Search

Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial parameter for analyzing terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycles and global climate change. Obtaining high spatiotemporal resolution forest stand vegetation LAI products over large areas is essential for an accurate understanding of forest ecosystems. This study takes the northwestern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (the northern section of the Greater Khingan Mountains) in northern China as the research area. It also generates the LAI time series product of the 8-day and 30 m forest stand vegetation growth period from 2013 to 2017 (from the 121st to the 305th day of each year). The Simulated Annealing-Back Propagation Neural Network (SA-BPNN) model was used to estimate LAI from Landsat8 OLI, and the multi-period GaoFen-1 WideField-View satellite images (GF-1 WFV) and the spatiotemporal adaptive reflectance fusion mode (STARFM) was used to predict high spatiotemporal resolution LAI by combining inversion LAI and Global LAnd Surface Satellite-derived vegetation LAI (GLASS LAI) products. The results showed the following: (1) The SA-BPNN estimation model has relatively high accuracy, with R2 = 0.75 and RMSE = 0.38 for the 2013 LAI estimation model, and R2 = 0.74 and RMSE = 0.17 for the 2016 LAI estimation model. (2) The fused 30 m LAI product has a good correlation with the LAI verification of the measured sample site (R2 = 0.8775) and a high similarity with the GLASS LAI product. (3) The fused 30 m LAI product has a high similarity with the GLASS LAI product, and compared with the GLASS LAI interannual trend line, it accords with the growth trend of plants in the seasons. This study provides a theoretical and technical reference for forest stand vegetation growth period LAI spatiotemporal fusion research based on high-score data, and has an important role in exploring vegetation primary productivity and carbon cycle changes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust in sand dunes is an effective and important source of dust emission. The Taklimakan Desert (TD) is one of the main sources of global dust: the sand dunes account for approximately 85% of the total area of the TD. However, the dust concentration, emission characteristics, and physical factors of different parts of the sand dunes in the TD during the day and night, as well as dust and non-dust days, remain unclear. In this study, dust observations were collected over a 3 month period in the TD to investigate the physical processes by which dust moves across a surface and generates PM10 and PM2.5 from the top and bottom of sand dunes. The results showed that the daily average maximum concentrations of particulate matter with diameters below 2.5 and 10 µm (PM2.5 and PM10) in the dune during the observation period reach ~90 and ~190 µg·m−3, respectively. Dust emission generated in the saltation process (maximum emission of PM10 was 3–5 mg·m−2·s−1) in the TD dunes was larger than that in other areas and had a good correlation with u* (friction velocity), where u* = 0.4 m·s−1 was the threshold of sand dune dust emission. The wind speed at the top of dunes was larger than that at the bottom, which was conducive to the accumulation of PM10 at the top of the dune. Furthermore, the MLH (mixed layer height) decreased after sunset and the turbulence weakens, which was conducive to the retention of dust in the air. Moreover, the dust made the solar radiation at the top of the dune −15 W·m−2 (average) lower than at the bottom. These results provided a new understanding of dune emissions in the TD and could be used for dust modeling in regional and global models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 30023 articles and 50326 patents were evaluated by text mining and bibliometric analysis. • Research hotspots of SCI papers were identified by knowledge mapping. • Activated sludge and anaerobic-aerobic combined processes were the mainstream technologies. • Technology evolution path was elucidated in three stages based on the citation network analysis. • Future research and technology innovation directions were proposed. In order to reveal the hotspots and trends of biological water treatment from the perspectives of scientific and technological innovation, both of the bibliometric review and patents analysis were performed in this study. The Web of Science Core Collection database and Derwent Innovation Index database recorded 30023 SCI papers and 50326 patents, respectively were analyzed via information visualization technology. The results showed that China ranked the first in both papers and patents, while the United States and Japan had advantages in papers and patents, respectively. It was concluded through literature metrology analysis that microbial population characteristics, biodegradation mechanism, toxicity analysis, nitrogen and phosphorus removal and biological treatment of micro-polluted wastewater were the research hotspots of SCI papers. Activated sludge process and anaerobic-aerobic combined process were the two mainstream technologies on the basis of patent technology classification analysis. Technology evolution path of biological water treatment was also elucidated in three stages based on the citation network analysis. Furthermore, the future directions including research on the law of interaction and regulation of biological phases and pollutants and the technology innovations towards the targeted biotransformation or selective biodegradation of pollutants and resource reuse of wastewater were prospected. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-aperture scintillometer (LAS) has been widely used in the estimation of sensible heat fluxes (H) on various land surfaces, but they are seldom used in deserts with dune topographies. Here, an LAS was deployed in the Taklimakan Desert for about two weeks to investigate its ability to estimate H over the dune topography in the desert and its impact on the surface energy balance. We estimated the LAS and eddy covariance (EC) fluxes using standard methods, as well as H directly calculated by the EC system via a spectral fitting method. We conducted a series of sensitivity tests to investigate the scintillometer-based heat flux estimation uncertainties by considering surface and meteorological parameters and surface-layer similarity structure functions. In addition, the imbalance problem in the surface energy budget was examined using the measurements. Desert areas are different from other land surfaces in that they are characterized by a high sensible heat flux. It was found that the LAS had good performance in the Taklimakan Desert and could capture more low-frequency turbulence. Also, the spectral fitting method used on the data obtained with the EC system could capture more low-frequency turbulence compared to the direct calculations made by the EC system. The H values obtained by the LAS (HLAS) were overestimated by about 11.6% relative to those measured by the EC system (HEC), and the HEC values obtained by the spectral fitting method were overestimated by about 12.1% relative to them being directly calculated by the EC system. Large and dispersed values of HLAS/HEC appeared with smaller values of rwT (the correlation coefficient) (i.e., 0.1–0.3), and the large ratio of HLAS/HEC might be related to a predominance of low-frequency motions in stable stratification. However, the H values estimated by the LAS had great uncertainties in the case of high wind speeds and weak winds at night. The main source of uncertainty in the estimation of H by the LAS was the use of the different surface parameters (e.g., the Bowen ratio, roughness length, and LAS effective height) and the different forms of fT(ζ) from the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST). Different from the flat surfaces in desert areas, dune topography affected the use of fT(ζ) of MOST by 37%. MOST can improve the estimation of H, and then improve the calculation of the surface energy balance ratio (EBR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation of solar radiation has a profound effect on the surface energy balance and hydrological cycle. Although the relationship between solar radiation variation and its influencing factors has been extensively studied, they are seldom used in Xinjiang, the largest province in China. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution and temporal variation in global radiation (Eg), water vapor content (WVC), aerosol optical depth (AOD), total cloud cover (TCC), and low-level cloud cover (LCC) in Xinjiang, northwestern China, between 1961 and 2015. The annual average Eg reported at all stations was 5126.3–6252.8 MJ·m−2 with a mean of 5672 MJ·m−2. The highest annual mean Eg of 6252.8 MJ·m−2 occurred in Hami, eastern Xinjiang, whereas the lowest annual mean Eg of 5126.3 MJ·m−2 occurred in Urumqi, northern Xinjiang. The annual Eg variation was mainly affected by WVC, AOD, TCC, and LCC. Decreases in annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter Eg trends were recorded in Xinjiang at rates of −33.88 × 10−2, −1.92 × 10−2, −1.89 × 10−2, −3.47 × 10−2, and −3.56 × 10−2 MJ·m−2·decade−1, respectively, with decreasing ratios of 9.43%, 5.85%, 0.14%, 8%, and 20.55%, respectively. Increasing trends in annual WVC, AOD, TCC, and LCC were noted in Xinjiang at rates of 7.12 × 10−5 mm·decade−1, 2.74 × 10−6 decade−1, 8.77 × 10−5 % decade−1, and 5.73 × 10−5% decade−1, respectively. In addition, increasing trends in the annual Eg at Yining and Yanqi stations were observed. The Eg spatial distribution was complex in Xinjiang at the stations observed in this study, which were divided into six groups. Eg at group 1 showed an increasing trend associated with decreases in the WVC and TCC, whereas decreases in Eg were observed at groups 2–6, which could have been influenced by increases in AOD, TCC, and LCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent detection of persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in organisms and environment coupled with surging evidence for potential detrimental impacts, have attracted widespread attention throughout the world. In order to reveal research hotspots and trends of technologies for PFAS removal, herein, we performed a data-driven analysis of 3975 papers and 436 patents from Web of Science Core Collection and Derwent Innovation Index databases up to 2023. The results showed that China and the USA led the way in the research of PFAS removal with outstanding contributions to publications. The progression generally transitioned from accidental discovery of decomposition, to experimentation with removal effects and mechanisms of existing methods, and finally to enhanced defluorination and mechanism-driven design approaches. The keywords co-occurrence network and technology classification together revealed the main knowledge framework, which was constructed and correlated through contaminants, substrates, materials, processes and properties. Moreover, adsorption was demonstrated to be the dominant removal process among the current studies. Subsequently, we concluded the principles, advances and drawbacks of enrichment and separation, biological methods, advanced oxidation and reduction processes. Further exploration indicated the hotspots such as alternatives and precursors for PFAS ("genx": 1.258, "f-53b": 0.337), degradable mineralization technologies ("photocatalytic degrad": 0.529, "hydrated electron": 0.374), environment-friendly remediation technologies ("phytoremedi": 0.939, "constructed wetland": 0.462) and combination with novel materials ("metal-organic framework": 1.115, "layered double hydroxid": 0.559) as well as computer science ("molecular dynamics simul": 0.559, "machine learn"). Furthermore, the future direction of technological innovation might lie in high-performance processes that minimize secondary pollution, the development of recyclable and renewable treatment agents, and collaborative control strategies for multiple pollutants. Overall, this study offers comprehensive and objective review for researchers and industry professionals in this field, enabling rapid access to knowledge guidance and insights into research frontiers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gold nanoparticles were covalently bonded to the microneedle surface due to the presence of sulfhydryl groups in the optical adhesive. • Highly sensitive, real-time in vivo, and in situ detection of superoxide anion radicals in 0–480 ng/mL. • Tracking of melanoma progression in mice by monitoring O 2 ·- concentration with SERS microneedles. Elevated levels of superoxide anion radicals (O 2 ·−) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. To determine the O 2 ·- concentration for assisting disease detection, a method based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) combined with transparent polymer microneedles has been developed. Photocrosslinked NOA61 is used to prepare microneedles with sulfhydryl group, which can contribute to anchor gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) functionalized by p-mercaptobenzoic acid (PATP). This work successfully constructed SERS microneedles for in situ detection. A REDOX reaction occurred between PATP and O 2 ·-, resulting in the formation of dimethylaminoborane (DMAB) and a subsequent change in Raman signal. Based on the quantitative relationship between the change of peak area ratio at 1042 cm−1 and 1077 cm−1 and the concentration change of O 2 ·-, a standard curve with a linear range of 0–480 ng/mL was constructed. The SERS microneedles were effectively employed to track melanoma progression in mice, establishing a fundamental correlation between O2·- concentration and melanoma stage, as confirmed by ELISA. The benefits of this approach, including convenience, in situ applicability, and low cost, are anticipated to offer novel insights for non-invasive in situ detection, potentially enhancing disease monitoring and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, climate change has attracted many researchers' attention around the world, among which the analysis of long-term surface air temperature (SAT) changes is essential. In this paper, we analyze the spatial and temporal variations of the SAT in Tarim Basin from 1961 to 2015. Our results show that warming of the SAT is evident at most weather stations in the Taklamakan Desert, except for those at Aketao, Kuche, and Tazhong. The overall warming rate is 0.25 °C/decade in the Taklamakan Desert. Mann–Kendall tests are adopted to detect abrupt changes in the SATs. It is demonstrated that nine out of 39 stations experienced a simultaneous abrupt change in 1996, which is consistent with the abrupt changes seen in the local vegetation cover. The relationships between the SAT changes and the underlying landscape and vegetation cover are also discussed in this paper. A moderate negative correlation is discovered between the SAT and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at oases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur-containing organic pollutants and their derivatives are ubiquitously present in aquatic ecosystems. Their elevated environmental risk profiles have increasingly brought them to the forefront of scholarly attention. In light of this, the present study offered a comprehensive review of the developmental trajectory, current status, and future prospects of sulfur-containing organic wastewater treatment, as deduced from bibliometric and patent analyses. Post-2005 witnessed a marked surge in research publications, with China and the US spearheading this academic thrust, boasting the highest publication counts. Furthermore, collaborations saw a significant tilt towards partnerships involving China, the US, and Germany with international counterparts. The most prevalent 100 keywords, discerned from publications, coalesced around four pivotal domains: pollutants, technological advancements, chemical constituents, and detection methodologies. An emergent trend identified an uptick in the frequencies of terms such as "Sulfur-Oxidizing-Bacteria" and "Electrochemical Oxidation". From the technology innovation perspective, China's patent submissions constituted approximately two-thirds of the global filings. Technologies anchored in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) and biodegradation held prominence, while membrane separation techniques, high-efficacy and recyclable catalysts, and cost-efficient procedures for addressing sulfur-containing wastewater were spotlighted as promising avenues, as inferred from the patent-based knowledge gap analysis. [Display omitted] • Swift progression in studies on sulfur-based organic contaminants. • A critical assessment of 5079 articles and 5763 patents. • Knowledge cartography illuminated sulfuric organic wastewater treatments. • AOPs and biodegradation emerge as quintessential technologies. • Membrane separation and recyclable catalysts exhibit vast potentialities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incompatibility of most organic solvents with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay normally limits pesticide extraction efficiency in sample pretreatment, which might cause false negatives in real world sample assessment. Herein, a novel method has been developed for an improved AChE inhibition assay via organic solvent extraction combined spontaneous in situ solvent evaporation on microfluidic paper-based analytical devices. Enzyme pre-immobilization procedure was spared and AChE was added to the system after sampling step until a complete in-situ solvent evaporation process was performed on chip. IC 50 levels of the six investigated organophosphate and carbamate pesticides indicated a completely eliminated influence of solvents on AChE behavior with the new method. Most importantly, analytical performances were significantly improved in food sample measurements. Reduction in matrix effect was observed when acetonitrile was adopted for lettuce sample pretreatment instead of water. Studies on different pesticides suggested a remarkably decreased discrimination effect on recoveries from sample pretreatment with the new developed