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Comprehensive Summary: Chiral ruthenium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of tetrapyridine‐type N‐heteroarenes was firstly developed. The partial reduction of adjacent tetraheteroaromatic substrates proceeded smoothly in the presence of phosphine‐free chiral cationic ruthenium diamine complexes, affording unprecedented high reactivity, enantioselecitivity and diastereoselectivity (up to 93% yield, >99% ee and 92 : 8 dr). The potential application of chiral tetradentate pyridine‐amine products as chiral ligands has been demonstrated in the Cu‐catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction between indoles and nitroalkenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and validate an 18F-FDG PET/CT-based clinical-radiological-radiomics nomogram and evaluate its value in the diagnosis of MYCN amplification (MNA) in paediatric neuroblastoma (NB) patients. Methods: A total of 104 patients with NB were retrospectively included. We constructed a nomogram to predict MNA based on radiomics signatures, clinical and radiological features. The multivariable logistic regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used for feature selection. Radiomics models are constructed using decision trees (DT), logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. A clinical-radiological (C-R) model was developed using clinical and radiological features. A clinical-radiological-radiomics (C-R-R) model was developed using the C-R model of the best radiomics model. The prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) in the training and validation cohorts. Results: The present study showed that four radiomics signatures were significantly correlated with MNA. The SVM classifier was the best model of radiomics signature. The C-R-R model has the best discriminant ability to predict MNA, with AUCs of 0.860 (95% CI, 0.757–0.963) and 0.824 (95% CI, 0.657–0.992) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the C-R-R model has the goodness of fit and DCA confirms its clinical utility. Conclusion: Our research provides a non-invasive C-R-R model, which combines the radiomics signatures and clinical and radiological features based on 18F-FDGPET/CT images, shows excellent diagnostic performance in predicting MNA, and can provide useful biological information with stratified therapy. Critical relevance statement: Radiomic signatures of 18F-FDG-based PET/CT can predict MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma. Key points: • Radiomic signatures of 18F-FDG-based PET/CT can predict MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma. • SF, LDH, necrosis and TLG are the independent risk factors of MYCN amplification. • Clinical-radiological-radiomics model improved the predictive performance of MYCN amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humidity visualization is of significant importance across both the living systems and the industrial processes, which remains a huge challenge. Herein, for the first time, a hydrophilic sponge, which is composed of rigid gel and super hygroscopic material, has been demonstrated capable of all‐weather humidity visualization in a portable, convenient, economical, and in situ manner. This promising aspect is attributed to the effective all‐weather humidity capture and various color display as a response to the humidity capture capacity, of the super hygroscopic material; as well as the rapid humidity transport and excellent humidity storage ability provided by the porous rigid gel. As a consequence, combined with a smartphone, the invisible information on the environment's relative humidity levels, on the one hand, can be correlated qualitatively with the specific color display of the sponge; on the other hand, it can be correlated quantitatively with the specific color intensity, providing a pretty good smart model for humidity visualization in various complex environments. The present humidity visualization technology may open up a new avenue for the development of novel humidity sensors with a wide range of practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantioselective hydrogenation of arenols to corresponding chiral cyclic alcohols remains a challenge because of their aromaticity and the difficulty in controlling the regio‐, chemo‐, and stereoselectivity. In this work, the first highly efficient ruthenium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of 9‐phenanthrols has been successfully realized under mild conditions via trapping the unstable keto tautomers. The method provides a facile access to a range of chiral 9,10‐dihydrophenanthren‐9‐ols with up to 98 % yield and >99 % ee. The hydrogenation pathway includes base‐promoted tautomerization of 9‐phenanthrols and Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of the in situ generated unstable keto tautomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantioselective hydrogenation of arenols to corresponding chiral cyclic alcohols remains a challenge because of their aromaticity and the difficulty in controlling the regio‐, chemo‐, and stereoselectivity. In this work, the first highly efficient ruthenium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of 9‐phenanthrols has been successfully realized under mild conditions via trapping the unstable keto tautomers. The method provides a facile access to a range of chiral 9,10‐dihydrophenanthren‐9‐ols with up to 98 % yield and >99 % ee. The hydrogenation pathway includes base‐promoted tautomerization of 9‐phenanthrols and Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of the in situ generated unstable keto tautomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by high comorbidity. Treatment with psychotherapy is highly recommended, however, there exists limited available evidence on the use and the optimal psychotherapeutic outcome is debatable. We performed a systematic search on several bibliographic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of psychotherapy treatment in TS patients, from inception to August 1st, 2020, and without language restrictions. Outcome measures were measured by the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) to determine the efficacy of psychotherapy. Data were pooled as Standard mean difference (SMD) in the Bayesian analysis of the random effect model. A total of 17 RCTs with 9 treatments and 1042 participants were included from an initial 4901 records. The primary outcome including, Comprehensive behavioral intervention (CBIT) [SMD = −1.43, 95%Credible interval (CrI): −2.39, −0.44], Exposure with response prevention (ERP) [SMD = −1.37, 95%CrI: −2.62, −0.13], Habit reversal therapy (HRT) [SMD = −0.93, 95%CrI: 1.83, −0.05], and Behavior therapy (BT) [SMD = −0.85, 95%CrI: 1.51, −0.18], were found to be significantly lower in the TS group compared with the control group (including wait-list, treatment-as-usual or other named control group). Based on the Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), CBIT (SUCRA value = 86.97%, 