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Purpose The aim of this review is to discuss the role of androgens in the progression of endometrial carcinoma (EC) with particular focus on the different kinds of androgenic hormones, androgen receptor (AR) and intracrine androgen metabolism. Methods A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed. Selected publications related to androgens and EC were reviewed. Results There are different kinds of androgenic hormones, and different kinds of androgens may have different effects. Elevated androgens (especially testosterone) have been associated with an increased EC risk in postmenopausal women. 5α-reductases (5α-Reds) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17βHSD2) pathway may inhibit the progression of EC mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but aromatases stimulate further progression of EC. The most of studies accessing the prognostic value of AR have found that AR expression may be a favorable prognostic indicator. Conclusion Androgens may have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Androgen-specific biases in metabolism and the expression of AR may contribute to the different prognosis of patients with EC.

The isothermal section of the Al-Mn-In ternary phase diagram at 773 K was investigated by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD). The 773 K isothermal section of this ternary system consists of 10 single-phase regions, 12 two-phase regions and 8 three-phase regions. Six binary compounds, i.e. Mn3In, Al8Mn5, Al11Mn4, λ-Al4Mn, μ-Al4Mn and Al6Mn in the Al-Mn-In system were confirmed to exist at 773 K. The binary compound Al12Mn is not observed at 773 K. No ternary compounds were found in this work. The compound Al8Mn5 forms a continuous series of solid solutions. The single phases α-Mn and β-Mn also form extended solid solutions. At 773 K, the maximum solid solubility of Al in γ2 (Al8Mn5), β-Mn and α-Mn are about 60.33, 36.78 and 1.54 at. % Al, respectively. Excess doping with In promotes the decomposition of the metastable τ-MnAl phase into nonmagnetic phases. The XRD result suggests that some of In atoms do not actually enter the crystal lattice of τ-MnAl. In doping improved the coercivity of the τ-MnAl alloys at the expense of saturation magnetization.

The (La0.3Pr0.7)1-xCaxCrO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) ceramics have been synthesized by a sol-gel method. The compounds crystalize in orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma at room temperature. The magnetic measurements confirm that the materials form canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering from 254.1, 231.2, 118.5, 49.3 K for the samples of x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5, accompanied by a spin reorientation transition at 191.4, 145.1, 55.8, 38.9 K because of the Pr3+-Cr3+ interaction. Meanwhile, a positive exchange bias effect is observed due to the antiparallel coupling between the Pr3+ and the canted AFM structure of Cr3+. The Neel temperature, compensation temperature as well as the coupling strength of Pr3+-Cr3+ monotonously decrease with the increase of Ca2+ concentration. For the samples of x = 0.1 and 0.3, there exists a field induced Pr3+-Pr3+ AFM ordering. By means of dielectric measurements, large permittivity at room temperature and dielectric relaxation are observed in all the samples. The permittivity is decreased and dielectric relaxation moves to low temperature range with the increase of Ca2+ concentration. A relaxor-like ferroelectric transition is observed in the measuring temperature range in Ca2+ doped samples.

By means of the mixed-ligand strategy, a new Ni(II)-bearing coordination complex [Ni(pda)(bimb)(H2O)](H2O)1.5(1, bimb = 6,6′-bis(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine, H2pda = 4,4′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid) is successfully obtained by the reaction of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, bimb, and H2pda under hydrothermal reaction conditions. Furthermore, the nanoparticles of 1 (nano-1) with a size distribution of around 160 nm can be produced via a grinding method. In the section of biological research, we describe the anti-inflammatory activity of nano-1 on the acute viral myocarditis model. In the CVB3-induced acute viral myocarditis model, the treatment effect of nano-1 is evaluated by determining the mice survival rate and the CVB3 titer. The anti-inflammatory activity of nano-1 is determined by the ELISA assay of TNF-α and IL-1β levels in plasma.