method. The recovery level for phoxim spiked head lettuce samples reached (107.5 ± 14.2) %, in comparison with that of (18.6 ± 1.4) % from water-based extraction. Spiked water and apple juice samples with carbaryl concentration of as low as 0.02 mg L−1 were also successfully recognized with the present method by visual detection. This is the first report on direct sampling of organic extracts for AChE inhibition assay on-chip and it might provide a new perspective for real world sample assessments involving bio-reagents. Image 1 • An AChE inhibition assay utilizing organic solvents for pesticide extraction in food analysis. • Online solvent elimination via spontaneous evaporation before contacting with enzyme. • Significantly improved recoveries for different pesticides in food samples. • Rapid and direct pesticide pre-enrichment ability during sample extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New preorganised 1,2-diamide functionalised, bidentate ligand-embedded hydrophobic ionic liquids (DAILs) were synthesised, which enabled efficient extraction of lanthanides from an aqueous phase. The selective metal binding ability of the functionalised ionic liquid was examined by NMR, FTIR and a structure optimisation calculation. The selective liquid–liquid extraction behavior with DAILs was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major outer membrane components of Gram-negative bacteria and produce strong inflammatory responses in animals. Most antibiotics have shown little clinical anti-endotoxin activity while some antimicrobial peptides have proved to be effective in blocking LPS. Here, the anti-LPS activity of the synthetic peptide AWRK6, which is derived from antimicrobial peptide dybowskin-2CDYa, has been investigated in vitro and in vivo. The positively charged α-helical AWRK6 was found to be effective in blocking the binding of LBP (LPS binding protein) with LPS in vitro using ELISA. In a murine endotoxemia model, AWRK6 offered satisfactory protection efficiency against endotoxemia death, and the serum levels of LPS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were found to be attenuated using ELISA. Further, histopathological analysis suggested that AWRK6 could improve the healing of liver and lung injury in endotoxemia mice. The results of real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that AWRK6 significantly reversed LPS-induced TLR4 overexpression and IκB depression, as well as the enhanced IκB phosphorylation. Additionally, AWRK6 did not produce any significant toxicity in vivo and in vitro. In summary, AWRK6 showed efficacious protection from LPS challenges in vivo and in vitro, by blocking LPS binding to LBP, without obvious toxicity, providing a promising strategy against LPS-induced inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously our lab has created a mouse ovarian xenograft model of copy number variation (CNV)-mediated G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) MAS-driven tumorigenesis, and RNA profiling identified a putative chemokine tumor-induced factor ( Tif ). Sequence analysis and chemotactic study suggested that Tif was likely to be a hamster homolog of human GROγ ( CXCL3 ) [IJC 125 (2009): 1316–1327]. In the present study, we report the molecular and functional characterization of the Tif gene. Genomic study of CHO-K1 cells indicated that Tif gene consisted of 4 exons, characterized with an antisense B1 element which is embedded in the fourth exon. Two Tif transcripts were identified which shared identical sequences except that a string of 71-nt derived from the antisense B1 element was deficient in the shorter transcript. Of interests, B1- like RNA ladder was detected in xenografts. Functional studies showed that TIF induced chemotaxis and neovessel formation. Pharmacological studies suggested that TIF activated Gi-coupled CXCR2 and induced both calcium mobilization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and suppressed forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. In addition, secreted matured TIF functioned as an autocrine factor and promoted anchorage-independent growth. Unexpectedly, TIF delayed the onset of tumor formation, possibly via suppressing proliferation of stromal fibroblasts. However, TIF did not exert any inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Potentially, TIF could be used for preventing cancer relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a significant challenge to perform painless invasive detection of inflammation progression in relation to the evolution of pH, redox potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an in situ and real-time manner. In this work, polydopamine-modified, silver nanoparticle-decorated poly (methyl methacrylate) microneedles (AgNPs@PDA@MNs) have been developed as a multiplexed surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) diagnostic platform. Using rhodamine 6G as the Raman signal molecule, the AgNPs@PDA@MNs demonstrated a significant enhancement with reasonable linearity in the range of 10−3-10−9 mol/L and the limit of detection is 1.0 × 10−10 mol/L 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid and para-aminothiophenol were covalently anchored on AgNPs@PDA@MNs SERS substrate. I 1143 /I 1183 , I 1606 /I 1667 and I 1143 /I 1077 were used as assay standards for pH, redox potential and ROS level detection, respectively. The SERS multiplexed transparent microneedles (SERS mtMNs) linearly responded to pH in the range of 4.0–8.0, redox potential in the range of 417.0–599.8 mV, and ROS levels in the range of 0–480 ng/mL, demonstrating a significant ability to detect complex inflammation in vivo , in situ and in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the status and trends of chemical treatment for wastewater, the patents analysis from both structured and unstructured data was performed in this study. 35,838 patents recorded in the Derwent Innovation Index database were adopted. The results showed that China was the country with the largest number of patents in the field, and the United States was the main exporter of international technology flows. Chemical processes combined with biological and physical processes was the mainstream, and ozonation and electrochemical treatment were the major single technologies. Technology evolution path generally showed the transition from biological process-combined chemical treatment to electrochemical treatment and finally to physical process-combined chemical treatment. Furthermore, future trends were revealed from both patents and papers. It demonstrated that efficient removal of ammonia nitrogen, green water treatment agents and resourcezation of wastewater were the key innovation directions, and technologies with regard to efficient use of energy (including photocatalytic technology and microbial fuel cell) were the main research hotspots. Overall, this study provided a comprehensive understanding for the research and application of chemical treatment for wastewater technologies. [Display omitted] • 35,838 patents on chemical treatment for wastewater were analyzed. • Patent analysis from both structured and unstructured data. • Chemical process combined with biological and physical processes was the mainstream. • Technology evolution path was elucidated in three stages. • Future trends were revealed from both patents and papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical medicinal plants have aroused our interest to deal with Toxoplasmosis which can causes serious public health problems. Nipagic acid, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, phloretic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl p -coumarate, arbutin, and homoprotocatechuic acid are first isolated from Orostachys malacophylla (Pallas) Fischer, their inhibition rate, survival rate, biochemical and viscera index are evaluated using gastric epithelia strain-1(GES-1). Among them, arbutin can effectively prolong the survival time of mice acutely infected with T. gondii , and exhibit the same curative effect as Spiramycin (Spi) group in terms of the glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, alleviate hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) and molecular docking implies that phenolic hydroxyl group would be preferred for improvement of activity. In a summary, arbutin is a potential anti- T. gondii candidate for clinical application. [Display omitted] • Phenolic compounds isolated from O. malacophylla were first evaluated for anti- T. gondii activity in vitro, in vivo. • The inhibition rate, the survival rate, selectivity index of arbutin better than the positive control Spiramycin. • Structure-activity relationship implies that phenolic hydroxyl group would be preferred for improvement of activity. • Arbutin is effective in relieving the liver damage induced by T. gondii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under aerobic conditions, the preferential use of anaerobic glycolysis by tumour cells leads to a high level of lactate accumulation in tumour microenvironment. Lactate acts not only as