95%CrI: 44%, 100%) was found to be a suitable psychotherapeutic treatment for TS patients. High-quality RCTs on psychotherapy are needed to perform for establishing the foundation of the generation of evidence-based guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DNA is a highly programmable material that can be configured into unique high‐order structures, such as DNA branched junctions containing multiple helical arms converging at a center. Herein we show that DNA programmability can deliver in situ growth of a 3‐way junction‐based DNA structure (denoted Y‐shaped DNA) with the use of three hairpin‐shaped DNA molecules as precursors, a specific microRNA target as a recyclable trigger, and a DNA polymerase as a driver. We demonstrate that the Y‐shaped configuration comes with the benefit of restricted freedom of movement in confined cellular environment, which makes the approach ideally suited for in situ imaging of small RNA targets, such as microRNAs. Comparative analysis illustrates that the proposed imaging technique is superior to both the classic fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method and an analogous amplified imaging method via programmed growth of a double‐stranded DNA (rather than Y‐shaped DNA) product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DNA is a highly programmable material that can be configured into unique high‐order structures, such as DNA branched junctions containing multiple helical arms converging at a center. Herein we show that DNA programmability can deliver in situ growth of a 3‐way junction‐based DNA structure (denoted Y‐shaped DNA) with the use of three hairpin‐shaped DNA molecules as precursors, a specific microRNA target as a recyclable trigger, and a DNA polymerase as a driver. We demonstrate that the Y‐shaped configuration comes with the benefit of restricted freedom of movement in confined cellular environment, which makes the approach ideally suited for in situ imaging of small RNA targets, such as microRNAs. Comparative analysis illustrates that the proposed imaging technique is superior to both the classic fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method and an analogous amplified imaging method via programmed growth of a double‐stranded DNA (rather than Y‐shaped DNA) product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a high-throughput headspace gas chromatographic method (HS-GC) for the determination of nitrite content in water sample, based on GC measurement of cyclohexene produced from the reaction between nitrite and cyclamate in a closed vial. The method has a relative standard deviation of <3.5%; The differences between the results of the nitrite measurements obtained by this method and those of a reference method were less than 5.8% and the recoveries of the method were in the range of 94.8–102% (for a spiked nitrite content range from 0.002 to 0.03 mg/L). The limit of detection of the method was 0.46 μg L −1 . Due to an overlapping mode in the headspace auto-sampler system, the method can provide an automated and high-throughput nitrite analysis for the surface water samples. In short, the present HS-GC method is simple, accurate, and sensitive, and it is very suitable to be used in the batch sample testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new method for the determination of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactants in water at elevated temperatures using headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC). A volatile compound (e.g., toluene) was spiked into the studied solution. At a given temperature, the concentration of volatile species in the vapor phase (measured by HS-GC) is proportional to the surfactant concentration in the liquid phase in a closed vial. This tendency will change after the solution is saturated with surfactant. By plotting the GC signal of the vapor species vs the concentration of the surfactant concentration in the solution, a breakpoint, i.e., corresponding to the CMC of the surfactant. The present method has good precision (RSD < 10%) and good accuracy. It is also very simple and can be used as an automated method for determining the critical micelle concentration of surfactants at the temperature of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a new method for the determination of swelling capacity of superabsorbent polymers by a volatile tracer-assisted headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC). Toluene was used as a tracer and added to the solution for polymers swelling test. Based on the differences of the tracer partitioned between the vapor and hydrogel phase before and after the polymer’s swelling capacity, a transition point (corresponding to the material swelling capacity) can be observed when plotting the GC signal of toluene vs. the ratio of solution added to polymers. The present method has good precision (RSD < 2.1%) and good accuracy, in which the relative deference between the data measured by the HS-GC method and the reference method were within 8.0%. The present method is very suitable to be used for testing the swelling capacity of polymers at the elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on a method for the accurate determination of kinetic swelling behavior and properties of superabsorbent polymers by a tracer-assisted on-line spectroscopic measurement. Based on monitoring the spectral absorption of a tracer compound (blue dextran 2000) at 610 nm in a superabsorbent polymer containing solution, the swelling (water absorption) of the polymer during the process can be followed, from which the parameters in a kinetic equation can be obtained. The results showed that the data obtained by the present method has a good measurement precision and accuracy, in which the relative differences were less than 4.0% when comparing the data measured by a reference method (i.e., the tea bag method). Since the present method can perform an on-line measurement, it is much superior to the current tea bag method and therefore is very suitable to be used in the process related study for the swelling behavior of superabsorbent polymers in many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on a method for the determination of residual acrylic acid (AA) in the superabsorbent polymers for hygiene products by headspace analysis. It was based on water extraction for the polymer sample at a room temperature for 50 min. Then, the AA in the extractant reacted with bicarbonate solution in a closed headspace sample vial, from which the carbon dioxide generated from the reaction (within 20 min at 70 °C) was detected by gas chromatography (GC). It was found that there is adsorption partition equilibrium of AA between solid-liquid phases. Therefore, an equation for calculating the total AA content in the original polymers sample was derived based on the above phase equilibrium. The results show that the HS-GC method has good precision (RSD < 2.51%) and good accuracy (recoveries from 93 to 105%); the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 373 mg/kg. The