In this work, Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (PSMO) films with the thickness of 12 and 36 nm have been grown on (0001) sapphire substrates with six symmetry using pulsed laser deposition technology. The structure, electrical transport, and magnetoresistance (MR) of PSMO films have been investigated. In the PSMO film with the thickness of 12 nm, there is only one metal-to-insulator (MI) transition. Some textures and disorder coexist in the 12-nm-thick PSMO film, reducing temperature dependence of MR. This kind of MR can be explained by the double exchange (DE) theory. We find a low-field MR (LFMR) ~ 38% (at µ0H = 1 T, T = 80 K) and a MR ~ 125% (at µ0H = 5 T, T = 185 K) in this thinner PSMO (12 nm) film. On the contrary, there are two MI transitions in the PSMO film with the thickness of 36 nm. The LFMR ~ 55% (at µ0H = 1 T, T = 115 K) and MR ~ 300% (at µ0H = 5 T, T = 140 K) are obtained in this thicker PSMO (36 nm) film. This kind of MR cannot be explained by the DE theory, which is induced by the charge-ordered antiferromagnetic state. The electrical transport and the MR can be tuned by the charge ordering, multiple textures and the disordering induced by both grain boundary and large lattice mismatch between PSMO film and sapphire. These interesting physical properties in manganite films have opportunities for practical application in developing manganite-based magnetic sensor and memory devices.

In this study, a new Co(II)-containing coordination polymer with the chemical formula [Co(ox)(dimb)] (1, ox = oxalic acid, dimb = 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane) is successfully prepared by the reaction of Co(NO3)2·6H2O, oxalic acid, and 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane in a mixed solvent of DMF and water under the solvothermal conditions. As-prepared crystalline complex 1 is characterized by the elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the mechanical grinding method is used to produce nanostructured 1 with the average size distribution of around 326 nm. To detect the in vivo protective effect of nano 1 on CVB3-induced myocarditis, the histopathology evaluation is performed. To reveal the underlying relationship between the cell inflammatory response and the mechanism of the compound protective activity, the level of IL-1 and TNF-α in the myocardial tissue is measured by ELISA.

When the SEGH international board released a short editorial paper back in 2019, we described an aim to increase the membership offering, whilst improving the diversity of input regionally, by scientific discipline and to ensure greater and more regular contact across the regions from 2020 onwards. Wider aspirations described in 2019 (Watts et al. 2019) are discussed within this short communication at the end of 2021 to evaluate progress made. In particular, how the SEGH community adapted to the unprecedented circumstances that have challenged each and every one of us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020 and are likely to influence our activities for the foreseeable future.

By means of the mixed-ligand strategy, a new Ni(II)-bearing coordination complex [Ni(pda)(bimb)(H2O)](H2O)1.5 (1, bimb = 6,6'-bis(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, H2pda = 4,4'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid) is successfully obtained by the reaction of Ni(NO3)2×6H2O, bimb, and H2pda under hydrothermal reaction conditions. Furthermore, the nanoparticles of 1 (nano 1) with a size distribution of around 160 nm can be produced via a grinding method. In the section of biological research, we describe the anti-inflammatory activity of nano 1 on the acute viral myocarditis model. In the CVB3-induced acute viral myocarditis model, the treatment effect of nano 1 is evaluated by determining the mice survival rate and the CVB3 titer. The anti-inflammatory activity of nano 1 is determined by the ELISA assay of TNF-a and IL-1b levels in plasma.

In this study, a new Co(II)-containing coordination polymer with the chemical formula [Co(ox)(dimb)] (1, ox = oxalic acid, dimb = 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane) is successfully prepared by the reaction of Co(NO3)2·6H2O, oxalic acid, and 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane in a mixed solvent of DMF and water under the solvothermal conditions. As-prepared crystalline complex 1 is characterized by the elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the mechanical grinding method is used to produce nanostructured 1 with the average size distribution of around 326 nm. To detect the in vivo protective effect of nano 1 on CVB3-induced myocarditis, the histopathology evaluation is performed. To reveal the underlying relationship between the cell inflammatory response and the mechanism of the compound protective activity, the level of IL-1 and TNF-α in the myocardial tissue is measured by ELISA.

All-inorganic cesium lead bromide demonstrates better thermal and chemical stability compared to its hybrid counterparts, and thus it can provide a base for high stability and performance of CsPbBr3-based perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Appropriate cation doping engineering could further improve the stability and performance of CsPbBr3 films and PeLED devices. Here, the stability and luminescence performances of B-site and A-site cation doped CsPbBr3 films and PeLEDs are summarized and critically compared. The mechanisms of the improved properties after doping are discussed. In addition, a conventional analysis of lattice parameters in terms of spontaneous strains is provided for the first time for CsPbBr3 perovskites, in which they have robust correlations with the stability of the CsPbBr3-based films and PeLEDs. Meanwhile, the cation doping process is an effective method to flexibly modulate the spontaneous strains to enhance the stability and luminescence properties of the metal halide perovskites and PeLEDs. Doping and strain engineering in the field of perovskite optoelectronics will certainly encourage very important future developments in materials science, physics and chemistry for operationally stable PeLEDs.