a cellular energy source but also as a signalling molecule that regulates cancer cell growth, metastasis and metabolism. It has been reported that a G-protein-coupled receptor for lactate named hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) is highly expressed in numerous types of cancer, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, it was reported that HCAR1 is highly expressed in breast cancer cells. Genetic deletion of HCAR1 in MCF7 cells leads to reduced cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, it was observed that knockout (KO) of HCAR1 attenuated the expression and activity of phosphofructokinase and hexokinase, key rate-limiting enzymes in glycolysis. Using an extracellular flux analyzer, it was showed that KO of HCAR1 promoted a metabolic shift towards a decreased glycolysis state, as evidenced by a decreased extracellular acidification rate and increased oxygen consumption rate in MCF7 cells. Taken together, our results suggested that lactate acts through HCAR1 as a metabolic regulator in breast cancer cells that may be therapeutically exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii ( T . gondii ) is an important pathogen which can causes serious public health problems. Since the current therapeutic drugs for toxoplasmosis present serious host toxicity, research on effective and new substances of relatively low toxicity is urgently needed. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-parasitic effect of oxymatrine (OM) and matrine (ME) against T . gondii in vitro and in vivo . In our study, the anti- T . gondii activities of ME and OM were evaluated in vitro using cell counting kit-8 assay, morphological observation and trypan blue exclusion assay. In vivo , mice were sacrificed four days post-infection and ascites were drawn out to determine the extent of tachyzoite proliferation. Viscera indexes and liver biochemical parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were examined to evaluate the toxicity of compounds to mice. As a result, OM and ME showed anti- T . gondii activity but low selectivity toxicity to HeLa cells. Both compounds also significantly decreased the number of tachyzoites in peritoneal cavity and recovered the levels of ALT, AST, GSH and MDA in liver. Moreover, the mice treated with OM or ME achieved better results in viscera index and survival rate than that of spiramycin. These results suggest that OM and ME are likely the sources of new drugs for toxoplasmosis, and further studies will be necessary to compare the efficacy of drug combination, as well as identify its action of mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AWRK6 was a synthesized peptide developed based on the natural occurring peptide dybowskin-2CDYa, which was discovered in frog skin in our previous study. Here, a quantitative determination method for AWRK6 analysis in rat plasma by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was established and validated following U.S. FDA guidelines. A combination of plasma precipitation and liquid–liquid extraction was applied for the extraction. For pharmacokinetics study, the rats were administrated with AWRK6 via intraperitoneal and intravenous injection. The prepared plasma samples were separated on an ODS column and analyzed by tandem MS using precursor-to-product ion pairs of m/z: 533.4→84.2 for AWRK6 and m/z: 401.9→101.1 for internal standard Polymyxin B sulfate in multiple reaction monitoring mode. AWRK6 concentrations in rat plasma peaked at about 1.2 h after intraperitoneal injections at 2.35, 4.7 and 9.4 mg/kg bodyweight. The terminal half-life was around 2.8 h. The absolute bioavailability of AWRK6 was 50% after 3 doses via injection, and the apparent volume of distribution was 4.884 ± 1.736 L. The obtained determination method and pharmacokinetics profiles of AWRK6 provides a basis for further development, and forms a benchmark reference for peptide quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AWRK6 alleviates obesity and hepatic steatosis in high energy diet fed mice. • Abnormal lipid metabolism is relieved by AWRK6. • AWRK6 treatment improves glucose metabolism. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the leading common chronic liver disease affecting more than one-quarter of the population worldwide, but no pharmacological therapy was approved specifically. A synthetic peptide AWRK6 developed in our group based on the antimicrobial peptide Dybowskin-2CDYa was found to attenuated diabetes as a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist candidate. The effects of AWRK6 on MAFLD and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in this paper. In high energy diet (HED)-induced MAFLD mice, obesity and hepatic steatosis were alleviated by AWRK6 via intraperitoneal injection. The biochemistry measurements data indicated that the abnormal lipid metabolism was relieved and the glucose metabolism was improved significantly. Further, the phosphorylation of liver PI3K/AKT/AMPK/ACC was elevated significantly by AWRK6 treatment. Moreover, the effects of AWRK6 on lipid accumulation and insulin sensitivity in human cells were verified using oleic acid-induced HepG2 fatty liver cell model and insulin-induced HepG2 cells, respectively. These in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the peptide AWRK6 ameliorates MAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism homeostasis, and it is mediated by the PI3K/AKT/AMPK/ACC signaling pathway. Thus, AWRK6 has a potential in preventing MAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several chiral BINADCo(III)X (BINAD=Bis(1,1′-2-hydroxy-2′-alkoxy-3-naphthylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine, X=OAc, CF3CO2, CCl3CO2, OTs, p-NO2PhCO2) complexes were synthesized and used to catalyze the asymmetric cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with epoxides under mild condition to afford chiral cyclic carbonates. The best catalyst of (S,S,S,S)-BINADCo(III)(OAc) 9b and phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide (PTAT) can provide propylene carbonate with the highest ee being 95% at −20°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel and high efficient catalysts of metal porphyrin (M(TPP)X, M=Co, Fe, Ru, Mn; X=Cl−, Br−, OAc−, OTs−, Cl3CCO2 −)/phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide (PTAT) were developed to catalyze the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epoxides at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Field observations made with unmanned aerial vehicles of the particulate matter (PM) concentration from the ground to a height of 500 m were conducted at Xiaotang and Tazhong in the Taklimakan Desert (TD), China, from 7 to 15 November 2019. The vertical structures of the PM concentrations were studied. Pulsed lidar observations showed that dust aerosols in the TD can reach heights of 4 km. Within 500 m above the ground, the PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were <100, <201, and <764 µg∙m−3, respectively, in the TD. On days containing sand-blowing periods (e.g., at 18:00 on 11 November), the PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were 10–17.7 times higher than on clear days. The northern margin of the TD (Xiaotang) was dominated by fine particles, while the hinterland (Tazhong) was dominated by coarse particles, because there was sparse vegetation around Xiaotang and the surface was sand and clay, while there was no vegetation around Tazhong and the surface was sand. During floating dust periods, the boundary layer was dominated by fine particles. The average PM1.0/PM2.5 ratios were 0.25–0.65 and 0.40–0.80 at Tazhong and Xiaotang, respectively, while, during sand blowing periods, these ratios were 0.40–0.55 and 0.40–0.45, respectively. The critical condition in the atmospheric boundary layer for PM concentration was revealed with the enhanced momentum flux and sensible heat flux up to 0.52 kg∙m−1∙s−2, 0.69 m∙s−1, and 6.7 W∙m2, respectively, and the low mixed layer was high in the lower atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between strain fatigue life and evolution of meso-deformation inhomogeneity was studied, through the cyclic process of numerical simulation of crystal plasticity compared with the fatigue test of steel hot-rolled ribbed-steel bar 400 (HRB400). The statistical characterization parameters at grain level, including the standard deviation of the dot product of longitudinal stress and strain, the product of the macro stress and the standard deviation of the longitudinal strain, and the product of the macro stress ratio and the standard deviation of the longitudinal strain, were proposed and respectively applied to measure the meso-deformation inhomogeneity of materials. These parameters take the effect of peak stress into account, distinct from the pure strain statistical parameters. The numerical results demonstrate that the low-cycle fatigue life curves of materials are predictable using the new parameters as FIPs (fatigue indicator parameters), and the predictions are more rational than by utilizing the FIPs