present method is rapid, accurate, and suitable for determining total residual acrylic acid in a wide variety of applications from processing of superabsorbent polymer to commercial products quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel covalently-linked organic-polyoxometalate (POM) hybrid compound [NBu 4 ] 6 [α 2 -P 2 W 17 O 61 {P(O)Porp} 2 ] ( DM ) (Porp = Zn(II)-5-(4-phenyl),10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin) was prepared by treating Dawson-type K 10 [α 2 -P 2 W 17 O 61 ] ( D ) with Zn(II)-5-[4-(dihydroxyphosphoryl)phenyl],10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin ( M ), and characterized by NMR, IR, UV–vis, fluorescence spectra and cyclic voltammetry. The study on photophysical properties displayed that there is a strong delocalisation and charge transfer between D and the grafted zinc porphyrin segments in the hybrid compound DM . The redox potential of the polyanion can be tuned by the grafting zinc porphyrin segments on it. The DM displayed interesting electrical conductivity behavior and photovoltage response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on a method for the accurate determination of fiber water-retaining capability at process conditions by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) method. The method was based the HS-GC measurement of water vapor on a set closed vials containing in a given amount pulp with different amounts of water addition, from under-saturation to over-saturation. By plotting the equilibrated water vapor signal vs. the amount of water added in pulp, two different trend lines can be observed, in which the transition of the lines corresponds to fiber water-retaining capability. The results showed that the HS-GC method has good measurement precision (much better than the reference method) and good accuracy. The present method can be also used for determining pulp fiber water-retaining capability at the process temperatures in both laboratory research and mill applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a new headspace gas chromatographic method (HS–GC) for the determination of water solubility of low volatility liquid organic compounds (LVLOs). The HS–GC analysis was performed on a set of aqueous solutions containing a range of concentrations of toluene-spiked (as a tracer) LVLOs, from under-saturation to over-saturation. A plot of the toluene tracer GC signal vs. the concentration of the LVLO results in two lines of different slopes that intersect at the concentration corresponding to the compound's solubility in water. The results showed that the HS–GC method has good precision (RSD <6.3%) and good accuracy, in which the relative deference between the data measured by the HS–GC method and the reference method were within 6.0%. The HS–GC method is simple and particularly suitable for measuring the solubility of LVLOs at elevated temperatures. This approach should be of special interest to those concerned about the impact of the presence of low-volatility organic liquids in waters of environmental and biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEO), surfactants used in the production of textiles, have the potential to move from the fabric to the skin of the person wearing the clothes, posing an inherent risk of adverse health consequences. Therefore, the textile industry needs a fast, robust method for determining aqueous extractable APEO in fabrics. The currently-favored HPLC methods are limited by the presence of a mixture of analytes (due to the molecular weight distribution) and a lack of analytical standards for quantifying results. As a result, it has not been possible to reach consensus on a standard method for the determination of APEO in textiles. This paper addresses these limitations through the use of reaction-based head space-gas chromatography (HS-GC). Specifically, water is used to simulate body sweat and extract APEO. HI is then used to react the ethoxylate chains to depolymerize the chains into iodoethane that is quantified through HS-GC, providing an estimate of the average amount of APEO in the clothing. Data are presented to justify the optimal operating conditions; i.e., water extraction at 60 °C for 1 h and reaction with a specified amount of HI in the headspace vial at 135 °C for 4 h. The results show that the HS-GC method has good precision (RSD < 10%) and good accuracy (recoveries from 95 to 106%) for the quantification of APEO content in textile and related materials. As such, the method should be a strong candidate to become a standard method for such determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEO), surfactants used in the production of textiles, have the potential to move from the fabric to the skin of the person wearing the clothes, posing an inherent risk of adverse health consequences. Therefore, the textile industry needs a fast, robust method for determining aqueous extractable APEO in fabrics. The currently-favored HPLC methods are limited by the presence of a mixture of analytes (due to the molecular weight distribution) and a lack of analytical standards for quantifying results. As a result, it has not been possible to reach consensus on a standard method for the determination of APEO in textiles. This paper addresses these limitations through the use of reaction-based head space-gas chromatography (HS-GC). Specifically, water is used to simulate body sweat and extract APEO. HI is then used to react the ethoxylate chains to depolymerize the chains into iodoethane that is quantified through HS-GC, providing an estimate of the average amount of APEO in the clothing. Data are presented to justify the optimal operating conditions; i.e., water extraction at 60 °C for 1 h and reaction with a specified amount of HI in the headspace vial at 135 °C for 4 h. The results show that the HS-GC method has good precision (RSD < 10%) and good accuracy (recoveries from 95 to 106%) for the quantification of APEO content in textile and related materials. As such, the method should be a strong candidate to become a standard method for such determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of organometallic/inorganic hybrid Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films, consisting of rigid-rod alkynylplatinum(II)-zinc(II) porphyrinate complex (OMA) as the π-conjugated donor-acceptor-type molecule, molybdophosphoric heteropolyacid and heteropolyacid salt (POM = HPMoO, NaIMoO, abbreviated as HPMo and NaIMo, respectively) of the Keggin and Anderson structures as the inorganic composite, were prepared and characterized by π-A isotherms, UV-vis absorption and luminescence spectra, scanning tunneling microscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy. Our experimental results indicate that stable, well-defined and well-organized Langmuir and LB films have been formed in pure water and POM subphase. Luminescence spectra of these hybrid LB films show that HPMo can increase the emission intensity of OMA to some extent. These LB composites show good photovoltage responses and a photovoltage of 11.1 μV can be obtained for the OMA/HPMo system when it is excited by light. The 3-layer LB films on ITO wafer can also display intriguing electrical conductivity behavior and the tunneling current amounts to ±100 nA when the voltage is set at −0.7-2.5 and −1.3-0.8 V for OMA/HPMo and OMA/NaIMo hybrid LB films, respectively. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are a sensitive quantitative measure of conduction in somatosensory pathways of the central nervous system and are increasingly used in both clinical trials and animal experiments. SSEPs can be recorded in non-sedated rodents by magnetic stimulation (MS) of peripheral nerves. To overcome some disadvantages caused by using anesthesia and implanted recording electrodes, we used subdermal needle electrodes located on the midline of the skull to successfully record SSEPs in non-sedated rats, elicited by stimulating the tibial nerve with a magnetic stimulator. The wave form contains a typical P1 peak and N1 peak. Although there is a variation of P1 latency, N1 latency, and P1–N1 amplitude between right side and left side, it was not statistically significant. In addition, there is a significantly positive relationship between P1–N1 amplitude and MS strength, suggesting that the increase in magnetic stimulating strength resulted in the increase in P1–N1 amplitude. Results in the present study demonstrate that our modified method is a reliable and feasible paradigm for recording SSEPs in non-sedated rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To date, few treatment strategies applying cellular transplantation to the chronically injured spinal cord have yielded significant functional improvement in animal experiments. Here we report that significant improvement of locomotor function was achieved in rats with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) by the application of combination treatments with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES), which can activate the central pattern generator, inducing active weight-supported stepping. Contusion injury (25mm) to spinal cord T10 was produced by using the NYU impactor device in female, adult Long–Evans rats. Rats in 2 of 4 groups with SCI received basic treatments (scar ablation followed by transplantation of lamina propria of olfactory mucosa and cultured olfactory ensheathing cells into the lesion cavity) 6weeks after SCI. Rats both with and without basic treatments were subjected to TANES one week after secondary surgery or 7weeks after SCI. Sixteen weeks after secondary surgery or 22weeks after SCI rats in two groups receiving TANES significantly improved their functional recovery compared with those without TANES, when evaluated with BBB open field rating scale (p <0.01). Among them, however, rats with basic treatments performed better than those without basic treatments. TANES may contribute to the activity-dependent plasticity below the injury level, which is critical for functional recovery. Additionally, TANES may promote axonal regeneration, including those from supraspinal level. Since TANES demonstrated considerable potential for achieving improvement of functional recovery in rat model, it would suggest a new strategy for chronic SCI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have successfully removed an existing glial scar in chronically contused rat spinal cord using a rose Bengal-based phototoxic method. The purpose of this study is to examine if scar ablation benefits the anatomical recovery by cell/tissue transplantation, and thus provides a more permissive physical and biochemical environment for axonal growth, which may lead to functional recovery. Immediately after scar ablation, we transplanted lamina propria (LP) of the olfactory mucosa alone or in combination with cultured olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) into the lesion cavity 6weeks after contusion injury (NYU impactor device, 25mm height setting) at spinal cord segment T10 of adult female Long–Evans rats. Sixteen weeks after scar ablation and transplantation, we found that the initial repaired tissue significantly expanded, companied by remarkable reduction or disappearance of the lesion cavity and integration of repaired tissue with the spared tissue, thus resulting in histological repair of damaged cord tissue at the injury epicenter. Glial scar reformation was effectively prevented after ablation due to the tissue repair. In addition, at the injury epicenter P0 (myelin glycoprotein P-zero)-positive myelination formed by Schwann cells, which are known to myelinate regenerating and demyelinated axons, were significantly increased in number compared with the control animals. However, when evaluated with BBB open-field scale a significant improvement of locomotor function was not observed in this study; the possible reasons were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Intrathecal infusion has been widely used to directly deliver drugs or neurotrophins to a lesion site following spinal cord injury. Evidence shows that intrathecal infusion is efficient for 7 days but is markedly reduced after 14 days, due to time dependent occlusion. In addition, extensive fibrotic scarring is commonly observed with intrathecal infusion. These anomalies need to be clearly elucidated in histology. In the present study, all adult Long-Evans rats received a 25mm contusion injury on spinal cord T10 produced using the NYU impactor device. Immediately after injury, catheter tubing with an outer diameter of 0.38mm was inserted through a small dural opening at L3 into the subdural space with the tubing tip positioned near the injury site. The tubing was connected to an Alzet mini pump, which was filled with saline solution and was placed subcutaneously. Injured rats without tubing served as control. Rats were behaviorally tested for 6 weeks using the BBB locomotor rating scale and histologically assessed for tissue scarring. Six weeks later, we found that the intrathecal tubing caused extensive scarring and inflammation, related to neutrophils, macrophages and plasma cells. The tubing''s tip was occluded by scar tissue and inflammatory cells. The scar tissue surrounding the tubing consists of 20–70 layers of fibroblasts and densely compacted collagen fibers, seriously compressing and damaging the cord tissue. BBB scores of rats with intrathecal tubing were significantly lower than control rats (p <0.01) from 2 weeks after injury, implying serious impairment of functional recovery caused by the scarring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Walking or stepping has been considered the result from the activation of the central pattern generator (CPG). In most patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) the CPG is undamaged. To date, there are no noninvasive approaches for activating the CPG. Recently we developed a noninvasive technique, tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES), which can induce positive hind limb movement of SCI rats. The purpose of this study is to