid a mutational meltdown, and escape the stagnation of strong purifying selection as well as if these factors could be utilized to synthetically control rates. Highlights: Extensive sampling covering all monocotyledonous orders and subfamilies of Poaceae to compare different levels of plastome evolutionary rates heterogeneity.Comprehensively revealed the clade‐specific patterns of plastomes size variations among Poaceae subfamilies.Confirmed the distances of genes to IR–SC boundaries were effective for phylogeny, species identification, and maternal tracing of Poaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-frequency signal injection-type maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) algorithm is usually employed to control the operation of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs). The MTPA algorithm exhibits good dynamic performance and anti-interference ability. However, due to the injection of a high-frequency current signal, problems such as torque ripple and additional loss are encountered. Therefore, in this paper, a virtual signal injection control (VSIC) method that does not require actual injection is proposed for solving the aforementioned problems while yielding good performance. However, in the control process of the proposed method, the d-axis inductance parameter affects the accuracy of the torque information, resulting in errors in the system. To solve this problem, an online identification algorithm of model reference adaptive systems (MRAS) based on the Popov super stability theory as the basis for the design of the adaptive law is proposed in this paper. The d-axis inductance parameter of the motor is obtained in real-time and then introduced into the control system by using the VSIC method. Finally, VSIC-type MTPA control based on inductance identification is realized. The proposed algorithm does not depend on the design parameters of the motor and exhibits good dynamic response and anti-interference performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the feasibility of producing high‐value products from biomass, the copper‐supported off‐Al H‐Beta zeolite was prepared and used as a catalyst. The 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐ethanediol was chosen as a catalyst, a model molecule of biomass, the reaction mechanism and reaction path of the oxidative cleavage were studied. The variation of concentration for different components and products distribution were obtained under different temperatures. Based on these experimental results, a kinetic model of the reaction system was established, and the kinetic parameters were developed through optimization algorithms. Results show that Brønsted acid and Lewis acid have a synergistic role in the oxidative cleavage of 1,2‐diol. The adding of Cu species can regulate the acidity and acid amount of the catalyst and can effectively improve the C─C bond breaking ability of the catalyst. 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐ethanediol firstly underwent oxidative cleavage to produce benzaldehyde, which further underwent parallel tandem reactions to get benzyl alcohol (BP), methyl benzoate (MB), and benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal (BDA), respectively. The highest activation energy is required for the oxidative cleavage reaction in the reaction system, and a higher temperature thus will be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the last 20 years, suprapatellar (SP) intramedullary nailing has gained considerable attention for treating tibia fractures and is believed to improve fracture alignments, decrease anterior knee pain, and facilitate intraoperative fluoroscopy. However, it is associated with various concerns, including the need to make another infrapatellar (IP) incision to remove the nail. Aims: This study was aimed at developing a new technique for the removal of SP tibial nails through an SP approach using a cannulated extraction system. The efficiency of the novel SP approach was compared to that of the traditional IP approach for the removal of SP tibial nails. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively collected clinical registry. The data for 69 consecutive patients who received surgery to remove a previous SP intramedullary nail using an SP approach (n = 30, SP cohort) or an IP approach (n = 39, IP cohort) were analyzed. Intra-operative evaluations included intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and changes in the surgical procedures. At six months follow-up, post-operative Lysholm knee score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the active range of motion (ROM) of the affected knee and complications were assessed. Results: Patients in the SP cohort exhibited an increased post-operative Lysholm knee score (β, 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6 to 4.6; P = 0.012), decreased post-operative VAS score (β, − 0.7; 95% CI, − 1.1 to − 0.2; P = 0.004), and increased operation time (β, 9.8 minutes; 95% CI, 5.7 to 14.0 minutes; P < 0.001) compared with those treated with the IP approach after adjustment for baseline characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in blood loss, post-operative ROM, or complications between the two cohorts. Conclusions: Compared with the IP technique, the SP approach for the removal of an SP tibial nail was independently associated with an increased