without considering the peak stress effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disease in which people experience uncontrollable and repetitive thoughts or behaviors. Clinical diagnosis of OCD is achieved by using neuropsychological assessment metrics, which are often subjectively affected by psychologists and patients. In this study, we propose a classification model for OCD diagnosis using functional MR images. Methods: Using functional connectivity (FC) matrices calculated from brain region of interest (ROI) pairs, a novel Riemann Kernel principal component analysis (PCA) model is employed for feature extraction, which preserves the topological information in the FC matrices. Hierarchical features are then fed into an ensemble classifier based on the XGBoost algorithm. Finally, decisive features extracted during classification are used to investigate the brain FC variations between patients with OCD and healthy controls. Results: The proposed algorithm yielded a classification accuracy of 91.8%. Additionally, the well‐known cortico–striatal–thalamic–cortical (CSTC) circuit and cerebellum were found as highly related regions with OCD. To further analyze the cerebellar‐related function in OCD, we demarcated cerebellum into three subregions according to their anatomical and functional property. Using these three functional cerebellum regions as seeds for brain connectivity computation, statistical results showed that patients with OCD have decreased posterior cerebellar connections. Conclusions: This study provides a new and efficient method to characterize patients with OCD using resting‐state functional MRI. We also provide a new perspective to analyze disease‐related features. Despite of CSTC circuit, our model‐driven feature analysis reported cerebellum as an OCD‐related region. This paper may provide novel insight to the understanding of genetic etiology of OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of oral cancer is increasing due to smoking, drinking, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, while the current treatments are not satisfactory. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy has brought hope, but an efficient delivery system is still needed. Here, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared for the delivery of therapeutic siRNAs targeting B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) and Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) into Ca9-22 oral cancer cells. The cationic nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). By gel retardation assay, the nanoparticles were found to block siRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. The cellular uptake of the nanoparticle/siRNA complexes under a magnetic field was visualized by Perl's Prussian blue staining and FAM labeling. High gene silencing efficiencies were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Furthermore, the nanoparticle-delivered siRNAs targeting BCL2 and BIRC5 were found to remarkably inhibit the viability and migration of Ca9-22 cells, by cell counting kit-8 assay and transwell assay. In this study, we have developed a novel siRNA-based therapeutic strategy targeting BCL2 and BIRC5 for oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ginsenoside Rd (GRd) has cardioprotective properties but its efficacy and mechanism of action in myocardial I/R injury have not been clarified. This study investigated GRd as a potent therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R injury. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation were used to establish a myocardial I/R injury model in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, GRd significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size and markers of myocardial injury and improved the cardiac function in myocardial I/R injury mice. In vitro, GRd enhanced cell viability and protected the H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line from OGD-induced injury GRd. The network pharmacology analysis predicted 48 potential targets of GRd for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the cardioprotective effects of GRd were closely related to inflammation and apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, GRd alleviated inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and inhibited OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in cardiomyocytes. GRd also increased PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, suggesting activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, whereas LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, blocked the GRd-induced inhibition of OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in H9c2 cells. The therapeutic effect of GRd in vivo and in vitro against myocardial I/R injury was primarily dependent on PI3K/Akt pathway activation to inhibit inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This study provides new evidence for the use of GRd as a cardiovascular drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive gases (O3, CO, NO2, and SO2) were collected hourly at the Akedala regional background station in northwestern China during September 2017 to August 2018. Wind rose, cluster analysis, potential source contribution function (PSCF), and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) methods were adopted for identifying the transport pathways and potential source regions of these atmosphere components at Akedala. The average O3, CO, NO2, and SO2 mixing ratios detected were 29.65 ± 11.44 ppb, 123.78 ± 73.35 ppb, 3.79 ± 0.98 ppb, and 4.59 ± 0.88 ppb during the observation period, and the statistical results of the monthly mean values revealed that there were differences during the highest pollution period, with O3 and CO mainly peaking in February, with mixing ratios of 38.03 ± 7.10 ppb and 208.50 ± 106.50 ppb, respectively. Meanwhile, NO2 peaked in March (4.51 ± 0.54 ppb) and SO2 in January (5.70 ± 1.92 ppb). The most obvious diurnal variation of CO and SO2 was observed in the winter, with maximum levels reaching between 13 : 00 and 14 : 00. The diurnal variations of O3 exhibited low values during the night and maximum values in the afternoon (16 : 00–18 : 00). Diurnal variation was not significant in the case of NO2. Cluster analysis showed that six main paths affected the Akedala atmosphere. In turn, the PSCF and CWT analysis results indicated that the Akedala reactive gas was affected by both local and foreign sources. The high PSCF value of the reactive gas potential source areas appeared in eastern Kazakhstan, northern Xinjiang, Western Mongolia, and Southern Russia. The WCWT (weighted concentration-weight trajectory) values of CO and SO2 in winter were the highest, totaling 180–240 ppb and 5–6.5 ppb, respectively. The WCWT value of O3 in the spring and summer was higher than that in the autumn and winter. The main source area of O3 was about 32–36 ppb in the spring and summer, and the main source area of NO2 in the summer had a low WCWT value of 3–3.5 ppb, whereas the NO2 WCWT value was concentrated at 4–4.5 ppb in the other seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An observational data set of the year 2010 at a site in the northern marginal zone of the Taklimakan Desert (TD) was used to analyse the key surface parameters in land–atmospheric interactions in the desert climate of northwest China. We found that the surface albedo (α) and emissivity (ε) were 0.27 and 0.91, respectively, which were consistent with the values obtained based on observations in the hinterland of the TD as well as being similar to the dry parts of the Great Basin desert in North America, where they were comparable to the α and ε values retrieved from remote sensing products. Peak frequency value of z0m was 5.858 × 10−3 m, which was similar to the Mojave Desert, Peruvian desert, Sonoran Desert, HEIFE (Heihe region) Desert, and Badain Jaran Desert. The peak frequency value of z0h was 1.965 × 10−4 m, which was different from those obtained in the hinterland of the TD. The average annual value of excess resistance to heat transfer (kB−1) was 2.5, which was different from those obtained in the HEIFE Gobi and desert, but they were similar to those determined for the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and HAPEX-Sahel. Both z0m and z0h varied less diurnally but notably seasonally, and kB−1 exhibited weak diurnal and seasonal variations. We also found that z0m was strongly influenced by the local wind direction. There were many undulating sand dunes in the prevailing wind and opposite to the prevailing wind, which were consistent with the directions of the peak z0m value. The mean values calculated over 24 h for Cd and Ch were 6.34 × 10−3 and 5.96 × 10−3, respectively, which were larger than in the Gobi area, hinterland of the TD and semiarid areas, but similar to HEIFE desert. Under the normal prevailing (NNE–ESE) wind, the mean bulk transfer coefficient Cd and Ch were of the same order of magnitude as expected based on similarity theory. Using the data obtained under different wind directions, we