introduce the novel technique and examine the effect of TANES on CPG activation. A 25mm contusion injury was produced at spinal cord T10 of female, adult Long-Evans rats by using the NYU impactor device. Rats received TANES (∼40mA at 4kHz) 7 weeks after injury. During TANES all injured rats demonstrated active body weight-supported stepping of hind limbs with left–right alternation and occasional front–hind coordination, resulting in significant, temporary increase in BBB scores (p <0.01). However, there is no response to TANES from rats with L2 transection, consistent with other reports that the CPG may be located at L1–2. S1 transection negatively implies the key role of TANES in CPG activation. The TANES not only renders paralyzed rats with a technique-induced ability to walk via activating CPG, but also is likely to be used for locomotor training. It has more beneficial effects for physical training over other training paradigms including treadmill training and invasive functional electrical stimulation. Therefore the TANES may have considerable potential for achieving improvement of functional recovery in animal models and a similar method may be suggested for human study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Statins elicit numerous favorable effects on central nervous system (CNS) injury, including inhibition of the rhoA/ROCK pathway. In the present study, we show that statins decrease acute astrocyte activation in CNS injury, and decrease chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) levels in astrocyte cultures as well as CNS injury. CSPG levels decreased by up to 45% in simvastatin-treated astrocyte cultures compared to control cultures. In simvastatin-treated animals, CSPG levels declined by 60% 8 days after brain stab injury, and by 62–64% 4 weeks after spinal cord injury (SCI). Glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) levels decreased in brain stab at 8 days after surgery/intervention, suggesting that statins produce a decrease in astrocyte activation. Attenuation of astrocyte activation may contribute to the decline in CSPG levels. However, there are likely other contributing factors, since GFAP levels were not a contributing factor in the decline of CSPG levels in astrocyte cultures. Robust locomotor improvements were not observed with any treatment. The numerous beneficial effects of statins on CNS injury render them an attractive candidate in the treatment of CNS injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extensive dendritic beading of MAP2 (microtubule-associated protein 2) immunoreactivity has previously been observed in the contused rat spinal cord. However, we have also observed dendritic beading in occasional uninjured animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility that perfusion conditions contributed to the dendritic beading. Under deep anesthesia, uninjured rats (adult female Long-Evans, 200–225g) were transcardially perfused with 0.9% saline solution followed by 4% paraformaldehyde at cold (4°C) or warm (20°C) temperature, and at a low (20ml/min) or high (50ml/min) flow rate. Dendrites were visualized by MAP2 immunoreactivity. The results demonstrate that perfusion with cold solutions at a high flow rate induces pronounced dendritic beading, and when perfused at a low flow rate, results in moderate dendritic beading. Warm perfusates did not induce dendritic beading when administered at a low flow rate, but occasional beading was observed with a high flow rate. Western blots revealed spectrin breakdown, but not MAP2 loss, in rats perfused with cold saline solution at a high flow rate, conditions that also resulted in dendritic beading. These findings demonstrate that dendritic morphology is sensitive to both temperature and flow rate of the perfusate. Warm fixative and a low perfusion flow rate minimized the perfusion-induced dendritic beading. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of artificial receptors that combine ultrahigh‐affinity binding and controllable release for active guests holds significant importance in biomedical applications. On one hand, a complex with an exceedingly high binding affinity can resist unwanted dissociation induced by dilution effect and complex interferents within physiological environments. On the other hand, stimulus‐responsive release of the guest is essential for precisely activating its function. In this context, we expanded hydrophobic cavity surface of a hypoxia‐responsive azocalix[4]arene, affording Naph‐SAC4A. This modification significantly enhanced its aqueous binding affinity to 1013 M−1, akin to the naturally occurring strongest recognition pair, biotin/(strept−)avidin. Consequently, Naph‐SAC4A emerges as the first artificial receptor to simultaneously integrate ultrahigh recognition affinity and actively controllable release. The markedly enhanced affinity not only improved Naph‐SAC4A′s sensitivity in detecting rocuronium bromide in serum, but also refined the precision of hypoxia‐responsive doxorubicin delivery at the cellular level, demonstrating its immense potential for diverse practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of artificial receptors that combine ultrahigh‐affinity binding and controllable release for active guests holds significant importance in biomedical applications. On one hand, a complex with an exceedingly high binding affinity can resist unwanted dissociation induced by dilution effect and complex interferents within physiological environments. On the other hand, stimulus‐responsive release of the guest is essential for precisely activating its function. In this context, we expanded hydrophobic cavity surface of a hypoxia‐responsive azocalix[4]arene, affording Naph‐SAC4A. This modification significantly enhanced its aqueous binding affinity to 1013 M−1, akin to the naturally occurring strongest recognition pair, biotin/(strept−)avidin. Consequently, Naph‐SAC4A emerges as the first artificial receptor to simultaneously integrate ultrahigh recognition affinity and actively controllable release. The markedly enhanced affinity not only improved Naph‐SAC4A′s sensitivity in detecting rocuronium bromide in serum, but also refined the precision of hypoxia‐responsive doxorubicin delivery at the cellular level, demonstrating its immense potential for diverse practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Schwann cells (SCs) have been shown to be a key element in promoting axonal regeneration after being grafted into the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, SC-supported axonal regrowth was tested in an adult rat spinal cord implantation model. This model is characterized by a right spinal cord hemisection at the eighth thoracic segment, implantation of a SC-containing mini-channel and restoration of cerebrospinal fluid circulation by suturing the dura. We demonstrate that a tissue cable containing grafted SCs formed an effective bridge between the two stumps of the hemicord 1 month after transplantation. Approximately 10 000 myelinated and unmyelinated axons (1 : 