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Reconstruction of auricular deformities and facial scars after burns is a challenging undertaking for surgeons. Excessive scar tissue, a poor blood supply and the paucity of available skin are all substantial difficulties that should be considered before the operation. Expanded neck flaps provide comparatively larger and thinner flaps for the simultaneous treatment of auricular deformities and facial scars in burn patients. In this article, the authors introduced the use of an expanded neck flap as coverage tissue for ear reconstruction and face resurfacing in 2 burn patients. The operation consisted of 3 stages. In the first stage, the expander was implanted subcutaneously under the skin of the neck to create adequate skin and soft tissue. In the second stage, the expander was removed, and the expanded flap was transferred to cover defects on the auricle and face. The third operation to repair the reconstructed ear and thick flap could be performed according the willingness of the patients and surgeons. Esthetically satisfactory results were achieved in both of the patients. The flaps survived completely, and the skin color, texture, and flexibility were well matched to those of the peripheral tissue. Six months postoperatively, the flaps did not shrink, and subsequent contractures did not recur. Both of the patients experienced high satisfaction, and no adverse effects were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable conductive hydrogels with high strain sensitivity have become hot topics in the area of wearable flexible devices. However, practical applications are limited by their weak mechanical properties and high-water content, especially under low temperature conditions. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are known as green solvents owing to the great conductivity, stability and biocompatibility. Although some functional gels have been designed assisted by DES, it has remained a significant challenge to construct composite gels containing DES with various properties. Here, we designed self-healing, stretchable and conductive composite hydrogels based on sodium phytate and DES (acrylic acid/choline chloride). The mechanical, self-healing, conductivity properties and transparency of the resulting gels could be adjusted by the content of sodium phytate. A simple device for information encryption display was built by using the transparency change of the gels. Moreover, flexible strain sensor based on gels could detect human movement like finger bending, facial expressions even human pulse after exercise. In addition, the strain sensor could be used at low temperatures of − 20 °C and still possess great sensitivity after self-healing. [Display omitted] • Composite hydrogels containing deep eutectic solvent and sodium phytate were prepared by radical polymerization. • The properties of composite hydrogels could be modulated by sodium phytate. • The composite hydrogels-based strain sensors can monitor both large motions and subtle physiological activities. • The gels-based strain sensors still have high sensitivity after self-healing and could be used at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of antibiotic residues in foodstuffs by using rapid detection method is essential for food safety. In this work, the electrochemical sensor was developed by modification of screen-printed carbon electrode with graphene oxide, and then the ciprofloxacin (CIP) was detected based on the complexation of CIP with Mn2+. On modified electrode, the anodic stripping peak current response of Mn2+ was prohibited in the presence of CIP, and a peak current response of the complex was occurred. Thus, the peak current response of the complexation peak was employed as the indicating signal for CIP determination, which was more sensitive than the direct electrochemical oxidation response of CIP. Parameters that affect the signal response have been investigated in method. Under the optimum conditions, the peak current of the complexation peak was linearly correlated with the CIP content in the milk sample solution at 1.0 to 8.0 μM, and the linear correlation coefficients (R2) was 0.994. The limits of detection (LOD) was 0.30 μM. Recoveries of CIP in milk sample were ranged from 81.0 to 95.4% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 4.6%. The method showed high selectivity and sensitive, good reproducibility, indicated that this method has potential to be applied in CIP residue analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms of functional tumor endothelial cells (TECs) include cytokine secretion, which activates receptors on the tumor cells and/or suppresses antitumor immune reaction via attenuating the cytotoxic responses of the immune cells (Figure 1). An integrated gene expression landscape profiling approach to identify lung tumor endothelial cell heterogeneity and angiogenic candidates. Glioma-derived versican promotes tumor expansion via glioma-associated microglial/macrophages Toll-like receptor 2 signaling. To the Editor: Endothelial cells line the vascular system and play essential roles in regulating tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

The external ear is highly vulnerable to burn injury due to its location and thin integument. Reconstruction of the external ear after burns is a major challenge to undertake, and surgeons face many problems, including excessive scar tissue, poor blood supply, a paucity of available skin, and a high infection rate, when designing an operative plan for patients with postburn auricular deformity. In this article, the authors describe their experience of using an expanded postauricular scar flap combined with a postauricular fascial flap as the coverage for the framework for subtotal and total ear reconstruction in 27 burned patients. Four patients developed expander exposure and two developed framework exposure, which were resolved with good results after further repair. After an average follow-up time of 6 months, all of the patients experienced very good cosmetic outcomes, high satisfaction, and low morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With a rapidly aging population, the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasing. The commonly used sedation anesthesia in ERCP is a combination of propofol and fentanyl, even though fentanyl may cause some adverse reactions such as respiratory depression. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oxycodone combined with propofol versus fentanyl combined with propofol for sedation anesthesia during ERCP. Methods: A total of 193 patients aged from 65 to 80 years undergoing ERCP were enrolled and randomized into two groups: an "oxycodone combined with propofol" group (group OP, n = 97) and a "fentanyl combined with propofol" group (group FP, n = 96). The rate of perioperative adverse events as well as the recovery time, patients' satisfaction, and endoscopists' satisfaction were noted. Results: There was no difference in the frequency of hypotension or bradycardia between the two groups, but there were more episodes of desaturation (SpO2 <90% for >10 s in 8.3%), postoperative nausea (7.3%), and vomiting (5.2%) in group FP than in group OP. Patients' satisfaction in group FP was lower than that in group OP. The recovery time was longer in group FP than in group OP. Conclusions: Oxycodone combined with propofol was effective in ERCP, with a low incidence of perioperative adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new methanol linear gradient CCC was introduced based on HepEMWat solvent systems. • Tedious preparations of solvent systems and waste of solvent was avoided. • This method can increase the range of K values separated in a single separation. • 12 compounds were highly enriched from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum in one-step separation. Counter-current chromatography (CCC) is a unique, liquid-liquid partition chromatography process. Both the mobile and stationary phases are liquids, so no solid support matrix is used. CCC has gained wide acceptance as a preparative technique in a variety of fields. Because the mobile and stationary phases are both liquids, gradient elution is difficult to perform with CCC. Phase equilibrium must be maintained, so any change in the composition of one phase may induce a compositional change in the other. In this work, a new linear gradient elution method was developed for CCC. Biphasic solvent systems containing heptane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water (HepEMWat) in various ratios were prepared and used to optimize both isocratic and linear gradient CCC separation with methanol. We first separated a test mixture of four standard compounds with partition coefficients ranging from 0.8 to 7.8. The separation resembled a reversed-phase process, and elution was performed while progressively decreasing the polarity of the mobile phase. Target molecules with small partition coefficients eluted first in the lower phase of the optimized HepEMWat solvent system. Elution of constituents with large partition coefficients was quite slow under isocratic conditions. Separation time was significantly reduced when elution was performed with a linear gradient using methanol and the optimal HepEMWat system. Elution with a 3:7:4:6 (v/v/v/v) HepEMWat system took approximately 200 min. This included an 80-min isocratic step, followed by gradient elution with methanol from 