determined the relationships between Cd, Ch, the wind speed U, and stability parameter z/L, and the results were different. Cd and Ch decreased rapidly as the wind speed dropped below 3.0 m s−1 and their minimum values reached around 1–2 m s−1. It should also be noted that the ε values estimated using the sensible heat flux (H) were better compared with those produced using other estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis, the liver plays central roles in toxins phagocytosis and clearance to protect the whole body. The liver cells were constantly irritated by LPS which leads to liver injury. While most anti-LPS agents showed little clinical activity against LPS-induced liver injury. Here, the protective effects of the synthetic peptide AWRK6 against LPS-induced liver injury have been investigated in vivo and in vitro. In mice liver homogenate, LPS administration elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase), iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and repressed SOD (superoxide dismutase) activities and these changes were remarkably reversed by AWRK6. Histologically, AWRK6 effectively alleviated the histological changes and repressed LPS-induced neutrophils infiltration. By TUNEL assay on liver sections, AWRK6 was proven to inhibit apoptosis induced by LPS in mice livers, which was also verified by the protein levels of cleaved-caspase 9, Bax and Bcl-2. In addition, by in vitro study using HepG2 cells, AWRK6 was found to recover the LPS-reduced cell viability and reduce LPS-induced apoptosis. For mechanisms, AWRK6 was demonstrated to alleviate the LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK, indicating the involvement of MAPKs in the protection of AWRK6 against liver injury. In summary, we have found the synthetic peptide AWRK6 as a promising novel agent for LPS-induced liver injury, by inhibiting cell apoptosis through MAPK signaling pathways, which might bring new strategies for the treatment of acute and chronic liver injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are common vascular access devices inserted for adults undergoing intravenous treatment in the community setting. Individuals with a PICC report challenges understanding information and adapting to the device both practically and psychologically at home. There is a lack of research investigating the supportive care needs of individuals with a PICC to inform nursing assessment and the provision of additional supports they may require to successfully adapt to life with a PICC. The aim of this study was to identify the supportive care needs of adults with cancer or infection living with a PICC at home. Method: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were used to identify supportive care needs of adults living with a PICC at home. Participants were recruited from cancer and infectious diseases outpatient units. Two researchers independently analysed transcripts using content analysis. Results: A total of 15 participants were interviewed (30–87 years old). There were 5 males and 10 females interviewed, 9 participants had a cancer diagnosis and most lived in a metropolitan area. Many participants lived with a partner/spouse at home and three participants had young children. Participants identified supportive care needs in the following eight categories (i (i) Adapting daily life (ii) Physical comfort (iii) Self-management (iv) Emotional impact (v) Information content (vi) Understanding information (vii) Healthcare resources and (viii) Social supports. Conclusions: Adults living with a PICC at home report a broad range of supportive care needs. In addition to practical and information needs, health consumers may also require support to accept living with a device inside their body and to assume responsibility for the PICC. These findings may provide nurses with a greater understanding of individual needs and guide the provision of appropriate supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of more than 25%, and there is no approved drug for NAFLD specifically. In our previous study, the synthetic peptide AWRK6 was found to ameliorate NAFLD in mice. However, the mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. Here, AWRK6 treatment presented an alleviative effect on lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, miR-5100 and miR-505 were found to be elevated by oleic acid induction and reversed by AWRK6 incubation. Further, the miR-5100 inhibitor inhibited oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation, and the alleviation effect of AWRK6 was partially counteracted by miR-5100 mimics. The screening of potential target genes revealed that a catalytic subunit of G6Pase G6PC was significantly inhibited by miR-5100 mimics transfection in both mRNA and protein levels. The direct targeting of miR-5100 on G6PC was verified by a Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of G6PC were found to be significantly increased by AWRK6 treatment. These results suggested that the peptide AWRK6 could alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, partly through reducing miR-5100 to restore one of its targets: G6PC. Thus, AWRK6 has the potential to treat NAFLD. Additionally, miR-5100 is a mediator of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, which could be targeted by AWRK6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust aerosols have been transported from the Tarim Basin (TB) to the Tibet Plateau (TP), which threatens the ecological security of the Asian water tower. However, the dust transportation process has not been understood fully so far. In this study, the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of dust aerosols over the TB and the TP was constructed and the transportation process was analyzed by utilizing Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite data. The meteorological background of one typical dust event was discussed and the trajectory of the pollutants was simulated by employing the fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis (ECMWF-ERA5) data and the Backward-trajectory Model. Besides, the importance of multiple natural factors was ranked using Random Forest Model. The results showed that dust aerosols were transported from the TB to the TP noticeably at 4–6 km above sea level, and 4 km above sea level was the dividing height of the dust transportation from the TB to the TP. Dust Aerosol Optical Depth (DAOD) value in the TB and the TP had significant monthly variations, which reached its highest in May and gradually declined. High frequency value of dust occurrence in the TB and the TP appeared in spring. There were always stable dust layers over the TB and the TP with an average thickness of about 0.64 km, which reached their thickest in spring. Furthermore, influenced by updrafts and prevailing westerlies, dust aerosols from the TB were carried to the northern slope of the TP and continued to be uplifted to higher than 6 km to its main body. Relative humidity and average wind speed could inhibit and promote regional air pollution respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various lung diseases endanger people's health. Side effects and pharmaceutical resistance complicate the treatment of acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, necessitating the development of novel treatments. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to serve as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. These peptides exhibit a broad antibacterial activity spectrum as well as immunomodulatory properties. Previous studies have shown that therapeutic peptides including AMPs had remarkable impacts on animal and cell models of acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. The purpose of this paper is to outline the potential curative effects and mechanisms of peptides in the three types of lung diseases mentioned above, which may be used as a therapeutic strategy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and greener synthesis of unsymmetrical organic carbonates mediated by Huünig's base-appended basic ionic liquids, via carbon dioxide conversion, is described here. These ionic liquids were found to be effective bases for the fixation of carbon dioxide by various alcohols and benzyl bromide, at room temperature. When the alcohol and the halide functionalities are present within the same substrate, the reaction cleanly produces a cyclic carbonate. These functionalised basic ionic liquids were fully recyclable with no loss product yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal variations in precipitation amounts, daily occurrences, intensities, and contribution rates in the Tarim Basin (TB) from 1961 to 2019. Our results demonstrate that the annual mean rainstorm, trace amounts of snow, and light snow types exhibited downward trends, while all the other precipitation types increased. Both rainfall and snowfall were primarily concentrated in the western mountainous region. Rainstorms in the eastern portions of the TB were significantly higher than those in the western parts. Heavy rainstorm intensity was