post-operative Lysholm knee score and decreased VAS score, although the surgery was longer in duration. The novel technique offers a reliable and minimally invasive option for the removal of an SP tibial nail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hexahistidine-tagged protein functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs/6His-tagged protein) were prepared and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Both static and dynamical adsorption experiments showed that the MWCNTs/6His-tagged protein served as good sorbent for the solid-phase extraction of Cu2+ and Ni2+. Effective on-line sorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+ on the MWCNTs/6His-tagged protein packed microcolumn was achieved in a pH range of 3.0–4.5 and 4.5–6.0, respectively. The retained Cu2+ and Ni2+ were efficiently eluted with 0.2molL−1 imidazole–HCl solution for on-line flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The MWCNTs/6His-tagged protein exhibited fairly fast kinetics for the sorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+, and offered up to 20,000 and 1800 times improvement in the tolerable concentrations of co-existing ions over the MWCNTs for solid-phase extraction of Cu2+ and Ni2+, respectively. On-line solid-phase extraction at a flow rate of 5.0mLmin−1 for 60s gave an enhancement factor of 29 for Cu2+ and 28 for Ni2+, a sample throughput of 45h−1, and a detection limit (3s) of 0.31μgL−1 for Cu2+ and 0.63μgL−1 for Ni2+. The precision for 11 replicate measurements was 2.4% for 10μgL−1 Cu2+, and 2.5% for 15μgL−1 Ni2+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The semi-extended tibial intramedullary nailing method would enable easier and improved reductions for tibial fractures as well as facilitate fluoroscopic imaging; however, its in-articular nature remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of the semi-extended infrapatellar (SEIP) approach and hyper-flexed infrapatellar (HFIP) approach for intramedullary nailing to treat tibial shaft fractures. Methods: This study involved the retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with tibial shaft fractures that were fixed through either the SEIP approach or the HFIP approach of intramedullary nailing and who were admitted to a level 1 trauma centre. The minimum patient follow-up period was 12 months and the clinical and functional outcomes were estimated at the 12-month visit. Results: Of the 80 patients whose medical records were analyzed, 40 (50%) underwent SEIP nailing and the remaining 40 (50%) underwent the traditional HFIP nailing. Compared with the HFIP group, patients in the SEIP group had a higher Lysholm knee score (median, 92 [interquartile range, 88–95] vs median, 88 [interquartile range, 81–92]; p =.01), a shorter intra-operative fluoroscopy time (median, 93 [interquartile range, 78–105] s, vs median, 136 [interquartile range, 110–157] s; p <.001), and operation time (mean, 88.1 [SD, 17.8] min vs mean, 98.7 [SD, 19.3] min; p =.01). The VAS score was significantly lower in the SEIP group (median, 0; interquartile range, 0–0) than in the HFIP group (median, 0; interquartile range, 0–2) (p =.03). There were two cases (5%) in the SEIP group and 10 cases (25%) in the HFIP group of moderate AKP (p =.03). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in malalignment, nonunion, delayed union, infection, and other complications, as well as SF-36 physical and mental scores. Conclusion: We found that the SEIP approach to tibia intramedullary nailing was superior to the HFIP approach based on the intra-operative and post-operative outcomes. Thus, this novel technique provides an infrapatellar option for semi-extended tibial nailing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1:2 internal resonance of coupled dynamic system with quadratic and cubic nonlinearities is studied. The normal forms of this system in 1:2 internal resonance were derived by using the direct method of normal form. In the normal forms, quadratic and cubic nonlinearities were remained. Based on a new convenient transformation technique, the 4- dimension bifurcation equations were reduced to 3- dimension. A bifurcation equation with one-dimension was obtained. Then the bifurcation behaviors of a universal unfolding were studied by using the singularity theory. The method of this paper can be applied to analyze the bifurcation behavior in strong internal resonance on 4- dimension center manifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tuning band structures based on metal sulfides/Zr-MOF heterojunctions. • Greatly optimized band structures. • Significantly improved light energy utilization and optical-electronic properties. • Remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiencies and accelerated reaction kinetics. Assembly of advanced MOFs based heterojunctions is an effective avenue to facilitate light utility and photogenerated electron-hole separation for photochemical detoxification of Cr(VI) and degradation of reactive dyes. Systematically polishing the band states of photocatalysts is the crucial point but still requires further study. Herein, a band structure tuning strategy was designed by depositing carefully selected metal sulfides on a 2D Zr-MOF to assemble six metal sulfides/Zr-MOF heterojunctions. Fortunately, In 2 S 3 /Zr-MOF presents prominent optical-electronic properties and