0% to 30%. The optimized methanol linear gradient CCC method was then used to separate a complex mixture of natural products isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Ying roots. Twelve compounds with a wide range of polarities were well-resolved in a single separation. We have developed a convenient and cost-effective strategy for the separation of complex mixtures. No tedious mobile phase preparation step is required. The volume of unused mobile phase is minimal, so little solvent is wasted. The method is an important advance for the separation of mixtures that contain many compounds with a large range of polarities and partition coefficients, which are common features of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunological disorders have been reported to promote the progression of endometriosis. Several recent studies have shown that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) drive the progression of endometriosis. The aim of this case–control study was to test whether CCR5 and its ligands drive MDSC accumulation and play a role in the progression of endometriosis. Thirty-six endometriosis patients and 20 controls were recruited. All subjects underwent laparoscopy. An ELISA kit was used to define CCR5 ligands in plasma and peritoneal fluid from endometriosis patients; flow cytometry was then used to characterize CCR5+MDSC in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid. Data showed that endometriosis patients displayed a significantly higher production of plasma CCL3 (P = 0.046) and peritoneal fluid CCL3/5 (P = 0.042/0.036) compared with those from the uterine leiomyoma group. Furthermore, the concentrations of peritoneal fluid CCL5 were elevated in late stage patients compared with those from the uterine leiomyoma group. Accumulation of blood CCR5+Mo-MDSC was detected in endometriosis patients compared with those from both the ovarian dermoid cysts and uterine leiomyoma groups. Endometriosis patients also showed an elevation of CCR5+MDSC and CCR5+Mo-MDSC in peritoneal fluid samples compared with uterine leiomyoma samples. It was also found that enrichment of CCR5+MDSC (r = 0.6807; P < 0.0001) and CCR5+Mo-MDSC (r = 0.6893; P < 0.0001) were correlated with enhanced production of CCL5 in peritoneal fluid from endometriosis patients. This study showed that CCR5 and its ligands could drive the progression of endometriosis by enhancing the accumulation of MDSC. These findings might produce a promising treatment that targets CCR5+MDSC for endometriosis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulinastatin and propofol (PPF) are recognized for their anticancer properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the synergistic antitumor effect of PPF followed by ulinastatin against A549 cells. In MTT assays, PPF (10, 20 and 30 μM) followed by 200 U/ml ulinastatin was more effective at inhibiting A549 cell viability compared with PPF (10, 20 and 30 μM) or 200 U/ml ulinastatin. PPF (10, 20 and 30 μM) followed by 200 U/ml ulinastatin treatments synergistically increased the number of S cells and synergistically reduced the number of G2/M cells associated with PPF stimulation in a dose‑dependent manner. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the antitumor effect of PPF followed by 200 U/ml ulinastatin treatments were associated with the downregulated expression of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1 and 2 phosphorylation (p‑ERK1/2) and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP‑2). In conclusion, these data demonstrated that PPF (20 and 30 μM) followed by 200 U/ml ulinastatin treatments synergistically stimulated a significant proportion of A549 cells in S phase. Furthermore, the combination synergistically reduced a significant proportion of A549 cells in G2/M phase and synergistically suppressed the viability of A549 cells, which was possibly related regulation of the expression of p‑ERK1/2 and MMP‑2 in A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The separation of natural products is grueling and time‐consuming work with repeated isolations needed to obtain purified compounds. However, using counter‐current chromatography, a unique liquid–liquid partition chromatography, constituents can usually be purified efficiently. During the separation of flavone dimers from Dysosma versipellis (Hance) by counter‐current chromatography, the separation resolution and sample loading was impeded by the emulsification of the sample. By screening, trifluoroacetic acid was selected as the solvent modifier to eliminate the emulsification. Then, a quaternary solvent system of hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (4:6:5:5 v/v/v/v) with trifluoroacetic acid at a low concentration of 0.5% v/v was used to purify the components from D. versipellis. Compared to that without trifluoroacetic acid, the separation resolution as well as the sample loading both increased greatly. In addition, flavone dimers in low concentrations could be enriched and purified at high sample loading. As a result, five podophyllotoxins and 11 flavonoids were purified and characterized by interpretation of spectroscopic data, in which two of eight flavone dimers were new and a known flavone dimer was first separated from this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is effective for protection against ischemia/brain damage in rat models. However, the specific underlying mechanism is poorly understood. In line with the previous studies, the present data showed that GHB improves cerebral blood flow (CBF) and physiological variables, including pH, pCO2 and pO2. Using CD31-immunofluorescence staining, a reduction of blood vessel density was indicated in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group; however, GHB treatment enhanced the cerebral vascular density in the ischemic area. In addition, GHB treatment increased the number of BrdU/lectin double-positive cells. Furthermore, the reduction of nestin-positive cells was identified in the brain of MCAO rats, while the number of nestin-positive cells was significantly increased after GHB administration. Compared with the sham group, the activation of Amp-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was identified in MCAO rats, suggesting stress-mediated AMPK activation after ischemia. Furthermore, the western blot assay showed that GHB treatment resulted in further activation of AMPK and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), suggesting an enhanced energy supply. In summary, the present novel data indicates that GHB promotes the recovery from cerebral infarction mainly by activating AMPK and eNOS signaling, thereby enhancing angiogenesis and neuron regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to put forward effective schemes for alleviating reservoir choke caused by emulsification or Jamin's effect using the dilution method by light crude oil, as well as sharply increased viscosity. In this study, water-in-heavy-oil (W/O) emulsions with varying water fractions were prepared with heavy oil from Bohai Bay, China. Mixtures of W/O emulsions and light crude oil samples (light oil and light heavy oil) with varied dilution ratio (1:9, 2:8, 3:7) are tested, respectively by the electron microscope and by the rheometer. W/O droplets' distribution and viscosity variations are obtained to evaluate the emulsion stability and viscosity reduction effects by dilution. Results show that W/O droplets, size distribution range increases with the increase of water fractions. W/O droplets with larger size tend to be broken first in the dilution process. Light oil could reduce emulsions' viscosity more effectively than light heavy oil. Viscosity reduction mechanisms by dilution could be concluded as the synergistic effects of dissolving heavy components and weakening oil–water film stability. Therefore, light oil is suggested as the optimal one for solving formation plugging. The poor performance of Richardson model is related to the re-emulsification between free water and crude oil favored by light heavy oil, and demulsification favored by light oil. The modified model shows a significant improvement in prediction accuracy, especially for W/O emulsions with large water fractions. This study demonstrates a promising and practical strategy of solving heavy oil well shutdown problems and viscosity increasing by injecting light crude oil in the thermal stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this article, a fast and high efficient healing hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG)/poly( N,N-dimethyl acrylamide) (PDMA) hydrogel is prepared by a facile synthesis method. HPG networks are formed through hydrogen-bond interaction between the hydroxyl groups in the HPG chains, and PDMA networks are self-crosslinked without any chemical crosslinker. The cut hydrogel could heal when nanosilica solution is chosen as the connector that is related to the adsorption of polymer to the surface of nanosilica. The fracture stress of the HPG/PDMA gels presents a fast and almost full recovery within a short time (1 min), while the recovery of fracture strain and elastic modulus is related to time in 2 h. The healing efficiency of HPG/PDMA gel is investigated as a function of healing time, HPG content, and N,N-dimethyl acrylamide content. The microscopic healing process and healing mechanism are also discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 239-247 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban plants provide various ecosystem services and biodiversity for human well-being. It is necessary to examine the plant species and functional traits composition and the influencing factors. In this study, a field survey was conducted using the tessellation-randomized plot method to assess the plant species and functional traits variability in greenspaces across eight land use types (LUTs) in the built-up areas of Beijing, China. Results showed that the woody plants in the built-up areas of Beijing comprised 85 non-native species (57%), 21 pollen-allergenic species (14%), and 99 resistant species (67%). Residential areas, community parks and institutional areas had higher woody plant species richness than other LUTs. Native and extralimital native species were more widespread than exotic species. Proportions of species with resistances were low except for cold- and drought-resistance; consequently, a high intensity of management and maintenance is essential for survival of plants in this urban area. Caution should be exerted in selecting plant species with resistance to harsh conditions in different LUTs. Housing prices, distances from the urban center, years since the establishment of LUTs and greening rate were strongly correlated with the plant functional traits and species diversity. Urban forest managers should consider plant functional traits and LUT-specific strategies to maximize both forest and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide data support for developing fixed-route DRT based on FRT to reduce operating costs inside base routes in urban-rural traffic corridors, this paper estimated running time and energy losses due to unproductive stops at bus stations in urban-rural traffic corridors. Firstly, 14 urban-rural bus routes without ticket sellers in Xi'an are selected to demonstrate the universality of unproductive stops at bus stations. Secondly, a model for estimating running time and energy losses based on the VT-CPFM model is developed. Finally, running time and energy losses due to unproductive stops in two representative urban-rural traffic corridors are estimated. Estimated results show that the average running time loss ratios of different rounds in Routes 332, 333, 335, 338 and G1 range from 8.30% to 17.52% and that average fuel loss ratios range from 9.16% to 13.30%. In addition, the monetary loss in energy consumption of Route G1 in 2019 is estimated to be up to 193213 yuan. This study proves that unproductive stops at bus stations generally exist in urban-rural bus routes and can result in significant running time and energy losses and that developing fixed-route DRT based on FRT leveraging V2I with mobile APP in representative urban-rural traffic corridors is very necessary, which is expected to reduce energy consumption and running time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the β-lactamase inhibitors clavulanic acid and tazobactam in bovine milk. The HPLC system was equipped with ultraviolet absorption detection using a C18 column with a detection wavelength of 215 nm. The mobile phase (pH 4) was 0.02% phosphoric acid and methanol in the ratio of 90:10 v/v. The retention times were 5.67 min for clavulanic acid and 7.22 min for tazobactam. The method exhibited good linearity for clavulanic acid and tazobactam, withR2> 0.9988. Recovery ranged from 81.953% to 87.688% for clavulanic acid and from 85.007% to 92.991% for tazobactam. The precision expressed as RSD ranged from 0.975% to 1.248% for clavulanic acid and from 0.872% to 1.650% for tazobactam. A simple and precise HPLC method was developed for the determination of clavulanic acid and tazobactam in bovine milk. This method is intended for use in surveys of milk adulteration by the relevant inspection departments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage may lead to life-threatening pancreatic encephalopathy in patients with serious acute pancreatitis (SAP). Irisin alleviates BBB injury caused by cerebral ischemia–reperfusion by repressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Serum levels of irisin are decreased in SAP patients. However, the role of irisin in BBB injury in SAP is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether irisin protects the BBB in SAP by affecting MMP-9 and its underlying regulatory mechanism. An SAP model was established. Pancreatic injury was examined 24 h after SAP induction. Serum amylase and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the brain water content was measured by the wet/dry proportion method. The structure and permeability of the BBB were examined by transmission electron microscopy, Evans blue exudation and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). In the brains of SAP rats, MMP-9 expression was increased, which was associated with damage to the BBB and the brain. Irisin inhibited this increase in MMP-9 and reduced brain edema and BBB permeability. The ERK/NF-κB axis is involved in irisin -mediated regulation of MMP-9. Irisin inhibited not only MMP-9 expression but also ERK/NF-κB phosphorylation. Furthermore, inhibiting ERK and NF-κB decreased MMP-9 levels and improved BBB dysfunction in SAP in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, irisin prevented the degradation of tight junctions (ZO-1, Claudin-5). The inhibition of ERK and NF-κB had similar effects on ZO-1 and Claudin-5 expression. Irisin protects tight junctions and alleviates BBB dysfunction in SAP by inhibiting MMP-9 expression and regulates MMP-9 expression through ERK/NF-κB phosphorylation. • Irisin alleviates the BBB dysfunction by enhancing MMP-9 mediated tight junctions through ERK/NF-kB pathway in SAP • Irisin has a neuroprotective effect on pancreatic encephalopathy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this issue of Cancer Cell , Wieland et al. uncover a feedback loop in which tumor cells, by augmenting Notch signaling, provoke a senescent and pro-inflammatory state in endothelial cells, promoting neutrophil infiltration, tumor cell adhesion, and metastasis. Interfering with this Notch-dependent crosstalk may be a therapeutic approach to block metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We introduce a new soybean lectin gene (lec-s) into tobacco plants. [•] We examine transgenic tobacco plants’ resistance to pathogens and pests [•] The transgenic plants could resist to the infection of Phytophthora nicotianae. [•] The transgenic plants reduce the weight gain of Spodoptera exigua larvae. [•] The transgenic plants retard S. exigua larvae's development and metamorphosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Ear deformity caused by burns is one of the most difficult types of deformity to treat with plastic surgery, and the reconstruction of burned ears undoubtedly remains a substantial challenge. This study aims to report the therapeutic regime of using a superficial temporal fascial flap to cover the framework in burned ear reconstruction. Methods: Autologous costal cartilage was used to form the ear framework in all of the reconstruction cases. A superficial temporal fascial flap was used as soft tissue to cover the ear scaffold. Results: Five patients with 6 ears were included in our study. The external ear healed well and the location, size, and shape of both ears were generally symmetrical. No complication was observed in any of the patients. Conclusions: The superficial temporal fascial flap is a good choice for covering the autogenous cartilage framework when treating ear deformities after burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report that a porphyrin, zinc 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine(ZnTPyP), could be organized to form one-dimensional (1D) nanofibersvia a surfactant-assisted self-assembly (SAS) method. We disclosethat when a chloroform solution of ZnTPyP is dropwise added into anaqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sphericalnanostructures are formed at the initial stage. The nanospheres arenaturally transformed into 1D nanostructures simply by aging underambient conditions. Interestingly, by adjusting the volume of theemployed ZnTPyP chloroform solution, the length of thus-produced 1Dnanoarchitectures could be efficiently controlled. It is disclosedthat longer nanofibers could be manufactured when a small volume ofchloroform solution of ZnTPyP is involved, while shorter 1D nanospeciescould be produced when a large volume of chloroform solution of ZnTPyPis employed. The 1D nanostructures are characterized by UV–visiblespectra, scanning electron microscopy, low-resolution transmissionelectron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy,and fast Fourier transformation. A solubility experiment has beencarried out to disclose the dispersibility of our ZnTPyP in plainwater and in CTAB aqueous solution. On the basis of the experimentalfacts, an explanation is proposed for these interesting new findings.The investigation provides new opportunities for the controllableassembly of porphyrin-based 1D nanomaterials with tunable length,and it sheds new scientific insights on the molecular assembly processoccurring in the SAS system, wherein an oil/water system is used asthe assembly medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtia is defined as a congenital malformation characterized by a small, abnormally shaped auricle, with atresia or stenosis of the auditory canal. This study investigated a mutation of the cytochrome P450, family 26, subfamily A, polypeptide 1(CYP26A1) gene, which is considered important in craniofacial development, in a family affected with microtia. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband and his family members to identify disease-associated variants. Computational predictions of the altered protein were analyzed using several bioinformatics tools. The wild-type (WT) and mutant forms of CYP26A1 cDNA were transfected into human embryonic kidney cells, and the mRNA and protein levels were compared using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analyses. In this two-generation family, the proband and his mother were diagnosed with unilateral microtia. Unilateral microtia and ipsilateral accessory ear were observed in one of the twins, who were sisters of the proband. The father and the other twin showed no abnormal clinical features. A heterozygous mutation of a C to T in the CYP26A1 gene, which leads to truncation of the CYP26A1 protein, was identified in this family. The nonsense mutation cosegregated with patients and was absent in normal members of the family. The prediction software indicated that it was a possibly pathogenic mutation. The structure of the protein varied significantly between the WT and mutant proteins. Functional analysis showed that this mutation caused a significant decrease in both the mRNA and protein levels. Our findings suggest that this mutation of CYP26A1 may be a pathogenic factor leading to the phenotypes of microtia and accessory ear in this family. Further studies are needed to prove the function of this mutation and to explore the possible mechanism by which this variant is involved in the occurrence of microtia. • The severe sequelae to mind and body bring by microtia and difficulties of surgery make it essential to explore the pathogenesis. • The aim is to identified the pathogenic gene in a two-generation family with microtia using whole-exome sequencing and subsequent analysis. • A novel CYP26A1 mutation was identified in this family. Evidence from including bioinformation and functional analysis suggests that the stop-gain mutation may be the pathogenic factor leading to the phenotypes in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a severe congenital mandibulofacial dysostosis that occurs one in every 50,000 births. The main clinical treatment of this rare disorder is reconstruction surgery. However, the high invasion, low security and long period of surgical intervention make it essential to explore prevention methods to decrease morbidity. The authors' aim is to summarize the prevention methods based on known mechanisms of TCS. A systematic review was conducted through an electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases through November 2019 using the following items: 'Treacher Collins syndrome OR TCS OR Franceschetti-Zwahlein-Klein syndrome OR Berry syndrome', 'gene therapy OR prevention'. Four causative gene names were also used. Articles which published in English language and explored the prevention methods for TCS were included and data concerning animal model, intervention, phenotype, conclusion were gathered. Sixty-five studies were reviewed in total, and seven articles were included in this systematic review. Four articles used prevention methods related to the inhibition of p53 , and three related to preclusion of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. This article provides a comprehensive review of the prevention methods for craniofacial abnormalities characteristic of TCS based on known pathogenesis in the current literatures. The craniofacial phenotype could be rescued through several treatment methods experimentally such as p53 inhibition and antioxidant administration. • Difficulties of surgery for TCS make it essential to explore prevention methods. • The aim is to summarize the prevention methods based on known mechanisms of TCS. • The craniofacial phenotype could be rescued by p53 inhibition or antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Irisin alleviates morphological damage and improves neurological function after global cerebral I/R injury in mice. • Irisin inhibits post-ischemic inflammation and neuronal apoptosis after cerebral I/R injury in vivo and in vitro. • Irisin activates canonical Notch signaling pathway to exert its neuroprotective effects. Irisin, a 112-amino acid peptide induced with exercise in mice and human is thought to have correlation with the short-term outcomes of patients in ischemic stroke. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of irisin were evaluated in vivo and in vitro and its underlying mechanism was also explored. The global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 min and reperfusion for 24 h in mice and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in HT22 cells. Neurological function was scored and then the mice were sacrificed. The brains were harvested for HE staining and detection of brain water content (BWC). The percentage of neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL and flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β was detected by RT-PCR analysis. The Notch intracellular domain (NICD) was detected by double immunofluorescence staining and western blot, and the protein expression of Notch1 and Hes 1 was detected by western blot. It was observed that irisin could alleviate morphological damage and improve neurological function after global cerebral I/R injury in mice. The apoptosis of hippocampal neurons reduced in the presence of irisin in vivo and in vitro. Additionally irisin could downregulate the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α and upregulate the expression of NICD, Notch1 and Hes 1 in vitro and in vivo. After the application of γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, all the morphological, neurological and biochemical changes were reversed. Taken together, these results suggest that irisin could regulate the Notch signaling pathway that leads to the alleviation of transient global cerebral I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irisin is a 112-amino acid peptide found in rat and human skeletal muscle after exercise. Previous studies had suggested that higher circulating irisin levels were associated with an increased risk of vascular atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we determined irisin levels in serum, and investigated their associations with functional outcomes in a 3-month follow-up study in Chinese patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS). From September 2015 to December 2016, consecutive first-ever AIS patients admitted to the Department of Emergency of our hospital were identified. Serum irisin levels were measured at admission. Functional impairment was evaluated at discharge using the modified Rankin scale. The levels of irisin were expressed as median and interquartile ranges [IQR]. The irisin level was obtained in 324 patients (97.6%) with a median value of 291.2 ng/ml (IQR: 214.1–404.2 ng/ml). There were significantly negative correlations between levels of irisin and NHISS (r = −0.272; P < 0.001) and BMI (r = −0.193; P = 0.003). A poor functional outcome was found in 99 patients (30.6%; 95%CI: 25.5–35.6%). The poor functional outcome distribution across the irisin quartiles ranged between 51.9% (first quartile: Q1) to 12.4% (fourth quartile: Q4). In a multivariate model using the Q1 of irisin vs. Q2-4 together with the clinical variables, the marker displayed prognostic information and increased risk of poor outcomes by 94% (OR for Q1, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.19–3.42]; P = 0.018) and mortality 66% (OR for Q1, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.11–3.07]; P = 0.009). In addition, a model containing known risk factors plus irisin compared with a model containing known risk factors without irisin showed a greater discriminatory ability to predict poor outcomes (P = 0.01) and mortality (P = 0.02). A low serum irisin level is a predictor of poor early functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients. The underlying mechanisms of these associations remain to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether irisin could protect against blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods and Materials: Seventy‐two adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 280–320 g were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (S), focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion group (FC), and irisin group (IR). Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by improved thread occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 2 hr followed by reperfusion for 24 hr in rats. After 24 hr of reperfusion, the neurological evaluation was performed by the method of Longa's score. The histopathological changes were observed by HE staining. The brain water content was determined by detecting the wet weight and dry weight. The BBB permeability was assessed by fluorescence spectrophotometer and fluorescence microscopy for Evans blue (EB) extravasation. The activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in different groups were detected by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and gel gelatin zymography. Results: After MCAO, the neurological deficit scores, the infarct volume, the brain water content, and the EB content were higher in the FC group than those in the S group (p < .05). While after irisin treatment, these indicators mentioned above were lower than those in the IR group (p < .05). Moreover, the protein expression of MMP‐9 in the cortex increased significantly after MCAO, while irisin treatment could decrease the protein expression of MMP‐9 in the cortex (p < .05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that irisin can attenuate brain damage both morphologically and functionally and protect BBB from disruption after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, which is highly associated with the inhibition of the expression and activity of MMP‐9 in the brain tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are added (0–0.5 wt%) into a cement matrix to improve the flexural performance of the resulting nanocomposites. Under static testing, the compressive and flexural strengths were found to increase with MWCNT content with an optimum content of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, before decreasing because of dispersion problems (agglomeration). But it was observed that increasing the mixing time and adding silica fume improved the MWCNT dispersion. Under fatigue testing, similar trends were obtained with respect to MWCNT content as the maximum fatigue life was observed at 0.2%. A comparison between nano-silica and MWCNT reinforced concrete is also made showing that MWCNT provides better improvement at lower content. The MWCNT reinforced cement-based composite results were well fitted using linear regressions. Finally, a morphological analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to explain the results based on the micro-mechanical mechanism of MWCNT reinforced composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of terrain feature lines is an important yet challenging problem in the processing and usage of contour lines. Most research has focused on identifying terrain feature points by using methods such as the Douglas–Peucker (D–P) algorithm and on determining contour adjacent relations for closed contour lines by using methods such as Delaunay triangulation and its dual Voronoi diagram, with few attempts made to address open contour lines and identify the direction of contour lines. Here, we propose a novel method for terrain feature line extraction based on adjacent relation trees. First, a contour adjacent relation tree is constructed. The tree is used to determine the directions of closed and open contour lines and thereby form a “directed adjacent relation tree” (DART). Terrain feature points are then extracted using the classic D–P algorithm, followed by the identification and connection of valley and ridge points via the aforementioned DART. Finally, integrity compensation for terrain feature lines is performed based on a slope extension algorithm. The effectiveness and accuracy of this method is verified by experimental results obtained from 1:10,000 topographic map data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) is an important enzyme for immune cell development. However, PDK1's role in human decidual natural killer (dNK) cells remains largely unknown. Methods of study: PDK1 expression in dNK cells from patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and age‐matched healthy controls was analyzed by qRT‐PCR, western bolt and flow cytometry. Moreover, dNK cells were treated with PDK1 inhibitor or the PDK1 siRNA followed by functional assays. Results: The dNK cells from patients who underwent RSAs had higher mRNA expression and increased protein of PDK1, perforin (PRF1), Granzyme B (GZMB), IFN‐γ (IFNG), and CD107a expression compared to dNK cells from age‐matched healthy controls. Perforin, Granzyme B, IFN‐γ and CD107a expression levels in dNK cells were down‐regulated when dNK cells were treated with a PDK1 inhibitor. As measured by the 51Cr release assay, the killing activity of dNK cells was found to be decreased. We also demonstrated that PDK1 blockade could up‐regulate the migration and adhesion of dNK cells. Furthermore, PDK1 inhibition reduced the glycolysis of dNK cells. Conclusion: This study suggested that PDK1 plays an important role in regulating dNK cell functions and human RSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In general, fruit that develops from early-opening flowers ripens earlier than fruit from late-opening flowers. However, the opposite has been observed in the rabbiteye blueberry cultivar "Brightwell" (Vaccinium ashei). OBJECTIVE: From the differences of endogenous hormones and mineral nutrition, with attempt to analyze the reasons for fruit from late-opening flowers on lateral racemes of "Brightwell" ripened earlier than fruit from early-opening flowers on terminal racemes. RESULTS: Fruit from late-opening flowers on lateral racemes of "Brightwell" ripened earlier than fruit from early-opening flowers on terminal racemes. This may be associated with the higher levels of giberellin 1, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, phosphorus, iron and boron in the early developmental stages, and the higher ABA level and lower giberellin 9 level in the fruit ripening stages on lateral racemes, compared with on terminal racemes. However, the fruit borne on the terminal racemes of "O'Neal" grew faster than fruit borne on lateral racemes, this may be correlated with the higher IAA, iron, manganese, zinc and boron levels, and the lower ABA level, in the early fruit developmental stages on terminal racemes, compared with on lateral racemes. CONCLUSIONS: The growth and ripening differences in fruit set at the two positions of the two blueberry cultivars may be associated with hormonal and nutritional control during fruit development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still challenging to prepare high strength hydrogels which can self-heal in both alkali and acid solutions. In this work, 6-acrylamidohexanoic acid (AACA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride solution (DMC) monomers were copolymerized in a mixture solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax to prepare high strength and pH responsive hydrogel. Compared with borax cross-linked PVA gel, this hydrogel exhibits better mechanical properties owing to multi-physical interactions like electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Due to the presence of noncovalent interactions the hydrogel exhibits different degrees of self-healing ability in acid and alkali at the same time. Furthermore, the conductivity of the hydrogel can be significantly change with slight deformation, which can be used to monitor the body movement like swallow and finger bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serine carboxypeptidase-like protein (SCPL) plays an important role in response to stress in plant. However, our knowledge of the function of the SCPL gene family is limited. Results: In this study, a comprehensive and systematic analysis of SCPL gene family was conducted to explore the phylogeny and evolution of the SCPL gene in Gossypium hirsutum. The phenotype and molecular mechanism of silencing of the Gh_SCPL42 under Verticillium wilt stress was also studied. Our results showed that 96 SCPL genes were observed in genome of G. hirsutum, which distributed on 25 chromosomes and most of them were located in the nucleus. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that members of SCPL gene family can be divided into three subgroups in G. hirsutum, which are relatively conservative in evolution. SCPL gene has a wide range of tissue expression types in G. hirsutum. Promoter analysis showed that the most cis-acting elements related to MeJA and ABA were contained. Through RNA-seq combined with genotyping, it was found that 11 GhSCPL genes not only had significant expression changes during Verticillium wilt stress but also had differential SNPs in the upstream, downstream, exonic or intronic regions. The expression of these 11 genes in the resistant (Zhongzhimian 2) and susceptible (Junmian 1) materials was further analyzed by qRT-PCR, it was found that 6 genes showed significant expression differences in the two materials. Among them, Gh_SCPL42 has the most obvious expression change. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) showed necrosis and yellowing of leaves and significantly higher disease severity index (DSI) and disease severity rate (DSR) values in VIGS plants than in control silenced Gh_SCPL42 plants. Moreover, the expression levels of genes related to the SA and JA pathways were significantly downregulated. These results show that Gh_SCPL42 might improve resistance to Verticillium wilt through the SA and JA pathways in G. hirsutum. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicated that Gh_SCPL42 gene plays an important role in resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton. It was provided an important theoretical basis for further research on the function of SCPL gene family and the molecular mechanism of resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The irrecoverability of mechanical strength, conductivity and other properties after dehydration, has severely restricted the practical applications of hydrogels. To address this issue, here we report a P(AA-SMA-SBMA) zwitterionic copolymer-based hydrogel with anti-swelling, high mechanical property and reusability after dehydration/hydration process by polymerization of acrylic acid (AA), octadecyl methacrylate (SMA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA). The structures of the original hydrogels and that after dehydration/hydration cycles were characterized by SAXS, SEM, Raman, FT-IR, XRD, DSC and rheology, etc. It was proved that both the macroscopic properties and the micro-structures were maintained after several dehydration/hydration cycles, owing to the synergistic effects of hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic interaction in the 3D network structure. Moreover, the fabricated hydrogels possess high strain sensitivity which is applied to monitor both junction motion and subtle movement like breathing and pulse. In addition, such sensitivity of the hydrogel sensors could be maintained after several dehydration/hydration cycles or even sinking in water for over two months. This work provides a type of hydrogel material with stable properties after dehydration process by regulating hydrophobic and hydrophilic interaction, which is beneficial for the life-time and sustainability of hydrogel devises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "[Retracted] Methylene blue relieves the development of osteoarthritis by upregulating lncRNA MEG3" has been retracted by the journal Experimental & Therapeutic Medicine. The retraction was prompted by the discovery that the histological images and western blotting data presented in the article were similar to data from other articles published by different authors at different research institutes. The authors of the article accepted the decision to retract the paper, and the editor of the journal apologizes for any inconvenience caused. [Extracted from the article]

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the common liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis; there are no approved drugs to treat this disease because of incomplete understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of NASH. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8), a multifunctional glycoprotein, has shown anti-inflammation and antifibrosis. Here, MFG-E8 was shown to play a key role in NASH progression. Using methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet-fed mice, we found MFG-E8 knockout exacerbated hepatic damage and steatosis as indicated by increased plasma transaminases activities and hepatic histopathologic change, higher hepatic triglycerides (TGs), and lipid accumulation. Moreover, liver fibrosis and inflammation elicited by MCD were aggravated in MFG-E8 knockout mice. Mechanistically, MFG-E8 knockout facilitated activation of hepatic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in MCD-fed mice. In vitro experiment, the TLR4 specific antagonist TAK-242 rescued palmitic acid- (PA-) primed lipid formation and inflammation in MFG-E8 knockout primary murine hepatocytes. These findings indicated that MFG-E8 is involved in the progression of NASH and the possible mechanism by which MFG-E8 knockout exacerbated NASH in mice is associated with activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Water cement ratio affects mechanical strength of cement based composites. • Relationships between mechanical strength and the curing age are investigated. • Weibull parameters of strengths at the curing age of 28 days are estimated. • Proportional coefficients between flexural and compressive strength are determined. In this work, the effect of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) content (0.05 to 0.70 wt%) on the flexural and compressive strengths of cement-based composites was investigated as a function of time. Using linear regression analyses, relationships between the mechanical strengths and the curing time were proposed and discussed. The results showed different trends before (short time) and after (long time) 28 days. In particular, the values at 28 days were found to follow a Weibull distribution function and the corresponding parameters were compared and discussed. Relationships between the flexural and compressive strengths are also proposed and compared with the European design code. Finally, the effect of the water/cement ratio is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tumor endothelial cells (ECs) promote cancer progression in ways beyond their role as conduits supporting metabolism. However, it is unknown how vascular niche-derived paracrine factors, defined as angiocrine factors, provoke tumor aggressiveness. Here, we show that FGF4 produced by B cell lymphoma cells (LCs) through activating FGFR1 upregulates the Notch ligand Jagged1 (Jag1) on neighboring ECs. In turn, upregulation of Jag1 on ECs reciprocally induces Notch2-Hey1 in LCs. This crosstalk enforces aggressive CD44+IGF1R+CSF1R+ LC phenotypes, including extranodal invasion and chemoresistance. Inducible EC-selective deletion of Fgfr1 or Jag1 in the Eμ-Myc lymphoma model or impairing Notch2 signaling in mouse and human LCs diminished lymphoma aggressiveness and prolonged mouse survival. Thus, targeting the angiocrine FGF4-FGFR1/Jag1-Notch2 loop inhibits LC aggressiveness and enhances chemosensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital microtia is a common craniofacial malformation resulting from both environmental and genetic factors. Recurrent chromosomal imbalances were observed in patients with microtia. The 22q11.2 deletion is one of the most common microdeletions in human beings. The cell division cycle 45 gene (CDC45) embedded in the proximal 22q11.2 deleted region is involved in craniofacial development. However, only a few studies have focused on the 22q11.2 deletion as genetic etiology in microtia patients and studied its associated external ear deformity characteristics in detail. Methods: In this research, a total of 65 patients from north China with sporadic microtia were studied. Copy number variations of CDC45 were screened using AccuCopy assay. The 22q11.2 deletion harboring CDC45 was identified by whole‐genome sequencing and targeted next‐generation sequencing. A parental test was carried out to determine the origin of the deletion. Results: CDC45 copy number loss was identified in two patients with microtia. A set of qPCR assays demonstrated two patients carried a typical proximal 22q11.2 deletion between the low‐copy repeats on chromosome 22q11.2 (LCR22A and LCR22D), encompassing CDC45. The 22q11.2 deletions were de novo in each patient. In‐depth auricular phenotype assessment showed these two patients have a distinct concha‐type ear malformation while other microtia patients have lobule‐type microtia among the 65 microtia patient cohort in this study. Conclusion: Here we present two additional Chinese microtia patients with de novo 22q11.2 proximal deletion harboring CDC45 and further report these patients' distinct ear malformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune dysfunction is one of the mechanisms to promote polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Various immune cells have been reported to be involved in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, the disturbance of metabolism is closely related to PCOS. The aim of this study is to explore the association of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with the metabolic dysfunction in PCOS. Methods: 68 PCOS patients and 40 controls were recruited in this study and we collected the peripheral blood of participants' during their follicular phase. The frequencies of MAIT cells and MDSCs were determined by flow cytometry after being stained with different monoclonal antibodies. And the concentrations of cytokines were determined by ELISA. Results: Compared to controls with normal metabolism, the frequency of MDSCs, CD8+MAIT cells and CD38+CD8+MAIT cells were significantly decreased in PCOS patients with normal metabolism, however, proportion of CD4+MAIT cells exhibited a noticeable increase. Similar results of CD8+MAIT, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells and reduced expression of IL-17 were observed in PCOS patients with metabolic dysfunction as compared to controls with metabolic disorders. PCOS patients with excessive testosterone levels displayed significantly decreased levels of CD8+MAIT, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells, MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs as compared to PCOS patients with normal testosterone concentrations. PCOS patients with abnormal weight showed a lower level and activation of CD8+MAIT cells. On the contrary, they displayed an enrichment of CD4+MAIT cells. PCOS patients with glucose metabolic disorder displayed a remarkable dysregulation of MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs. MDSCs were positively correlated with MAIT cells. Negative correlations between the frequency of CD8+MAIT cells, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells and body mass index were revealed. CD4+MAIT cells positively correlated with BMI. Mo-MDSCs were found to be negatively related to the levels of 2hour plasma glucose and HOMA-IR index. Conclusion: The impairment of CD8+MAIT cells and MDSCs is involved in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To identify pathways involved in adult lung regeneration, we employ a unilateral pneumonectomy (PNX) model that promotes regenerative alveolarization in the remaining intact lung. We show that PNX stimulates pulmonary capillary endothelial cells (PCECs) to produce angiocrine growth factors that induce proliferation of epithelial progenitor cells supporting alveologenesis. Endothelial cells trigger expansion of cocultured epithelial cells, forming three-dimensional angiospheres reminiscent of alveolar-capillary sacs. After