In this study, we designed a novel magnetic semiconductor Sr2FeMoO6/SrMoO4 with a sharp metal-insulator transition based on the spin-glass freezing and antiferromagnetic transition behavior, which has been confirmed by various magnetic and transport measurements. To investigate the charge transport mechanisms of the sample, the electrical resistivities have been measured over a wide range of temperatures from 400 K down to liquid helium temperatures under different magnetic fields. The typical semiconductor behavior of the sample is observed. The relatively high conduction behavior is blocked below 80 K, and thereafter into the insulator state. The Vogel-Fulcher and the Mott variable-range-hopping (VRH) law are also used to study its conduction features and the relationship between magnetic and electrical properties. The spin-glass like component around the Sr2FeMoO6 crystal is initially observed by TEM and this provides a robust evidence able to verify the results from magnetic measurements. The novel features of the metal-insulator transition shielding external magnetic effects in highly disordered Sr2FeMoO6 double perovskite is dominantly controlled by a new spin-valve-system present in the spin-glass layers. Our insights into the role of the B-site disorder, spin-glass layer around the soft ferromagnetic grains, grain boundaries, and non-magnetic second phase effects demonstrate how the static and dynamic properties of magnetic materials might be tuned by designing the composition with a high B-site cation disordered matrix ferromagnetic material.

The La0.5Pr0.5Cr1−xFexO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) ceramics are synthesized by a citric acid sol-gel method. The crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition and magnetic properties are studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that the ceramics crystalize in orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma. The Rietveld refinement results indicate that the lattice parameters get larger with the increase of Fe3+ doping. By means of magnetic measurements, negative magnetization in positive magnetic field is obtained with the decrease of temperature and positive exchange bias effect is observed after field cooling process in La0.5Pr0.5CrO3. When doping with Fe3+ at the Cr3+ sites, the negative magnetization disappears and the positive exchange bias effect transforms to negative. Meanwhile, the negative exchange bias field gradually decreases and vanishes when the doping value of x reaches 0.5. Based on the positive exchange bias effect, an abnormal magnetic switching phenomenon is obtained without changing the direction of the external field after field cooling process.

Although several reports have studied the types of magnetic exchange interactions, the origin of the ferrimagnetism or ferromagnetism, and crystal structure in double perovskite La2CrMnO6, there are still many controversies because of the complexity of structures, valence states and synthesized conditions in this material. To further explore the structure, magnetism, resistivity and exchange interactions, the X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, AC and DC magnetic measurements, and the resistivity as a function of temperature are performed in this study. The O-type orthorhombic structure (b < c√2

The epithelial and epidermal innate cytokines IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have pivotal roles in the initiation of allergic inflammation in asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the mechanism by which the expression of these innate cytokines is regulated remains unclear. Intelectin (ITLN) is expressed in airway epithelial cells and promotes allergic airway inflammation. We hypothesized that ITLN is required for allergen-induced IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP expression. In two asthma models, Itln knockdown reduced allergen-induced increases in Il-25, Il-33, and Tslp and development of type 2 response, eosinophilic inflammation, mucus overproduction, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Itln knockdown also inhibited house dust mite (HDM)-induced early upregulation of Il-25, Il-33, and Tslp in a model solely inducing airway sensitization. Using human airway epithelial cells, we demonstrated that HDM-induced increases in ITLN led to phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular-signal regulated kinase, which were required for induction of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP expression. In two AD models, Itln knockdown suppressed expression of Il-33, Tslp, and Th2 cytokines and eosinophilic inflammation. In humans, ITLN1 expression was significantly increased in asthmatic airways and in lesional skin of AD. We conclude that ITLN contributes to allergen-induced Il-25, Il-33, and Tslp expression in asthma and AD.

The Dy3+ doped SmCrO3 polycrystalline ceramics are prepared by solid state method. The structure and magnetic properties are investigated. All samples show orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma. Three magnetic transitions are detected in Dy3+ doped SmCrO3 samples, which arise from the Cr3+-Cr3+ interactions and the spin reorientation of Cr3+, respectively. Both field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) exchange bias (EB) effects are observed in the prepared Sm1-xDyxCrO3 (x = 0 − 0.5) samples below the spin reorientation temperature (TSR), and the EB field (HEB) increases dramatically below TSR. With the increase of the doping level, the HEB is depressed. Three anomalous variations of magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) derived from the isothermal magnetization are observed, which are consistent with the magnetic transitions. Compared with the ΔSM after ZFC processes, the anomalous variations of ΔSM at ~25 K almost disappear after FC processes due to the enhanced unidirectional anisotropy, and no obvious influence is observed for the other two anomalous variations after FC processes.