photocatalytic performances since the highly matched band structure. And its UV–Visible light utility, carriers migration rate, electron-hole separation efficiency and recombination inhibition ability have been greatly optimized. Ingeniously, In 2 S 3 /Zr-MOF (M5) exhibits best photochemical purification abilities towards ultra-stubborn reactive dyes RR11, RB21 and highly toxic Cr(VI) ions, under 500 W xenon lamp, with degradation/reduction efficiencies of 91.8, 93.3 % and 97.9 % within 5, 13 h and 70 min, respectively. Compared with pure In 2 S 3 and Zr-MOF, the photocatalytic degradation kinetics towards RR11 have been increased 27.18 and 38.50 times, respectively, providing the recyclability of more than 4 times. Mechanism studies confirm that ·O 2 − species play dominant roles in removal of reactive dyes, and the powerful electrons transfer from the conduction band (CB) of In 2 S 3 to Zr-MOF's relatively positive CB further reinforce their ability to combine with dissolved O 2 in water to provide more ·O 2 −. While the cooperation of electrons in CB of Zr-MOF with O 2 /·O 2 − has been suggested as the mechanism for photocatalytic detoxification of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). This study provides a feasible strategy for boosting the photochemical purification capacities of Zr-MOFs based heterojunction platforms. A band structure tuning strategy has been effectively designed and carried out by depositing diverse metal sulfides with unique band states on a 2D Zr-MOF, respectively, enabling precisely modulate the optical-electronic properties and boost the photocatalytic reduction and degradation efficiencies under xenon lamp. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Photosensitive post-modification based on the super-stable UiO-67. • Greatly narrowed band gap and optimized band structure. • Significantly improved visible light utilization and optical-electronic properties. • Remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiencies and accelerated reaction kinetics. As a new kind of organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductor materials, MOFs have come into focus as photocatalysts for decontamination of Cr(VI) oxates and reactive dyes from contaminated water. However, although most Zr-MOFs exhibit hydrolytic stability, they absorb almost only ultraviolet light. Assembly of MOFs with both hydrolytic stability and high visible light responsiveness thus has become a most feasible avenue recently. Here, composite of Ag@UiO-67 was intentionally designed by modifying the classical Zr-MOF of UiO-67 with highly photosensitive Ag+ ions. Results suggested that compared with pristine UiO-67, Ag@UiO-67 displays significantly narrowed band gap (Eg) value, sufficiently negative conduction band (CB) potential, suitable valence band (VB) potential and significantly improved charge transfer efficiency. Notably, the Eg value of 2.09 eV gives Ag@UiO-67 excellent ability of visible photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of Reactive dark blue K-R (RB13), with reduction and degradation efficiencies of 91.37 % within 140 min (k = 0.024 min−1) and 92.63 % within 160 min (k = 0.016 min−1), respectively, which are 5.6 and 6.9 times of as synthesized UiO-67. Moreover, photocatalytic mechanism studies reveal that · O 2 – plays key roles in bleaching RB13 and photogenerated species with sufficient negative potential can effectively reduce Cr(VI). And Ag@UiO-67 can utilize visible light more efficiently to accelerate the charge transfer rate. This work provides a feasible avenue to tailor the visible light sensitivity and band structure of classic Zr-MOFs, for eliminating inorganic and organic contaminants such as Cr(VI) ions and dye of RB13. Visible photocatalytic reduction and degradation capacities towards Cr(VI) and reactive dye (RB13) have been successfully achieved, by firmly anchoring Ag+ ions in UiO-67. This study provides a feasible strategy to realize the low-energy light utilization and bifunctionality of robust Zr-MOFs platforms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms in arsenic (+ 3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT) have been shown to be related to interindividual variations in arsenic metabolism and to influence adverse health effects in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3). The occurrence of hyperleukocytosis with As2O3 treatment seriously affects the early survival rate of APL patients, but no definite explanation for such a complication has been clearly established. To clarify the causes of this situation, AS3MT polymorphisms 14215 (rs3740390), 14458 (rs11191439), 27215 (rs11191446), and 35991 (rs10748835) and profiles of plasma arsenic metabolites were evaluated in a group of 54 newly diagnosed APL patients treated with single-agent As2O3. High-performance liquid chromatography–hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC–HG-AFS) was used to determine the concentrations of plasma arsenic metabolites. Plasma arsenic methylation metabolism capacity was evaluated by the percentage of inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), primary methylation index (PMI, MMA/iAs), and secondary methylation index (SMI, DMA/MMA). The results showed that APL patients who developed hyperleukocytosis had a higher plasma iAs%, but a lower MMA% and PMI than those who did not develop hyperleukocytosis during