9) per cable were found at its midpoint. In addition to propriospinal axons and axons of peripheral nervous system (PNS) origin, axons from as many as 19 brainstem regions also grew into the graft without additional treatments. Most significantly, some regenerating axons in the SC grafts were able to penetrate through the distal graft–host interface to re-enter the host environment, as demonstrated by anterograde axonal labelling. These axons coursed toward, and then entered the grey matter where terminal bouton-like structures were observed. In channels containing no SCs, limited axonal growth was seen within the graft and no axons penetrated the distal interface. These findings further support the notion that SCs are strong promotors of axonal regeneration and that the mini-channel model may be appropriate for further investigation of axonal re-entry, synaptic reconnection and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron(II)-triazole coordination polymers have attracted considerable interest for their synthetic versatility, which allows tuning their spin-crossover (SCO) properties. Embedding SCO solid particles in sponge matrices is a simple, powerful, and generic approach to construct processable SCO materials. Here, we have studied a series of magnetic frameworks based on partial ligand substitution by using different chemical mixtures of two organic ligands, yielding four isostructural coordination polymers. The integration of the hygroscopic SCO material has endowed the composite sponge with the ability to capture moisture under ambient conditions. In particular, not only does a spin-crossover transition during absorption occur, but also a color variation has been achieved by varying humidity. The consequences of cooperativity and the exposed surface of the composite sponge on the spin transition were evaluated and the most promising materials among them were screened. This work provides guiding significance for the fabrication and practical application of spin-crossover-sponge materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Determination of dissolved oxygen (DO) in aqueous sample by headspace GC method. • Effectively minimize the effects from the co-existing interference species. • The present method is efficient when used in batch sample testing. This paper reports on a headspace gas chromatographic method (HS-GC) for the accurate determination of dissolved oxygen (DO) in domestic and industrial wastewater. It was based on GC measurement of oxygen in the headspace gas that is released from the dissolved oxygen in a liquid sample in a closed vial. The results show that the relative standard deviation of the method in quintuplicate testing was < 2.0% and the relative differences of results were less than 4.0% for the real river water samples when compared with the widely used reference method (the electrode method); The linear range of the method is about 0–9.0 mg/L with the limit of detection of 0.30 mg/L. The present method is simple in both sample preparation and method calibration. It is particularly efficient in the batch testing mode. Overall, the method is more reliable than the current reference method when used with samples from a wide range of sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 capture and storage have been regarded as promising concepts to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions. However, the high cost, inferior adsorption capacity, and higher effective activation temperature of traditional sorbents limit their practical application in efficient CO2 capture. Here, a C‐S‐H@ZIF‐8 (C‐S‐Z) sorbent is fabricated by in situ growth of the ZIF‐8 shell on the C‐S‐H (calcium‐silicate‐hydrate) surface for ultra‐high CO2 adsorption and storage. Among the C‐S‐Z, the outer ZIF‐8 shell acts as a transport channel that promotes CO2 absorption toward the underlying C‐S‐H substrate for accelerated carbonation while preventing nitrogen and water from reaching the interior C‐S‐H. As a consequence, C‐S‐Z possesses the merits of ample pyrrolic nitrogen, porous structure, and ultra‐high surface area (577.18 m2 g−1), that contribute to an ultra‐high CO2 capture capacity, reaching 293.6 mg g−1. DFT calculations show a high CO2 adsorption energy and the mineral carbonation is dominant by the adsorption process. In particular, the advantages of the outstanding adsorption capacity, low cost, and high CO2 selectivity make this C‐S‐H‐based sorbent hold great potential in the practical application for direct air CO2 capture and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical microcavities with high quality factors can significantly enhance the intracavity power density and have become a superior platform for studying quantum electrodynamics, nonlinearities, and sensing. Minimized and compact on-chip devices require the integration of microcavities with versatile functions that can be implemented by techniques compatible with semiconductor industries. However, the silicon dry etch technique commonly used to shape silicon wafers limits the massive production of microcavities. Here, an all-wet etching technique is proposed to fabricate on-chip microcavities with the aid of photolithography. On-chip silica microdisks with quality factors of ∼ 10 5 are demonstrated, and optical modes with quality factors up to 106 are also observed. The proposed technique opens an avenue for economical, easy handling, and scalable production of on-chip microcavities using foundry-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating plant development and stress responses. However, the functions and mechanism of intronic miRNAs in plants are poorly understood.This study reports a stress‐responsive RNA splicing mechanism for intronic miR400 production, whereby miR400 modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and improves plant tolerance by downregulating its target expression.To monitor the intron splicing events, we used an intronic miR400 splicing‐dependent luciferase transgenic line. Luciferase activity was observed to decrease after high cadmium concentration treatment due to the retention of the miR400‐containing intron, which inhibited the production of mature miR400. Furthermore, we demonstrated that under Cd treatments, Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein 1 (PPR1), the target of miR400, acts as a positive regulator by inducing ROS accumulation. Ppr1 mutation affected the Complex III activity in the electron transport chain and RNA editing of the mitochondrial gene ccmB.This study illustrates intron splicing as a key step in intronic miR400 production and highlights the function of intronic miRNAs as a 'signal transducer' in enhancing plant stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for disorders of consciousness (DoC) has been increasingly reported. However, there is no sufficient evidence to determine how effective and safe SCS and DBS are for DoC owing to various methodological limitations. We conducted a systematic review to elucidate the safety and efficacy of SCS and DBS