concentrated on the southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. Heavy snow fell primarily in the northern TB, whereas snowstorms mainly occurred in the western TB. Heavy snowstorms occurred at a few stations in western mountainous areas. Rainfall and snowfall provided the largest and second largest relative contributions to total precipitation, respectively. The highest and lowest contributions to the total rainfall were from light rain and light drizzle, respectively, at 42–71% and 0.8–2.2%. The highest and lowest contributions to the total snowfall were from light snow and trace amounts of snow, respectively, at 28.74–71.95% and 1.60–13.61%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinations of two different therapeutic modalities of VEGF inhibitors against angiogenesis can cooperatively impede breast cancer tumor growth and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Itraconazole (ITZ) is a conventional antifungal drug with high safety; however, it has been repurposed to be a multi target anti-angiogenesis agent for cancer therapy in recent years. In the present study, composite nanoparticles co-loaded with ITZ and VEGF siRNA were prepared in order to investigate their anti-angiogenesis efficacy and synergistic anticancer effect against breast cancer. The nanoparticles had a suitable particle size (117.9 ± 10.3 nm) and weak positive surface charge (6.69 ± 2.46 mV), as well as good stability and drug release profile in vitro. Moreover, the nanoparticles successfully escaped from endosomes and realized cell apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition in vitro. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the nanoparticles could induce the silencing of VEGF-related expressions as well as anti-angiogenesis efficacy, and the co-loaded ITZ-VEGF siRNA NPs could inhibit tumor growth effectively with low toxicity and side effects. Taken together, the as-prepared delivery vehicles are a simple and safe nano-platform that improves the antitumor efficacy of VEGF siRNA and ITZ, which allows the repositioning of the generic drug ITZ as a great candidate for antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare biliary adenocarcinoma related to poor clinical prognosis. Crowberry is an herbal medicine used to control inflammatory diseases and reestablish antioxidant enzyme activity. Although crowberry shows significant therapeutic efficacy in various tumors and diseases, its anticancer effects and specific molecular mechanisms in CCA are poorly understood. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to characterize crowberry effects on CCA cells behavior. Materials and methods: The chemical profiles of crowberry extract was qualitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. MTT, colony formation and EdU assays were performed to measure cell proliferation. The effect of crowberry treatment on CCA cell migration was assessed by wound healing and migration assays. Moreover, Hoechst staining assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess the cell apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression levels of key factors associated with apoptosis, the Akt signaling pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. A xenograft model was established and immunohistochemical and H&E staining was performed to assess crowberry antitumor effects in vivo. Results: Crowberry clearly inhibited CCA cells proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in vitro. Crowberry inactivated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by regulating DEK in vitro and significantly inhibited tumor growth by downregulating the DEK expression in xenograft models. Conclusion: Crowberry inhibits CCA cells proliferation and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and Akt signaling pathway inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Highlights: Crowberry alterd expression levels of key mediators in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Crowberry alterd expression levels of key mediators in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Crowberry suppressed the expression of the proto-oncogene DEK in vivo and in vitro. Crowberry inhibited CCA progression and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and the Akt signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is widely used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), but its effect on left atrial (LA) remodeling in patients with AF is not completely clarified. Few studies have reported the changes in structure and function of the left atrium in patients with different types of AF after RFCA. To analyze the effect of RFCA on the LA structure and function in patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF, persistent AF and long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF). RFCA was performed in 180 patients with paroxysmal AF, persistent AF and LSPAF. The changes of LA structure and function in echocardiogram and speckle-tracking echocardiography findings were compared before the procedure, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks, and 2, 3, 6, and 9–12 months after the procedure. There were 60 patients in the paroxysmal AF group, 60 in the persistent AF group and 60 patients in LSPAF group. The pre-procedure LA diameter and volume were smaller in the paroxysmal AF group than persistent AF and LSPAF group. There was no significant change of in the LA structure and function in the paroxysmal AF group within 1 year. In the persistent AF and LSPAF groups, LA structure (anteroposterior diameter, LA volume) significantly decreased, but remained larger than that in paroxysmal AF group. In persistent and LSPAF, function (LA ejection fraction, strain, strain rate) increased significantly within 1 week, then gradually increased. RFCA improved the LA structure and function and resulted in heart reverse remodeling, especially for persistent AF and LSPAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge because of the complexity and heterogeneity of this malignancy. Despite the recent approval of several novel targeted drugs, resistance seems inevitable, and clinical outcomes are still suboptimal. Increasing evidence supports the use of natural plants as an important source of anti-leukemic therapeutics. Licochalcone A (LCA) is an active flavonoid isolated from the roots of licorice, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., possessing extensive anti-tumor activities. However, its effects on AML and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that LCA decreased the viability of established human AML cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LCA significantly induced mitochondrial apoptotic cell death, accompanied by the downregulation of MCL-1, upregulation of BIM, truncation of BID, and cleavage of PARP. A prominent decline in the phosphorylation of multiple critical molecules, including AKT, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), ERK, and P38 was observed upon LCA treatment, indicating PI3K and MAPK signals were suppressed. Both transcription and translation of c-Myc were also inhibited by LCA. In addition, LCA enhanced the cytotoxicity of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Furthermore, the anti-survival and pro-apoptotic effects were confirmed in primary blasts from 10 patients with de novo AML. Thus, our results expand the applications of LCA, which can be regarded as a valuable agent in treating AML. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical study of Cortex Moutan (the dried root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) led to the isolation of 24 compounds, including eleven mono-phenols (1 – 11), seven terpenoids (12 – 18), three flavonoids (19–21), two sterols (22 and 23) and one coumarin (24). The structures of these isolated compounds were identified using NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C) by comparison with previously reported data. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 5 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 22 , and 24 were reported from this plant for the first time. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates was also discussed. [Display omitted] • Cortex Moutan is a herbal remedy broadly utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine. • The hydroalcoholic extract from Cortex Moutan was investigated. • Twenty-four compounds were purified and identified mainly by means of NMR tools. • The chemotaxonomy significance was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important parameter that affects the water cycle, environmental changes, and energy balance at global and regional scales. Herein, a time series analysis was conducted to estimate the monthly, seasonal, and interannual variations in LST during 2001–2019 in the Tarim Basin, China. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST, air temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, elevation, and land-cover type data, we analyzed the spatio-temporal change characteristics of LST and the influencing factors. High LSTs occurred in the desert and plains and low LSTs occurred in surrounding mountain regions. The highest LST was recorded in July (25.1 °C) and the lowest was in January (−9.5 °C). On a seasonal scale, LST decreased in the order: summer > spring > autumn > winter. Annual LST showed an increasing trend of 0.2 °C/10 a in the desert and mountain areas, while the plains indicated a decreasing trend. In spring and autumn, western regions were dominated by a downward trend, whereas in winter a downward trend occurred in eastern regions. In summer, areas covered by vegetation were dominated by a downward trend, and desert and bare lands were dominated by an upward trend. Random forest (RF) model analysis showed that elevation was the most significant influencing factor (22.1%), followed by mean air temperature (20.1%). Correlation analysis showed that the main climatic factors air temperature, relative humidity, and elevation have a good correlation with the LST. Land-cover type also affected LST; during February–December the lowest LST was observed for permanent glacier snow and the highest was observed in the desert. El Nino and La Nina greatly influenced the LST variations. The North Atlantic Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation indices were consistent with the mean LST anomaly, indicating their considerable influence on LST variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The coupling reaction of CO2 and epoxides can be carried out in the absence of solvent under mild conditions by using novel and recycled catalysts of SalenRu(II)(PPh3)2/PTAT or SalenRu(III)X(PPh3)/PTAT (X=Cl−, OAc−, , ). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel and efficient organic catalysts of quaternary onium tribromide and the related metal-containing catalysts of SalenCoX/PTAT were developed to catalyze the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epoxides generating relevant cyclic carbonates including chiral propylene carbonate under extremely mild condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aerosol optical depth (AOD), which represents the optical attenuation, poses a major threat to the production activity, air quality, human health and regional sustainable development of arid and semi-arid areas. To some degree, AOD shows areal air pollution level and possesses obvious spatio-temporal characteristics. However, long-time sequences and detailed AOD information can not be provided due to currently limited monitoring technology. In this paper, a daily AOD product, MODIS-based Multi-angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC), is deployed to analyze the spatio-temporal characteristics in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2019. In addition, the importance of influencing factors for AOD is calculated through Random Forest (RF) Model and the propagation trajectories of pollutants are simulated through Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) Model. Spatio distribution of AOD presents a tendency that AOD value in northern Xinjiang is low while the value in southern Xinjiang is high. Regions with high AOD values are mainly concentrated in Tarim Basin. AOD in southern Xinjiang is the highest, followed by that in eastern Xinjiang and AOD value in northern Xinjiang is the lowest. Seasonal variation of AOD is significant: Spring (0.309) > summer (0.200) > autumn (0.161) > winter (0.158). Average AOD value in Xinjiang is 0.196. AOD appears wavy from 2000 to 2014 with its low inflection point (0.157) appearing in 2005, and then increases, reaching its peak in 2014 (0.223). The obvious downward tendency after 2014 shows that the use of coal to natural gas (NG) conversion project improves the conditions of local environment. According to RF Model, NG contributes most to AOD. HYSPLIT Model reveals that aerosol in southern Xinjiang is related to the short-distant carriage of dust aerosol from the Taklimakan Desert. Aerosol there can affect Inner Mongolia through long-distant transport. Blocked by the Tianshan Mountains, fine dust particles can not cross the Tianshan Mountains to become a factor contributing to AOD in northern Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the second-largest shifting sand desert worldwide, the Taklimakan Desert (TD) represents the typical aeolian landforms in arid regions as an important source of global dust aerosols. It directly affects the ecological environment and human health across East Asia. Thus, establishing a comprehensive environment and climate observation network for field research in the TD region is essential to improve our understanding of the desert meteorology and environment, assess its impact, mitigate potential environmental issues, and promote sustainable development. With a nearly 20-yr effort under the extremely harsh conditions of the TD, the Desert Environment and Climate Observation Network (DECON) has been established completely covering the TD region. The core of DECON is the Tazhong station in the hinterland of the TD. Moreover, the network also includes 4 satellite stations located along the edge of the TD for synergistic observations, and 18 automatic weather stations interspersed between them. Thus, DECON marks a new chapter of environmental and meteorological observation capabilities over the TD, including dust storms, dust emission and transport mechanisms, desert land–atmosphere interactions, desert boundary layer structure, ground calibration for remote sensing monitoring, and desert carbon sinks. In addition, DECON promotes cooperation and communication within the research community in the field of desert environments and climate, which promotes a better understanding of the status and role of desert ecosystems. Finally, DECON is expected to provide the basic support necessary for coordinated environmental and meteorological monitoring and mitigation, joint construction of ecologically friendly communities, and sustainable development of central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first μPADs-based kinetic matching approach for total polyphenol content measurement. • Identical reaction progress achieved on-chip without external facility assistance. • Rapid detection of total polyphenol content of tea within ten minutes. In this work, a facile kinetic matching approach for total polyphenol content (TPC) measurement was developed based on the adoption of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices with symmetric channel distribution. A set of Folin-Ciocalteu reactions performed on the same paper chip were activated all at the same time through synchronized filling of sodium carbonate solution among individual channels. Gallic acid was found valid as a standard compound for kinetic matching measurement of tea samples. TPC of tea infusions was successfully measured within ten minutes without any complexed time control procedure needed. Under the optimized conditions, the new developed method showed good linearity in the TPC range of 10–100 mg/L (r > 0.9955) and the inter-chip precision was 5.6% (n = 11). The results measured with the new developed approach were in good agreement with those with the conventional FC assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The multiple hydroxyl carboxylic acid based ionic liquids (MHCAILs) were easily prepared. • MHCAILs can catalyze the conversion of CO 2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates under metal-free, solvent-free, co-catalyst-free, halogen-free and atmospheric pressure conditions. • The MHCAILs exhibit remarkable thermodynamic and chemical stability, as well as exceptional recyclability. • The MHCAILs showed a good substrate compatibility to various epoxides. Transformation CO 2 to valuable chemical products is a favorable way for reducing CO 2 emissions. However, the developed methodologies usually suffer from harsh reaction conditions. In this work, a series of ionic liquids featuring anions with multiple hydroxyl carboxylic acid moieties (MHCAIL1–5) were facilely synthesized, which exhibiting remarkable catalytic activity in conversion CO 2 and various epoxides to cyclic carbonates without metal, co-catalysts, solvents and halogen under atmospheric pressure. The hydroxyl groups and carboxylate anion in ILs serve as hydrogen bond donors and nucleophiles to activate epoxides, ensuring exceptional conversion. Notably, the catalytic performance of MHCAIL-5 resulted in 99 % conversion of epichlorohydrin and 99 % selectivity of chloropropene carbonate at 80 ℃ within 3 h at atmospheric pressure. Proposed mechanism has been postulated according to NMR, FT-IR and Mass spectrometry results. Furthermore, due to the high thermodynamic and chemical stability of ionic liquids, this catalytic system demonstrated excellent recyclability. A series of ionic liquids featuring anions with multiple hydroxyl carboxylic acid moieties (MHCAILs) were facilely synthesized, which exhibiting remarkable catalytic activity in conversion CO 2 and various epoxides to cyclic carbonate under atmospheric pressure conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]