As2O3 treatment. In addition, patients with the AS3MT 14215 (rs3740390) CC genotype had significantly higher plasma iAs% and incidence of hyperleukocytosis, but lower PMI than patients with the CT + TT genotype. Conversely, we did not observe statistically significant associations between the occurrence of hyperleukocytosis and AS3MT 14458 (rs11191439), 27215 (rs11191446), and 35991 (rs10748835) polymorphisms in our study subjects. These results indicated that AS3MT 14215 (rs3740390) might be used as an indicator for predicting the occurrence of hyperleukocytosis in APL patients treated with As2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine the incidence and neuroimaging risk factors associated with Babinski sign following acute ischemic stroke, as well as its relationship with the functional outcome of patients. Methods: A total of 351 patients were enrolled in the study within 7 days of acute ischemic stroke. The Babinski sign along with other upper motor neuron signs were examined upon admission and between days 1 and 3 and days 5 and 7 after admission. Neuroimaging parameters included site and volume of infarction and white matter lesions. All patients were followed up at 3 months. Functional outcome was assessed with the Lawton Activities of Daily Living scale and modified Rankin Scale. Results: Babinski sign was observed in 115 of 351 (32.8%) patients in the acute ischemic stroke. These patients had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and higher rates of atrial fibrillation and cardioembolism; higher frequencies of frontal, temporal, and limbic lobes and basal ganglia infarcts; and larger infarct volume. Higher NIHSS score and basal ganglia infarct were significant predictors of the presence of Babinski sign. After adjusting for confounds, the presence of Babinski sign did not predict poor functional outcome. Conclusion: The incidence of Babinski sign was 32.8% in the acute ischemic stroke. Severe infarction and basal ganglia infarct were independent predictors of Babinski sign. Although Babinski sign is common in acute ischemic stroke patients, it does not predict poor functional outcome 3 months later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A anhydrous orthoborate Na 3 Tb(PO 4 ) 2 has been prepared and its crystal structure was determined by X-Ray diffraction of a non-merohedral twinned single crystal. The results show that the compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group C 2/ c and the structure features a 3D framework containing PO 4 , NaO 6 , NaO 7 , NaO 8 and TbO 8 polyhedra. Under near-UV excitation (370 nm), Na 3 Tb(PO 4 ) 2 shows intense characteristic emission bands of Tb 3+ (490 nm, 543 nm, 585 nm and 620 nm) with the CIE coordinate of (0.3062, 0.5901), corresponding to greenish color. The excitation spectrum covers a wide range from 340 nm to 390 nm, which indicates that phosphor Na 3 Tb(PO 4 ) 2 can be efficiently activated by near-UV LED ship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is postulated to enhance the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the tumor microenvironment, which promote tumor recurrence. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular mechanisms behind SBRT stimulating MSC migration and differentiation.Methods: In vitro, mediated factors and migrated MSCs (post-SBRT) were generated. In vivo, bone-marrow derived MSCs were identified and harvested from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing transgenic male mice and transplanted into sub-lethally irradiated recipient female mice to establish a model of bone marrow transplantation. Lewis lung carcinoma and malignant melanoma-bearing recipient mice were treated with SBRT, 14 Gy/1 fraction. The migration and differentiation potential of MSCs were characterized.Results: SBRT increased the release of stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) by tumor cells; these ligands bound to chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), respectively, on circulating bone marrow-derived MSCs, resulting in engraftment of the MSCs into the tumor parenchyma. The newly-homed MSCs differentiated into pericytes, which induced the tumor vasculogenesis, and promoted tumor regrowth. Targeted therapies, AMD3100 and imatinib abrogated MSC homing, vasculogenesis, and tumor regrowth.Conclusion: Bone-marrow derived MSCs migrate to the tumor parenchyma and differentiate into pericytes, inducing tumor vasculogenesis after SBRT, and promoting tumor recurrence. MSC migration and maturation may be abrogated with AMD3100 and imatinib. This novel treatment strategy warrants clinical investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic glycolysis, a metabolic hallmark of cancer, is associated with radioresistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), a key regulator of glycolysis, is expressed exclusively in cancers. However, the impact of PKM2 silencing on the radiosensitivity of NSCLC has not been explored. Here, we show a plasmid of shRNA-PKM2 for expressing a short hairpin RNA targeting PKM2 (pshRNA-PKM2) and demonstrate that treatment with pshRNA-PKM2 effectively inhibits PKM2 expression in NSCLC cell lines and xenografts. Silencing of PKM2 expression enhanced ionizing radiation (IR)-induced apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo , accompanied by inhibiting AKT and PDK1 phosphorylation, but enhanced ERK