PNX, endothelial-specific inducible genetic ablation of Vegfr2 and Fgfr1 in mice inhibits production of MMP14, impairing alveolarization. MMP14 promotes expansion of epithelial progenitor cells by unmasking cryptic EGF-like ectodomains that activate the EGF receptor (EGFR). Consistent with this, neutralization of MMP14 impairs EGFR-mediated alveolar regeneration, whereas administration of EGF or intravascular transplantation of MMP14+ PCECs into pneumonectomized Vegfr2/Fgfr1-deficient mice restores alveologenesis and lung inspiratory volume and compliance function. VEGFR2 and FGFR1 activation in PCECs therefore increases MMP14-dependent bioavailability of EGFR ligands to initiate and sustain alveologenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using skin collagen fiber (CF) as raw material, Schiff base structure containing CF (Sa-CF) was synthesized through CF-salicylaldehyde reaction. Then a novel radar absorbing material (Fe-Sa-CF) was prepared by chelating reaction between Sa-CF and Fe3+. The coaxial transmission and reflection method was used to analyze the complex permittivity and complex magnetic permeability of these CF-based materials, and the radar cross section (RCS) method was used to investigate their radar absorbing properties in the frequency range of 1.0-18.0 GHz. Experimental results indicated that the conductivity of CF increased from initial 1.08 x 10-11 to 2.86 x 10-6 S/cm after being transferred into Fe-Sa-CF, and its dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) in the frequency range of 1.0-17.0 GHz also increased. These facts suggest that the Fe-Sa-CF is electric-loss type radar absorbing material. In the frequency range of 3.0-18.0 GHz, Sa-CF (1.0 mm in thickness) exhibited somewhat radar absorbing property with maximum radar reflection loss (RL) of -4.73 dB. As for Fe-Sa-CF, the absorbing bandwidth was broadened, and the absorbing intensity significantly increased in the frequency range of 1.0-18.0 GHz where a maximum radar RL of -9.23 dB was observed. In addition, the radar absorbing intensity of Fe-Sa-CF can be further improved by increasing membrane thickness. When the thickness reached to 2.0 mm, the RL values of Fe-Sa-CF were -15.0- -18.0 dB in the frequency range of 7.0-18.0 GHz. Consequently, a kind of novel radar absorbing material can be prepared by chemical modification of collagen fiber, which is characterized by thin thickness, low density, broad absorption bandwidth and high absorption intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the limitation of mechanical properties, the applications of traditional polymer hydrogels are seriously hindered in many fields. In this study, a series of hydrogels with controllable mechanical properties were successfully prepared by immersing the thermo-initiated poly (acrylic acid-co-stearyl methacrylate) hydrogels into LiCl, NaCl and KCl aqueous solution. The structural changes and properties of the gel before and after soaking were explored carefully by XRD, IR and Raman, etc. It was found that except for forming coordination interactions with the carboxyl group of acrylic acid, these salts can also promote the formation of hydrophobic associations consisted of long alkyl chains, which significantly improves the mechanical properties of the gel. The tensile strength and fracture energy of the KCl aqueous solution treated hydrogels could reach to 2.1 MPa and 19 MJ/m3, respectively, which are much higher than those of original hydrogels. Furthermore, the prepared hydrogels also have pressure sensitive conductivity, which could be used to detect body movements. High mechanical hydrogels based on hydrophobic association and ion coordination for motion sensors. [Display omitted] • Poly (acrylic acid-co-stearyl methacrylate) hydrogels were prepared based on various physical interactions. • The mechanical properties of the hydrogels could be tuned by soaking method. • Hydrophobic interactions in the hydrogels could be enhanced differently by different ions. • The hydrogels could be used as sensor to monitor human body movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RIF patients showed significant reductions of blood PMN-MDSCs, M-MDSCs, Tregs and NO production by PMN-MDSCs. • The expression of ζ chain on CD4+ TCR and CD8+TCR displayed a remarkable upregulation in RIF patients. • RIF patients presented a lower concentration of CCL5 and TGF-β. • TCR ζ chain on CD4+ and CD8+ Teffs was negatively correlated with the percentage of PMN-MDSCs and the amount of NO production by PMN-MDSCs. • The frequency of PMN-MDSCs had positive correlations with the concentration of CCL5 and TGF-β. Studies have reported that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) contribute to maintain pregnancy. The aim of this case-control study was to test whether there is a dysregulation of peripheral MDSCs in recurrent implantation failure (RIF). 26 RIF patients and 30 controls were recruited. Flow cytometry was applied to characterize polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs, monocytic-MDSCs (M-MDSCs), effector T cells (Teffs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in blood. ELISA was used to define MDSCs correlative cytokines and chemokines in serum from all patients. Compared with controls, RIF patients showed significant reductions of blood PMN-MDSCs, M-MDSCs, Tregs and NO production by PMN-MDSCs, whereas the expression of ζ chain on CD4+T cell receptor (TCR) and CD8+TCR displayed a remarkable upregulation in RIF patients. Moreover, RIF patients presented a lower concentration of serum chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 5 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β than those from controls. Furthermore, the level of TCR ζ chain on CD4+ and CD8+ Teffs was negatively correlated not only with the percentage of PMN-MDSCs, but also with the amount of NO produced by PMN-MDSCs. The frequency of PMN-MDSCs had positive correlations with the concentration of CCL5 and TGF-β. This study indicated that the dysregulation of MDSCs might impair maternal-fetal immune balance thus resulting in RIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road network is the skeletal element of topographic maps at different scales. In general, urban roads are connected by road segments, thus forming a series of road meshes. Mesh elimination is a key step in evaluating the importance of roads during the road network data management and a prerequisite to the implementation of continuous multiscale spatial representation of road networks. The existing mesh-based method is an advanced road elimination method whereby meshes with the largest density are sequentially selected and road segments with the least importance in each mesh are eliminated. However, the road connectivity and integrity may be destroyed in specific areas by this method because some eliminated road segments could be located in the middle of road strokes. Therefore, this paper proposed an elimination method for isolated meshes in a road network considering stroke edge feature. First, small meshes were identified by using mesh density thresholds, which can be obtained by the sample data statistical algorithm. Thereafter, the small meshes related to the edge segments of road strokes were taken out and defined as stroke edge meshes, and the remaining small meshes were defined as stroke non-edge meshes. Second, by computing the mesh density of all stroke edge meshes, the mesh with the largest density was selected as the starting mesh, and the least important edge segment in the mesh was eliminated. The difference between the existing mesh-based method and the proposed method is that the starting mesh is a stroke edge mesh, not any given small mesh, and the eliminated segment is just only one of edge segments of strokes not chosen from among all segments. Third, mesh elimination was implemented by iteratively processing the stroke edge meshes with the largest mesh density until all of them were eliminated and their mesh density exceeded the threshold. The stroke non-edge meshes were directly preserved. Finally, a 1:10,000 topographic road map of an area in Jiangsu Province of China was used for validation. The experimental results show that for all stroke non-edge meshes and 23% of the stroke edge meshes, compared to the mesh-based method, the road stroke connectivity and integrity of road strokes were better preserved by the proposed method, and the remaining 77% of the elimination results for the stroke edge meshes were the same under the two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Irisin improves pulmonary epithelial barrier permeability in LPS-induced rats. • Irisin up-regulates the expression of tight junctions in vivo and in vitro. • Irisin inhibites LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. • Irisin activites AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Alveolar epithelial barrier dysfunction in response to inflammatory reaction contributes to pulmonary edema in acute lung injury(ALI).Irisin,a newly-found myokine,exerts the anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of irisin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in vivo and in vitro , and to explore its underlying mechanism. Male SD rats and A549 cells were divided into 4 groups: control group, LPS group, Irisin pretreated group, and Irisin/Compound C(a special inhibitor of AMPK)-treated group. The ALI model was established by intravenous injection of LPS in rats, and LPS