for DoC by systematically reviewing related literature by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Twenty eligible studies with 608 patients were included in this study. Ten studies with 508 patients reported the efficacy of SCS for DoC, and the estimated overall effectiveness rate was 37%. Five studies with 343 patients reported the efficacy of SCS for VS, and the estimated effectiveness rate was 30%. Three studies with 53 patients reported the efficacy of SCS for MCS, and the estimated effectiveness rate was 63%. Five studies with 92 patients reported the efficacy of DBS for DoC, and the estimated overall effectiveness rate was 40%. Four studies with 63 patients reported the efficacy of DBS for VS, and the estimated effectiveness rate was 26%. Three studies with 19 patients reported the efficacy of DBS for MCS, and the estimated effectiveness rate was 74%. The adverse event rate of DoC was 8.1% and 18.2% after SCS and DBS, respectively. These results suggest that SCS and DBS can be considered reasonable treatments for DoC with considerable efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing versatile printing inks with good biocompatibility is essential for the fabrication of functional colored contact lenses. In this work, by employing a new kind of printing ink that shows humidity-induced discoloration, multifunctional colored contact lenses have been constructed. The obtained products have displayed distinct and stable all-weather humidity-triggered discoloration under ambient conditions. More importantly, combined with a smartphone, the quantitative and qualitative relationship between the discoloration of colored contact lenses and environmental humidity has been established, which is expected to realize the early prediction of humidity-related eye diseases in a portable, economical, and in-situ manner. • A new kind of printing ink that shows humidity-induced discoloration has been prepared. • The colored contact lens with all-weather humidity-triggered discoloration has been constructed. • The quantitative and qualitative relationship between the discoloration of colored contact lenses and environmental humidity has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent obesity has been reported to have deleterious consequences but is considered a promising modifiable risk factor. We aimed to investigate the optimal intervention for obese and overweight children and adolescents.Methods: We searched the Medline (PubMed, 1946-December 2020), PsycINFO (Ovid, 1927-December 2020), Cochrane library (1966-December 2020), Web of Science (1900-December 2020), Embase (1974-December 2020), CINAHL (1937-December 2020), Chinese Biomedical Literature (1978-December 2020), and ClinicalTrials.gov (December 2020) databases. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the association between various interventions and obese/overweight children and adolescents. The quality of the included studies was judged by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the comparative effectiveness of interventions based on several outcomes.Results: We included 118 RCTs comprising 71,064 participants in our analyses. Based on the outcome of the body mass index (BMI), face-to-face physical activity (FTF PA) combined with dietary intervention (DI) (mean difference [MD] = - 0.98; 95% credible interval [CrI] - 1.19, - 0.77), FTF multi-lifestyle intervention (MLI) (MD = - 0.95; 95% CrI - 1.14, - 0.75), and mobile health (MH)-delivered MLI (MD = - 0.87; 95% CrI - 1.63, - 0.09) showed significant benefits over the named control group (NCG). For the outcome of BMI z-score, FTF PA+DI (MD = - 0.10; 95% CrI - 0.15, - 0.04) and MH-delivered PA+DI (MD = - 0.09; 95% CrI - 0.14, - 0.04) were more effective than the NCG. Sensitivity analyses revealed similar findings after exclusion of studies with < 12-month and 24-month outcome assessments for the intervention, which indicated the results were stable.Conclusions: Based on limited quality evidence and limited direct evidence, our preliminary findings showed that FTF-PA+DI, FTF-MLI, and MH-delivered MLI improved the health-related parameters in obese adolescents, in comparison with NCG. Owing to the absence of strong, direct evidence of a significant difference between the various interventions for the four outcomes, we can only cautiously suggest that FTF-PA+DI is likely the most effective intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin-crossover (SCO) can be triggered by light or pressure changes, making it a promising system for multifunctional switches and memory devices at the molecular level. In this work, we have reported a NIR-responsive spin state switching system via doping layered Co(pyridine) 2 Ni(CN) 4 (Co-MOF) into the stable polyvinylidene fluoride matrix for the first time. The layered Co-MOF has shown a rapid response of color change between gray-white and blue, which could be attributed to the SCO behavior triggered by NIR illumination. The new system ensures the soft network structures of the matrix to facilitate the homogeneous distribution of layered Co-MOF, both of which contribute to outstanding reversibility performance, including fast response, coloration in a short period, and decoloration in the ambient environment. This work provides a viable strategy to construct a new NIR-triggered SCO system for molecular switches and spintronic devices. • A NIR-responsive spin state switching system was successfully constructed. • A rapid response of color change between gray-white and blue has been triggered by NIR illumination. • Outstanding reversibility and stability performance has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hollow nanospheres of cubic HgS were fabricated via a simple solution approach. The composite, polymorph, and morphology of as-prepared HgS sample were characterized using XPS, XRD, and TEM. TEM analysis revealed that the hollow nanospheres were relatively uniform, with external diameters of ca. 160–400 nm. TEM analysis at relatively higher resolution revealed that the hollow spheres consisted of small nanoparticles. Based on the experimental results, possible formation mechanism was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present work reports on the development of a pressure-affected based headspace (HS) analytical technique for the determination of calcium carbonate content in paper samples. By the acidification, the carbonate in the sample was converted to CO 2 and released into the headspace of a closed vial and then measured by gas chromatography (GC). When the amount of carbonate in the sample is significant, the pressure created by the CO 2 affects the accuracy of the method. However, the pressure also causes a change in the O 2 signal in the HS-GC measurement, which is a change that can be used as an indirect measure of the carbonate in the sample. The results show that the present method has a good precision (the relative standard deviation < 2.32%), and good accuracy (the relative differences compared to a reference method was < 5.76%). Coupled with the fact that the method is simple, rapid, and accurate, it is suitable for a variety of applications that call for the analysis of high carbonate content in paper samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is a Chinese mega-science project to build the largest single dish radio telescope in the world. A unique karst depression in Guizhou Province has been selected as the site to build an active reflector radio telescope with a diameter of 500 m and to realize the large sky coverage and high precision astronomical observations. Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guizhou Province are in charge of the FAST construction. The first light of the telescope was realized on September 25, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in death of spinal neurons and atrophy of muscles which they govern. Thus, following SCI, reorganizing the lumbar spinal sensorimotor pathways is crucial to alleviate muscle atrophy. Tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES) has been shown to activate the central pattern generator (CPG) and improve the locomotion recovery of spinal contused rats. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional Chinese medical practice which has been proven to have a neural protective effect. Here, we examined the effects of TANES and EA on lumbar motor neurons and hindlimb muscle in spinal transected rats, respectively. From the third day postsurgery, rats in the TANES group were treated 5 times a week and those in the EA group were treated once every other day. Four weeks later, both TANES and EA showed a significant impact in promoting survival of lumbar motor neurons and expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and ameliorating atrophy of hindlimb muscle after SCI. Meanwhile, the expression of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in the same spinal cord segment was significantly increased. These findings suggest that TANES and EA can augment the expression of NT-3 in the lumbar spinal cord that appears to protect the motor neurons as well as alleviate muscle atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a promising cell candidate have received the most attention in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, due to the low survival rate and low neural differentiation rate, the grafted MSCs do not perform well as one would have expected. In the present study, we tested a combinational therapy to improve on this situation. MSCs were loaded into three-dimensional gelatin sponge (GS) scaffold. After 7 days of induction with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and retinoic acid (RA) in vitro, we observed a significant increase in TrkC mRNA transcription by Real-time PCR and this was confirmed by in situ hybridization. The expression of TrkC was also confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Differentiation potential of MSCs in vitro into neuron-like cells or oligodendrocyte-like cells was further demonstrated by using immunofluorescence staining. The pre-induced MSCs seeding in GS scaffolds were then grafted into the transected rat spinal cord. One day after grafting, Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture (GV-EA) treatment was applied to rats in the NR-MSCs + EA group. At 30 days after GV-EA treatment, it found that the grafted MSCs have better survival rate and neuron-like cell differentiation compared with those without GV-EA treatment. The sustained TrkC expression in the grafted MSCs as well as increased NT-3 content in the injury/graft site by GV-EA suggests that NT-3/TrkC signaling pathway may be involved in the promoting effect. This study demonstrates that GV-EA and pre-induction with NT-3 and RA together may promote the survival and differentiation of grafted MSCs in GS scaffold in rat SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An organometallic/inorganic composite Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film was prepared using a rigid-rod zinc(II) porphyrin platinum(II) complex coordinated with trans-bis(ethynylbenzene) (ZnPPt) as the π-conjugated organometallic molecule, and a europium-substituted polyoxometalate (POM), Na9EuW10O36 (EuW10) as the inorganic component. The structure and photophysical properties of the LB film was characterized by π–A isotherms, UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra, atomic force microscopy imaging and scanning tunneling microscopy. The results indicate that stable, well-defined Langmuir and LB films were formed using pure water and POM as subphases. Luminescence spectra of the hybrid LB film showed that the emission spectra were obtained due to the dual-emissive nature of the mixed ZnPPt/EuW10 blends, and EuW10 was able to enhance the emission of ZnPPt. The ZnPPt-based LB film displayed an interesting electrical conductivity behavior. The 3-layer film formed by ZnPPt/EuW10 complex had a strong electrical response, giving rise to a tunneling current up to ±100nA when the voltage was monitored at −1.4–3.1V. When it was excited by light, the LB composite film generated a photovoltage of 24μV, indicating that the hybrid film had a strong photovoltage response as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The resistance of IR-PAC to sulfate attack is better than that of OPC and SAC. • Appropriate MAs replacement can improve the flexural strength of IR-PAC blends. • IR-PAC with appropriate MAs replacement has excellent resistance to sulfate attack. • Higher LP and GP replacements degrade sulfate resistance of IR-PAC blends. Phosphoaluminate cement (PAC) has excellent resistance to sulfate attack due to its unique hydration product and dense hardened matrix. Mineral admixtures (MAs) are also known to enhance the performance of conventional cementitious systems. Thus, in this study, the effects of three kinds of admixtures (limestone powder, fly ash and gypsum) on the performance of iron rich-phosphoaluminate cement (IR-PAC) against sulfate attack were analysed using XRD, MIP, DSC and MTS to examine any synergistic effects resulting from their combination. The results indicated that excessive limestone powder incorporation (more than 9%) was detrimental to the IR-PAC performance. The addition of fly ash resulted in fluctuation of the flexural strength of the mortar due to the reduction in cement content and the micro-aggregate action of fly ash particles. The resistance coefficient of the IR-PAC mortars (against sulfate attack) with fly ash replacement of 9% (by weight) at 90 d could reach 1.13–1.16, and at a 12% replacement, the value could even reach 1.12. The addition of gypsum could transform etched components in IR-PAC mortar into ettringite in the early stage of cement hydration. As a result, the IR-PAC could maintain the stability of its own components under external sulfate erosion. However, excessive gypsum at the expense of cement would cause a decrease in the strength of the mortar and result in a slight reduction in the sulfate attack resistance coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]