and GSK3β phosphorylation. These results demonstrated that knockdown of PKM2 expression enhances the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cell lines and xenografts as well as may aid in the design of new therapies for the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, four hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSOH) with different viscosities and hydroxyl contents were used to improve the toughness of polycarbonate (PC) through reactive melt blending. A largely improved toughness of PC has been achieved, and the low temperature toughness of PC/PDMSOH blends could overtake that of PC homopolymer in much higher temperatures ( e.g. −10 °C versus 23 °C). Moreover, it was found that the more the hydroxyl content, the less the PDMSOH was needed to reach the highest toughness, suggesting that equivalent molar ratio between the carbonyl group content of PC and the hydroxyl group content of PDMSOH was required for the toughening of PC. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to analyze the possible reaction between PC and PDMSOH. Contact angle was measured to assess the change of interfacial interaction between PC and PDMSOH as change of viscosity and hydroxyl content. The formation of PC- co-PDMSOH copolymer was believed to be the key for the toughening effect. This work gives a profound recommendation of the optimum kind and dosage of PDMSOH which should be used to improve the toughness of PC and will find immediate industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plane strain compressions were conducted on a rolled Mg–6Al–3Sn (AT63) alloy plate along the rolling direction (termed in-plane compression, IPC) and normal direction (termed through-thick compression, TTC), respectively. Deformation behaviors (mechanical response, microstructure evolution and macrotexture development) of each plane strain compression were compared against those of equivalent uniaxial compression (UC), and deformation mechanisms of IPC and TTC were investigated in detail. It has been found that the IPC with transverse constraint exhibits enhanced basal slip and retarded extension twinning with respect to the corresponding UC. However, the IPC with normal constraint transforms the main deformation mechanisms (i.e., extension twinning and basal slip) into prismatic slip and directional pyramidal slip. The TTCs, no matter with rolling or transverse constraint, suppress basal slip dramatically and cause directional contraction twins and directional pyramidal slip. The differences in deformation mechanisms between the plane strain compression and the corresponding UC are explained in relation to Schmid factor and strain directionality. Our results shed light on the deformation mechanisms of Mg alloys during plane strain compressions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lead and chromate/dichromate are widely used in manufacturing industry, but Pb(II) and Cr(VI) ions pose fatal threats to human health and the water ecological environment. It is thus highly desirable to develop novel and valid strategies for rapid detection and effective decontamination of these heavy metal ions. Design and assembly of luminescent Metal-Organic Framework (LMOFs) for effective recognition and removal of Pb(II) and/or Cr(VI) from water provide a feasible avenue to address this issue. Herein, a novel Cd(II)-MOF, [(Cd 3 L 2)]·(solvent) x (labeled as compound 1) with bright blue fluorescence was assembled under the solvothermal reaction of triangular ligand 5'-(5-carboxy-1H-benzo [ d ]imidazole-2-yl)-[1,1':3′,1″-terphenyl]-4,4″-dicarboxylic acid (H 3 L) and Cd(NO 3) 2. Given that the unique structure features of 3D stacking framework, i. e. strong π···π conjugative effects of organic linkers, plentiful free imidazole N atoms and carboxyl O atoms, Cd-MOF of 1 was deliberately deployed as bifunctional platform to sense Pb(II)/Cr(VI) and photochemically reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Notably, 1 emits durable bright blue fluorescence and performs rapid quenching sense for Pb2+, Cr 2 O 7 2− and CrO 4 2−, with ultra low detection limits of 1.89, 4.83 and 2.84 ​ppb, respectively. Moreover, highly toxic Cr(VI) could be rapidly and thoroughly reduced to Cr(III) ions by 1 under the irradiation of mercury lamp, with reliable recycling ability. The possible photoluminescence, quenching and photocatalytic reduction mechanisms also were tentatively proposed. Highly efficient and bifunctional for cationic Pb(II), anionic Cr(VI) analytes detection and Cr(VI) photochemical reduction decontamination were thoroughly demonstrated by a powerful Cd(II)-Organic Framework platform, performing fairly low detection limits values and rather high/rapid photocatalytic reduction capability. And may open a new avenue for addressing the fatal environmental pollution issues caused by heavy metal ions. [Display omitted] • The unique dual-fluorescent probe for cationic Pb(II) and anionic Cr(VI) analytes. • Fairly low detection limits values among all reported MOF-based sensors. • Excellent selectivity, anti-interference abilities and reliable recyclability. • High efficiency, rapid and recyclable photocatalytic reduction abilities for Cr(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: Recent studies have shown that dexmedetomidine can be safely used in peripheral nerve blocks and spinal anesthesia. Epidural administration