Polycrystalline R 3 Fe 5 O 12 (R = Eu, Gd) ceramics are synthesized by a sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that both materials exhibit the same cubic structure with space group Ia 3 ¯ d . The dielectric behaviors and impedance spectra in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 10 MHz are investigated at different temperatures from 300 K to 700 K. The materials exhibit relatively large dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss in a wide temperature and frequency range. Two dielectric relaxation processes are observed in the measurements. The high frequency relaxation is shown to originate from the electrons hopping between Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ , while the low frequency relaxation most likely arises from the doubly ionized oxygen vacancies. The impedance spectra indicate that the ceramics are electrically heterogeneous consisting of semiconducting grains and insulating grain boundaries (corresponding to the high and low frequency electrical responses, respectively), and the heterogeneous structures play important roles in the dielectric properties.

Synergistic bimetallic catalysis is gaining increasing attention due to its advantages over traditional catalytic methodologies. These advantages include double activation, accurate control of reaction sites, double stereochemical control, and potential in stereodivergent synthesis. This review documents advances in the field and provides an up-to-date overview of recent developments in the use of iridium/zinc and iridium/copper catalyst systems.

Increasing e-waste has become a major problem for global environment and public health. In the process of dismantling and recycling of disordered electronic waste, heavy metals such as lead and brominated flame retardants and organic substances are released into environmental media such as air, soil, dust and water, which is harmful to the health of local residents. Taking an e-waste dismantling area in Guangdong Province as an example, this paper reviews exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in e-waste recycling areas in China, as well as the health effects of local residents. Previous studies have found that e-waste recycling activities led to serious environmental pollution and high exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in local residents, which has a certain impact on the physiological functions of various human systems. The establishment of a centralized dismantling zone can effectively reduce the load level of various pollutants.日益增多的电子垃圾已成为困扰全球环境和人群健康的重大问题。无序电子垃圾拆解回收过程中，铅、溴化阻燃剂等重金属和有机物进入空气、土壤、灰尘、水等环境介质中，造成的环境污染威胁着当地居民的身体健康。本文以广东省某电子垃圾拆解区为例，综述了我国重点电子垃圾拆解区人体重金属和有机物暴露水平及所造成的人群健康效应的研究进展。该地区电子垃圾拆解活动已造成重金属和有机物污染，当地人群体内处于重金属和有机物高负荷状态，对人体生理功能造成了一定的影响，集中拆解区的建立可以有效降低多种污染物负荷水平。.

In this study, the authors investigated the expression and significance of WTl in xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma cell SKOV3 of nude mice treated with paclitaxel. Xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma was established in nude mice using the SKOV3 cell line. The mice were randomized into the treatment group with paclitaxel and control group with normal sodium. The sizes of the xenotransplanted tumors were measured and the tumor specimens were confirmed by routine hemotoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The apoptosis index was then assayed using flow cytometry. WTl and bcl-2 expression were detected with immunohistochemistry, and WT1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The authors found that the growth of the xenotransplanted tumor was inhibited by paclitaxel therapy. Compared to the control group, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased in the treatment group (p0.05). At the same time, the expression of WTl, bcl-2 and WTI, mRNA were significantly decreased in the paclitaxel therapy group (p0.05). The authors conclude that the WTl gene may play an important role during apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma and the mechanism may be closely related to bcl-2.

Hypoxic microenvironment is a powerful driving force for the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), as a crucial regulator of transcriptional responses to hypoxia, induces the expression of multiple target genes involved in different steps of HCC metastatic process. It is critical to find target genes associated with metastasis under hypoxia for shedding new light on molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis. In this study, we uncovered that hypoxia could induce the upregulation of Rab11-family interacting protein 4 (Rab11-FIP4) and activation of Rab11-FIP4 promoter by HIF-1α. The overexpression of Rab11-FIP4 significantly enhanced the mobility and invasiveness of HCC cells in vitro, also contributed to distant lung metastasis in vivo, whereas silencing of Rab11-FIP4 decreased the ability of migration and invasion in HCC cells in vitro and suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. Rab11-FIP4 facilitated HCC metastasis through the phosphorylation of PRAS40, which was regulated by mTOR. Furthermore, the expression level of Rab11-FIP4 was significantly increased in HCC tissues and high expression of Rab11-FIP4 was closely correlated with vascular invasion and poor prognosis in HCC patients. A markedly positive correlation between the expression of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was observed in HCC tissues and combination of Rab11-FIP4 and HIF-1α was a more valuable predictor of poor prognosis for HCC patients. In conclusion, Rab11-FIP4 is a target gene of HIF-1α and has a pro-metastatic role in HCC, suggesting that Rab11-FIP4 may be a promising candidate target for HCC treatment.