challenge in A549 cells. Pulmonary specimens were harvested for microscopic examination of the pathological changes, and the expression of AMPK,SIRT1,NF-κB, p66Shc and caspase-3 in lung tissues. The pulmonary permeability were examined by wet/dry lung weight ratio(W/D) and lung permeability index(LPI). The apoptotic index, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), monocyte chemoattractant activating protein-1 (MCP-1), tight junctions (occludin,ZO-1) were determined both in lung tissue and A549 cells. Irisin alleviated lung histological changes and decreased pulmonary microvascular permeability in LPS-induced rats. Irisin up-regulated the expression of occludin, ZO-1,AMPK,SIRT1, down-regulated the expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,MCP-1,NF-κB, p66Shc caspase-3, and decreased the apoptotic index in LPS-induced rats and A549 cells. All these protective effects of irisin could be reversed by Compound C. Irisin improved LPS-induced alveolar epithelial barrier dysfunction via suppressing inflammation and apoptosis, and this protective effect might be mediated by activating AMPK/SIRT1 pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microtia is a congenital anomaly of ear that ranges in severity from mild structural abnormalities to complete absence of the outer ears. Concha-type microtia is considered to be a mild form. The H6 family homeobox 1 transcription factor gene (HMX1) plays an important role in craniofacial structures development. Copy number variations (CNVs) of a downstream evolutionarily conserved enhancer region (ECR) of Hmx1 associated with ear and eye abnormalities have been reported in different animals, but not yet in human. To date, no genetic defects responsible for isolated human microtia has been reported except for mutations in HOXA2. Here we recruited five Chinese families with isolated bilateral concha-type microtia, and attempt to identify the underlying genetic causes.Methods: Single Nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was performed to map the disease locus and detect CNVs on a genome scale primarily in the largest family (F1). Whole genome sequencing was performed to screen all SNVs and CNVs in the candidate disease locus. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was then performed to detect CNVs in the other four families, F2-F5. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to validate and determine the extent of identified CNVs containing HMX1-ECR region. Precise breakpoints in F1 and F2 were identified by gap-PCR and sanger sequencing. Dual-luciferase assays were used to detect the enhancer function. qPCR assays were also used to detect HMX1-ECR CNVs in 61 patients with other types mictrotia.Results: Linkage and haplotype analysis in F1 mapped the disease locus to a 1.9 Mb interval on 4p16.1 containing HMX1 and its downstream ECR region. Whole genome sequencing detected no potential pathogenic SNVs in coding regions of HMX1 or other genes within the candidate disease locus, but it detected a 94.6 Kb duplication in an intergenic region between HMX1 and CPZ. aCGH and qPCRs also revealed co-segregated duplications in intergenic region downstream of HMX1 in the other four families. The 21.8 Kb minimal overlapping region encompassing the core sequences consensus with mouse ECR of Hmx1. Luciferase assays confirmed the enhancer function in human sequences, and proved that HOXA2 could increase its enhancer activity. No CNVs were detected in HMX1-ECR regions in 61 patients with other type of microtia.Conclusion: Duplications involving long range HMX1 enhancers are associated with human isolated bilateral concha-type microtia. We add to evidences in human that copy number variations in HMX1-ECR associates with ear malformations, as in other species. This study also provides an additional example of functional conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunologic disorder has been reported to promote the progression of endometriosis (EMT). It has been known that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) drive the progression of many types of diseases. Few studies have shown the relation between MDSCs and EMT. To test whether MDSCs play a role in the progression of EMT, we defined MDSCs, cytokines, and the exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profile in peritoneal fluid (PF) from EMT patients. Characteristics of MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Peritoneal fluid monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1/3, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 1/2, and 13 other cytokines were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Exosomal miRNA sequencing was prepared from PF of 3 women with early-stage EMT, 3 women with advanced stage EMT, and 3 women from control group. Our results showed that accumulations of monocytic MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs) and Tregs were detected in advanced patients with EMT. Patients with EMT displayed a significantly higher production of PF CXCL1, CXCL2, MCP-1, MCP-3, and HGF as compared to those from controls. MicroRNA sequencing showed 13 exosomal miRNAs (miRNA-1908, -130b, -451a, -486-5p, -4488, -432, -342, -425, -505, -6508, -145, -365a, and -365b) which are involved in immune alteration and cell proliferation and were differentially expressed in patients with EMT (fold-change ± 2.0). In conclusion, our study revealed that Mo-MDSCs, inflammatory cytokines, and exosomal miRNA seem to be involved in the progression of EMT; however, the relation between Mo-MDSCs, cytokines, and miRNA needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High levels of cytokines IL-10, IL-33, and IL-25 could stimulate and mobilize ILC2s and ILCregs in endometriosis patients. • Elevated frequencies of Arg1+ILC2s and ILCregs were positively correlated and potentially acted together to promote the progression of endometriosis. • The proportion of ILC1s increased in the peripheral blood, while ILC3 decreased in peritoneal fluid, suggesting their contradictory functions. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a kind of lymphocytes that reside in the tissue and have an essential function in the immune microenvironment. However, the relationship between endometriosis (EMS) and ILCs is complex and not fully understood. This study examines several groups of ILCs in the peripheral blood (PB), peritoneal fluid (PF) and endometrium of patients with EMS via flow cytometry. The study observed an increase in PB ILCs, particularly ILC2s and ILCregs subsets and Arg1+ILC2s in the EMS patients were highly activated. EMS patients had significantly higher levels of serum interleukin (IL)-10/33/25 compared to controls. We also found an elevation of Arg1+ILC2s in the PF and higher levels of ILC2s and ILCregs in ectopic endometrium compared with eutopic. Importantly, a positive correlation was observed between the enrichment of Arg1+ILC2s and ILCregs in the PB of EMS patients. The findings indicate that the involvement of Arg1+ILC2s and ILCregs fosters potentially endometriosis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods have been used to study the electronic structure, absorption and emission spectra, charge injection/transport ability and phosphorescence quantum efficiency of a series of cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with carbazate ancillary ligands. Complexes 2 – 5 introduce electron-withdrawing group sulfuryl fluoride (–SO 2 F) on benzene ring of ppy (2-phenylpyridine) ligands to increase the steric effect. The introduction O, S atoms and C˭C double bond increases the conjugated degree of complexes. Compared with experimental complex 1 , the absorption/emission spectra of complexes 2 and 3 are blueshifted. Complexes 2 and 5 have better charge transporting ability. Complexes 3 and 6 may possess higher quantum efficiency and better hole and electron injection ability, and complex 3 could be the potentially efficient blue light materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The HPG/ (PAM-co-PAAPBA) composite hydrogels exhibited yield phenomenon. • 3-Acrylamidophenylboronic acid (AAPBA) played double roles in the whole strategy. • The composite hydrogels had self-healing property. Abstract In this report, the self-healable hydrogels containing hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), acrylamide (AM) and 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (AAPBA) were prepared through a facile strategy. The double bond in AAPBA could polymerize with AM to form copolymers. Moreover, the boronic acid groups of AAPBA can interact with cis-diol of HPG which make AAPBA act not only polymer but cross-linkers simultaneously connecting PAM and HPG chains. The mechanical strength of the hydrogels was systematically investigated as a function of AAPBA content, HPG content, AM content and pH. It was found the hydrogels exhibited higher stress, elongations and self-healing properties due to the synergistic interaction of H-bond and dynamic covalent phenylboronic (PBA)-diol ester bonds. Furthermore, the hydrogels showed yielding phenomenon depending on the content of AM and pH, which could play a vital influence on the crosslinking manners and density. The detailed discussions of the relationship between crosslinking manners and yielding phenomenon provide a better understanding on the appearance of yielding phenomenon and their correlation with hydrogel structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]