of dexmedetomidine produces analgesia and sedation, prolongs motor and sensory block time, extends postoperative analgesia, and reduces the need for rescue analgesia. This investigation seeks to identify the median effective concentration (EC 50 ) of ropivacaine for epidural motor blockade, and assess how incorporating varying doses of dexmedetomidine impacts this EC 50 value., Design: Prospective, double-blind, up-down sequential allocation study., Setting: Operating room, post-anesthesia care unit, and general ward., Interventions: One hundred and fifty patients were allocated into five groups in a randomized, double-blinded manner as follows: NR (normal saline combined with ropivacaine) group, RD 0.25 (0.25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine) group, RD 0.5 (0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine) group, RD 0.75 (0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine) group, RD 1.0 (1.0 μg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine) group. The concentration of epidural ropivacaine for the first patient in each group was 0.5%. Following administration, the patients were immediately placed in a supine position for observation, and the lower limb motor block was assessed every 5 min using the modified Bromage score within 30 min after drug administration. According to the sequential method, the concentration of ropivacaine in the next patient was adjusted according to the reaction of the previous patient: effective motor block was defined as the modified Bromage score > 0 within 30 min after epidural administration. If the modified Bromage score of the previous patient was >0 within 30 min after drug administration, the concentration of ropivacaine in the next patient was decreased by 1 gradient. Conversely, if the score did not exceed 0, the concentration of ropivacaine in the next patient was increased by 1 gradient. The up-down sequential allocation method and probit regression were used to calculate the EC 50 of epidural ropivacaine., Measurements: Adverse events, hemodynamic changes, demographic data and clinical characteristics., Main Results: The EC 50 of epidural ropivacaine required to achieve motor block was 0.677% (95% CI , 0.622-0.743%) in the NR group, 0.624% (95% CI , 0.550-0.728%) in the RD 0.25 group, 0.549% (95% CI , 0.456-0.660%) in the RD 0.5 group, 0.463% (95% CI , 0.408-0.527%) in the RD 0.75 group, and 0.435% (95% CI , 0.390-0.447%) in the RD 1.0 group. The EC 50 of the NR group and the RD 0.25 group were significantly higher than that of the RD 0.75 and the RD 1.0 groups, and the EC 50 of the RD 0.5 group was significantly higher than that of the RD 1.0 group., Conclusion: The EC 50 of epidural ropivacaine required to achieve motor block was 0.677% in the NR group, 0.624% in the RD 0.25 group, 0.549% in the RD 0.5 group, 0.463% in the RD 0.75 group, and 0.435% in the RD 1.0 group. Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for ropivacaine dose-dependently reduce the EC 50 of epidural ropivacaine for motor block and shorten the onset time of epidural ropivacaine block. The optimal dose of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia was 0.5 μg/kg., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wan, Lin, Wu, Feng, Wang and Wang.)

Living fossils are evidence of long-term sustained ecological success. However, whether living fossils have little molecular changes remains poorly known, particularly in plants. Here, we have introduced a novel method that integrates phylogenomic, comparative genomic, and ecological niche modeling analyses to investigate the rate of molecular evolution of Eupteleaceae, a Cretaceous relict angiosperm family endemic to East Asia. We assembled a high-quality chromosome-level nuclear genome, and the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of a member of Eupteleaceae (Euptelea pleiosperma). Our results show that Eupteleaceae is most basal in Ranunculales, the earliest-diverging order in eudicots, and shares an ancient whole-genome duplication event with the other Ranunculales. We document that Eupteleaceae has the slowest rate of molecular changes in the observed angiosperms. The unusually low rate of molecular evolution of Eupteleaceae across all three independent inherited genomes and genes within each of the three genomes is in association with its conserved genome architecture, ancestral woody habit, and conserved niche requirements. Our findings reveal the evolution and adaptation of living fossil plants through large-scale environmental change and also provide new insights into early eudicot diversification., (© 2023. Science China Press.)

The incidence and mortality of hepatic carcinoma (HCC) remain high, and early diagnosis of HCC is seen as a key approach in improving clinical outcomes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of current early screening methods for HCC are not satisfactory. In recent years, research around exosomal miRNA has gradually increased, and these molecules have emerged as attractive candidates for early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review summarizes the feasibility of using miRNAs in peripheral blood exosomes as early diagnostic tools for HCC., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: We declare that we have no conflict of interest related to this work., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)