Epitaxil Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3/La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (PSMO/LCMO) bilayer structure was grown on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 (STO) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction showed high quality of epitaxial layer. However, besides diffraction peaks from PSMO layer, LCMO layer and STO substrate, we observed an additional shoulder peak, which might stem from the inhomogeneities of composition in the film. Grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity (GIXRR) was employed to investigate the surface and interfacial crystalline structure of PSMO/LCMO. The fitting results of GIXRR indicated negligible interdiffusion and roughness at interface. Further atomic force microscopy measurement showed the presence of non-stoichiometric large particulates at surface, imparting an overall inhomogeneous composition to the film. This implied that the variation of crystalline structure of PSMO/LCMO film occurred due to inhomogeneous composition. Moreover, studies on magnetic properties showed that surface inhomogeneities and ferromagnetic clusters at the PSMO/LCMO interface probably influenced the ferromagnetism of the bilayer film together, tuning exchange bias in the film.

Single- and multilaboratory testing data have provided systematic scientific evidence that a simple, selective, accurate, and precise method can be used as a potential candidate reference method for dispute resolution in determining total biotin in all forms of infant, adult, and/or pediatric formula. Using LC coupled with immunoaffinity column cleanup extraction, the method fully meets the intended purpose and applicability statement in AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirement 2014.005. The method was applied to a cross-section of infant formula and adult nutritional matrixes, and acceptable precision and accuracy were established. The analytical platform is inexpensive, and the method can be used in almost any laboratory worldwide with basic facilities. The immunoaffinity column cleanup extraction is the key step to successful analysis.

Bi1/2−xNa1/2−xBa2xCu3Ti4O12 (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075) polycrystalline ceramics are prepared by a modified Pechini method. Effect of Ba doping on the dielectric and nonlinear electrical behaviors are investigated in detail. All the samples exhibit giant dielectric effect and nonlinear electrical behavior. Compared with Bi1/2Na1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics, the permittivity drops down and the nonlinear electrical behavior shifts to low voltage area by Ba doping. The permittivity reduces from 20,004 to 7,006 at 1 kHz. The breakdown voltage and nonlinear coefficient values decrease to 10.8 V/mm and 1.5, respectively. Additionally, the electrostatic barrier height drops down to 0.66 eV. Giant dielectric response and nonlinear electrical behavior can be interpreted in terms of internal barrier layer capacitors model. These results imply that Ba substitution can adjust the dielectric and nonlinear electrical behaviors of Bi1/2Na1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics, which is a promising candidate for low voltage varistor materials.

A series of multiferroic (1− x )BiFeO 3 − x (Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 )TiO 3 (BF–BNT) ( x = 0 − 0.6) solid solution ceramics were prepared by a sol–gel method. The XRD results show that increasing BNT content induce a gradual phase transformation from rhombohedral to pseudocubic structure near x = 0.4. Compared with pure BiFeO 3 , superior multiferroic properties are obtained for x = 0.3 with remnant polarization P r = 1.49 μC/cm 2 and saturated magnetization M s = 0.51 emu/g. Importantly, the paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) transition is observed for the solutions, and the Curie temperature ( T C ) can be tuned by varying the content of BNT. This observed FM ordering is discussed in terms of the possible existence of the long-range superexchange interaction of Fe 3+ –O–Ti–O–Fe 3+ in the chemically ordered regions.

A series of lead-free ceramics of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 with different grain sizes (800–2000 nm) were synthesized by Pechini method, and the effects of grain size on the microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. It was found that all the ceramics are of single phase with orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature. The Curie temperature, dielectric constant, ferroelectric polarization, and piezoelectric constant were all strongly dependent on the grain sizes. It was observed that all the samples exhibited two-phase transitions above room temperature: the paraelectric cubic to ferroelectric tetragonal phase transition (TC) and the ferroelectric tetragonal to orthorhombic transition (TO-T). As the grain size increased, the TC increased from 357°C to a maximum value of 402°C, and then it decreased slightly with the further increase in grain size. However, the TO-T exhibited an opposite variation. Moreover, the nature of the grain size effects on the electrical properties has been discussed.